National Division

Chapter 148 Truly an exceptionally fine head!
Time flies, and before we knew it, another two or three days had passed.

Shen Xian and Xue Zhihua were talking on a rock in Heshan, looking towards Ningyang in the distance.

Just then, Shen Bin came forward with firm and steady steps, cupped his hands and said, "A report came from the Guhe River that the troops from Weizhou have arrived."

Shen Xian is now the commander-in-chief of the Divine Weapon Path Army, in charge of frontline military affairs, and Shen Bin can only refer to him as "Plant" in public.

Shen Xian paused slightly, then turned to look at Xue Zhihua beside him and said, "Guhe County is safe for the time being."

Just then, the eldest princess also came from outside. Beneath her delicate eyebrows, her beautiful eyes lit up with joy. She said, "The imperial guards from the left and right gates have also arrived."

Shen Xian nodded and said loudly, "Let's go take a look."

As they spoke, Shen Xian, the Princess, and Xue Zhihua rode the clouds and arrived at the official road with lush grass on both sides.

But then one could see flags painted with images of Pixiu, lions, and tigers fluttering in the wind, and the sharp edges of long halberds gleaming in the sunlight.

As the saying goes, when an army exceeds ten thousand, it stretches to the horizon, and one can see its mighty troops and disciplined military bearing.

A large group of officers, clad in red cloaks and gleaming armor, held horse reins, their faces dignified and their gazes sharp.

Fan Zhong, the Left Guard General, was around forty years old and had a broad face. He turned to look at Chen Jian, the Right Guard General, who was describing the situation to him.

Because the Empress was worried about hindering Shen Xian, she did not send any generals (rank 3) to lead the troops this time, but instead sent two generals (rank 3).

"It seems something truly terrible has happened in Ningyang County. A small team went in to investigate and said that the entire county, spanning several miles, is shrouded in a green demonic mist, with the roars of wild beasts echoing from time to time." Fan Zhong's voice was cold, his tone filled with resentment. "These demonic cultivators are truly insane!"

Chen Jian said, "We have led this army here precisely to cleanse the evil spirits."

Fan Zhong nodded slightly, his eyes flashing sharply, and said, "The Princess and Scholar Shen have arrived. Let's go down and greet them."

Chen Jian smiled and said, "Scholar Shen fought a great battle between the Cui and Lu clans in the capital. You and I even watched the battle. I never imagined that in just over half a month, we would be serving under him."

"Yes, Scholar Shen defeated the young talents of the Cui and Lu families. From that day on, I, Old Fan, knew that he would one day rise to the rank of general or prime minister, but I did not expect it to happen so soon," Fan Zhong said.

The influence of Shen Xian's competition with the young members of the Cui and Lu clans was beginning to show; only true strength could convince these soldiers.

Otherwise, if one merely engages in empty talk and serves as a staff member like Daoyan or Wu Sidao, one will not have much prestige among military generals.

As Chen Jian, the Right Gate Guard General, spoke, he looked at Shen Qian, the Left Halberdier beside him, with a gentle expression and said with a smile, "Shen Peirong, when we meet Scholar Shen later, please introduce us to each other."

Suppressing his excitement, Shen Qian quickly clasped his hands in a fist and said, "General Chen, you flatter me."

Normally, he would never even be able to see this Right Gate Guard General, so why would he be treated with such courtesy?
He's doing this now only because of his good nephew.

The valiant general, who is not yet eighteen, will likely be promoted after this great battle.

Shen Xian, along with the Eldest Princess and Xue Zhihua, descended from the clouds.

Shen Xian looked closely at the vast army of guards on the left and right gates.

In the secret passage, although the dynasty had been established for a hundred years and its military equipment had gradually fallen into disrepair, the officers and soldiers guarding the left and right gates of the imperial city were still in their bright armor and neat uniforms.

At first glance, it does have the air of a strong soldier.

Upon seeing the beautiful woman, Generals Fan Zhong and Chen Jian immediately dismounted, and their personal guards, honor guards, and assistant guards also dismounted.

"Your humble servants (Fan Zhong and Chen Jian) ​​greet Your Highness the Eldest Princess and Commander Shen," Fan Zhong and Chen Jian said, clasping their hands in greeting.

The princess smiled broadly, her fair skin radiant, and said, "General Fan, General Chen, there's no need for such formalities."

Shen Xian looked at Shen Qian beside Chen Jian, met his excited gaze, and nodded.

Shen Xian asked, "Generals, how many soldiers are there among the gate guards?"

Chen Jian's expression turned solemn, and he clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Reporting to Commander Shen, the left and right gate guards have deployed 20,000 troops this time, and now this humble general and his men are leading 15,000."

"What about the remaining five thousand people?" Shen Xian frowned, his eyes flashing sharply, and asked.

Does this mean that the left and right gate guards are also embezzling funds and exploiting soldiers?

"The grain and weapons will be transported from the rear by the King of Zhao." Seeing the young man frown, Fan Chong, fearing a misunderstanding, quickly clasped his hands in greeting.

A thoughtful expression appeared on Shen Xian's resolute and calm face.

In the secret passage, King Zhao, Yang Youxing, also arrived.

He didn't have much interaction with this person, but he knew that he was the Empress's nephew and was skilled in accumulating wealth.

Beneath the princess's delicate, arched eyebrows, a shadow seemed to flicker in her bright, clear eyes. She thought to herself, "Yang Youxing is truly like a leech; wherever she goes, he follows."

Shen Xianqing said in a clear voice, "Generals, let's first approach Heshan and set up camp."

Upon hearing this, Fan Zhong and Chen Jian immediately bowed and agreed.

Then, a large number of guards and officers escorted Shen Xian away into the distance.

Inside the military tent—

Shen Xian and several officers sat down and began to discuss military matters.

Shen Xian said in a deep voice, "The demons of the Corpse Yin Sect have now retreated to the outskirts of Linchuan County. Once the troops from Weizhou arrive, we should join forces to suppress them."

Fan Zhong pondered for a moment, then asked, "General Shen, how many corpse demons are left among the demonic sect members?"

Shen Xian said, "After the previous continuous killings, of the original 100,000 corpse demons, there are probably still 60,000 to 70,000 left."

“That’s quite a lot,” said Chen Jian, the Right Guard General, his face grave.

Fan nodded and said, "Our army has 20,000 troops. If we add the garrison troops from Weibo, it should be about the same."

Shen Xian said, "In this battle, military strength is one aspect, but the key lies in the outcome of the battle between immortal cultivators."

In this world, although immortals possess great supernatural powers and can slaughter mortals, the good and lawful faction would never do so, because it would bring them karmic burdens and hinder their path to true immortality.

Some might ask, then why aren't those who follow the demonic path afraid?
Therefore, no true immortal has ascended to heaven among those who follow the demonic path for many years.

Isn't this a manifestation of being burdened by karma?

Just then, a burly soldier clad in black armor strode into the tent, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Urgent report from Guhe County: the Wei Bo troops have already arrived in Guhe County."

Upon hearing this, Shen Xian turned to look at Shen Bin, who was sitting at the lower end of the table, and said, "Magistrate Shen, there should be no worries about Guhe."

The lingering worry in Shen Bin's heart was also completely dispelled.

Shen Xian asked, "Your Highness, is there any new news from the Jade Purity Sect?"

Since he gave Murong Yue his advice, it's unclear whether the Jade Purity Sect has made any moves. The Eldest Princess said, "The sect previously sent two third-rank officials, but after hearing from Uncle Lin about the Corpse Yin Sect's scheme, they have joined forces with Uncle Lin, and the Corpse Yin Sect should be completely at a disadvantage."

Shen Xian looked thoughtful and said, "The Jade Purity Sect only sent two people, which is clearly not enough to completely suppress the Corpse Yin Sect."

The eldest princess said, "However, I heard from my master that after the news was spread, some powerful figures from the Jade Purity Sect went to Anzhou to investigate."

Because the Supreme Elder of the Yuqing Sect, who was in seclusion, rarely went out, he would only inform the Yuqing Sect Leader, Daoist Haoyang, about his whereabouts.

Shen Xian said, "Then let's wait and see."

He was somewhat unable to get involved in this high-end combat showdown.

……

……

Corpse Yin Sect

Mo Qianqiu, with his long hair flowing down his shoulders and his face as clear as water, sat cross-legged in mid-air, facing the Gathering Evil Well. He gazed intently at the well opening, which displayed a Bagua diagram. At that moment, his hands moved swiftly, drawing hand seals with nimble fingers, almost like butterflies.

Then, beams of bright, radiant light flashed and struck the well opening.

One of the heads floated and sank in the well water where yin energy gathered, while two vengeful dragons entered the head of the immortal corpse through the spiritual aperture.

On the face and forehead of the immortal corpse, there were clearly visible green runes, which were now winding and turning like a spider web, sometimes bright and sometimes dark, exuding a terrifying and mysterious aura.

After an unknown period of time, they heard what sounded like a corpse howling coming from the Yin Sha Well.

Mo Qianqiu's handsome, somewhat androgynous face lit up with joy as he said, "It's done."

The Golden Immortal's head has already developed some intelligence; the next step is to imprint the primordial spirit into it.

Mo Qianqiu's fingers almost left afterimages as he unleashed a series of spiritual energy restrictions towards the Golden Immortal's head, attempting to leave a mark to control the corpse puppet.

After an unknown period of time, the roars of the corpses grew stronger and stronger.

The surrounding members of the Corpse Yin Sect all cast astonished glances at them.

Mo Qianqiu gave a light shout: "Rise!"

As a green talisman was struck into the Yin Sha Well, a series of roars, almost like those of wild beasts, were heard coming from within the well.

Then, a golden immortal's head emerged from the Yin Sha Well, silently releasing a stream of Xuan Sha Qi. The golden immortal's head had originally wide-open, blood-red pupils, and its face was covered with green incantations like spider webs. Its expression was ferocious, and saliva was dripping from its mouth.

Mo Qianqiu, however, did not find it ugly or fierce. Instead, his eyes showed the infatuation of someone looking at a peerless beauty, and he said, "Truly a peerless head!"

At this moment, he could use his divine sense to command this golden immortal head and designate enemies for it, while the golden immortal head would use its magical powers and spells when fighting.

"Just a head is so terrifying. If it were a complete Golden Immortal Corpse Puppet, how astonishing would its strength be?" Elder Xu's purplish-red face was full of smiles as he said, "Sect Master, if there are enough vengeful dragons, we can completely refine the immortal corpses we have collected this time. This harvest from the Immortal Remnant Cave Heaven will not attract the covetousness and prying of evil demons and heretics."

When everyone above the seventh realm has a celestial corpse, we'll truly be ranked as the fourth sect!
The Yellow Springs, Netherworld, and Heavenly Punishment sects are the top demonic sects of the Great Jing Dynasty. If the Corpse Yin Sect fully digests the gains from this Immortal Relic Cave, it may very well be ranked as the fourth sect.

It was somewhat comical that Elder Xu called others evil and heretical.

A smile appeared on Mo Qianqiu's handsome face as he said, "Keep this formation for now to collect the resentment of corpses. Once Weizhou, no, the entire Hebei Province, is afflicted by the corpse plague, we'll have enough resentful dragons to condense immortal corpses!"

Han Bing listened to the conversation, a look of delight appearing on her beautiful face.

The golden immortal's head emitted a violent "humming" sound.

Just as the high-ranking members of the Corpse Yin Sect were marveling at the Golden Immortal's head, an inner sect protector quickly stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Sect Master, news from Protector Qin's side: the troops from the Great Jing Dynasty have arrived."

Mo Qianqiu was taken aback.

Elder Shao said, "Now that we have seized the Immortal Relic Grotto, can we withdraw our troops?"

In his view, he could slowly go back and digest what he had learned.

Mo Qianqiu pondered for a moment and said, "Once the three sects find out about our gains, they will definitely not let it go. Let's proceed according to the original plan."

His current refining of this golden immortal's head also requires more Yin energy to condense the resentful dragon.

Just then, Mo Qianqiu's heart stirred.

Han Bing asked, "Husband, what's wrong?"

"The Supreme Elder's Jade Tablet for Transmitting Sound." Mo Qianqiu said softly, a bad premonition suddenly rising in his heart. He quickly took the Jade Tablet for Transmitting Sound and poured in his immortal spiritual power.

At this moment, a voice transmission came from one of the two Supreme Elders of the Corpse Yin Sect through the Jade Tablet, saying, "Sect Master, the Shangqing Sect and the Yuqing Sect have joined forces. The Shangqing Sect has sent two Eighth Realm experts."

Upon hearing this, Mo Qianqiu's expression changed drastically, and he said, "Isn't the Jade Purity Sect supposed to sit idly by and do nothing?"

"It seems there have been some new developments within the Great Jing Dynasty." The Supreme Elder's voice carried a hint of anxiety as he said, "That sword immortal is exceptionally powerful. I suffered some losses, and the Jade Purity Sect is currently pursuing him. Sect Master, have you finished dealing with the matter?"

“It’s all been dealt with.” Upon hearing this, Mo Qianqiu’s handsome face turned solemn as he looked at Elder Shao beside him and said, “It seems that the people from the three sects have already made their move.”

However, he already has something to rely on to counter it.

With the head of the Golden Immortal in hand, once it is unleashed to fight, it can repel several powerful immortals.

"Elder, come with me to meet the Jade Purity Sect," Mo Qianqiu said coldly.

Meanwhile, Xuanlan Daoist conjured a golden seal in his palm and, together with Taibai Peak Master of Shangqing Sect, launched a combined attack on the Supreme Elder.

As for Shaoyang Daoist, he and a peak master of Shangqing Sect were dealing with another Supreme Elder of Shiyin Sect.

The spiritual light shone from the jade tablet in the palm of the Supreme Elder of the Corpse Yin Sect gradually faded. He looked coldly into the distance and said, "I didn't expect that the Shangqing and Yuqing sects would also bully the weak with numbers."

Xuanlan Daoist snorted coldly and shouted, "What's the point of talking about rules with people of the demonic path? You have already offended Heaven by causing havoc in the prefectures and counties. Now your time has come!"

Meanwhile, Shaoyang Daoist was fighting against a peak master (eighth realm) of Shangqing Sect and the Supreme Elder of Shiyin Sect.

The other two peak masters faced off against three elders from the Corpse Yin Sect. Their cultivation levels were roughly equal, but one side was a legitimate sect with a deep foundation and profound resources, while the other side had a large number of people. The battle between the two sides was evenly matched.

Until the Jade Purity Sect sent out two high-level combatants, the balance suddenly tipped in favor of the Jade Purity and the Upper Purity Sects.

Below, Vermilion Bird Envoy Xing Gang (early stage of the Fifth Realm Divine Illumination) and Vermilion Bird Deputy Envoy Lü Zhengjun and others led the people of the Vermilion Bird Division to besiege some of the Corpse Yin Sect hall masters below.

Meanwhile, the two Vice Commanders (Six Realms) who came from the Vermilion Bird Division of the Divine Capital clashed with several Inner Sect Protectors.

Or rather, when immortal giants of the seventh and eighth realms engage in battles, those of the sixth realm merely watch from the sidelines.

The Five Realms were completely unable to intervene.

(End of this chapter)