The memories of all humanity are awakening, except for mine.

Jiang Chuan threw in the last piece of charcoal, and sparks flew up with a "pop".

“It’s so late, and the Supreme Realm cultivators still haven’t arrived. I’m afraid Cao Jiang’s jade token might really be a trap.” Tang Zhizhi broke the silence.

Suddenly, Jiang Chuan's ears twitched slightly.

He quietly approached Tang Zhizhi and covered her mouth.

Tang Zhizhi was startled awake and was about to resist when Jiang Chuan quickly made a shushing gesture and indicated with his eyes that something was wrong.

Jiang Chuan, with his keen senses, held his breath and focused on capturing the slightest movement.

A moment later, he whispered in Tang Zhizhi's ear: "At least five people are nearby. Their auras are off; they are not from the four righteous sects."

Tang Zhizhi used his pupil technique to see in the darkness, but could only see blurry shadows and hear no sound.

Jiang Chuan continued, "Judging from their conversation, it sounds like they're looking for something. I guess their target might be something on you."

Tang Zhi subconsciously gripped his sword, pondering what he possessed that would attract the covetous eyes of the Demonic Sect.

"Could it be..." she was about to speak when Jiang Chuan interrupted her, "Shh, don't make a sound."

Just then, the sleeping Kongkong turned over and mumbled, "Master... water..."

Jiang Chuan and Tang Zhizhi's expressions changed drastically. Before they could react, with a "boom," a dark figure threw something out from the shadows, which exploded beside the fire, filling the air with demonic energy.

"Oh no, they're from the Demonic Sect!"

Jiang Chuan shouted and quickly drew his sword.

Tang Zhizhi and Jiang Chuan stood back to back, cautiously scanning their surroundings.

Five figures emerged from the darkness. One of them stood on a high tree branch, exuding a cold and powerful aura, making him appear extremely formidable.

"Hmph, Guigu Jiangchuan, Leiyin Tang Zhizhi, and that little monk from the Hanging Temple, I never thought I could catch them all here."

The black-robed figure on the tree branch let out a sinister laugh.

Jiang Chuan sneered: "Who are you? What kind of skill is it to launch a sneak attack in the middle of the night?"

The man in black robes looked up and said, "Jiang Chuan, you have guts, but tonight, none of you will leave alive."

We need to buy time; perhaps a turning point will come.

Jiang Chuan then said, "Aren't you afraid that the aura of a Supreme Realm expert will attract the powerful figures from the four righteous sects? If that happens, you won't be able to handle the situation."

The man in black robes laughed loudly: "The four righteous sects are struggling to protect themselves, how can they have time to care about you?"

No sooner had he finished speaking than four disciples of the Demonic Sect couldn't contain themselves and rushed over.

Jiang Chuan's eyes sharpened, and his sword flashed with cold light as he engaged in battle with a demonic cultivator at the Acupoint stage.

The demonic cultivator brandished his broadsword with fierce moves, but Jiang Chuan was agile and had unpredictable swordsmanship. After a few rounds, he found an opening and pierced the demonic cultivator's chest with his sword.

Without further hesitation, the man in black robes attacked Jiang Chuan directly.

Jiang Chuan knew the black-robed man was formidable, so he immediately activated the jade at his waist. In an instant, his cultivation level surged, and his aura became stronger.

Even so, Jiang Chuan was still struggling under the black-robed man's fierce attacks.

The man in black robes struck out with his palm, the wind howling, and Jiang Chuan quickly raised his sword to block.

However, the force of this palm strike was too great, and Jiang Chuan was sent flying, crashing into two large trees before finally stopping.

He struggled to his feet, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, and a sharp pain in his chest.

At the same time, Tang Zhizhi and Kongkong also engaged in combat with three other demonic cultivators.

Tang Zhizhi unleashed the "Ink Landscape" sword technique, each strike carrying a powerful sword aura.

Kongkong then unleashed his Water and Fire Staff, employing the Vajra Subduing Demon Divine Power, his Buddhist aura overflowing, forcing a demonic cultivator to retreat repeatedly.

"Tang Zhizhi, let's hold on, we'll definitely see a turning point!"

Rainwater slid down Jiang Chuan's forehead, his aura was chaotic, he was on the verge of the half-step supreme realm, his power was like a wild horse, giving him the illusion that the world was upside down and he could control everything, and the rage in his heart was also surging.

"This kid has actually touched the threshold of the half-step Supreme Realm," the black-robed demonic cultivator not far away licked his dry, cracked lips, his eyes filled with greed. "If I cripple his limbs and use the Soul Searching Technique to seize the secret method, I'll definitely be able to advance another step!"

The demonic cultivators around him echoed his sentiments, their faces filled with sinister smiles.

At this moment, flames were also raging deep within the Qilian Mountains.

The powerful figures of the Demonic Sect and the Supreme Realm cultivators from the four righteous sects were locked in a fierce and evenly matched battle.

"Hmph, you righteous old men, once you've entered my demonic formation, there's no escape!"

The elder of the Demonic Sect, holding the Daoist sect's communication jade token, laughed wildly.

Xue Xing, Xiao Ning, and the others wore solemn expressions, unleashing sword formations and spells to fight the demonic shadows.

"Trying to outmaneuver us? Not so easy!"

Xue Xing roared, and the immortal sword in his hand shone brightly.

On this side of the mountain valley, Tang Zhizhi and Kongkong faced off against three cultivators from the Demonic Sect who possessed profound knowledge.

"Little brat, just obediently prepare to die!"

A demonic cultivator brandished a spiked club and swung it at Tang Zhizhi with a whooshing sound.

Tang Zhizhi dodged to the side, his famous sword Hetu flashing in a flourish. "Dream on!"

She thrust her sword out with a backhand motion, the wind from the blade sharp and fierce.

On the other side, Jiang Chuan faced the black-robed man at the Supreme Realm, feeling immense pressure.

"Kid, die!"

As a thunderclap resounded, the man in black robes unleashed his demonic sword, wreathed in billowing demonic flames, and cleaved straight down into the river.

Jiang Chuan's eyes narrowed, "Heavenly Profound Sword Formation!"

Sword energy crisscrossed his body as he attempted to defend himself.

Unexpectedly, the man in black robes was too strong. With a "bang," Jiang Chuan was blasted away by the man in black robes, crashing into the mountain wall and spitting out blood.

"Jiang Chuan!"

Tang Zhizhi was extremely anxious, but she herself was also caught in a difficult struggle.

The two demonic cultivators worked together seamlessly, forcing her to retreat repeatedly.

"Miss Tang, don't panic!"

Kongkong brandished his Water-Fire Staff, which shone with Buddhist light, and charged towards the demonic cultivator, shouting, "This humble monk is here to help you!"

"You overconfident little bald monk!"

The demonic cultivator sneered and slashed at Kong Kong with his sword.

Kongkong moved nimbly, his staff flashing. "Amitabha, put down your butcher's knife!"

Despite his inferior cultivation level, he showed no fear.

On Tang Zhizhi's side, the demonic cultivator's cleaver attack was fierce, and with a "clang," He Tu was knocked away.

"Today is your death day!"

The demonic cultivator, his face filled with murderous intent, flashed his blade and aimed straight at Tang Zhizhi's throat.

With his life hanging in the balance, Jiang Chuan forced himself to his feet, "I can't... let anything happen to them!"

He channeled his spiritual energy with all his might, attempting to awaken his consciousness.
"Jiang Chuan, hang in there!"

Tang Zhizhi swung his sword to block the attacks of the two demonic cultivators, and out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of Jiang Chuan's swaying figure.

The demonic cultivators' attacks grew increasingly fierce, and Tang Zhizhi gradually became overwhelmed, sustaining several wounds on his body.

"Hmph, little girl, today is your death day!"

A demonic cultivator seized the opportunity, raised his demonic blade high, and with a whistling sound, slashed straight at Tang Zhizhi's head.

At the critical moment, a dragon's roar resounded from the depths of Jiang Chuan's sea of ​​consciousness, and the power of the dragon soul suddenly erupted.

He flashed and appeared in front of Tang Zhizhi, the spirit of the sword, Mountain Ghost, appearing in his hand. With a flash of ghostly light, he easily deflected the demonic blade.

With a "clang," the demonic blade was knocked several feet away, landing on the muddy ground and splashing up a cloud of mud and water. "What...what is this?"

The demonic cultivators looked terrified and involuntarily took a few steps back.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Kongkong swung his Water and Fire Staff, sending an injured demonic cultivator flying.

The demonic cultivator screamed and crashed into a tree, his fate unknown.

The man in black robes had a gloomy expression as he looked at the sword spirit, the Mountain Ghost, who was faintly visible beside Jiang Chuan, with great apprehension.

"I never expected you to have such methods," the man in black gritted his teeth, "but this matter will not end here!"

Having said that, he waved his hand and shouted, "Withdraw!"

The demonic cultivators scattered like birds and beasts, quickly disappearing into the rain.

"Want to run? It's not that easy!"

Jiang Chuan snorted coldly, and the power of the dragon soul continued to surge into his body, his aura rapidly rising, and in the blink of an eye he broke through to the Supreme Realm.

His figure transformed into a streak of light, chasing after the direction in which the man in black robes had fled.

Tang Zhizhi shouted, ignoring his injuries, and drew his knife to give chase.

Kongkong quickly stopped her, "Miss Tang, your injuries are quite serious. Rest for a while before we continue our pursuit."

Tang Zhizhi bit her lower lip, looking in the direction Jiang Chuan disappeared. "No, I'm afraid Jiang Chuan will be in danger if he goes alone."

"This humble monk will accompany you on your journey."

Kongkong helped Tang Zhizhi along, and the two of them struggled forward in the rain, chasing after Jiangchuan.

The man in black robes ran desperately through the rain, staggering as he looked back in terror. He saw a figure chasing closely behind him—it was Jiang Chuan.

"How could this be... how could he be so strong!"

The man in black robes thought he could easily subdue these three young men, but now he was being chased by Jiang Chuan like a stray dog.

Jiang Chuan's aura was violent, like a surging tide of anger, and the ground trembled with every step he took.

His pursuit was swift and resolute, like a raging storm. No matter how the man in black fled, he could not escape this ever-present danger and was already in dire straits.

Tang Zhizhi and Kongkong struggled to catch up in the rain.

Tang Zhizhi's face was pale, and her wounds throbbed with pain. Rainwater seeped into her wounds, causing a stinging sensation, but she showed no sign of backing down.

"Jiang Chuan... how did he suddenly become so powerful?"

Tang Zhizhi muttered to himself, both shocked by Jiang Chuan's displayed strength and deeply worried about his safety as he pursued the man in black robes alone.

Kongkong followed closely beside Tang Zhizhi, using his water and fire stick to support them as they moved forward.

“Miss Tang, don’t worry, we will definitely catch up with Benefactor Bai.”

He said breathlessly, Buddhist precepts echoing in his heart, which made him disregard the difficulties and wholeheartedly assist Tang Zhizhi.

Suddenly, a deafening dragon's roar resounded throughout the entire Qilian Mountains.

The dragon's roar was like a great bell, rolling in and shaking the clouds and mist in the mountains.

Tang Zhizhi and Kongkong stumbled, the ground shook violently, and the century-old trees beside them swayed incessantly, with several of them unable to withstand the weight and collapsing with a crash.

"This...this is Jiangchuan's Dragon's Roar?"

Tang Zhizhi exclaimed in astonishment.

Kongkong's face turned ashen. He recalled the past of the Hanging Temple. "Miss Tang, this voice... reminds me of Taotie, one of the four evil spirits that the Hanging Temple once suppressed."

The terrifying aura emanating from the Taotie back then plunged the entire Hanging Temple into panic, but now, the aura emanating from Benefactor Bai is several times more terrifying than that of the Taotie!

Kong Kong swallowed hard and advised, "Miss Tang, let's leave this place quickly. We can't possibly fight against such a terrifying being."

Tang Zhizhi shook her head, "No, Jiang Chuan saved us, I can't abandon him."

After saying that, she ignored Kong Kong's advice and quickened her pace, running towards the direction of the dragon's roar.

At this moment, deep in the Qilian Mountains, the battle between the elders of the Demonic Sect and the four righteous sects has descended into chaos.

The awakening of the ferocious beast terrified both sides, breaking the tense situation that had been on the verge of conflict.

A massive horde of beasts surged and crashed towards the outside of the mountains, causing landslides and cracks in their wake. Deep trenches were torn into the earth, and the dense forests were razed to the ground by the onslaught of the beasts.

The residents of Cang'er Town were so frightened by the sight of the giant-like monster rushing out of the mountains that they collapsed to the ground, their cries and screams filling the air.

The enormous monster stomped down, crushing the houses to pieces, engulfing the entire town in flames, and almost leveling it to the ground.

Master Kongchan of the Hanging Temple rushed over, clasped his hands together, and tried to stop the beast tide with Buddhist teachings.

"Amitabha Buddha, all living beings, stop the killing! Stop immediately!"

Unfortunately, the beast tide was overwhelming, and Master Kongchan's Buddhist teachings could not stop this frenzied force.

On the other side, Xue Xing and Xiao Ning also realized the seriousness of the situation.

"No, this beast tide is too terrifying. We must notify the four sect leaders and request reinforcements!"

Xue Xing said anxiously.

Xiao Ning nodded, "But now that the beast tide has broken out, everyone is in a state of panic, and communication may be difficult to maintain."

Just as the two were getting anxious, the beast tide surged in.

Xue Xing immediately ordered, "Disciples of the four sects, listen to my command! Evacuate Qilian Mountain at once!"

However, the epicenter of the beast tide was precisely where they were located. The remnants of the demonic sect and the righteous disciples were the first to be hit and were trampled to death under the impact of the beast tide, with screams echoing endlessly.

While Tang Zhizhi and Kongkong were searching for Jiang Chuan, they suddenly heard a faint cry for help.

The two followed the sound and found the man in black robes buried under a pile of mud, with only his head sticking out, looking utterly disheveled.

"Help...help me!"

The man in black robes called out weakly.

Just as Tang Zhizhi was about to take action, Kong Kong stopped her, "Miss Tang, this man is a member of the Demonic Sect, who has committed numerous evils. Why would you save him?"

Tang Zhizhi hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward and used his knife to dig out the man in black.

"We are on the right path, but we cannot stand by and watch someone die."

Just then, the two saw Jiang Chuan.

Jiang Chuan underwent a terrifying transformation. Strange scales grew on his face, and his eyes transformed into golden pupils that emitted a golden light, filled with a mocking murderous intent.

"Bai...Bai benefactor?"

Kongkong exclaimed in disbelief.

Jiang Chuan's gaze fell on Tang Zhizhi and Kongkong, his voice carrying a cold, metallic quality, "Why are you here?"

Kongkong realized that the Jiang Chuan before him was no longer the Jiang Chuan they knew. "Benefactor Bai, you...you have been controlled by the Dragon Soul!"

Jiang Chuan, however, seemed completely unconcerned about his own changes, and instead burst into laughter, "Control? This is nothing more than the awakening of power."

His laughter echoed through the mountains, carrying a chilling aura.

A monster attempting to escape passed by, but upon sensing Jiang Chuan's imposing aura, it froze in place in fear. It then changed direction and scrambled away, not daring to make a sound.

At the southern end of the northern border lies Suiyang, the capital of the Song Dynasty.

On the city wall, soldiers held long spears; below the city gate, carriages and horses bustled about, and pedestrians hurried by, yet everyone's face betrayed a hint of tension.

The State of Song has amassed 100,000 troops on its border, ready to fight at any moment, with their swords pointed at the State of Zheng. Twenty years ago, the King of Song was poisoned in Zheng, and now the State of Song wants to wash away this deep-seated hatred with a war.

The state of Zheng was in complete chaos.

In the palace, King Zheng was old and frail, but he unexpectedly gave birth to a son after favoring a dancer.

The birth of this young child led King Zheng to absurdly elevate the dancer to the rank of concubine, a move that thoroughly enraged the Crown Prince's faction.

"My father is so foolish! He has thrown the court into chaos because of a mere dancer!" (End of Chapter)