The Ferocious God in the Celestial Master's Mansion

The mountain breeze carried the fresh scent of grass and trees, dispelling the lingering burnt smell in the valley. Zhang Zhiwei and Zhang Yulei walked side by side, the fallen leaves rustling under their feet. Neither of them spoke, yet there was a tacit understanding between them that needed no words.

Zhang Yulei's gaze kept falling on Zhang Zhiwei beside him, his mind still replaying the awe-inspiring scene of golden light suppressing the prison and thunder shattering the heavens. The power of the golden lightning pouring down from the sky, the domineering power of the golden light curtain suppressing all evil spirits, gave him a completely new understanding of the word "Grandmaster." He gripped the sword at his waist, his fingertips rubbing the cold scabbard, his fighting spirit and Dao heart becoming even more resolute at this moment.

"What are you thinking about?" Zhang Zhiwei's voice broke the silence. He turned his head, a faint smile on his face, his eyes clear and deep, as if they could see through people's hearts.

Zhang Yulei snapped out of his reverie and said frankly, "I was thinking about how Senior Brother's Golden Light Mantra and Thunder Technique have reached a level of unparalleled mastery. If I could have half of Senior Brother's strength, I would be able to sweep away those Japanese scum."

Zhang Zhiwei chuckled and shook his head: "There are no shortcuts on the path of martial arts. My current level of cultivation is not due to talent, but to decades of arduous training and unwavering adherence to my true self. You are not lacking in talent, but you are too impatient and have too much anger. Remember, power is a double-edged sword; it can kill enemies, but it can also harm yourself. Only by guarding your true self can you use power for your own purposes, rather than be devoured by it."

Zhang Yulei bowed and said, "Junior brother will remember senior brother's teachings."

He looked up into the distance, his gaze resolute: "Junior brother, from now on, you will definitely restrain your violent temper, take it upon yourself to protect all living beings, and never abuse your power."

Zhang Zhiwei nodded with satisfaction and patted him on the shoulder: "You've already made progress by understanding this."

The two continued on their way, and after about an hour, a dilapidated mountain god temple came into view. The temple door was half-closed, the paint on the door had long since peeled off, and most of the roof tiles had collapsed, indicating that it had been abandoned for a long time.

"Let's rest here," Zhang Zhiwei said. "Let's contact the outer disciples first and see what other strongholds the Japanese forces have in Jiangxi."

Zhang Yulei nodded, and the two entered the mountain god temple. The temple was covered in dust, with layers of cobwebs, and the statue in the center was already incomplete, with only half of its body remaining, making it look rather desolate.

Zhang Zhiwei took out a communication jade talisman from his robes and infused it with a wisp of Qi. The talisman instantly emitted a soft white light, within which runes faintly flowed. This was a communication jade talisman specially made by Longhu Mountain, which only inner and outer disciples could sense.

Not long after, three figures sped out of the mountains and landed at the entrance of the mountain god temple. Leading them was a middle-aged Taoist priest, dressed in the robes of an outer disciple of Longhu Mountain, with a resolute face and sharp eyes. Behind him followed two younger Taoist priests, both with solemn expressions.

Upon seeing Zhang Zhiwei and Zhang Yulei, the three quickly bowed and greeted their two senior brothers: "Disciples greet you both!"

The middle-aged Taoist priest was named Zhang Qingxuan. He was the leader of the outer disciples of the Longhu Mountain sect stationed in Jiangxi. His cultivation had reached the early stage of Refining Qi into Spirit, and his strength was considerable.

Zhang Zhiwei nodded and said, "Qingxuan, no need for formalities. Stand up and speak."

Zhang Qingxuan stood up and said solemnly, "Senior brother, the news of your slaying of the Japanese monster has spread throughout Jiangxi. The people are praising your merits and saying that you are saviors sent by Longhu Mountain."

He paused, then continued, "However, the Japanese forces have not retreated. According to information I have gathered, there are three more strongholds of Japanese supernatural beings in Jiangxi Province, located in Misty Ridge in northern Jiangxi, Falling Wind Cliff in central Jiangxi, and Blood Moon Valley in southern Jiangxi. Among them, the stronghold in Blood Moon Valley is the most dangerous, and it is said that a top Japanese expert is stationed there, whose strength is unfathomable."

"A top expert?" Zhang Zhiwei frowned slightly. "What's their background?"

Zhang Qingxuan shook his head: "His specific identity is unknown. All we know is that he is revered as 'Lord Oni-Faced' by the Japanese supernatural beings. He is extremely cruel, skilled in creating evil shikigami, and his hands are stained with the blood of countless people."

Zhang Yulei's eyes instantly turned icy cold, his killing intent surging: "Another beast who deserves to die!"

Zhang Zhiwei raised his hand and pressed down on his shoulder, saying in a deep voice, "Don't rush. Since this person dares to be in charge of Blood Moon Valley, he must have some ability. We can't act rashly."

He looked at Zhang Qingxuan and asked, "Which other supernatural forces in Jiangxi are on friendly terms with us?"

Zhang Qingxuan said, "There are three families. The first is Qingfeng Temple on Mount Lu, whose headmaster, Daoist Yunyouzi, has reached the peak of the Qi Refining and Spirit Transformation stage; the second is the Shui Clan of Poyang Lake, whose patriarch, Shui Qianliu, is skilled in water-based magic and is quite powerful; and the third is the Hakka Martial Arts Association of Southern Jiangxi, whose president, Zhong Tiequan, has mastered the Iron Sand Palm technique to perfection and has hundreds of martial arts masters under his command, all of whom are fearless and valiant."

Zhang Zhiwei nodded and said, "Alright. Immediately send a message to these three forces, saying that Longhu Mountain invites them to meet at Qingfeng Temple on Mount Lu in three days to discuss the grand plan to eliminate the Japanese monsters."

Zhang Qingxuan bowed and said, "Junior brother obeys!"

He turned to the two young Taoist priests behind him and said, "You two, come with me to deliver the message!"

The two young Taoist priests responded and quickly left with Zhang Qingxuan.

Inside the mountain god temple, only Zhang Zhiwei and Zhang Yulei remained.

Zhang Yulei said in a deep voice, "Senior brother, do you intend to unite these three forces to attack the stronghold of the Japanese supernatural beings?"

Zhang Zhiwei nodded: "That's right. The strength of the Japanese superhumans should not be underestimated, especially that Ghost-Faced Master, who is definitely a tough opponent. While a one-on-one fight might be victorious, casualties are inevitable. By uniting the three forces, we can reduce casualties and completely eliminate the Japanese forces, killing two birds with one stone."

Zhang Yulei said, "But would these three forces really be willing to join forces with us? In this chaotic world, everyone is in danger, and I'm afraid they might not dare to offend the Japanese outsiders."

Zhang Zhiwei smiled and said, "In chaotic times, everyone is naturally afraid, but national and personal vendettas are even more important than anything else. The Japanese invaders have slaughtered my compatriots and plundered my resources, which has already aroused the wrath of heaven and the resentment of the people. These three forces are all righteous people, and they will certainly not sit idly by. Moreover, with my Longhu Mountain taking the lead, they have no reason to refuse."

Zhang Yulei nodded and said no more. He knew that his senior brother's judgment was never wrong.

For the next three days, the two of them meditated and cultivated in the mountain god temple. Zhang Zhiwei would occasionally give Zhang Yulei some pointers on the application techniques of the Golden Light Mantra and Thunder Technique. Zhang Yulei had extremely high comprehension and understood immediately, and his cultivation showed faint signs of a breakthrough.

Three days later, just as dawn was breaking, Zhang Zhiwei and Zhang Yulei set off for Qingfeng Temple on Mount Lu.

Mount Lu, shrouded in mist and clouds, boasts stunning scenery and is renowned as "the most beautiful and unique mountain under heaven." However, the ongoing war has cast a shadow over this ancient and famous mountain.

Qingfeng Temple, located atop Mount Lu, is an ancient Taoist temple with a history spanning several hundred years. The stone steps outside the temple are covered in moss, while the temple bells inside chime melodiously and solemnly.

When Zhang Zhiwei and Zhang Yulei arrived at the entrance of Qingfeng Temple, they found that the entrance was already crowded with people.

Leading the group was an old Taoist priest in a blue robe, with white hair and a youthful face, exuding an air of otherworldly wisdom; he was none other than Abbot Yun Youzi of Qingfeng Temple. Behind him followed dozens of Qingfeng Temple disciples, all with solemn expressions.

Beside Daoist Yunyouzi stood a middle-aged man dressed in a blue, close-fitting outfit. He was burly and had sharp eyes; he was none other than Shui Qianliu, the patriarch of the Shui clan of Poyang Lake. Behind him followed a dozen or so strong men, all with dark skin, clearly those who made their living on the water year-round.

On the other side stood an elderly man dressed in a black short-sleeved shirt. He was short and stout, with calloused hands. He was Zhong Tiequan, the president of the Hakka Martial Arts Association. Behind him were hundreds of martial arts masters, all with long swords at their waists, exuding a menacing aura.

Upon seeing Zhang Zhiwei and Zhang Yulei approaching, Daoist Yunyouzi stepped forward first, cupped his hands, and said, "This humble Daoist Yunyouzi greets True Man Zhang of Longhu Mountain!"

Shui Qianliu and Zhong Tiequan quickly stepped forward, cupped their hands in greeting, and said, "Greetings, Master Zhang!"

Although they were all leaders of their respective factions, they dared not show the slightest disrespect to Zhang Zhiwei. Zhang Zhiwei's reputation had already resounded throughout the entire world of supernatural beings; his title as the number one among the younger generation was by no means undeserved.

Zhang Zhiwei returned the greeting with a cupped hand and smiled, "Daoist Yun, Chief of the Water Clan, Chairman Zhong, there's no need for such formalities. I've invited you all here today because I have important matters to discuss."

Master Yunyouzi said, "Master Zhang, please speak. I am all ears."

Zhang Zhiwei nodded, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, and said in a deep voice, "As you all know, Japanese pirates are rampant these days, and these Japanese supernatural beings are using the lifeblood of my compatriots to cultivate evil arts, create shikigami, and harm the common people. This is intolerable! As the leader of the supernatural community in Jiangxi, Longhu Mountain cannot stand idly by. I have invited you all here today to join forces with you to eradicate all Japanese supernatural beings within Jiangxi and restore peace to the people!"

His voice was powerful and resonant, instantly evoking a sense of shared experience among the crowd.

Zhong Tiequan slapped his thigh and roared, "Master Zhang is right! Those Japanese bastards should have been killed long ago! My Hakka Martial Arts Association is willing to fight alongside Longhu Mountain and wipe them out without leaving a single one alive!"

Shui Qianliu also said in a deep voice, "The Japanese invaders killed members of my Shui clan and plundered the resources of Poyang Lake. This is an irreconcilable enmity! My Shui clan is willing to await the command of Master Zhang!"

Master Yunyouzi said, "The disciples of Qingfeng Temple have been waiting in ambush, ready to descend the mountain to slay demons and monsters at Master Zhang's command!"

Seeing everyone's enthusiastic response, Zhang Zhiwei felt much more at ease. He said loudly, "Alright! Since you all understand the greater good so well, I will speak frankly. Within Jiangxi Province, there are three strongholds of Japanese supernatural beings: Misty Ridge, Falling Wind Cliff, and Blood Moon Valley. Among them, the stronghold in Blood Moon Valley is the most dangerous, and it is guarded by a top Japanese expert."

He paused, then continued, "My plan is to split our forces into three groups. My junior brother Zhang Yulei and I will attack Blood Moon Valley and kill that top Japanese expert. Daoist Yun, you will lead the Qingfeng Temple disciples to attack Misty Ridge. Chief Shui, you will lead the Shui clan to attack Falling Wind Cliff. Chairman Zhong, you will lead the Hakka Martial Arts Association disciples to provide support to all sides and prevent the Japanese outsiders from escaping."

Everyone responded in unison, "Yes, sir!"

Zhang Zhiwei nodded in satisfaction and said, "Good! We'll act simultaneously in three days! At that time, we'll make those Japanese bastards pay for their crimes in blood!"

"A blood debt must be paid in blood!"

The crowd shouted in unison, their voices resounding through the sky and dispersing the clouds and mist of Mount Lu.

Inside Qingfeng Temple, the atmosphere was lively. Everyone raised their cups and drank heartily, swearing an oath of blood to jointly eliminate the strange people from Japan.

Standing beside Zhang Zhiwei, Zhang Yulei watched the scene unfold before him, a surge of pride welling up within him. He knew this was how the Central Plains' world of supernatural beings should be: united in purpose and driven by a common hatred for the enemy.

As the sun sets, its afterglow falls on the summit of Mount Lu, casting a long, long shadow of Qingfeng Temple.

The crowd dispersed and went back to prepare.

Zhang Zhiwei and Zhang Yulei stood in front of the Qingfeng Temple gate, gazing at the sea of ​​clouds in the distance.

Zhang Yulei said in a deep voice, "Senior brother, in three days, we will be able to kill that masked man and avenge our fallen comrades!"

Zhang Zhiwei nodded, his gaze deep: "Yes. However, that Ghost Mask is no easy opponent. We must be fully prepared."

He paused, then said, "These three days, cultivate diligently and consolidate your upcoming breakthrough. The battle at Blood Moon Valley in three days will be a fierce one."

Zhang Yulei nodded emphatically: "Junior brother understands!"

Their gazes simultaneously turned towards southern Jiangxi. That was where Blood Moon Valley was located, and also the epicenter of a storm.

As night deepened, the stars shone brightly atop Mount Lu.

However, Blood Moon Valley in southern Jiangxi is a place of gloom and terror.

In a deep, dark cave, a man wearing a ghost mask sat on a stone chair, listening to his subordinates' reports. He was shrouded in a thick layer of black mist, exuding a chilling, sinister aura.

"Zhang Zhiwei of Longhu Mountain, in alliance with Qingfeng Temple of Lushan, the Shui clan of Poyang Lake, and the Hakka Martial Arts Association, are planning to attack our stronghold in three days?" The masked man's voice was hoarse, like the hooting of an owl. "Interesting. Very interesting indeed!"

He suddenly stood up, his body surging with black energy: "Zhang Zhiwei, Zhang Yulei... very good! I was just worried about not being able to find you, and you've delivered yourself right to my doorstep!"

He turned to one of his subordinates and said sternly, "Pass on my order: have all the disciples of Misty Ridge and Falling Wind Cliff retreat to Blood Moon Valley! I will lay a trap here, ensuring that Zhang Zhiwei and Zhang Yulei never return!"

The subordinate bowed and said, "Yes, sir!"

The masked man slowly raised his head, and beneath the mask, a pair of eyes gleamed with a bloodthirsty light.

"Longhu Mountain... Heh... This time, I'll make you all nourishment for my shikigami!"

Inside the cave, a chilling wind blew, and a murderous intent lurked everywhere.

A decisive battle that will determine the life and death of the Japanese invaders in Jiangxi is quietly approaching.

Zhang Zhiwei and Zhang Yulei, however, had already made preparations for this.

Three days later, Blood Moon Valley.

It will surely be a bloodbath!