A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 145 Responses from Both Sides
"Chief Ning, we have launched attacks before. Your sect's Master Chen Cong and Elder Fang Wei once led a hundred elite troops to attack Xiyuan Prefecture, but the battle was extremely fierce. Master Chen Cong unfortunately sacrificed his life, Elder Fang was also skilled in martial arts, and the rest of them did not survive."

At this point, Wang Hao looked sorrowful, seemingly unwilling to recall what had happened.

“I am aware of what Lord Wang said. Chen Cong, as a disciple of the Supreme Path, has achieved what he sought, which is the pride of our sect. We all admire him. It is precisely for this reason that disciples of the Supreme Path must not tarnish their reputation. Even if it means fighting to the last man, we will never back down.”

Seeing the gazes of the crowd, Ning Dao said in a deep voice, "Now is the perfect opportunity. If we miss it, who knows how much harm it will cause. So why not eliminate this great scourge for the world before it reaches its full potential? Rest assured, if you are worried, I, the Supreme Dao, will personally take on this battle."

"Chief Ning, you're exaggerating. If we're going to fight the Blood God together, there's no reason for your sect to go it alone. However, even if we launch an offensive, preparations are still necessary. Let's discuss this now to avoid repeating the same mistake and ending up with nothing."

Upon hearing this, Ning Dao pondered for a moment and said, "Elder Zheng is quite right. Does Elder Zheng have any good ideas?"

Upon hearing Ning Dao's words, Elder Zheng straightened up and said solemnly, "Blood Gods are difficult to kill, and Blood Puppets are endless. Coupled with the power of the earth veins in Xiyuan Prefecture, things are now even more troublesome."

Wang Hao didn't understand these things, but seeing the frowns on Yin Zhong and the others' faces, he knew they wouldn't be easy to deal with, so he listened attentively to Elder Zheng's analysis.

"The first thing is to temporarily seal off the ley lines in Xiyuan Prefecture. The key is to find the ley line node. However, I suspect that this ley line node must be on the Corpse Bone Plain, and the Blood God will definitely be guarding that place."

"Elder Zheng is right. After I used the Myriad Spirits Blood Diagram to devour the Blood Eye, when I looked towards Xiyuan Prefecture, I saw two pillars of blood-white energy shooting into the sky from the direction of the Corpse Bone Plain. Those white pillars of energy should be the spiritual energy of the earth veins."

Upon hearing this, Yin Zhong said, "According to what you two have said, that ley line node is guarded by the Blood God. During its cultivation, the defenses will be extremely tight, making it very difficult to break through. Moreover, given the Blood God's cunning nature, it will surely have a backup plan. Even if we reach the ley line node, it will be in vain if we don't have the ability to defeat it in one strike."

Upon hearing this, Elder Zheng smiled faintly and said, "Master Yin, there's no need to rush. Elder Sun, please bring out that array diagram."

Upon hearing this, Elder Sun nodded, reached out and took out a golden scroll. Amidst the puzzled looks of the crowd, Elder Sun activated his true energy, and the array diagram floated in front of them, its black and white light flowing, outlining hundreds of lines of latitude and longitude.

"This is a treasure of our sect, called the Spirit-Locking Yin-Yang Array. It is specially designed to deal with the leakage of spiritual energy. If the earth's energy were to be lost normally, this item would be enough to guard it for several years. However, the earth vein nodes are full of spiritual energy, and our cultivation is shallow, so we may only be able to suppress it for half a moment."

Upon hearing Elder Sun's explanation, everyone was slightly surprised. The Zhenwu Hall had even brought out such a precious treasure, demonstrating its extraordinary resources.

"This half-moment is enough. As long as the array suppresses the earth vein node for half a moment, and then we use the Crimson Thunder Pearl to destroy the earth vein node, we will have succeeded. The Blood God will not be able to fully obtain the earth's power, and his merits will inevitably be incomplete. Against the people above, he will surely suffer defeat."

When Ning Dao saw Elder Sun take out the array diagram, his eyes flashed with a sharp light. He then put forward his idea that he had prepared long ago. Originally, he thought of using the Myriad Spirits Blood Diagram to temporarily trap the Blood God for a while, and then using the Crimson Thunder Pearl to destroy the earth veins. Now that he had the array diagram to help him, he was more confident in this.

"The only thing we need to consider now is those blood puppets. Ordinary methods can't harm them at all. I wonder if the two of you could refine some protective talismans and give them to those martial arts practitioners?"

Although Yin Zhong was not afraid of those blood puppets, it was hard to say about those with shallow cultivation. This time, he would have to use most of his main force to launch an attack. However, the power of blood evil was too strong. If it eroded their bodies, those martial artists would only become the puppets of the Blood God, adding many variables for no reason.

However, both the Supreme Path and the True Martial Hall practice magic, so if they can get some help, they can last a little longer.

Upon hearing Yin Zhong's words, Elder Zheng stroked his beard and said, "This matter is not difficult, but it will require time to prepare. Fellow Daoist Ning, what do you think?"

"Very well, we should refine more Crimson Thunder Pearls, and also refine the protective talismans at the same time. However, this will probably delay things for a while."

Ning Dao sighed slightly. He wanted to take advantage of the high morale and rush to Corpse Plains in one go, but after hearing what Yin Zhong and Elder Zheng said, he had to abandon the plan.

"Fellow Daoist Ning, there's no need to worry. I've already had someone check with the spirit-detecting disc. It will take at least four months for the Blood God to absorb all the earth's energy, which should be enough for us."

Elder Zheng looked at Ning Dao's expression, thought for a moment, and immediately understood the other's concerns.

"There's no time to lose, Fellow Daoist Zheng. During this period, I need to work with my disciples to refine the Crimson Thunder Pearl. As for the refinement of the talisman, I'll have to trouble you fellow Daoists from the True Martial Hall."

The Crimson Thunder Pearl is extremely powerful, and if it is not handled properly, it could cause great damage. Therefore, Ning Dao must keep a close eye on it. The protective talisman, on the other hand, is relatively simple and can be refined by ordinary disciples. There are quite a few people from the True Martial Hall, which is perfect for refining it.

"Thank you all for your help. Please feel free to take whatever you need from the storeroom."

Seeing that the leaders of the two factions had already decided on their strategy, City Lord Wang Hao immediately stood up and bowed. Thanks to the full support of the rear states, the contents of the warehouse had not decreased but increased.

Upon hearing this, Elder Zheng and Ning Dao immediately stood up and returned the greeting. After discussing some matters, they left the City Lord's Mansion and returned to the residence arranged by Wang Hao.

In the secluded courtyard, Yin Zhong said to Tie Zheng, "The next few days are crucial. I've already spoken with City Lord Wang about the city's security; for the time being, our Imperial Sword Manor will take over. You must be careful when you patrol."

"Rest assured, Master, with the protective talisman, you will be safe."

These rune armors are rare and extremely difficult to forge; there are only thirty-two sets available so far, and they are all now equipped on the Iron Guards.

"go"

Tie Zheng clasped his hands in a salute and bowed deeply.

Elsewhere, Ning Dao was talking to Wei Feng and a few others.

"Starting tomorrow, Wei Feng, Meng Yu, He Fang, and Zhou Chen, the four of you will assist me in refining the Crimson Thunder Pearl. Wang Xiao will temporarily handle all matters within the sect. There are unlikely to be any major events in the near future; if there are any matters that cannot be handled, they can be temporarily shelved."

The five responded and accepted the order. Ning Dao waved his hand to dismiss them, while he summoned the "Myriad Spirits Blood Diagram" and used his true energy to continuously dissolve the blood evil power within it. Whenever the red light flashed, Ning Dao would reach out and draw out the pure blood energy from the diagram, placing it into a jade bottle that had been prepared beforehand.

"Using their own methods against them, with this purified blood essence, the power of the Crimson Thunder Pearl will surely reach a new level. The treasure bestowed by the Dao Lord truly has profound meaning."

After a night, Ning Dao saw that Wei Feng and the others had all arrived, so he led them to a prepared room containing a furnace and various materials.

"Refining the Crimson Thunder Pearl is time-consuming and labor-intensive. One must not be distracted during the refining process, otherwise the consequences will be unimaginable. Wang Xiao, have you made the arrangements for guarding it?"

"Reporting to the Master, I have dispatched twelve men to guard the gate, and Master Yin of the Imperial Sword Manor has also sent four iron guards to keep watch. No one will be allowed in." "Hmm."

Ning Dao nodded. Seeing that the chief had no other instructions, Wang Xiao bowed and withdrew, instructing the disciples outside to be careful. He then left the courtyard and headed straight for the city lord's mansion.

Inside the city lord's mansion, Elder Zheng was discussing with Wang Hao and Yin Zhong what kind of protective talisman to refine.

"In my opinion, this bloodthirsty power is corroding very quickly. The talismans we refined before didn't last long. Moreover, we have a large number of people, so we should make the most of our advantages. This time, we might as well refine a talisman array. Even if one part is damaged, we won't be helpless."

Elder Zheng's eyes lit up upon hearing this, and he praised Yin Zhong, saying, "It was good that Master Yin reminded us. We were only thinking of ourselves before and neglected the importance of forming an array. Fortunately, the True Martial Hall has a talisman bestowed by the Supreme Being, called the Heaven-Connecting Talisman. This talisman can perfectly meet Master Yin's needs."

“That would be excellent, Elder Zheng. I cannot help with talisman crafting, but I can help Lord Wang craft some excellent armor.”

Yin Zhong knew that crafting talisman armor was extremely demanding, but some superior armor could still serve a purpose, and with the help of talisman arrays, it might be able to last for a period of time.

"Alright, then we'll split up. I wonder how things are going on Fellow Daoist Ning's side?"

Just then, after announcing his arrival, Wang Xiao entered the living room. After exchanging greetings, Wang Xiao said to Elder Zheng, "Senior, the Chief and my senior brother have already begun refining the Thunder Pearls and are unable to come for a meeting. They specifically sent me to inform you that they need your and Master Yin's continued attention to matters in the city."

"Fellow Daoist Ning is indeed swift in his actions, but I cannot waste any more time. Master Yin, please keep an eye on the city's guards during this period."

To refine the Heavenly Talisman, I and Elder Sun and the others need to work together. The lower-level disciples can only assist. At this moment, the city is vulnerable. Although it is unlikely that the Blood God will attack at this time, one can never be too careful.

Yin Zhong assisted Wang Hao in forging the armor, which didn't take up too much of his energy. With him guarding the formation, Wang Hao could feel more at ease.

"The formation will open while I am refining the talisman; Master Yin, please take good care of it."

Upon hearing this, Yin Zhong immediately replied solemnly, "Elder Zheng, rest assured, I understand."

After bidding farewell to Wang Hao and the others, Elder Zheng went to the city wall, activated the formation, and then began to refine talismans with Elder Sun and a group of elite disciples. The responsibility of guarding the city was to be arranged by other disciples.

After Elder Zheng left, Yin Zhong asked Wang Hao, "Lord Wang, how many soldiers are left in the city?"

"There are still a little over two thousand left."

"There might not be enough time, but we can only do our best now. City Lord, select five hundred elite soldiers and prioritize supplying them."

It was obviously impossible to make all these soldiers wear armor made with secret techniques. We could only select the best of the best. A thousand suits of armor was the limit. The remaining five hundred suits of armor had to be distributed to the martial arts practitioners.

Although their overall combat strength is inferior to that of well-trained soldiers, their individual combat abilities are not to be underestimated. Even those who have cultivated internal energy are not someone that an ordinary general can deal with. These people are the main force in fighting against those blood puppets.

Wang Hao didn't ask any more questions. After giving his confidant a few instructions, the confidant immediately went to make preparations.

Seeing that the matter was settled, Wang Xiao bid farewell to the two men. A short while later, Yin Zhong also left the living room and returned to the villa.

Just as Jiushan City was preparing for battle, in Xiyuan Prefecture, the Blood God inside the Blood Cocoon was somewhat uneasy, as if something bad was about to happen.

"I am performing my cultivation at the most crucial moment; this is an excellent opportunity for those who want to harm me."

Thinking of this, Blood God's eyes turned slightly cold. Although he couldn't directly take action, those people were underestimating him too much if they thought they could so easily cross his defenses.

He spared a sliver of his attention and ascended into the sky, transforming into a blood-red figure. He formed hand seals and then uttered a command. The area around the skeletal remains, spanning five hundred miles, shook violently. Subsequently, mountain peaks rose from the ground, with blood lines connecting them. From above, it looked like a giant ghost face, with the Blood God at its center.

Half an hour later, everything returned to calm. The blood-red figure nodded in satisfaction, then automatically disintegrated, scattering into a rain of blood that poured down. The black mountain peaks, washed by the blood rain, appeared even more eerie and sinister.

"Those who dare to force their way in, recklessly, will become my nourishment."

In Lianyun Prefecture, Gu Xu gazed intently towards Xiyuan Prefecture. With a thought, the Azure Thunder Sword behind him emitted a dazzling sword light and landed in front of Gu Xu.

Reaching out, he saw the sword light, refined by the Yin and Yang energies, form a black and white ball of light, concealing lightning within and enveloped in rosy mist without. It looked extraordinary; this was a "Clear Thunder Heavenly Sound" condensed by Gu Xu using the sword light.

Just one of these is enough to destroy mountains and shatter peaks; even a Blood God would suffer greatly from it.

Gu Xu moved swiftly, leaving Qingchao Peak and arriving at a desolate mountain. Facing a large mountain, he flicked his hand, and Qing Lei Tian Yin swiftly surged upwards. Half a breath later, a deafening roar was heard, followed by a pillar of smoke that shot into the sky, turning the surrounding area for several miles into white.

"This treasure is quite powerful." Gu Xu pondered for a moment, then swept his sleeve to clear away the dust and smoke. With a flick of his finger, a black and white beam of light, accompanied by lightning, shot towards a mountain peak.

Without moving, Qing Leitianyin's attack struck the mountain peak silently, seemingly without any change. However, after three breaths, the mountain peak was neatly split in two, with lightning flashing at the break. After a while, the mountain peak cracked incessantly and instantly turned into countless fragments of rock, creating a huge cloud of dust with a loud boom.

"The Splitting Light and Separating Sword Fruit is extraordinary; lightning is sword light, and sword light is lightning. It awaits the birth of the Blood God to be used as a sacrifice for the sword."

Gu Xu watched as the malevolent aura grew heavier in the direction of Xiyuan Prefecture. After a moment of silent calculation, he made up his mind and returned to the Zhenwu Hall, ordering someone to summon Elder Gu.

A short while later, Elder Gu arrived in the hall. After bowing, Gu Xu said to him, "Elder Gu, please send someone to personally deliver this wooden box to Elder Zheng."

As he spoke, an exquisite wooden box floated in front of Elder Gu, who respectfully accepted it and acknowledged it. Seeing that Gu Xu had no further instructions, he immediately left the main hall.

Elder Gu summoned a trusted disciple, handed him the wooden box, and gave him a few instructions. The disciple nodded repeatedly and then led several fellow disciples down the mountain, heading straight for Jiushan City.

(End of this chapter)