Thump, thump, thump…

Urgent hoofbeats echoed from the loess road.

The wild beasts on both sides of the road, startled, fled into the forest, cautiously watching the speeding convoy through the dense trees.

“I didn’t expect the biggest difficulty of this mission to be at Yu Hai Pass. On the contrary, after leaving Northern Yan, there has basically been no danger.”

Bai Can, looking composed, said with some emotion while sitting on his horse.

“Yes, if the news hadn’t leaked, this trip wouldn’t have been delayed for so long.”

Jin Yang nodded in agreement.

“Although the northern region has just experienced war, decent forces have either defected to Great Yan or have already withdrawn in advance. As long as we are not on a crucial main road, we basically only encounter some bandits or Yao Beasts.”

Shui Zhi, walking at the very front, said indifferently without turning his head. However, he quickly changed the subject, a serious expression appearing on his face.

“But after leaving the northern region, the return route cannot be the same as when we came. It’s best not to take the East Sea Prefecture route. This time, the commotion we caused in Yu Hai Pass was too great. I’m afraid East Sea Prefecture, and even the entire Huanghai Road, have already put out a frantic warrant for us.”

“Long Mo Xiahou Qi’s strength is among the top of Transforming Void Grandmasters. Being targeted by him is not a good thing.”

Hearing Shui Zhi’s words, Bai Can and Jin Yang also showed solemn expressions, nodding gravely.

“Brother Shui Zhi, you are right. This is indeed a problem, but the organization should have already received our message and will surely make corresponding arrangements.”

“Exactly. Calculating the time, the organization’s reply should be arriving soon.”

Bai Can looked up at the high sun in the sky, muttering.

As he spoke, a black dot in the sky was continuously expanding in his vision.

“Here it comes!!” Shui Zhi narrowed his eyes, then opened his palm.

Soon, the black dot revealed its full appearance: a small greenish-black sparrow.

The sparrow landed in his palm. After Shui Zhi stroked its head, he took out a letter from its dense feathers.

After opening and glancing at the letter, he frowned tightly.

At the rear of the convoy.

Inside the carriage.

Lin Sheng slowly opened his eyes. The carriage was now filled with a dense, chilly aura.

Black mist surged in his eyes, also carrying an indescribable icy chill.

But after a few breaths, his eyes returned to clarity, and at the same time, the cold chill in the carriage gradually subsided.

“Hoo… Sure enough, after increasing my Spirit and Perception attributes a bit more, the speed of refining the demonic charm has improved to another level.”

Lin Sheng’s face showed a smile.

Of course, the faster the demonic charm is refined, the stronger the demonic charm backlash produced during cultivation will be. Fortunately, with his current Physique, this demonic charm backlash is nothing to him.

“Three days. I estimate that in another three days, I will be able to meet the requirements to shed my first demonic skeleton.”

A look of anticipation appeared on his face.

The Nine Transformations of the Demonic Skeleton are the essence of the Supreme Heavenly Demon Scripture, so he was quite curious about the changes that shedding the demonic skeleton would bring.

After another while, the cold aura in the carriage had dissipated significantly, basically returning to normal.

With a thought, Lin Sheng had brought up his own attributes.

It had been several days since he swallowed the Heavenly Gifted Spiritual Spring and Tianluo Divine Drink. He had been cultivating almost constantly during these days, but he could also feel the changes happening in his body.

【Lin Sheng】

【Realm: Blood Transportation】

【Strength: 19】【Physique: 19】【Agility: 14】【Perception: 8】【Spirit: 5】

After glancing at his own attributes, a hint of surprise appeared on his face.

His attribute panel had increased by another two points compared to before. Although 2 points might seem insignificant, it was important to know that it was one point each for Strength and Physique.

The higher the attribute value, the stronger the amplification effect it brought.

And his highest attributes were naturally Strength and Physique.

After the two attribute points were added, his Strength and Physique had reached a high of 19 points. If converted, it could almost be comparable to 3 or even 4 points of his current Agility amplification.

Therefore, he was extremely satisfied with the effects of the Heavenly Gifted Spiritual Spring and Tianluo Divine Drink.

Although it didn't activate his Dragon Elephant Power talent like when he swallowed the Dragon Elephant Great Bone Pill, he could still clearly perceive the medicinal effects continuously working within his body. Evidently, the effects of these two divine medicines had not been completely refined yet, and they were expected to bring further growth.

Thinking this, he had already taken out a few pieces of dried meat from the carriage and began chewing them heartily.

At this moment, footsteps also sounded outside the carriage. Sensing the familiar aura, Lin Sheng spoke faintly.

“Come in, Bai Can.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

Bai Can, who had just stopped outside the door, was wondering whether to interrupt Lin Sheng’s cultivation when he heard the voice. He immediately responded and slipped into the carriage.

“What’s wrong? Is something urgent?”

Lin Sheng threw the last bite of dried meat into his mouth, glanced at Bai Can, and asked.

“Young Master, there is indeed an urgent matter. We just received a letter from the organization, instructing us to change our plan. This is the original, please take a look.”

Bai Can said, handing over the letter he held in his hand.

“Change of plan?”

Lin Sheng raised an eyebrow, took the letter, and after a quick glance, his brows furrowed slightly.

“They want us to temporarily stay in Southern Qi!?”

The content of the letter was for them to temporarily stay in Southern Qi.

The letter stated that due to Dark Star’s frequent sabotage of the Beast Suppression Army, coupled with the severe incident at Yu Hai Pass, the imperial court had already moved against Dark Star.

During this period, several strongholds had been destroyed, and even six Blazing Star Envoys had been casualties. As for the Hidden Star Envoys and Gray Star Envoys below them, the casualties were even more severe.

Dark Star naturally would not sit idly by. Even Grandmaster experts had entered the fray, and Grandmaster-level battles had erupted multiple times, with both sides suffering losses.

However, even with the war diverting many expert forces of the Great Yan imperial court, the number of Grandmaster experts in Great Yan was still considerable, exceeding that of Dark Star. As for forces below the Grandmaster Realm, they were even more overwhelmingly superior, especially with the two Pavilion Masters not yet returned.

After several exchanges, both sides suffered losses, but Dark Star suffered significant disadvantages.

The situation in Great Yan was turbulent at this time, which was why Luo Yin sent the message, asking them to temporarily stay in Southern Qi.

Firstly, Southern Qi was undoubtedly safer than Great Yan at this time. Secondly, the mission of transporting the red crystal stones still needed to proceed.

Having them temporarily stay in Southern Qi was also for an additional retreat path.

Until the very end of the war between the two countries, no one knew how far it would develop, whether Southern Qi would be annihilated or Northern Yan would be defeated and return, was still unknown.

If Northern Yan was defeated, it would be fine. But if Southern Qi was annihilated, Great Yan’s unification would naturally be inevitable. At that time, the first target would be Dark Star.

Therefore, this arrangement also had the intention of making early preparations.

Of course, this was merely Luo Yin’s suggestion. If Lin Sheng and the others were unwilling to go to Southern Qi, they could also hide outside the pass for a period of time, and then someone would be sent to meet them once the situation stabilized.

“Young Master, what do you think we should do next?”

Bai Can looked at Lin Sheng and asked.

When they learned of this news, everyone was extremely surprised.

How to choose between the two paths was naturally up to Lin Sheng to decide.

Lin Sheng’s finger tapped unconsciously on the side of the carriage, as if he was contemplating something. With a surge of internal Qi in his palm, the letter paper instantly turned to dust.

The tapping of his fingers had stopped. Lin Sheng slowly spoke.

“Return to Southern Qi.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

Hearing Lin Sheng’s words, Bai Can felt a sense of relief.

In fact, before coming, he had already exchanged opinions with Shui Zhi and Jin Yang, and the three of them naturally chose to go to Southern Qi.

After all, staying outside the pass, in that desolate yellow sand region, who knew how long they would have to stay? Compared to that, Southern Qi was a better option.

Additionally, besides them, there were actually Dark Star strongholds in Southern Qi as well.

However, compared to Great Yan, the strongholds in Southern Qi were extremely rare, only a few. And these strongholds didn’t have any experts, mostly just Hidden Star Envoys and Gray Star Envoys.

But after years of operation, they had some Foundation.

Immediately, Bai Can hurriedly relayed the order, and soon the convoy changed direction, speeding back towards Southern Qi.

At the same time, Great Yan, Fulong Tao.

In an unnamed mountain stream.

The rich scent of medicinal herbs wafted from the forest.

Luo Yin’s face was somewhat pale. Beside him, Yu Mian Chan and another short, stout, fair-faced, plump middle-aged man were sitting cross-legged in a bamboo house, eyes closed, adjusting their breathing. Their auras were somewhat weak, clearly indicating they had suffered serious injuries.

“Master, the Bone Blood Ginseng Pill has been refined. Please take it quickly.”

The bamboo house door opened from the outside, and Yuan Fang hurried in, holding several Medicinal Pills that were still steaming, and distributed them to the three.

The three immediately took them and after a period of adjusting their breathing, their weakened auras quickly improved, and their pale faces regained some color.

“Old Luo, I didn’t expect your disciple’s talent in Dao of Medicinal Pills to be so remarkable. The quality of this Bone Blood Ginseng Pill is no less than yours back then.”

The plump middle-aged man, who resembled a portly shopkeeper, patted his round belly and said with a chuckle.

“Fang’er’s talent in Dao of Medicinal Pills is indeed good.”

Luo Yin opened his eyes, a look of relief on his face, and nodded with a smile.

Yu Mian Chan, who had remained silent, was still adjusting her breathing with her eyes closed, but she spoke coldly.

“You two fools, why aren’t you taking advantage of the medicinal power to quickly adjust your breathing and recover from your injuries? You still have the leisure to chat here. If Xiahou Qi and Xiang Kong come looking for us again, I wonder if you two can handle it.”

“Uh…”

Hearing Yu Mian Chan’s words, the plump man was clearly choked up. He opened his mouth, wanting to retort, but didn’t know how to, and could only clear his throat twice.

“You’re right, Sister Chan is right. Old Luo, let’s quickly adjust our breathing. We can’t waste time.”

The plump middle-aged man’s name was Tu Long, and he was also a Dark Star Envoy in Dark Star, an expert in the Transforming Void Grandmaster Realm.

He agreed verbally, but after adjusting his breathing for only the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, he couldn’t help but blurt out a few more words.

“This damned Xiahou Qi, I don’t know what kind of madness he’s having, suddenly he’s like a mad dog biting people and not letting go, and he’s not afraid of Great Yan being thrown into chaos by him.”

“Could it be just because a few Divine Constables died that he’s so furious!?”

Although Dark Star and the Great Yan imperial court were like fire and water, they had maintained some restraint for many years, exercising self-control.

Although Dark Star’s power was far inferior to the imperial court, the number of Transforming Void Grandmasters within it was not small, and they were hidden in the dark.

If they attacked without restraint, it would certainly cause great turmoil in Great Yan’s situation.

Therefore, there had rarely been such a complete breaking of that restraint, attacking them frantically regardless of the cost, as now.

Especially in Huanghai Road and Fulong Tao, Xiahou Qi seemed to have gone mad, gathering several Grandmasters from both Daos to attack them frantically.

“It shouldn’t be that simple. In the battle at Yu Hai Pass, besides a few dead or injured Divine Constables, there were also two Dragon Beard Teng Snakes. It is said that Xiahou Qi cultivated them for many years, exhausting a lot of effort, to cultivate only seven of them.”

Luo Yin said without even lifting his eyelids.

“Just for two Yao Beasts, he caused such a huge commotion. I think these snakes are dearer to him than his wife. Oh, right, this guy doesn’t seem to have ever married.” Tu Long slapped his head and pouted.

“It shouldn’t be that simple. Xiahou Qi has been a martial arts fanatic since he was young. He hasn’t even married or had children, and he doesn’t have any disciples. With his personality, he is definitely not someone who would put effort into raising pets, let alone spending so much effort for them. These seven Dragon Beard Teng Snakes must be of great use to him.”

Luo Yin slowly replied.

“Old Luo, are you saying that these Dragon Beard Teng Snakes are related to this madman’s cultivation!?” Tu Long immediately reacted, saying with some surprise.

“Most likely. After all, he’s known as Long Mo, so his Bloodline should be related to Dragon-type exotic beasts.”

“Tsk tsk, so that’s it. No wonder this guy went crazy when two Dragon Beard Teng Snakes died. But he deserved it!!”

Tu Long’s face showed a hint of schadenfreude.

At this moment, the three of them seemed to sense something and looked out the bamboo house window as if facing a formidable enemy. A green-robed figure stood outside the bamboo house at some unknown point.

After clearly seeing the person, the three immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

Tu Long’s eyes lit up even more, and he immediately got up, ran out, and welcomed the green-robed person in.

“Divine Lord, my Lord Divine Lord, you’ve finally arrived! Now we no longer have to fear that damn Xiahou Qi…”

At this time, Yu Mian Chan and Luo Yin also stood up simultaneously and bowed slightly towards the green-robed figure.

“Greetings, Divine Lord.”

The newcomer was an ordinary-looking, somewhat hunched old man in a dark green robe, none other than Li Shenjun.

Li Shenjun glanced at the three and slowly spoke.

“Return to Fulong City. Bring the people out first.”

“But Divine Lord, Xiahou Qi is probably ambushing us in Fulong City, waiting for us to fall into his trap.”

Tu Long quickly said.

“He has already left. Bring the people out and re-establish the stronghold.”

Li Shenjun’s face was expressionless as he spoke calmly.

Luo Yin and Yu Mian Chan exchanged glances, immediately realizing something.

It was likely that this person had already been to Fulong City before coming here.

Xiahou Qi had left, clearly having gained no advantage in front of this person.