Baisha County.

On the city wall.

The strong wind howled.

The two men's robes flapped wildly.

"They're here!" Bai Luoyu suddenly spoke.

A figure was seen in the distance, crossing the mountain peak, howling as he approached.

His descent from the mountain was even more powerful than a fierce tiger.

The person who arrived was precisely Zhao Yulong.

In an instant.

Zhao Yulong had already moved from the mountain peak to the plain.

He then plunged into the Baisha River.

The river water exploded under his feet, and the spreading waves were continuous, even causing the river's surface, which flowed from north to south, to ripple in reverse.

In just a moment.

Zhao Yulong landed in front of the two men.

His breathing was slightly hurried, and his chest showed obvious heaving.

"Greetings, Prefect Zhao!"

"Greetings, Prefect Zhao!"

Jiang Ning and Bai Luoyu cupped their hands.

Zhao Yulong glanced at Bai Luoyu: "What's the specific situation?"

"Let me explain!" Bai Luoyu said.

He then recounted the entire sequence of events that had occurred in Baisha County during this period.

A moment later.

After listening to Bai Luoyu's narration, Zhao Yulong couldn't help but look at Jiang Ning with a hint of surprise.

Then he said: "Take me to see the blood pool!"

"Yes!" Bai Luoyu responded.

Cuiliu Pavilion.

Cuiliu Pavilion was already sealed off by soldiers.

The three men passed through the soldiers' blockade and walked directly towards the basement.

"Have Deng Fei come to see me!"

Zhao Yulong instructed along the way.

Soon after.

In the basement.

Zhao Yulong came to the edge of the blood pool.

He looked at the layers of bones below, his gaze narrowing.

Relying on his powerful Mental Energy, he had a rough idea of how many skeletons were piled up below.

No less than a thousand skeletons were piled up, layer upon layer.

The next moment.

He leaped down.

In less than a breath's time.

Zhao Yulong jumped back up.

Grabbing the wall, he leaped a few times and landed back on the edge of the blood pool.

"This blood water has such strong corrosiveness!"

Zhao Yulong's tone was full of astonishment.

He stomped his feet hard, shaking off the blood water on them, and at the same time, his feet became bare; the shoes he had been wearing were gone.

"Prefect Zhao, even you can't withstand the corrosiveness of this blood water?" Bai Luoyu asked.

Zhao Yulong said: "I can withstand it, but not for too long! This blood water not only corrodes Physical Body, but also has an extremely strong corrosive effect on energies like true essence!"

Speaking of this, he glanced at Jiang Ning.

He had just learned from Bai Luoyu that the unrest in Baisha County was quelled so quickly, all thanks to Jiang Ning.

Now, having witnessed the corrosive power of the blood water, he knew that the problem in Baisha County was more troublesome than he had initially imagined.

Especially the descent of that Evil God!

Thinking of this, he frowned slightly, then looked at Jiang Ning.

"Inspector Jiang, is the Divine Statue from this blood pool still with you?"

"Yes!" Jiang Ning nodded.

He then took out the Divine Statue that was placed in his sumi ring.

Zhao Yulong took it and examined it up and down, then shook his head: "Something's strange, there's no such feeling!"

"Prefect Zhao, what kind of feeling?" Jiang Ning asked.

Zhao Yulong said: "The aura of a God! Whether it's an Evil God or a righteous God recognized by Great Xia, they are essentially the same existence; those divine objects all carry the aura of a God."

He explained a bit, finding no abnormalities on the Divine Statue, then looked up at Jiang Ning.

"Inspector Jiang, I'll keep this for now. It will be counted as part of your merits!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning's eyes lit up slightly.

All the Divine Statues had been absorbed by him for their contained divinity points, making them completely useless to him.

Now, handing them over and having them count as merits was like picking up free merits, a utilization of waste.

Thinking of this, he waved his hand.

The other four Divine Statues also appeared in his hand.

"Prefect Zhao, do you want all of these? They were all found in the other four blood pools!"

"Yes!" Zhao Yulong nodded.

He took the other four Divine Statues handed over by Jiang Ning and continued: "I will report this. All of these will be counted as your merits!"

His voice fell.

He then said: "The two of you, take me to see the other four blood pools. I suspect the Worship God Sect previously set up a Formation in Baisha County."

"Okay!" Jiang Ning nodded.

A moment later.

Led by Jiang Ning and Bai Luoyu, Zhao Yulong walked past the other three blood pools and stood beside the last one.

Staring at the calm blood pool in front of him, his gaze became even more solemn.

"Prefect Zhao, have you discovered anything?" Bai Luoyu asked.

"A Formation! An extremely evil and terrifying Formation!" Zhao Yulong said.

He then let out a long sigh and looked at Jiang Ning.

"If my guess is true, then Inspector Jiang has saved the entire Baisha County!"

"Prefect Zhao, you mean...!" Bai Luoyu's eyes widened upon hearing these words.

Jiang Ning's gaze also became solemn.

Zhao Yulong looked at their expressions and slowly nodded.

"Blood Flesh God, wielding the Authority of flesh and blood!"

"If those Worship God Sect members were to sacrifice the flesh and blood of the entire city's living beings, it would greatly aid the return of that Venerable God!"

"That would be a huge disaster!"

Upon hearing these words.

Bai Luoyu's expression immediately changed.

"How dare they be so insane? That's over a hundred thousand lives!"

"That's why they're called the Evil God Cult!" Zhao Yulong said.

Then he continued: "However, I cannot confirm this matter yet. My understanding of Formations is quite shallow! I need to contact someone!"

"Who?" Bai Luoyu asked.

"Shen Wenyuan!" Zhao Yulong said.

"Shen Wenyuan?" Bai Luoyu murmured, a bit confused.

Then, his expression jolted.

"Is it the one who made the Xichuan Shen Family prosperous for a hundred years? Shen Wenyuan?"

Zhao Yulong nodded: "He has deep research into Confucianism and Dao, and also has a good understanding of Formations. Not long ago, he entered the Great Grandmaster realm. He will probably become my superior not too long from now!"

"He became a Great Grandmaster?" Bai Luoyu couldn't help but widen his eyes, filled with disbelief.

"Yes!" Zhao Yulong nodded.

When speaking of Shen Wenyuan, a faint sense of relief appeared on his lips.

Because Shen Wenyuan's entry into the Great Grandmaster realm meant a Great Grandmaster was born and bred in Guangning Prefecture.

With such a giant present, the entire Guangning Prefecture would have a pillar of support.

No matter what drastic changes occurred within the territory, with such a local Great Grandmaster overseeing it, it would be difficult to stir up much trouble.

And he happened to have a good relationship with Shen Wenyuan.

This was an even greater blessing for him.

With someone above him, he would also become more relaxed.

At the same time.

Jiang Ning listened to their conversation.

He was a bit puzzled.

Xichuan Shen Family.

He didn't know them.

But Xichuan County, he knew.

Xichuan County was a large county bordering Guangning Prefecture.

He had only vaguely heard of the Xichuan Shen Family, but hadn't specifically learned about them.

Because Xichuan County was in the westernmost part of Guangning Prefecture.

And Dongling County was in the easternmost part of Guangning Prefecture.

They were too far apart, completely unrelated, and had no dealings.

He had been too lazy to learn about them before.

Now, hearing their conversation, he realized that such a figure had emerged from Xichuan County.

"The one who made the Shen Family prosperous for a hundred years, Shen Wenyuan."

Jiang Ning murmured in his heart.

He was also somewhat curious about Shen Wenyuan.

He had witnessed the demeanor of a Heavenly Human Grandmaster.

But he had never seen the demeanor of a Second Grade Great Grandmaster, only heard of it.

His understanding of Great Grandmasters was only a superficial one.

A Second Grade Great Grandmaster, if they chose to join the imperial court, could be enfeoffed as a Marquis, benefiting their descendants.

This was his deepest understanding.

But from this point alone, one could see the status of a Second Grade Great Grandmaster.

Simply by virtue of their martial Dao strength, they could obtain the title of Marquis from Great Xia.

How exaggerated was this?

One must know.

A Marquis was above an Earl.

Qinghe Lord, at the beginning of the nation's founding, obtained this title by virtue of his merits in the founding wars, and was granted two counties as his fief.

By now, although the name of Qinghe Lord existed in name only, merely an honorary title, the fief was long gone.

But by virtue of this honorary title, it still benefited the descendants of Qinghe Lord.

They still enjoyed the glory of their ancestors.

And this was only an Earl, not a Marquis.

Thinking of this, Jiang Ning suddenly spoke.

"Prefect Zhao, I heard that a Second Grade Great Grandmaster can be enfeoffed as a Marquis. Is this true?"

Hearing Jiang Ning's words, Zhao Yulong looked at Jiang Ning and nodded.

"Inspector Jiang is right, this is indeed true!"

"But it might be slightly different from what you imagine!"

"This kind of Marquis cannot be compared to a Marquis enfeoffed for military merits; it cannot be inherited perpetually!"

"Each time a descendant inherits it, the noble rank automatically decreases by one level."

"And even if the fief is equivalent to an Earl, one can obtain a county as a fief."

Speaking of this.

Zhao Yulong still showed an envious expression.

"But a county fief is already enough! It's enough to greatly increase a Family's foundation and maintain prosperity for several generations, for hundreds of years!"

Jiang Ning nodded in agreement.

"Prefect Zhao makes sense."

Bai Luoyu also had a look of yearning.

Great Grandmaster was also his lifelong goal.

At this moment, discussing this matter made his heart yearn.

"Enough talk!" Zhao Yulong regained his composure.

He continued: "I'm going out to contact Great Grandmaster Shen Wenyuan. This matter here is of great importance and requires Great Grandmaster Shen Wenyuan to come and make a decision."

"He will also be the head of the Patrol Office in Guangning Prefecture soon!"

His voice fell.

Zhao Yulong then walked out.

"Brother Jiang, from Prefect Zhao's words, does it mean that Great Grandmaster Shen Wenyuan will personally come to Dongling County soon?"

Jiang Ning nodded: "It should be so!"

"If that's the case, won't the two of us be able to witness the demeanor of a Great Grandmaster?" Bai Luoyu's eyes were bright, full of anticipation.

"It should be so!" Jiang Ning nodded again.

A moment later.

Zhao Yu reappeared in front of Jiang Ning and the other man.

"Inspector Jiang, Inspector Bai, come with me to the city wall to await the arrival of Great Grandmaster Shen Wenyuan!"

"Now?" Bai Luoyu looked puzzled.

Jiang Ning was also a bit confused.

Seeing their expressions, Zhao Yulong immediately understood why they were like this.

He couldn't help but smile: "Shen Wenyuan should be in Guangning Prefecture City right now, which isn't very far from Baisha County! He'll probably arrive in Baisha County in about the time it takes an incense stick to burn. It's better to go early to avoid missing the time."

An incense stick's time?

Jiang Ning's gaze immediately narrowed, and he couldn't help but click his tongue in his heart.

This speed was somewhat terrifying.

He had just learned from Bai Luoyu that when he set off, Zhao Yulong also set off.

But it took Zhao Yulong more than two hours to get from Dongling City to here.

And Guangning Prefecture City was much farther from Baisha County than Dongling City was.

The time it takes for an incense stick to burn?

If that were truly the case, the power of a Great Grandmaster would be terrifying!

Jiang Ning muttered to himself.

He knew that with his current speed, if he didn't rely on the Divine Ability of Water Escape, he would be completely unable to get from Guangning Prefecture to Baisha County in the time it takes an incense stick to burn.

And speed was his strong suit.

From this point alone, it was enough for him to glimpse an iceberg of a Great Grandmaster's power.

Soon after.

The three men walked out of the basement.

"Greetings, Prefect Zhao!"

Seeing the appearance of Zhao Yulong, Jiang Ning, and the other two, Deng Fei quickly saluted Zhao Yulong.

"County Magistrate Deng, do you admit your guilt?" Zhao Yulong said.

"This subordinate admits guilt. Due to my negligence, Baisha County suffered such a great disaster. This subordinate is willing to accept punishment!" Deng Fei said.

"Come with me. Your guilt will be decided by Great Grandmaster Shen Wenyuan."

"Great Grandmaster, Shen Wenyuan?" Deng Fei murmured, his expression stunned.

"Shen Wenyuan will soon be my superior, taking over the position of Lord of the Guangning Patrol Office. He is coming personally. Do you understand how much trouble you've caused now?" Zhao Yulong said.

"How could this be?!" Deng Fei looked shocked.

"Come with me, and you'll know then!" Zhao Yulong said lightly.

He did not offer any comments on Deng Fei's current state.

Normally, with Deng Fei's current state, the only path awaiting him was death.

But since Shen Wenyuan had been consulted, how to deal with Deng Fei would depend on Shen Wenyuan's decision.

On the city wall.

The strong wind howled, and the robes of several people flapped wildly.

"They're here!" Zhao Yulong's gaze narrowed.

Beyond the great mountain, a figure broke through the air.

Air currents exploded in front of this person, and white mist spread like waves, yet no sound was heard.

Physical Body breaking the sound barrier!

Jiang Ning's gaze immediately narrowed upon seeing this scene.

He clicked his tongue in his heart.

At this moment.

He understood why Zhao Yulong had said earlier that Shen Wenyuan would arrive in Baisha County in about the time it takes an incense stick to burn.

Physical Body flying.

Breaking the sound barrier.

This terrifying flying speed could certainly achieve that!

He then took a deep breath, suppressing the surging emotions within him.

From this point alone, he could already see the power of a Great Grandmaster.

He could also understand why a Second Grade Great Grandmaster received such great courtesy.

Simply by martial Dao strength, one could obtain the treatment of being enfeoffed as a Marquis.

Such a terrifying existence, if there were no corresponding existence to restrain them, one person could slaughter thousands of troops.

This level of strength was only for a Second Grade Great Grandmaster.

Then what about the First Grade, which was above the Second Grade Great Grandmaster?

And what about the Martial Saint who had suppressed the world for over eight hundred years? What kind of strength would he possess?

Thoughts flashed through his mind rapidly.

The figure high in the sky now began to slow down.

Then, it flew directly towards where Jiang Ning and the others were.

In an instant.

The figure landed on the city wall.

The howling wind swept over, instantly causing several people to squint their eyes, feeling the knife-like wind blowing across their faces.

Only at this moment did the explosive sonic boom from above slowly reach their ears.

"Greetings, Great Grandmaster Shen!" Zhao Yulong cupped his hands.

"Greetings, Great Grandmaster Shen!"

"Greetings, Great Grandmaster Shen!"

"..."

Several people saluted in unison.