Bengtie: My death fueled their madness.

The space fell into a deathly silence, with only a few muffled groans of suppressed pain remaining.

Those guards and officers who had been thrown back by the blast wave got up one after another, all covered in dust and their faces still showing signs of shock.

Looking at the black iron prison wall that had been pierced by the body of the evil wind, with cracks spreading like a spider web.

Looking again at Qi Zhimu, who was slowly finishing his stance and whose breathing was as steady as ever, everyone's Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily, and they swallowed hard.

What kind of monster is he?

No further words are needed; the facts have already struck everyone's hearts.

If such force were to strike Usa's chest cavity without reservation, his heart and even his flesh and tendons would probably be pulverized in an instant.

Sha Feng wiped the bloodstains from his lips and leaped up with a somersault.

"If I'm not mistaken, this is Bajiquan, a folk martial art, right? But how did you manage to unleash this level of destructive power?"

Qi Zhimu lowered his arms, his expression remaining calm.

"It's true qi. I cultivated true qi through my dantian and refined it over many years, and that's how it is."

The corners of everyone's mouths twitched slightly.

I've seen immortals cultivate true qi from their dantian before, but someone as strong as Qi Zhimu is truly a first.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I still have something to say."

Qi Zhimu took out an item from the Jade Palace space, casually lifted the stone table next to him, and placed it on it.

"The heart of Usa has long been replaced by the scourge of abundance."

"What?!" Sha Feng's expression changed drastically.

Qi Zhimu raised his hand, gesturing for everyone to look at the transparent containment device.

Inside the device, a mass of dark red, almost black flesh and blood, still slowly writhing and contracting, was firmly sealed.

Even through the barrier, one could feel an intense, heart-pounding life force.

A faint, almost tyrannical, vitality, belonging to the bountiful and blessed, permeates the air.

Powerful, yet tinged with an indescribable ominousness, it is quite different from pure vitality; rather, it is more like a forced proliferation, an abnormal mutation of life that defies common sense.

Without any testing or refutation, everyone present, especially the Cloud Cavalry Guards who had fought against the Bu Li people for many years, was all too familiar with this aura.

Sha Feng carefully examined the pieces of flesh, sensing their power, his brows furrowed with seriousness.

"It truly is a harbinger of disaster. Decades ago, when I visited the Marshal at Luofu, I saw a branch that had been broken off from the Jianmu tree. Its aura was very similar, but it was much weaker than the Jianmu tree."

"No matter how weak, it can bring great power to Bu Liren."

Qi Zhimu pointed to the writhing pieces of flesh inside the containment device and said in a deep voice:

"So I brought it back to Yaoqingyou Prison and had it properly disposed of by the Ten Kings Division. Don't be fooled by how this thing was shattered; it will recover in just a few days."

Sha Feng: "You did a great job. If this thing were to fall into the wrong hands and be obtained by another Bu Li person, it would surely give birth to another Bu Li warrior."

After hearing this, a look of realization flashed across the eyes of those around them.

No wonder Usa died so quickly; it turns out that the bountiful resources he relied on for survival were temporarily destroyed.

But it must be said that Qi Zhimu's strength is truly terrifying; he can even blast a general away.

"Zhimu, Yao Qingyun's sword has been vacant for over ten years, and now it seems that it is none other than you," said one of the guards.

All Cloud Riders were required to practice swordsmanship, so no one bothered with the title of "Sword Master" or "Martial Master."

The others nodded subconsciously, agreeing with the former's statement.

Unexpectedly, Sha Feng closed his eyes and sighed, "Due to some personal reasons, Zhi Mu will not take up the position of Sword Master."

This is also why the Sword Master position has been vacant for ten years, because no Cloud Cavalry could defeat him!

However, Sha Feng understood Qi Zhimu.

In the past, in addition to his duties of planning and dispatching troops, General Xianzhou was also required to take the lead and break through enemy lines.

After the disaster in Cangcheng, the marshal issued a martial law order, prohibiting any general from leaving the main ship at will.

There is still no definite answer as to how long this martial law will last.

Sha Feng thought that perhaps only when the threat from the abundant evil creatures was greatly reduced would martial law be lifted.

But he might not live to see that era.

Everyone was stunned, but they could also understand the expressions on Sha Feng and Qi Zhimu's faces, realizing that this matter should not be asked any further.

"With the important spoils of war now handed over, if there is nothing else, I will proceed to the Dan Ding Division for a rational inspection."

"You must be tired from the expedition."

Sha Feng patted Qi Zhimu on the shoulder.

"Now that Bu Liren has lost his leader, he will be unable to rise to prominence for at least a century. This battle will last for several years. After that, you can take a good rest for a while."

"Thank you, General. I shall take my leave now." Qi Zhimu bowed his head slightly and then left.

As soon as he left, the other guards also departed.

Only Sha Feng stared at the flesh and blood inside, his brows gradually furrowing.

I always felt something was off about this monstrous heart and its fragmented flesh, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

……

After his triumphant return and various trips, Qi Zhimu finally returned to his long-missed home.

Although it's called home, I haven't actually spent much time here since the fall of Cangcheng.

For nine out of the more than ten years, he was fulfilling the ambition of the Immortal Ship to hunt.

"Lord Zhimu, you're back."

Mianxue and Qinghan had already finished their post-battle check-ups and were waiting at home.

"Mirror Stream is not here?"

"I have checked the battle reports sent back. Her squadron is currently located in the Magu system, 61 light-years away from the main ship, and the battle is raging." Qinghan reported with her head bowed.

Qi Zhimu nodded slightly, his gaze falling on Qinghan's legs.

After a long pause, he sighed softly, his voice filled with years of remorse.

"My leg ailment, which should have taken three years to heal, has been delayed until now because it has been with me through life and death... I'm so sorry."

"Why do you say such a thing, Lord Zhimu?!"

Qinghan couldn't bear to hear him say such things, and said with heartfelt respect:

"If it weren't for you, how could I have returned to the path of patrolling? Please don't apologize anymore! No matter what happens in the future, I swear to stay by your side until death."

Qi Zhimu was taken aback, noticing a glint of light that had never been seen before flashing across Qinghan's gray pupils.

He remained silent.

It's not that I don't understand, it's that I can't understand.

Those who dabble in forbidden things are destined to walk a lonely path on the edge of a sword; how can we drag her into this dark future?