Daqin Zhentiansi

The contents of these booklets are a jumbled mess.

Most of them are folk songs passed down orally, or fragmented legends about ancestral migrations.

A few pages of rudimentary and unsystematic "Lishi Jue" (a type of martial arts technique) breathing methods, and even a simple record about a local herbal remedy for heartache.

These are the "fragmented books," "genealogies," and "manuals" that were preserved with utmost care during 100,000 years of enslavement.

"These are all treasures!"

An old scholar, who claimed to have once served as a "scribe" for the demon race but was actually an accounting slave, was so excited that his beard trembled. His trembling hand stroked a roll of torn animal hide.

"This has the method for identifying 'Edelweiss' recorded here! There's also an old saying: 'Black stones from the northern mountains turn into refined iron when they meet water.' I don't know if it's true or not, but it's better than nothing!"

The most attractive spot was the corner with several "storytellers".

They were not learned men, but rather descendants of old farmers or itinerant merchants with exceptional memories.

As night fell and the light from the ramparts softened, children, women, and even some men from the Riftwind Camp who had finished their patrols gathered around.

"Back then, the plains of Xuzhou were vast, and in spring the wheat fields were like a sea of ​​gold! Lord Wu, riding a dragon horse, descended from the sky, and his halberd cleaved down at the three-headed demon dog king, severing a head with each strike..."

An old man with no teeth, whose voice sounds like a rusty knife scraping against bone, tells a story of fragmented events mixed with absurdity, yet he manages to forcefully recreate collective memories that have been almost erased, such as "King Wu's conquests" and "the Great Qin Dragon Banner."

The audience held their breath, and for the first time, their clouded eyes reflected light and shadow that did not belong to this dark age.

These fragmented pieces of knowledge and legends were diligently recorded and organized by several military clerks.

They were crude, but they were the celestial flames of Xuzhou, untouched by the demon race.

In the desolate military camps and simple settlements, it quietly sowed seeds, nourishing parched hearts and rebuilding the concept of "Xuzhou".

In the northwest corner of the fortress, adjacent to the supply depot, was the "temporary exchange post"—

A makeshift thatched shed.

Several long tables were set up inside the shed.

A wooden sign hangs on the left: "Buying: Earth Tendon Grass 10 points per dan, Inferior Blood Iron Ore 5 points per 100 jin, Demon Stone Fragments with Patterns, Price Negotiable Based on Quality, Unidentified Herbs to be Verified by Physician..."

Below the sign were rough bamboo tokens representing "contribution points," engraved with simple Qin-character numbers.

The right side reads: "Mix: two spoonfuls of salt, half a foot of coarse kudzu cloth, one bucket of clean water (20 points), one bowl of millet porridge (3 points)..."

This rudimentary system was established after countless disputes between the Remnant Remnant Bureau and the Quartermaster, resulting in the "internal temporary contribution point" system.

A burly man, a former surviving member of the Ming dynasty, carrying a heavy half-basket of "earth sinew grass," peeked out from the entrance of the "temporary exchange" and hesitated for a long time before handing it over.

The old clerk in charge grabbed a handful, sniffed it, and critically weighed it in his hand: "A bit too watery, I'll give you a 9.50!"

The man dared not argue, silently took a bamboo stick engraved with the number "ten", turned around and mixed coarse salt and two bowls of thick porridge. He couldn't wait to squat in the corner and feed the porridge to the weak infant in his arms.

Some of the bolder survivors nervously took out a few small, dull fragments of "Shadow Lizard Demon Cores" that they had secretly hidden while cleaning up the battlefield.

The soldier on duty frowned, but eventually reported it to his superior.

A moment later, a junior officer came over, whispered a few words, and surprisingly gave him three points!
The man happily exchanged the small piece of coarse cloth for a palm-sized one and left.

The most remarkable unexpected find was that half a stone slab soaked in mud was unearthed from the ruins of a collapsed old house of the remnants of the Ming dynasty. The slab had indistinct patterns and descriptions carved on it with charcoal sticks.

An elderly woman knowledgeable in medicine examined it for a long time, then excitedly slapped her thigh: "It's...it's the recipe for 'Chestnut Buns'! Grind bitter roots from the edge of the demon's lair into powder, and mix it with roasted chestnut meat! It's what our ancestors ate to avoid disasters! It saves food and keeps you full!"

This simple "Xuzhou Ancient Cookbook" instantly became a new favorite, and was quickly copied and distributed to various kitchens, serving as an emergency measure during a period of food shortage.

The teleportation array lit up again.

The new batch of beams of light were much smaller, and their landing points were moved to a more open safe zone behind the fortress.

What emerged from the light was no longer a mere military formation.

Twenty craftsmen dressed in short gowns in the style of the Ministry of Works carried heavy toolboxes and talisman pens.

A medical team consisting of six disciples of the Qingnang Sect and two veteran doctors rushed to the "Inspection of Evil Tent" to provide reinforcements, carrying their medicine kits.

Their faces bore the marks of travel and a scrutiny of the new land.

But what attracted the most attention was the five-person squad that followed closely behind, dressed smartly but not in military uniform.

The leader was a sharp-looking middle-aged man with piercing eyes like a hawk, and a small "Jiuchuan" cloud pattern badge pinned to his chest.

They are the vanguard merchant team dispatched by Yuyuan Trading Company!

They cautiously observed the fortress structure and the state of the crowd, their eyes sweeping over the "Temporary Exchange" sign as they whispered among themselves.

"Greetings, Lord Marquis! Greetings, Generals!" The foreman of the craftsmen and the representative of the medical team bowed to Zhang Yuan, who stood on the high platform, and reported, "His Highness has sent us to provide advance reinforcements. More craftsmen, pharmacists, and medicinal seeds are on their way!"

The caravan leader also stepped forward and bowed: "Greetings, Lord Marquis. Zhao Shiqi of Yuyuan Trading Company, on the orders of our master, has come to explore the possibility of trade routes! To pave the way for the army and the remaining people to transport necessities."

His words were cautious, yet they revealed the resolute determination of an adventurer.

"Reporting to the Marquis!" the lead craftsman added excitedly, "His Highness has led 100,000 elite troops to assemble at Blackstone Fortress, ready to reinforce at any time via the passage! His Highness has instructed us to convey that Xuzhou has taken the first step, and the rear will not allow the front lines to be left isolated!"

This brief message was like a shot in the arm.

It not only brought much-needed manpower support, but also symbolized that a solid support chain was being extended, firmly connecting Riftwind Fortress with the entire Qin territory.

Riftwind Fortress is like a colossal beast that has grown stronger amidst the interplay of ice and fire.

On one side are a hundred-foot-tall city wall standing ready, ballista towers spewing psionic flames, and an eerie aura that lingers outside the light of the fortress.

On the other side were hastily erected sheds, swirling smoke from medicinal herbs, clumsy training shouts, and hushed bargaining as people bartered.

The stench of blood lingered, yet tender shoots sprouted from the scorched earth.

Zhang Yuan stood on the Demon-Suppressing Platform, his gaze sweeping over the nascent and unfamiliar scene, over the blood-red dragon battle banners billowing like raging flames atop the city walls, and finally landing deep within the fortress—

There, a rusty, curled-edge ancient Qin ring-pommel sword hangs side by side with a brand-new "Wind-Splitting Demon-Breaking Crossbow" gleaming with dark gold runes at the entrance of the newly built armory, silently telling the story of the intertwining of old grudges and new life in Xuzhou.

Riftwind Fortress is like a heart deeply embedded in the frozen soil of Xuzhou. As soldiers, craftsmen, and supplies pour in from the rear through the newly stabilized channels, its pulsating power grows stronger and stronger.

Centered on Rift Valley.

Wang Ben's left-wing arrowhead.

Li Mu's withered vines coiling around the mountain formation.

The iron-fisted central hammer.

The coordinated succession of teams is like five outstretched fingers.

They were firmly and forcefully squeezing outwards, leaving the Xu Zhou demon race with very little room to maneuver. Several ancient demon emperors, lurking deep within the heart of the territory, were still watching with predatory eyes.

However, suppressed by the light of the barrier and intimidated by the might of the Qin Dynasty, a large-scale counterattack was difficult to launch for the time being.

They could only watch helplessly as the pale golden halo, symbolizing the order of the Great Qin Dynasty, slowly but irresistibly eroded the Crimson Demon Realm, like ripples on water.

In the deepest part of the commander's mansion in the fortress, Zhang Yuan was as still as a deep abyss.

Xuanmo sat cross-legged atop the core of a formation that drew upon the power of the earth's veins.

His aura was as solid and condensed as ancient ice.

The immense divine power had already spread out silently, like an invisible giant net covering the hundreds of miles of territory around Riftwind Fortress.

The newly opened patrol routes, the newly established resource points, and even every slightly unusual fluctuation of demonic energy were all clearly visible under the reflection of his consciousness.

His divine sense finally focused on a cold, gloomy mountain hollow a hundred miles northeast of Riftwind Valley.

It used to be an abandoned mine of black iron, with the entrance half-hidden by collapsed rocks. Now it has become a den of hundreds of zombie-like demon dogs.

It was the same group of bastards who had been shattered by Zhang Yuanlong's true intent during the previous attack on the refugee camp.

They occupied this place, and with the putrid fumes and sharp teeth brought about by their mutations, they became a considerable hidden danger in the vicinity, as well as a whetstone for the newly formed "Riftwind Camp" to test their strength.

At the entrance to the mine.

Three hundred new recruits of the Riftwind Battalion, dressed in makeshift, rusty armor, were struggling to form three small, fan-shaped "iron wall" formations under the rough command of a scarred old sergeant sent by Jin Yuelin.

The weapons they carried were a variety of different kinds.

There were inferior bone blades seized from small groups of demons, Qin-style ring-pommel swords with curled blades dug out of the ruins, and even some people holding rough wooden sticks inlaid with sharp stones.

The line was crooked and their breathing was heavy.

The knuckles of the hand gripping the weapon turned white from the tension and excessive force.

But under the scarred sergeant's loud, raspy shouts and personal demonstrations, a shaky yet barely solid shield wall was finally formed.

"Hold your ground! Damn it, shields to the ground! Shoulders against the backs of your comrades in front of you! You can't even withstand that little bit of evil wind, and you still want revenge? You better hold it in!" The squad leader's voice echoed at the mine entrance, as if he were instructing a wooden stake.

Almost simultaneously, a violent, piercing howl that seemed to tear at the eardrums rang out from deep within the cave!
A strong stench of decaying corpses mixed with a violent surge of demonic energy erupted forth!

The next instant, countless ghouls with eyes flashing a ghastly green light, like a black mudslide bursting its banks, surged wildly out of every opening in the mine, carrying a foul wind and poisonous mist!

Their target is this "thin wall" that is blocking their hunting.

"Raise—the shield!!"

Scarface's roar was like a thunderclap!

Three hundred soldiers of the Riftwind Camp gritted their teeth, bloodshot eyes instantly filling their sockets, and unleashed a roar that had been building up for who knows how long, originating from the depths of their blood: "Hah—!!!"

The "iron wall" composed of hundreds of shields burst forth with a yellowish-brown aura of blood and energy, crashing violently into the torrent of demonic hounds!
In an instant, the sounds of bones breaking, shields clashing, demonic hounds howling, and soldiers groaning intertwined into a tragic symphony!

The demon hound's sharp claws scraped against the ancient shield, creating ear-piercing sparks, and its corrosive venom sprayed onto the soldiers' bare arms, instantly scorching them with black smoke!

The shield wall trembled violently, but with the combined power of the basic formation and an indomitable tenacity, it withstood the first wave of impact!
The spearmen behind trembled as they thrust their spears out from the gaps and plunged into the bodies of the charging demonic dogs!

A sharp whooshing sound came from the sky!

Several heavy arrows with eagle feathers crackling with blinding lightning fell like meteors, precisely embedding themselves in the densest part of the demon hound pack!
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

The immense electric power contained within the Explosive Arrow instantly exploded, blasting several ferocious demonic hounds charging at the forefront into pieces!

This was precisely the small group of Eagle Guards dispatched by Xue Dingyue to provide support from the high ground on the flank.

The long-range suppression effectively relieved the pressure on the front lines of the Riftwind Camp.

However, just as the battle was stabilizing, the most evil aura deep within the mine suddenly surged!
A giant dog, far larger than any of its kind, charged out in a frenzy!

Its entire body was covered in filthy bone armor, sharp bone spikes sprouted from its back, its fangs protruded like poisoned daggers, and its single, scarlet eye burned with bloodlust and madness—

It turned out to be a mutated dog king whose strength was close to the peak of the Grandmaster level!
It smashed through its own kind that blocked its way, roaring as it charged straight into the central line of the Riftwind Camp like a black siege engine!

The eerie wind and stench it brought made many new recruits in the front row feel dizzy and their internal organs churning. The crumbling "iron wall" was about to be broken through!

In the quiet room, Zhang Yuan, who was sitting cross-legged, slightly raised his eyelids and his divine sense pierced out like ice needles!

A wisp of invisible and intangible will, yet containing supreme majesty, immense dragon and elephant divine power, and the aura of icy prison chains, suddenly traversed a hundred miles of space and was projected with unparalleled precision onto the core of the berserk mutated dog king's consciousness!

"roar--?!"

The roaring dog king seemed to have been struck hard on the head by an invisible giant hammer!

His frantic running steps froze instantly.

In that single, bloodthirsty eye, the madness of bloodlust was instantly replaced by boundless terror!
The immense crushing force originating from the level of life caused even the bone spurs all over its body to tremble.

The fierce roar was forced back into the throat and turned into a terrified sob!

The momentum of the charge, which was strong enough to tear apart a steel shield, came to an abrupt halt!

It was as if an insurmountable and unfathomable abyss of fear had been erected before it!

Seize this opportunity!

"kill--!!!"

The scarred sergeant and several veterans seized this once-in-a-lifetime opening, roaring with bloodshot eyes, and were the first to charge out from the formation!

Their relatively fine battle swords, imbued with the light of exorcising runes, slashed fiercely at the Dog King's neck, joints, and other vulnerable points unprotected by bone armor!

"kill!!"

Encouraged, the soldiers of the Riftwind Camp roared even more fiercely, their shield formations pressed forward, and their spears thrust forward like a forest!
The surrounding pack of demonic dogs was thrown into brief chaos as their leader was intimidated.

A brutal siege broke out in an instant!

Although the Dog King was powerful, it lost its momentum and was stunned by that terrifying aura. It was also surrounded and attacked by the veterans, who were holding it back. Its huge body became an excellent target.

Led by the veterans, the three hundred new recruits fought with increasing ferocity. When their fallen comrades fell, the men behind them roared and took their place!

Blood and severed limbs splattered, roars and wails mingled.

In the end, after nearly fifty Riftwind Camp soldiers were wounded or maimed, the ferocious mutated dog king was nailed to death by a dozen spearheads and blades at the cold mine entrance!
Its massive, bony, armored body collapsed with a crash, and the last glimmer of light in its crimson single eye went out completely. (End of Chapter)