Starting from the imperial palace guards, his clones spread all over the world.

Chapter 691 I want them all!

At this moment, atop the giant tree, three strange fruits are emitting an indescribable, rich fragrance.

The fragrance was not the usual sweetness of flowers and fruits, but rather carried a hint of the scorching heat of thunder, mixed with the most primal vitality of plants, lingering and penetrating straight to the heart and soul.

Even the porters, with their shallow skills and rough senses, were now flaring their nostrils greedily, their chests heaving with a kind of bewildered intoxication!

However, despite the alluring fragrance, although many martial artists and local residents who had come after hearing the news gathered under the giant tree, not one dared to make a move or harbor any thoughts of seizing it.

Because in those few branches and towering canopies, the guards of Yaoshui Kingdom, dressed in blue rattan armor and holding poisoned blowguns or bows, were like the most vigilant falcons, their eyes sharp as lightning, coldly scanning everyone below.

Their aura was almost one with the giant tree, carrying the wild and desolate atmosphere unique to the Southern Continent.

Anyone who dares to covet those three Thunderstruck Fruits is making an enemy of the entire Yaoshui Kingdom, and of the long-standing rules and beliefs of this land.

That was not only fighting the guards, but also challenging the supreme authority of the Queen of Yaoshui Kingdom and the spirit of Leizemu that they had worshipped for generations.

The air was filled not only with the aroma of fruit, but also with an invisible, suffocating pressure.

Everyone could only hold their breath, look up, their eyes burning with awe as they watched the dark clouds roll across the sky, and streaks of dazzling silver-white lightning, like the lashes of the gods, tore through the sky and struck the lightning-struck fruit with perfect precision.

Each time lightning struck, the heavens and earth trembled, and the patterns on the surface of the lightning-struck fruit lit up for a moment, absorbing and devouring the violent lightning power. The cracks on the outer shell also expanded slightly.

Thunder roared and lightning flashed. This natural tempering lasted for a full half hour, filled with a primal and awe-inspiring power.

Finally, the clouds parted and the thunder ceased, and the sky returned to its gloomy state, but no more lightning bolts flashed.

The aroma of the lightning-struck fruit, after being subjected to the final baptism of thunder, not only did not weaken, but became even more mellow and rich, as if its inner essence had been completely activated and was eager to be released, enticing those destined to receive it.

Among the crowd, Liang Jin frowned slightly, his gaze fixed on the lightning-struck fruit.

"Unfortunately... it's still a little short."

He whispered to himself, the words only he could hear.

Based on his past experience and keen perception of rare and precious materials, Liang Jin could roughly determine that these three lightning-struck fruits were not fully ripe.

Although the shell had been tempered by lightning for half an hour, and was covered with spiderweb-like cracks with a faint purple light flowing beneath the cracks, it was still not completely broken.

A fruit that cannot fall and complete its sowing on its own is naturally an immature fruit.

"Judging from this situation, the next thunderstorm will probably be the time when this fruit is fully ripe."

Liang Jin thought to himself:

"However, the weather in Nanzhou is unpredictable. When will the next thunderstorm arrive?"

This was a timing that even he could not accurately predict.

The "Thunder Sacrifice" ceremony held in Yaoshui Kingdom also came to an end as the thunder and lightning subsided.

After the shaman presiding over the ceremony chanted incantations and led the people in devout worship to Lei Zemu, the onlookers gradually dispersed with expressions of satisfaction and awe.

From beginning to end, neither the guards of Yaoshui Kingdom nor the queen who never appeared touched the tempting, fragrant Thunderstruck Fruit that was so close at hand.

This action undoubtedly further confirmed Liang Jin's judgment.

Picking unripe fruit is useless and may even lead to unforeseen disasters.

The Yaoshui Kingdom has protected this tree for generations and knows its habits very well.

"It seems I'll have to stay in Yaoshui City for a while."

Liang Jin's eyes flickered.

He could clearly sense that these three lightning-struck fruits were truly wondrous creations born from the very essence of heaven and earth.

Their effects far surpassed those of the Purple Cloud Treasure Flower, which he had once consumed and which could rival thirty years of pure internal energy.

If he could obtain even a fraction of it, refine and absorb it, then his cultivation level would surely break through its current limitations and improve significantly, even laying a solid foundation for future attempts to reach higher levels.

Right now, for Liang Jin, improving his own strength is the most important thing that overrides everything else.

The infightings of the small court that Empress Zhao Xiling was struggling to maintain in the south, and the expansion of the Taiping Dao's mission in the north, could all be temporarily put aside compared to these opportunities concerning one's own path.

Before the Lightning Strike Fruit fully ripens, he must stay in Yaoshui City day and night, never leaving its side, lest he miss the opportunity.

After all, the weather doesn't wait for ordinary people, and no one can guarantee when the next thunderstorm will suddenly arrive in the dead of night or at dawn.

Having made up his mind, Liang Jin spoke to Li Ba, the leader of the mule caravan:

"Chief Li, I intend to stay in this city for a while, and I would like to trouble you to help arrange a secluded place to live."

Li Ba has been traveling around Nanzhou for many years and is familiar with the local customs and culture, making him the best help right now.

Upon hearing this, Li Ba glanced at Liang Jin with slight surprise.

This "Great Teacher" was unfathomably wise and acted mysteriously. His sudden decision to stay in this troublesome place puzzled him.

But he immediately agreed:

"Rest assured, my esteemed teacher, this is a trivial matter; leave it to me. However..."

He glanced around to make sure no one was watching before lowering his voice and cautiously reminding them:
“Great wise teacher, please be cautious in spreading your teachings here. The mountain people here are straightforward and stubborn, and they are quite resistant to foreign religions, especially those from the north.”

"Although the Taiping Dao has a great reputation in the north, its influence in the south, especially in this heartland, is very small, and its development is very difficult."

"The very essence of this place lies in the soil and wood! Foreign gods and Buddhas cannot take root in this mud."

"If we were to preach our doctrines at this moment, it would likely bring unnecessary trouble, or even... death."

Li Ba clearly misunderstood Liang Jin's intention in leaving behind the sect, thinking that he wanted to take this opportunity to expand the influence of the Taiping Dao in the heart of Nanzhou.

Upon hearing this, Liang Jin simply smiled faintly:
"Take care of your own business."

No explanation was given.

His only goal at this moment was the lightning-struck fruit at the top of the tree; preaching and spreading his teachings were not his focus at this time.

With the Thunder Ritual over, everyone returned to their temporary lodgings.

Caravans can deliver goods extremely quickly.

The southern region was already short of resources, and had a great demand for goods such as salt, iron, cloth, tea, and horses from outside.

Even though the wind and rain outside the city had not completely stopped, many local merchants had already caught wind of the situation and gathered outside the caravan's quarters in the rain, scrambling to buy goods.

For a time, the courtyard was bustling with noise and transactions.

In just three days, the large quantity of goods transported by the caravan was snapped up.

With the money exchanged, and only waiting for the weather to clear, the caravan and the martial artists who had come along with them for the Demon Extermination Tournament would pack their belongings and return to the north by the same route.

However, plans never keep up with changes.

Just as the rain was subsiding and the sky was beginning to clear, the atmosphere in Yaoshui City suddenly became tense and grim.

On the streets, the number of armored soldiers carrying spears has increased significantly, and the frequency of patrols has also increased considerably.

On the city wall, the defenses, which had seemed somewhat lax, were being continuously reinforced. Logs and stones were being piled up, and the crossbow bolts used for defense were being polished until they gleamed.

A sense of impending doom, like the wind howling in the mountains, enveloped the entire city.

Li Ba was a well-informed person, and he quickly brought back the intelligence he had gathered, his face showing unprecedented worry:
"This is bad, Great Teacher! Another large-scale civil war has broken out in Nanzhou! It's in Wuli, just south of us. It's said... it's said that the entire Wuli clan has been wiped out!"

He swallowed hard, his voice trembling almost imperceptibly:

"The instigator is said to be a demon who has recently risen from the deepest and most remote mountains in the south, known as the 'Demon Lord of Wuxu'."

"This guy is very mysterious. I've been a merchant for so many years and I've never heard of him. I went to the city to ask around, but not many people could explain his background. They only knew that he was ruthless and that his demon army was invincible."

The territory of the Wuli tribe is not far from Yaoshui City.

Now that the clan has been wiped out, it means that the flames of war have reached the doorstep of the Yaoshui Kingdom. No wonder the entire kingdom is on high alert and on full alert.

Li Ba's concerns stemmed not only from the dangers of war, but also from the livelihoods of the caravan:
"Once the war breaks out in Nanzhou, the trade routes will inevitably be cut off, and our caravan business will probably have to come to a complete halt!"

At this point, he abruptly changed the subject, and the look on his face involuntarily returned to that of a man discussing beautiful women:
"Oh, right, there's one more piece of news."

"Although the Wuli tribe was wiped out, their holy maiden miraculously escaped. Today, she has come to Yaoshui City with the son of the chieftain of the Suitong tribe to see the Queen of Yaoshui and seek protection and revenge."

"Hey, that Saintess Wuli is a renowned beauty in Nanzhou! Especially today when I saw her enter the city, she cried so hard, her face streaked with tears, she looked so pitiful! That appearance was truly... tsk tsk!"

He smacked his lips, seemingly still savoring the memory:
"However, when it comes to beauty, it is said that Queen Yaoshui is even more beautiful. She is the number one beauty in our Southern Continent! I was fortunate enough to see her from afar many years ago. Her appearance and temperament were simply like a goddess descended from heaven!"

"It's a pity that Her Majesty has been living a very secluded life in recent years and rarely appears in public. I wonder if the years have left their mark on her face..."

Liang Jin listened quietly, understanding dawning on him.

It seems that Fengwu and Suiyan have safely arrived in Yaoshui City.

However, he had no intention of meeting the two at the moment; his attention was completely drawn to the lightning-struck fruit and the approaching storm.

Two days later, the continuous rain finally stopped completely, and the long-awaited sunshine pierced through the clouds and shone on the wet city.

Li Ba acted quickly, finding Liang Jin a detached bamboo house with a small courtyard in a relatively secluded corner in the west of the city.

The bamboo house was nestled behind several clumps of green bamboo, creating a tranquil environment that suited Liang Jin's taste perfectly.

Meanwhile, the caravan and the demon-slaying group had finished packing up and came to Liang Jin's courtyard to say goodbye before setting off on their journey north.

"Great and wise teacher, we part today, though the mountains are high and the rivers are long, we will meet again someday!"

Everyone clasped their hands in a fist salute, their tone filled with respect and a hint of relief at the prospect of returning home.

Liang Jin nodded slightly, about to return the greeting.

Suddenly, a member of the caravan stumbled in, his face filled with terror, his voice trembling:
"Boss! Something terrible has happened! Something terribly bad!"

"The city gates...the city gates are completely sealed! The king has ordered that no one is allowed to enter or leave; entry is permitted, but exit is not!"

"We...we're all trapped in the city, we can't leave!"

This news came like a bolt from the blue, instantly shattering the relaxed mood of everyone present.

Li Ba's expression changed drastically. He didn't bother to exchange pleasantries with Liang Jin anymore and hurriedly led his men out of the courtyard to find out the exact news.

About an hour later, Li Ba returned with a gloomy expression.

The news they brought back plunged everyone's hearts into despair.

It turns out that the vanguard army of the Demon Lord of Wuxu has appeared on the border of Yaoshui Kingdom, and there are signs that a large number of demon troops are gathering in the direction of Yaoshui City.

A decisive battle between the two sides seems inevitable.

To strengthen the city's defenses and prevent spies from infiltrating and colluding with the enemy, Queen Yaoshui issued an order to fortify the city walls and close the city gates. At the same time, she sent messengers to urgently request aid from tribes in various parts of the Southern Continent that had not yet submitted to the Demon Lord.

In the short term, leaving Yaoshui City is a pipe dream.

This group of people had been unwittingly drawn into an impending and brutal war. The panic caused by this news quickly spread among them.

No one wants to become a victim of war for no reason.

Left with no other option, everyone gathered together again to discuss countermeasures.

"How about... we use our light-footed skills to sneak over the wall and escape at night?"

"No! We have no idea what the situation is outside the city! What if we run in the wrong direction and crash into the demon army's camp? Wouldn't that be like walking into a trap?"

"Yes, the most urgent task is to gather intelligence, find out the city's defenses, and the specific movements of the demon army."

"We're all on the same side. If a fight really breaks out, we must unite and stick together to survive!"

"What are we waiting for, in case of 'what if'? Let's just wait to die! Let that devil surround the city like an iron barrel! Then we'll all become meat on a chopping board!"

……

The crowd chattered and argued endlessly, with fear, anxiety, and confusion mingling in the air.

However, after discussing it for a long time, no one could come up with a perfect solution.

Faced with the uncertain situation, everyone could only decide to try to gather information on their own while closely monitoring changes in the city's defenses and waiting for a possible turning point.

Compared to the panic of the crowd, Liang Jin appeared unusually calm.

With his skill in lightness and his many tricks up his sleeve, if he really wanted to leave on his own, the city walls of Yaoshui City and the demon army outside might not be able to stop him.

He just doesn't want to leave yet.

He remained in that small courtyard every day, never venturing out of the main gate or the inner gate, as if the impending bloodshed and turmoil outside had nothing to do with him.

Most of the time, he silently moved his hands and feet, adapting to the heavy pressure and restraint brought by the [Zhenyuan Nianlong Lock] in his body.

This secret technique was like an invisible shackle, constantly suppressing his vital energy and true essence, making it difficult for him to walk and leaving him weak and sickly.

The period of dedicated adaptation has begun to show results.

At least when he stood still or walked slowly for a short time, he no longer appeared weak and frail, and could barely resemble an ordinary, weak scholar.

However, if he walks for a while or tries to make a quick movement, the deep-seated heaviness and sluggishness will immediately become apparent, causing him to sweat and his breathing to become slightly disordered.

Li Ba became everyone's eyes and ears, constantly bringing back the latest news from the outside world, but unfortunately, almost all of it was bad news.

For example, the Demon Lord of Wuxu was a ruthless killer, bloodthirsty by nature. Wherever he went, nothing was left alive. Massacring cities and destroying villages was commonplace. Captives were either cruelly executed or reduced to slaves without any dignity. Under his rule, the people suffered greatly and lived in misery.

For example, a reinforcement sent by a certain village was ambushed by the demon army on the way and was completely wiped out. Only boxes of severed heads were sent to the outside of Yaoshui City as a show of force.

For example, a tribe that was originally wavering finally surrendered and joined the siege of Yaoshui City when it saw the Demon Lord's power.

All sorts of news, like heavy dark clouds, weighed on everyone's hearts, and the panic in the city grew stronger day by day.

The market became deserted, and the people wore worried expressions, their whispers filled with fear of the future.

Only when sporadic reinforcements from other tribes broke through the blockade and entered the city could the tense atmosphere in the city be slightly relieved.

However, the arrival of reinforcements also brought new problems—the city suddenly became extremely crowded.

The military camp was overcrowded, and even the courtyard where the caravan and others had previously rented was temporarily requisitioned by the army.

Left with no other choice, Li Ba led his caravan brothers and several martial artists from the Demon Extermination Conference into Liang Jin's once quiet courtyard.

The courtyard suddenly became noisy, losing its usual tranquility.

Seeing this, Liang Jin stopped spending all his time in the courtyard.

Most of the time, he would lean on an ordinary bamboo cane he had found, accompanied by the Jade-Faced Fire Monkey, like a person who was unwell and came out for some fresh air, seemingly "strolling" aimlessly in Yaoshui City.

In the southern region, the climate is hot and humid, and the forests are dense. Animal trainers who tame various animals as assistants or partners are quite common. Liang Jin, who was with a monkey, was not particularly eye-catching.

However, now that the great battle is imminent, the city is in a state of high alert, with people of suspicious identities being checked everywhere and demon army spies who may have infiltrated the city being hunted down.

Although Liang Jin was not afraid, he did not want to cause trouble for no reason, so he finally changed out of his iconic yellow robe from the Taiping Road and completely blended into the local people's clothing.

His daily "stroll" route always deliberately passed by that majestic Leymus chinensis tree.

When he reached the tree, he would stop, look up, and gaze through the layers of branches and leaves, landing on the three increasingly purple and shimmering lightning-struck fruits.

On the trunk of the giant tree, not only are there hanging ladders and spiral wooden staircases for easy climbing, but also many treehouses where Yao people live are built among many of the thick branches, making it look like a small community built on the tree.

Many times, Liang Jin wanted to climb the tree himself to observe the condition of the lightning-struck fruit up close, and even to explore whether there were other secrets hidden in the canopy.

Unfortunately, these are extraordinary times, and the Yaoshui Kingdom has tightened its guard over the Lei Zemu tree to an unprecedented degree. Anyone who is not a core member of the tribe or who does not possess the Queen's warrant is strictly prohibited from climbing the tree.

He tried several times to approach the base of the tree trunk, but was repeatedly and firmly advised to leave by the guards.

Despite Liang Jin's deliberate efforts to keep a low profile, conceal his appearance, and restrain his aura, his outstanding physique and temperament still inadvertently attracted some unnecessary attention.

"Hey! You handsome young man over there! I like you! Come play in my room, okay?"

A Yao woman with a head full of fine braids and bare arms revealing large patches of wild brown skin blocked the way!
"Little brother! Come home with me! I'll take care of you! Father's freshly slaughtered venison! It's delicious!"

Another burly woman pointed to a stilted bamboo house next door, her eyes burning with undisguised greed!
"Get the hell out of here, you stinking piece of meat! He's the one I've set my sights on! Anyone who tries to take him from me, don't blame me for being ruthless with this curved blade!"

Suddenly, a young mountain woman with a fierce aura, a curved knife at her waist, and a headdress adorned with feathers, burst out from the side. She was like a ferocious beast protecting its precious prey, with eyes that could tear a person apart!
Several women even got into a fight in the street over him, drawing the attention of passersby.

The people of Nanzhou are known for their bold and open-mindedness, and women pursue love directly and passionately, far surpassing the demure and sheltered women of the North.

Liang Jin's physical body was so handsome that it was almost unbearable to both heaven and man. Coupled with his tall and upright figure and composed demeanor, he stood out like a firefly in the dark, even in a crowd.

Finally, Liang Jin, unable to bear the harassment any longer, had no choice but to put on a more common wooden mask with rougher patterns, covering his entire face completely and even hiding his eyes in the shadows, which finally blocked out those burning gazes.

Fortunately, many tribes in the Southern Continent wear masks for reasons such as faith, custom, or simply for sun protection and insect repellent, so his attire no longer seemed out of place.

On this day, Liang Jin strolled casually through the city as usual, but in reality, he was constantly adjusting his breathing to resist the pressure of the [Zhenyuan Dragon-Slaying Lock] and to train his control over his own power.

As he walked to the entrance of an alley near the inner city, a voice with a strangely familiar quality suddenly rang out behind him:
"Hehe! Great and wise teacher, how have you been? We meet again."

Liang Jin paused, a slight chill running through him, and couldn't help but turn his head slightly.

Not far behind, a petite figure stood, her height and build resembling that of a young girl who had not yet grown up.

She was dressed in a dull, unremarkable southern Xinjiang brown robe, and wore a black mask carved with strange animal patterns on her face, revealing only a pair of jet-black, exceptionally bright eyes.

Despite the other party's excellent disguise, Liang Jin recognized the owner of those eyes at a glance—Wu Ling!
This surprised Liang Jin.

His gaze narrowed slightly, and he, too, used the same technique of telepathic communication to condense his voice into a single line, sending it into the other person's ear:

"Witch Spirit Grand Master, it's true what they say, life is full of unexpected encounters."

"I remember you were the esteemed Imperial Advisor under the Demon Lord. Now, with the two armies facing each other and the tensions running high, how dare you personally infiltrate the heart of Yaoshui City?"

"The Grand Preceptor's courage is unparalleled in the Southern Frontier, and I admire him greatly."

Wu Ling's eyes, visible outside the mask, curved slightly, as if she were smiling.

Her gaze swept up and down Liang Jin. Although Liang Jin was also wearing a mask and dressed plainly, the obedient, red-furred jade-faced fire monkey on his shoulder became the most obvious identifier, allowing her to instantly confirm his identity.

"Hahahaha!"

The spirit's telepathic message echoed precisely in Liang Jin's ears:

"Our king's ambition to unify the Southern Continent has reached a critical moment. By conquering the Yaoshui Kingdom, we can solidify the power of the Southern Continent."

"As the Imperial Advisor, what's wrong with me personally going to the front lines to survey the enemy's situation? It's perfectly normal for me to be here."

Her tone suddenly changed, becoming sharp as a needle:

"The Great Teacher's appearance in this besieged city at this time... could it be that he has boarded the Yao River boat?"

As soon as he finished speaking, a silent yet chilling gaze seemed to pierce through the straw hat and mask.

Liang Jin's figure moved forward with the current in the turbid crowd, his pace steady without wavering, as if he were casually discussing the storm of the previous night:
"The Imperial Advisor is joking."

“If I, Liang, truly wish to be a guest, even if I am not treated as an honored guest and arranged to sit before the Queen, I should at least be given a higher position in the city’s defense.”

"Instead of wandering aimlessly through the city like a rootless duckweed, dressed in simple clothes and wearing a mask, right now?"

Wu Ling's gaze swept over Liang Jin's simple clothes and mask again, and then glanced at the ordinary bamboo staff in his hand. There was indeed no sign of him being treated with any courtesy.

"Oh?"

The witch's voice held a knowing, playful tone:
"That great and virtuous teacher..."

Her petite body blended into the gaps in the crowd a few steps behind Liang Jin like a ghost, and no one noticed this "child".

Liang Jin made no attempt to hide anything, directly stretching out his hand and pointing to the towering top of the Thunderwood tree in the distance, frankly stating:

"I came for this."

After the appearance of the witch spirit beast mask, there was a moment of deathly silence.

Then she blinked knowingly:

"So it was the Lightning Strike Fruit that you had your eye on. This thing is indeed miraculous."

But then, while the witch's voice remained sweet, it suddenly took on a cold, declarative quality:
"However, it has long been considered by our king as his own possession and has already been included in our king's treasury."

She paused briefly and remained silent for two breaths.

His tone then carried a subtle, almost imperceptible, attempt to win him over:

"Of course, given my past friendship with the Great Teacher, if the Great Teacher agrees, I will assist our king in this battle."

"Then, when my king conquers this city and collects the essence of the Thunderwood, I can plead on his behalf to grant the Great Teacher a Thunderstruck Fruit, to preserve our friendship."

brush--!
Liang Jin's steps, which were moving forward with his cane, suddenly froze!

An invisible, heavy, viscous pressure suddenly pressed down an inch onto the ground around him, centered on his heels.

Dust particles spread silently outwards in a ring shape!
The surging crowd rushed near him, but it was as if they had hit an invisible, cold iron wall, and they involuntarily staggered away!

His eyes, hidden beneath the mask, suddenly sharpened, gleaming with a tangible light.

There are no superfluous words or phrases.

Only four words! Each word, spoken with deliberate pause, carried the will to crush all things! They slammed deep into the very depths of the sorcerer's perception:
"I……"

"Want them all!"

The bamboo cane slammed down!

On the bluestone slab, a tiny speck of powder instantly burst open and scattered!

(End of this chapter)