Loan Wusheng

Chapter 209 Slaying a peak-stage Qi-opening demon, a descendant of the Burning Heaven Great Sage? Utterly vulnerable!
Outside Lanzhou City, the autumn wind howled.

Two thousand iron cavalry swept in like a black tide, the sound of their hooves shaking the earth, banners waving, and swords gleaming in the sun.

Zheng Jun took the lead, his black cloak billowing in the wind, his Longyuan sword hanging at his waist, his eyes blazing as he gazed at the towering city walls of Lanzhou.

Behind them, several gilded carriages moved slowly, their curtains slightly lifted to reveal beautiful faces.

Cai Anjun leaned against the window, her eyes as still as water, gazing at the majestic city walls of Lanzhou, and said softly, "Is this the foundation laid by my husband?"

Li Zhaowan also peeked out half of her pretty face, her phoenix eyes slightly narrowed, gazing at the large banner with the character 'Zheng' fluttering on the city wall, her heart filled with complex emotions.

Yang Xiao and Lu Qingyi rode in the same car, talking in hushed tones, both filled with curiosity about Lanzhou.

After all, none of the women had ever been to Lanzhou City before. Their first arrival was filled with wonder and curiosity about the place.

After all, in a sense, they would be spending a lot of time in this city in the future, so it was natural for them to be curious.

Zheng Ping leaned against the carriage window, gazing at the towering city walls of Lanzhou and the fluttering banner bearing the character "Zheng." Her eyes reddened slightly, and she suddenly grabbed Zhou Pu's sleeve, her voice trembling: "These city walls are three zhang higher than those of Bozhou! Even the princes in the plays who established their own government offices and mansions probably don't have such imposing presence as you, brother."

Zhou Pu chuckled upon hearing this, and gently smoothed his wife's wind-blown hair: "It's not just the Prince. Last month, when we passed through the counties, the magistrates were kneeling as they handed over their documents."

After saying that, Zhou Pu couldn't help but joke, "I never thought that I, Old Zhou, would still have the chance to be a prince consort even though I'm over thirty."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Ping burst out laughing.

Zheng Jun rode ahead, gazing at Lanzhou City, and felt an inexplicable sense of great security.

Although he didn't stay in Lanzhou City for long, seeing his own territory made him feel inexplicably at ease.

"Finally home."

Zheng Jun's lips curled up slightly, and a surge of pride welled up within him.

The supreme Grand Commander Zheng Jun has returned to Lanzhou City, where he has always been loyal!
Zheng Jun, with his imposing presence, simply cracked his whip and shouted, "Enter the city!"

"promise!"

Two thousand iron cavalrymen responded in unison, their shouts shaking the heavens.

At a single command, the cavalrymen instantly filed into the city.

"This servant greets the Grand Commander."

As soon as Zheng Jun entered the city, he saw Qingdai standing by the inner gate, waiting for him to arrive.

Upon seeing Qingdai, Zheng Jun was somewhat surprised, but he also realized that when he went to Bozhou, all his maids and servants from Heishan County had been brought here.

When did Qingdai arrive?

Zheng Jun chuckled and, without waiting for Qingdai's reply, continued, "Qingdai will arrange the arrangements for the remaining carriages."

Qingdai smiled slightly and said to Zheng Jun, "Please rest assured, Master, this is Qingdai's duty."

"Homeowner?"

Upon hearing this address, Zheng Jun felt somewhat unfamiliar, as this was the first time someone had addressed him like that, which made him find it rather amusing.

It gives off a feeling of someone pretending to be an old man.

After all, the heads of families he had met in the past few days were people like Fang Ji and Cai Jingchen. It was quite different for someone as young as twenty-three to be called a 'family head'.

"Ah."

Zheng Jun coughed lightly, turned around and looked into the carriage. He nodded slightly to Cai Anjun, Li Zhaowan and others who were peeking out, and then spurred his horse toward the governor's mansion to prepare for a military meeting.

The Fang family's property had been rebuilt. Zheng Jun glanced at it from afar and saw that the Yan and Zhao families' properties had been renovated quite well. At first glance, Zheng Jun thought they were rather grand, like a royal palace.

Pretty good.

The governor's mansion in Lanzhou had all the necessary officials and military generals.

After all, everyone had known about Zheng Jun's return for some time, so they all gathered today to welcome him.

"Greetings, Your Excellency!"

As soon as Zheng Jun entered the mansion, all the civil and military officials around him bowed and paid their respects.

Zheng Jun looked up and saw that Chen Jingzhong had returned, wearing a snow-white flying fish robe, looking quite like a secret service chief.

Meanwhile, Dugu Yuan stood proudly to the side, in the first position among the military officers, and respectfully bowed to Zheng Jun.

At this moment, Dugu Yuan had already stepped into the initial stage of the Tongqiao realm, and was now a martial artist in the Tongqiao realm.

Behind Dugu Yuan was Wei Quan, whose aura had also entered the initial stage of the Tongqiao realm, but it was obviously somewhat unstable, indicating that he had only recently broken through.

As for Yu Shen, he was still at the peak of the Outer Strength realm, clearly not having had time to break through.

But that doesn’t matter anymore.

"The Duke?"

Zheng Jun asked, "Wei Tu is back?"

Zheng Jun had already learned from Cai Kang that Emperor Yongchang had appointed him as the military governor of Lanzhou and the Duke of Pingzhang at a military conference before his death. Upon hearing this after returning, Zheng Jun naturally assumed that Wei Tu had returned.

Upon seeing this, Chen Jingzhong immediately stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Lord Wei did indeed return once. After reading out the decree of Emperor Yongchang, he took his leave, saying that he was going to Pengzhou."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Jun nodded in agreement.

During the journey home, Zheng Jun also kept in touch with news and learned that Duke Yue was regrouping in Pengzhou and preparing to use Xinyang as his logistics base to continue resisting the armies of the Kings of Wei and Han.

Wei Tu's trip was likely to help Duke Yue.

After all, he still had quite a bit of affection for Emperor Yongchang.

As for why Wei Tu knew about Emperor Yongchang's troubles... Zheng Jun didn't think it was a problem. After all, Wei Tu had been sent to Emperor Yongchang to report his achievements. If he had been slower, he might have even witnessed the great battle.

Therefore, it's normal for him to know.

Judging from the state of the civil and military officials around Zheng Jun, it seems that they were unaware of the fact that Emperor Yongchang had died.

Wei Tu did not send a message.

Zheng Jun nodded, then asked, "During my absence, has any news reached you?"

Upon hearing this, Dugu Yuan immediately bowed and reported the current situation: "Your Excellency, Xinyi County has been captured. On the day the city fell, Prefect Ma Peng killed all seventeen members of his family before committing suicide."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Jun immediately felt something was amiss and asked those around him, "What is the relationship between Ma Peng and the Fang family?"

“It’s alright,” Dugu Yuan replied. “I’ve never heard of any connection between Ma Peng and the Fang family. Ma Peng is from Pingzhou and is a reclusive person.”

Then why was he so loyal to the Fang family?
Zheng Jun was a little puzzled, but he didn't pay too much attention to it and continued to ask, "What news has come from Shenjing?"

"The Duke."

Chen Jingzhong stepped forward and reported to Zheng Junbing: "In the past three days, fourteen letters requesting assistance have been sent from the capital. It seems that the situation is extremely volatile. Each letter is sincere and implies that they are unable to withstand the pressure."

"As for the Qin commoners' army, there were demons passing through Jingzhao. Fifty thousand Qin soldiers were stationed in Xuanling County, facing our army in Xinyi County, but there was no marching track."

Chen Jingzhong said, "According to our intelligence, the enemy's commander is the demon Bifang. Bifang has the power of the peak of the Tongqiao stage and is a bloodline of the Great Sage of Burning Heaven of the Southern Demon Court. He is very powerful and is known as the number one demon below the Demon King of the Southern Demon Court."

"The number one demon below the Demon King?"

Upon hearing this name, Zheng Jun's expression turned strange.

In fact, when Zheng Jun was chasing Fang Ji, he had exchanged a few blows with Bi Fang.

Zheng Jun didn't feel anything particularly powerful at the time; he just thought it was an ordinary peak of the Qi Opening stage, no different from Fang Ji.

Could it be that he didn't do his best at the time, which is why this happened?

Zheng Jun thought to himself, and then thought to himself, "I will definitely have a battle with the King of Qin... His sending Bi Fang with 50,000 troops to Xuanling County is obviously to prevent me from coming to the aid of Shenjing. If I can take this opportunity to annihilate these 50,000 troops, the future battle against the King of Qin will be much smoother."

However, Zheng Jun was also somewhat wary.

After all, the intention is too obvious. Could it be a trap to lure me into making a move?
This is something we need to consider.

but……

King of Qin, if you have the guts, come and fight!
"How are the Cangdao Army and the Xiaoguo Army doing now?" Zheng Jun asked. "After more than three months of rest, are they all well?"

More than three months have passed since Zheng Jun killed Fang Ji and dominated Lanzhou. Zheng Jun spent more than a month in seclusion and more than a month in Bozhou. Now that he has returned, he is naturally concerned about the recovery progress of his soldiers.

"Reporting to the Grand Commander, the resettlement of the soldiers has been properly resolved. Many junior officers of the Cangdao Army and Xiaoguo Army have settled down in Lanzhou City."

Wei Quan immediately cupped his hands in agreement, but after hesitating for a moment, he said, "However, many squad leaders and sergeants are reluctant to leave, and they often stay out late when they are on leave."

"As for the soldiers and commoners, some of them have started families, but most of them are still without a home."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Jun chuckled and said, "Although our soldiers are so attached to their families, they are also happy to fight. After all, having something to worry about makes them more eager to strive for a better future."

Upon hearing this, Wei Quan immediately cupped his hands in agreement.

Then, a summary of the recent situation was given.

In Suzhou, after being besieged for a long time, the Western Di Chanyu Huyang finally broke out, and the Western Di temporarily withdrew.

It is said that the King of Zhao was injured and was in seclusion in Jinyang City to recuperate, and was not receiving guests for the time being.

Since defeating the invading Western Di, Wu Liyang, the military governor of Suzhou, has remained relatively quiet.

As for the movements in the other states, there were brief reports, but they were all minor matters, such as a civil uprising in a certain county or a rebellion in another county. These were all insignificant matters.

After all, without a martial artist who has reached the Qi Refining stage, such a rebellion is utterly useless and can only be quelled.

Zhang Bengong's experience is something that can only be encountered by chance; he truly achieved the perfect combination of timing, location, and people, making it virtually impossible to replicate.

After listening to all the reports, Zheng Jun took a deep breath, raised his eyes and looked southwest, his eyes revealing a sharp edge.

Regardless of whether it's a trap or not, if I'm determined to conquer the world, then I must forge ahead without hesitation!

Since the King of Qin is coming, let's test his abilities!

All dharmas have attained the state of formlessness, and I am no longer the same as before!
"Send orders to the Cangdao and Xiaoguo armies!"

"Enter the city immediately, prepare for war, and march south to exterminate the demons!"

……

The morning mist in the southern suburbs of Lanzhou had not yet dissipated when Wang Shuanzi squatted on the ridge of his own field, his rough fingers twirling a handful of black soil.

The tender shoots that had just emerged from the soil were glistening with dew and shimmered golden in the morning sun.

Meanwhile, along the ridges of the fields, many people were still working, mostly teenagers and people in their fifties and sixties, and even a few women were doing their jobs.

These are all Wang Shuanzi's tenants.

Looking at the hundred acres of fertile land in front of him and the hardworking tenants, Wang Shuanzi couldn't help but feel a warm glow in his heart.

He was originally a tenant farmer in Qimen County, Xuanzhou, working diligently in the fields from sunrise to sunset. Later, when Zhang Bengong rebelled, he was forced to become a refugee. He fled aimlessly for an unknown period of time until he reached Bozhou, where he was reorganized by the Grand Commander and joined the Guoyi Army.

He originally joined the army just to make a living and never thought he could get ahead.

But the Grand Commander fought more and more battles and won more and more victories. He gradually entered the world of martial arts, learned several martial arts sword techniques, and inexplicably refined his blood, becoming a martial artist who had refined his blood five times.

As he became a martial artist and won more and more battles, he gradually became more composed. Now, he has become the leader of the second gang of the third detachment of the first team of the first battalion of the Xiaoguo Army.

Moreover, he has accumulated enough military merits and has already submitted a request to his superiors for Qi-Storing Pills in preparation for breaking through to the Qi Accumulation Realm.

His battle achievements were not only enough to earn him a Qi-Storing Pill, but also 120 acres of fertile land in Lanzhou!

The allocation was made near Lanzhou City.

His household registration was thus transferred to Lanzhou.

After all, his hometown, Qimen County in Xuanzhou, was too far away, and he couldn't go back now.

And besides that...

Thinking of this, Wang Shuanzi suddenly looked up at the small fortified village not far away. There, a woman with a rather beautiful face, who looked to be around twenty-five years old, was clumsily feeding the chicks.

Judging from this appearance, one can tell that he must have never lifted a finger and must have come from a wealthy family.

And it is.

Although not from a prominent family, they came from a merchant family in the county town, and had no worries about food, clothing, or daily necessities. They had maids serving them since childhood.

However, in this chaotic time of war, Anlong County was previously occupied by 20,000 men from Fang Ping's tribe. When these 20,000 men fled, they looted Anlong County extensively, including the woman's husband's family and her own family.

Her parents, husband, and one-year-old child all died in the turmoil, leaving her a widow.

Later, through the introduction of a minor official, she married Wang Shuanzi. Wang Shuanzi didn't care about her past experiences; on the contrary, he was secretly delighted.

The reason is quite simple.

Women who have given birth are better at conceiving and raising children. They are also more experienced and have an easier time giving birth when they have a child with their own child.

Moreover, the bride was a young lady from a wealthy family, and she was incredibly beautiful, which naturally pleased Wang Shuanzi. After each training session, someone would light the lamp and heat up his meals for him.

Such a life was all brought about by the Grand Commander, so even risking one's life for the Grand Commander would be worthwhile.

More importantly, after a month of intimacy, the new bride became pregnant, which made Wang Shuanzi even more excited. He thought about starting another war and securing a title and a future for his descendants.

They must have many sons. After the family line expands, they might achieve great things someday, and hundreds of years later, their Wang family could become a large and powerful clan!
"Honey, eat it while it's hot."

Just then, his wife's voice came from behind him.

Wang Shuanzi turned around and saw his wife standing on the edge of the field, holding a rough porcelain bowl. Her lotus-colored shirt clung to her body in the morning breeze, but it didn't show her figure.

Of course, how could someone who is only a month pregnant show up with a big belly?

"I told you not to come out, what if you fall?"

Wang Shuanzi quickly took the bowl. The millet porridge was topped with golden chicken fat, and half a piece of cured meat lay at the bottom.

Wang Shuanzi tilted his head back and gulped down the last mouthful of millet porridge from the bottom of the bowl. The scalding porridge slid down his throat, making him shudder.

Just as he was about to wipe his mouth, he suddenly heard the sound of horses' hooves thundering across the field ridges in the distance, startling the tenant farmers in the fields who all straightened up and looked around.

A scout in black armor galloped in, breaking through the morning mist, his whip cracking through the air.

Upon seeing the black-armored scout, Wang Shuanzi immediately realized something, quickly put down his bowl, and rushed towards the messenger.

The messenger reined in his horse before the fortified village, revealing a face reddened by the wind and sand beneath his helmet. His voice boomed like a bell: "By order of the Military Governor! The entire First Battalion of the Xiaoguo Army shall assemble at the drill ground at noon and march south to vanquish the demons!"

After delivering the message, without waiting for Wang Shuanzi's reply, the black-armored scout hurriedly left to go to the next fortified village to inform the other Xiaoguo soldiers.

Upon hearing the words of the black-armored scout,

His wife smashed the rough porcelain bowl in her hand onto the ridge of the field, shattering it into three pieces. Then she grabbed his sleeve tightly, her nails almost digging into his flesh: "We've only had peace for a little over a month... I heard that there's a great demon in the south. Many refugees in Xuanling County say that when that demon bird spreads its wings, it burns down an entire county..."

"Could we please beg the military governor..."

Before he could finish speaking, Wang Shuanzi grabbed his wrist.

These hands, roughened like tree bark from years of wielding a knife, were surprisingly hot: "What's there to be afraid of! How many Qi Refining Realm cultivators have died under the Grand Commander's blade?"

After saying that, Wang Shuanzi cursed again: "You spendthrift woman, you broke the porcelain bowl again! I'll collect a few enemy heads when I go to war, exchange them for some silver, and buy more new ones."

After saying that, Wang Shuanzi turned and rushed into the fortified village, where cured meat drying under the eaves was still swaying in the wind.

Wang Shuanzi brought a ladder, took down a horizontal bar wrapped in oilcloth from the beam, fetched a whetstone, and sat down in the room to sharpen his knife with cool water.

The bride, who had been scolded by Wang Shuanzi, silently stuffed mugwort cakes into her bag. Seeing this, Wang Shuanzi felt a warmth in his heart. Suddenly, he thought of something and said, "If I don't come back and the baby is a boy, name him Wang Polu and let him continue to serve the Grand Commander; if it's a girl... well, I'm not very educated, you can name her whatever you like."

The excited shouts of the tenant farmers' children could be heard outside the fortified village. Many of the military households living there had already packed their bags and were ready to go on an attack.

This town is mostly inhabited by military households, including soldiers of the Xiaoguo Army and soldiers of the Cangdao Army. The fact that they are moving together indicates that the Grand Commander has mobilized both armies.

It seems this battle is going to be another tough one!

Wang Shuanzi took a deep breath, and after sharpening the knife, he sheathed it with a clang. The sound of the blade striking the hilt startled the chicks under the eaves, and he exuded a murderous aura.

At this moment, the image of the honest and simple old farmer vanished completely.

Instead, they charged into enemy lines with the army, displaying a fierce and indomitable fighting spirit that none dared to oppose them!
"gone!"

After saying that, Wang Shuanzi left the house without looking back and headed towards the military households' assembly point, ready to head south at any time.

Before long, the soldiers gathered at the military camp, numbering about forty, all of whom were soldiers from the Xiaoguo and Cangdao armies.

Seeing that all the people on the list had assembled, the black-armored scout immediately read aloud: "The Grand Commander has already issued a proclamation to punish the Qin rebels!"

"A proclamation issued by Zheng Jun, Military Governor of Lanzhou, Duke of Pingzhang, and Grand Commander in charge of suppressing the rebellion, to the entire realm!"

"The traitor Li Xun, though holding the title of prince, was entrusted by the late emperor with the vital Guanzhong region. He should have been protecting the land and its people, and upholding the state. However, he is a wolf by nature, and has allowed demons to wreak havoc!"

"His demon Bifang led beasts to devour people, slaughtering every city he passed through. The old, young, women and children were all ravaged, and the Guanzhong Plain was filled with the cries of the dying. Such atrocities are contrary to the laws of Heaven and the ethics of humanity. They are disloyal and unfilial, and deserve ten thousand deaths!"

"The late Emperor's edict appointed him to guard the western border and protect the capital. However, Li Xun harbors treacherous intentions, colluding with the rebels of Wei and Han, and using demons to coerce the Emperor. He is the worst of all traitors! Now, the military governor of Lanzhou, Jun, has been ordered by Heaven to punish the rebels and has led his troops south, vowing to exterminate Bi Fang and cleanse the demonic forces. If Li Xun still harbors even a shred of shame, he should quickly withdraw his troops, confess his crimes, and return to the capital. If any Qin soldiers understand the greater good and defect, the court will treat them with leniency, forgive their past transgressions, and reward them according to their merits!" "Upon the day this proclamation arrives, those who surrender at the mere sight of it will be considered righteous men; those who stubbornly resist will be killed without mercy!"

"Where the heavenly troops point, demons and evil are swept away; where Longyuan goes, rebels are reduced to ashes!"

After reading the proclamation, the black-armored scout immediately shouted, "Execute the traitor!"

"Execute the traitor!"

The soldiers immediately roared in unison, their killing intent palpable.

Although Wang Shuanzi couldn't understand the contents of the proclamation, he roughly understood that they were going to march south to attack the King of Qin.

That King of Qin is too wicked; we must strike hard!

"set off!"

At a command, the thirty or forty men marched toward the drill ground in unison, preparing to assemble.

Meanwhile, similar situations are occurring in many towns and villages near Lanzhou.

The soldiers of the Xiaoguo Army and Cangdao Army are rapidly assembling.

……

In Xinyi County, a large army gathered.

The Cangdao Army, Xiaoguo Army, and Dingqin Army have all assembled, and the vanguard Xiaoguo Army has already marched south to advance on Xuanling County.

Zheng Jun was in the vanguard of the Xiaoguo Army, accompanied by generals Wei Quan and Dugu Yuan.

As for the remaining generals, they are gradually assembling.

Zheng Jun is relatively confident in this battle.

Chen Jingzhong's scouts conducted numerous reconnaissance missions, suffering countless casualties, and indeed brought back news to Zheng Jun that Prince Qin, Li Xun, was still besieging Shenjing. Only then did Zheng Jun head south, preparing to quell the Bifang rebellion in one battle.

For Zheng Jun, pacifying Bifang was not a particularly difficult task, because Xuanling County had never fallen before. The county governor, Du Jing, was a staunch loyalist of Emperor Yongchang and fought desperately to resist, so Xuanling County was captured by force.

Before his death, Du Jing burned all the grain and supplies in the city, and the battle formation was also damaged.

Even if the formation is rearranged, it won't be too strong within ten days. Therefore, to some extent, Xuanling County is certainly not too strong.

More importantly, reliable sources indicate that the enemy troops stationed in Xuanling County are a group of demons.

With demons leading the army, the conflict between them and the human soldiers intensified, leading to more and more misunderstandings.

Therefore, for Zheng Jun, there is only one thing he needs to do.

Find Bifang and kill him.

Everything went as expected.

Banners fluttered in the wind, and iron hooves trampled the autumn frost.

Zheng Jun led the vanguard of the Xiaoguo Army on a swift three-day march, but what they saw along the way only intensified the somber atmosphere of the entire army.

In the deserted village, dried-up corpses hang from withered trees, and occasionally, half of a child's blackened arm bone is exposed in the scorched earth.

The sights and sounds along the way all told of the horrific scene that had unfolded here.

As they advanced, the soldiers grew increasingly silent, yet their fighting spirit surged uncontrollably.

Half a day later, Zheng Jun led his army to approach Xuanling City.

They did not encounter any enemy scouts or intelligence agents along the way, only occasionally seeing demons of the Outer Gang Realm causing trouble, who were then killed on the spot. For some reason, the journey south was unusually smooth.

As they approached Xuanling City, Zheng Jun reined in his horse and looked into the distance. He saw dark clouds churning on the horizon, with a faint crimson, eerie light enveloping the city like a blood mist.

Upon seeing this, Zheng Jun frowned.

Such a strong demonic aura!

"Report——!"

A scout galloped over, quickly dismounted, and then bowed to Zheng Jun, saying, "Reporting to the Grand Commander, we have investigated thoroughly. The walls of Xuanling City are covered with demon flags, the moat is filled with floating corpses, and the water is black. The demon Bifang sacrifices living people to refine demon fire every day. At this moment, the city is like a living hell."

Upon hearing the scout's words, Zheng Jun took a deep breath: "Have you ascertained the direction of the army formation?"

Fifty thousand elite troops could not have been deployed silently.

"Grand Commander..."

The scout whispered, "The corpses floating outside Xuanling City are mostly Qin soldiers. According to reports from soldiers and civilians, when the demons broke into the city, several Qin generals mutinied because they were ashamed of the demons' actions. The demons then purged the army, and tens of thousands of people died."

Upon hearing the scout's words, Zheng Jun was taken aback.

what?
what's the situation?
Kill each other?

To be honest, Zheng Jun had never seen anything like this before, and for a moment he didn't know what to say.

Zheng Jun's purpose in leading this large army was to annihilate the enemy's fighting force.

But how do you explain that the enemy's fighting force has already been largely wiped out by themselves?
Zheng Jun's eyes suddenly turned cold, and the azure-gold true essence on the scabbard of his Dragon Abyss Blade leaped like arcs of lightning. He raised his hand to signal the army to halt, and then, together with Dugu Yuan, Wei Quan rode forward and ascended a high slope.

Dark clouds gathered over Xuanling City, and crimson fire feathers rained down from the gaps in the clouds, each one igniting into a ghostly green flame upon touching the ground.

The city wall bricks and stones were cracked, and thick blood was seeping out of the cracks, making it seem as if the entire city was bleeding. The city gate was wide open, and black mist was rolling inside, with faint, heart-wrenching cries coming from within.

“This beast…” Wei Quan’s hand gripping the knife bulged with veins, “has actually turned the entire prefecture’s capital into a demon’s lair!”

"Grand Governor."

Dugu Yuan, who was standing to the side, suddenly spoke up: "This city is particularly damaged, which shows that its battle formation has not been repaired! Our army should take advantage of this opportunity, form our battle formation, and capture the city!"

Upon hearing this, Zheng Jun nodded slightly. Just as Zheng Jun was about to say something, he suddenly saw the demonic clouds above Xuanling City churning violently.

A piercing shriek tore through the sky, and a crimson giant rose into the air from the black mist!

A one-legged demonic bird with a wingspan of over ten zhang came from the city. It had blue feathers and red stripes, and the air twisted and burned wherever it passed. It was the great demon Bifang.

Bifang hovered in mid-air, its crimson demonic eyes like two blood moons, fixedly locked onto Zheng Jun. Its voice rang out like the clash of metal: "Zheng Jun! I've heard you slaughter my demon race's sons like dogs. Do you dare to fight me on the battlefield today?!"

Before the words were finished, two dark figures leaped down from the city wall.

The leopard demon on the left was entirely black, with dark blue stripes on its back, and its four claws ignited with phosphorescent fire when it landed; the lion demon on the right had mane that surged like crimson flames, and exhaled sulfurous fumes from between its fangs, crushing three-zhang-long bluestone stones under its feet.

Upon seeing this, Zheng Jun narrowed his eyes.

It seems that this was Bifang's purpose. From the beginning, Bifang had no intention of engaging Zheng Jun's army. It and the other two demons were here to seek an opportunity to engage in the most primitive battle, rather than a large-scale military campaign.

They don't know how to form battle formations, so a large army is naturally of no use to them.

If Zheng Jun agrees to the duel, they will try to figure out if they can kill enough martial artists who have reached the Qi Opening stage in a one-on-one fight.

They were not afraid even if Zheng Jun refused.

After all, they were demons who moved like the wind. How could Zheng Jun possibly catch up with them when he brought a large army?

"If you are afraid, you can leave half of your troops for us to eat, and then you can lead your army away at your leisure!"

The lion demon roared, its roar shaking the warhorses of the Xiaoguo Army so much that they reared up: "But from now on, when you see us, you must keep your heads down!"

The leopard demon beside him licked its paws without saying a word, but its eyes were full of mockery.

Zheng Jun drew his Longyuan Blade with a clang, unleashing a torrent of azure-gold true essence. He chuckled, "These three beasts dare to challenge me?"

After saying that, Zheng Jun asked, "Wei Quan and Dugu Yuan, are you willing to kill those two unruly beasts?"

These two demons were ordinary, powerful demons, not much different from the three wolf demons Langwei, Langrui, and Langjing. Therefore, Zheng Jun believed that Wei Quan and Dugu Yuan were fully capable of defeating these two demons.

After all, he was someone who had been spiritually awakened.

Awakening of spirituality is extremely rare in this world, but Wei Quan and Dugu Yuan are among those who have been awakened here. Their future is limitless, and they are both seeds of becoming Yuan Dan Martial Saints.

Such a gifted individual, whose spiritual awakening has already reached the stage of "opening the apertures," should have no problem fighting and killing demons who have also opened the apertures.

The two generals said in unison, "Please rest assured, Grand Commander, we will surely slay the demon here!"

Having said that, Wei Quan, full of fighting spirit, dragged out a black vortex over ten feet long with his Snow Guard Blade and said to Dugu Yuan, "The leopard demon is mine, and the lion demon is yours!"

As the blade flashed, an ancient cypress tree thirty paces away snapped in two. The leopard demon roared and pounced, and the two instantly clashed, their blades and claws tearing apart all the vegetation within a hundred feet.

Dugu Yuan didn't answer, his silver spear like a dragon aimed straight at the lion demon. As the spear tip pierced the air, frost flowers condensed, colliding with the lion demon's raging flames and exploding into a sky full of red and white shockwaves.

High in the sky, Bifang suddenly spread its wings, and hundreds of red feathers shot down towards Zheng Jun like arrows!

Zheng Junlong slashed horizontally with his Longyuan Blade, the blade energy transforming into a golden barrier that repelled all the Chi Yus. Explosive flames erupted outside the barrier, creating a sea of ​​fire!

"boom!"

With a loud bang, the crimson feathers scorched as they flew towards him. Zheng Jun snorted coldly, and the Dragon Abyss Blade revealed its full sharpness, with the 'Abyss Stillness and Mountain Standing Tall' technique swirling around him.

Upon seeing this, Bifang's eyes flashed with malice, and its muscular demonic body instantly surged with demonic energy, like rolling red flames. Its entire body of demonic fire transformed into a giant python that pounced on Zheng Jun, causing bricks and stones to crumble like rotten soil wherever it passed!

"go with!"

Zheng Jun shouted sharply, his feet stepping on the afterimage of 'Floating Shadow Life' to teleport instantly. His Dragon Abyss Blade cleaved out a hundred-zhang-long azure river of blades, the blade intent transforming into a water dragon and a fire python to strangle each other in mid-air!

Water and fire collided, bursting into a sky full of steam. Suddenly, the true form of Bifang appeared in the steam. This great demon Bifang actually used the demonic fire to cover his approach, and his bone claws, accompanied by a foul wind, went straight for Zheng Jun's heart!
"Keng!"

The clang of metal echoed across the battlefield, and Zheng Jun had already raised his sword to parry.

Zheng Jun shattered the scarlet bone claw with a single slash. Before he could retract his blade, the Dragon Abyss Blade suddenly burst forth with blazing golden light. The 'Radiant Sun Flowing Light' descended from the sky like a great sun, slashing down directly at Bi Fang!

"You reacted very quickly."

Bi Fang sneered, his figure suddenly becoming ethereal, and crimson flames erupted from his body, instantly transforming into a crimson phoenix with a wingspan of ten zhang.

With a flap of its fiery wings, it retreated a hundred feet away in an instant, but then suddenly turned back the moment Zheng Jun's blade energy missed its target!

"We didn't manage to settle the score last time with Fang Ji, so let's make up for that regret today!"

With a fierce shout, Bi Fang instantly transformed into human form, and Phoenix True Fire surged from his palm, condensing into a long spear wreathed in crimson flames.

Before the spear tip even arrived, the scorching heat wave had already made Zheng Jun's face sting, and the sand and gravel beneath his feet melted into glass.

This shot was as fast as lightning, aimed straight at Zheng Jun's heart. Wherever the spear passed, even the air was burned and twisted with cracks!

Seeing Bi Fang transform into a crimson phoenix and launch a surprise attack, his crimson flame spear, imbued with the force of burning the heavens, aimed straight at his face, Zheng Jun couldn't help but think to himself, "What a powerful flame spear!"

He immediately activated 'Abyssal Stillness and Mountain Stance' to stabilize his body, and combined 'Radiant Sun and Flowing Light' with 'Green Water Slaying Dragon' into one, transforming into a hundred-foot-long golden ray that slashed towards the Crimson Flame Spear!

"boom!"

The moment the swords and spears clashed, the Phoenix True Fire and golden sword energy burst forth like rain, cracking the surrounding ground and causing shockwaves to overturn vegetation and rocks within hundreds of feet.

"You dare to take my Phoenix True Fire head-on?"

Before Bi Fang could finish speaking, the Crimson Flame Spear suddenly split into nine fire snakes, which devoured Zheng Jun from different angles!

Upon seeing this, Zheng Jun was taken aback. He stepped on the 'Swift Meteor' and his figure moved like lightning through the fire net. In the midst of the lightning, he slashed out three streams of dazzling sunlight. The golden afterimages and the real body intertwined, and he actually annihilated all the fire snakes!

Bi Fang's pupils contracted slightly, not expecting Zheng Jun's movement technique to have improved so much. He immediately flapped his wings and took off, his wings stirring up towering waves of fire that pressed down on the ground.

Zheng Jun sensed the hidden supernatural power within the flames and decisively launched an attack, his bones crackling and his blood and qi surging by 30%!

"open!"

Taking advantage of the momentum, Zheng Jun soared into the sky, his blade trailing a golden dragon shadow, and fiercely cleaved through the waves of fire!

Zheng Jun cleaved the flames with a single slash, his azure-gold blade energy soaring like an angry dragon, tearing apart the crimson flames that filled the sky!

Caught off guard, Bi Fang was struck by the aftershock of the blade's attack on his left wing, causing his crimson feathers to explode and scatter, splashing out dark green demonic blood.

"hiss--!"

Bifang cried out in pain, its body plummeting more than ten zhang before it regained its footing. Its demonic eyes shrank sharply as it stared in disbelief at its tattered wings.

Since the Southern Demon Court rose to fame, no human warrior has ever been able to harm its true form!

“Your sword intent…” Bi Fang’s voice suddenly became sharp, quite shocked, “can actually break my Heaven-Burning Sacred Flame?!”

Zheng Jun stood in mid-air, the edge of his Dragon Abyss Blade still dripping with demonic blood. He sneered, "You dare call yourself a Holy Flame after merely borrowing a flame from the Great Sage of Burning Heaven?"

Before he finished speaking, his figure had already transformed into a golden meteor and rushed straight towards Bifang!

Just then, a deafening cheer erupted from the battlefield below. Wei Quanxue's sword cleaved the leopard demon in two at the waist, unleashing a dark crescent arc.

Dugu Yuan's silver spear whipped up a froststorm, freezing the lion demon into an ice sculpture before it shattered into dust. The moment these two powerful demons fell, the morale of the Xiaoguo army surged, and their war drums thundered!

Seeing this, Bifang became agitated and stomped his single foot in the void, conjuring eight crimson flame shields around his body.

At the same time the crimson shield appeared, the remaining feathers of Bifang's wings suddenly ignited, transforming into hundreds of fire arrows that shot out.

These fiery arrows devoured and merged with each other during their flight, eventually condensing into nine phoenix feather arrows over ten feet long, with the space around the arrowheads twisting and collapsing!

Upon seeing the nine phoenix feather arrows, Zheng Jun suddenly felt a tremendous sense of crisis descend upon him. Without hesitation, he roared and unleashed all his fully-developed divine abilities!
All phenomena are without form, give me a shout!
"boom!!!"

The moment the nine arrows were about to strike, Zheng Jun's body erupted with dazzling golden light.

At that moment, time seemed to stand still. As Zheng Jun's robes billowed, twelve illusory figures simultaneously swung their swords in different directions.

The flashes of blades intertwined to form a golden lotus, shredding the phoenix feather arrows to shreds!

"impossible!"

Bi Fang was utterly horrified.

This move, 'Nine Phoenixes Devouring the Heavens,' is extremely ruthless. More than a hundred years ago, I used this move to sneak attack and injure a human Yuan Dan Martial Saint. Now, it has been broken by the opponent with the cultivation level of Tong Qiao.

Before it could unleash its demonic power again, Zheng Jun's true form had already appeared above its head like a ghost.

The Dragon Abyss Blade, carrying the lingering flames of the shattered fire arrows, transformed into a hundred-foot-long golden rainbow and slashed down!

"cut!"

As the blade flashed, Bifang frantically raised its wings to block, but half of its demonic body was sliced ​​off, wing and shoulder included. Dark green demonic blood gushed out like a waterfall, corroding countless holes in the city wall below.

"what--!"

Bifang screamed and fell to the ground, smashing down half of the enemy tower.

It struggled to transform into a rainbow and escape, but saw Zheng Jun descend like a god, stepping on its chest, with the Dragon Abyss Blade pointing directly at its brow.

"Wait a minute!"

Bi Fang roared, "I am a direct descendant of the Great Sage of Burning Heaven! If you kill me..."

"Noisy."

With a thrust of Zheng Jun's blade, Bi Fang's head exploded in a spectacular crash.

Zheng Jun reached out and grabbed a fiery red demon core from Bi Fang's mangled body. Phoenix patterns flowed across the surface of the core, and flames rose faintly from it.

Zheng Jun released a burst of true essence from his fingertips, suppressing all the remaining demonic power on the demon core. He then stored it, along with the still-burning remains of the demonic body, into his spatial magic treasure, 'Fangcun Mountain'.

This demonic body is very useful.

Bifang is Bifang, and Fenghuang is Fenghuang.

However, since Bifang claims to be a descendant of the Great Sage Burning Heaven of the Southern Demon Court, he may have the phoenix essence blood that he needs!

Therefore, Zheng Jun planned to take some time to refine the remaining Bifang demon body completely, and see if he could melt a drop of phoenix essence blood to activate the phoenix innate divine power "rebirth from the ashes" attached to the "Crimson Phoenix Spear Technique".

Upon realizing this, Zheng Jun couldn't help but exhale.

After Zheng Jun killed Bi Fang with a single strike, the battlefield fell silent, only to erupt in a deafening roar of "Victory!"

Zheng Jun remained serious, with gilded characters flashing before his eyes.

[Battle at the peak of the Qi Refining Realm, slaying the mythical beast Bifang with a blade. Progress towards 'All Laws Without Form': Minor Completion +6000, Major Completion +3000.]

【当前小成神通：飒沓流星：6000/10000；流影浮生：6000/10000；渊渟岳峙：6000/10000；熠日流光：10000/10000】

[Currently Mastered Divine Abilities: Heavenly Eye Barrier Break: 3000/100000; Green Water Dragon Slaying: 3000/100000.]

After the gilded characters in front of him flickered slightly, Xiao Cheng's 'Radiant Sunlight' quickly disappeared without a trace and soon appeared in Da Cheng's divine power.

"Whoo~"

Zheng Jun exhaled, looked at the somewhat dilapidated Xuanling City, brandished his sword and let out a long roar that carried for miles: "All troops, attack the city!"

"kill!"

(End of this chapter)