Surviving in a world of demons and monsters to achieve martial arts sainthood

Shen Lian and his group quickly retreated and reported the situation inside truthfully.

After hearing Shen Lian's report, Jiang Han frowned, the river wind whistling as it billowed his silver cloud-patterned robe.

"Mo Lin has only been dead for a short time, and now the 'Ghost Cry Gorge' stronghold is already deserted. The 'Witchcraft Cult's' reaction is really swift," Jiang Han said calmly.

Zhao Shan said in a deep voice, "They got the news so quickly?"

Jiang Han nodded and said, "The 'Witchcraft Cult' in the Southern Frontier is skilled at using Gu worms to transmit messages. Before Mo Lin died, he must have used Gu worms to transmit the information. It is reasonable for the other strongholds to receive the news and evacuate in advance."

Sun Yan gritted his teeth and said, "If we let them get away, there will be endless troubles in the future."

"Run?" Jiang Han laughed. "They can't escape. The map marks seven strongholds, each at a different level. Jiangxin Island is the core, and 'Ghost Cry Gorge' should be the next level. Of the other five, at least one or two are important supply depots. They can't possibly give them up so easily."

He looked at Zhao Shan and said, "Commander Zhao, you are familiar with this area. Which outpost do you think is most likely a supply depot?"

Zhao Shan stared at the map, his finger landing on the three characters "Broken Dragon Cliff": "Here. Broken Dragon Cliff is several feet deep, with natural caves at the bottom of the pool. In the past, it was a hiding place for smuggled salt merchants. It was closed off after the bandit suppression thirty years ago, but if the 'Witchcraft Cult' wants to store a large amount of demon stones or other materials, this place is the most secluded."

"Then let's go to Broken Dragon Cliff," Jiang Han said decisively. "Commander Zhao will oversee operations from the rear, and I'll lead an elite team ahead."

"Lord Jiang, the terrain of Duanlong Cliff is complex and extremely dangerous..." Zhao Shan said with some concern.

Jiang Han waved his hand and said, "It is precisely because of the danger that we need to act quickly. If we wait for them to move away at their leisure, the trail will be completely cut off."

Half an hour later, Jiang Han, Shen Lian, Li Hu, and five other capable demon-suppressing envoys were already galloping on their horses toward Duanlong Cliff.

All seven were lightly armed, carrying only necessary weapons and a few pills and talismans.

Shen Lian rode on his horse, his internal energy circulating slowly, the wound on his left arm already mostly healed. He looked at Jiang Han's back ahead; this Silver Badge Envoy was young, yet acted swiftly and decisively, and his combat strength was unfathomable.

"Shen Lian," Jiang Han suddenly said, "I've heard that you've perfected both the 'Tiger Subduing Stake' and the 'Demon Subduing Blade Technique,' making you a standout among the younger generation in Qinghe County."

Shen Lianqian replied, "You flatter me, sir. I have only been practicing diligently."

Jiang Han glanced back at him: "Diligent practice is fundamental, but to be able to master two martial arts to perfection at the fifth level of Body Tempering requires considerable talent. Within the Demon Suppression Division of Qingzhou Prefecture, there are no more than ten people who can achieve this."

Li Hu clicked his tongue and said, "Brother Lian, did you hear that? Even the Silver Badge Envoy praised you."

Shen Lian's heart stirred slightly, and he asked, "Lord Jiang, among the younger generation in Qingzhou Prefecture, who is the strongest?"

Jiang Han pondered for a moment and said, "Those who have made a public appearance are the 'Four Heroes of Qingzhou.' You've already met Chu Chunqiu, who is ranked fourth. The third is Baihua Jianlin Wanzhu, whose swordsmanship is extremely strong and has reached the ninth level of Body Tempering. The second is Ba Dao Lei Zhen, whose swordsmanship is fierce and rarely matched among those of the same realm."

"And who's first?" Li Hu asked curiously.

Jiang Han exhaled and said, "The first one... is named Qin Wuyue. She suddenly rose to prominence three years ago, and her origins are mysterious. She has never shown her full strength in public. But everyone who has fought her admits that she is unfathomable. There are rumors that she has already touched the threshold of the 'True Qi Realm'."

True Qi Realm!

Shen Lian's pupils contracted slightly. Above the Body Tempering Realm lies the True Qi Realm. Once one breaks through, inner force transforms into true qi, which can be released from the body to injure others, resulting in a qualitative change in strength. In the entire Qingzhou Prefecture, there are only a handful of True Qi Realm experts.

"But you don't need to underestimate yourself," Jiang Han said, changing the subject. "Qin Wuyue is already twenty-four, and you're only seventeen. If you're given seven years, you might be able to catch up."

"Thank you for your encouragement, sir," Shen Lian said, cupping his hands in greeting. "Lord Jiang, you seem to know a great deal about the 'Witchcraft Cult'?"

Jiang Han said without turning his head, "Three years ago, I was on a mission in the Southern Frontier and had dealings with the 'Witchcraft Cult.' This cult operates in secrecy and has a strict hierarchy. Although Mo Lin is a Holy Envoy, his status in the cult is not high. The real troublemakers are the elders and that mysterious cult leader."

Shen Lian continued, "Mo Lin said that the sect leader intends to refine the 'Myriad Gu Sacred Body' to unify the Southern Frontier and contend for the Central Plains. What exactly is this 'Myriad Gu Sacred Body'?"

Jiang Han remained silent for a moment, then slowly said, "That is the supreme secret technique of the 'Witchcraft Cult.' It involves tempering one's body with ten thousand kinds of Gu insects, transforming the physical body into a Gu nest, and thus being able to control all poisonous insects in the world, making one impervious to swords and spears and immune to all poisons. However, this method goes against the laws of nature, requires the sacrifice of a living person, and has an extremely low success rate. In the past three hundred years, no one has ever succeeded in refining it."

"That Yuwang Ding..."

"The Yuwang Cauldron is an ancient divine artifact." Jiang Han's expression was solemn. "Legend has it that when Yu the Great was controlling the floods, he gathered bronze from all nine provinces to cast nine cauldrons to suppress the water sources of the world. The one suppressed at the bottom of the Qinglong River is one of the nine cauldrons. This cauldron has the ability to control rivers. If it falls into the hands of the Witchcraft Cult, and is combined with the Tide-Summoning Array, several counties in Qingzhou may indeed be turned into a swamp."

As they spoke, the seven had already arrived at the outer perimeter of Broken Dragon Cliff.

As the sun began to set, its afterglow bathed the surface of the pool, creating a shimmering golden glow. Duanlong Cliff covers approximately one hundred acres, surrounded by mountains on three sides, with only a narrow waterway connecting it to the Qinglong River. Ancient trees tower along the pool's edge, their vines hanging down, lending it a secluded and tranquil atmosphere.

Jiang Han gestured for everyone to dismount and lowered his voice: "Split into three groups to investigate. Shen Lian and Li Hu, come with me from the front. Wang Meng and Zhao Si, circle around to the western cliff to observe. Sun Wu and Zhou Qing, guard the waterway exit to prevent anyone from escaping by water."

"yes!"

Everyone obeyed the order.

Shen Lian and Li Hu followed Jiang Han, quietly advancing along the bushes by the pool.

The pool was calm and still, appearing unusually tranquil.

Shen Lian activated [Combat Power Detection] and clearly sensed several faint fluctuations of energy underwater.

[Combat Strength]: 18~25

[Combat Strength]: 22~30

[Combat Strength]: 15~20

"There's something underwater," Shen Lian whispered.

Jiang Han also noticed this and warned, "They should be ferocious aquatic beasts tamed by the Witchcraft Cult, used as a warning. Be careful not to disturb them."

The three continued their stealthy advance and soon arrived at a pile of rocks by the pool. Looking through the cracks in the rocks, they could see a hidden cave entrance on the opposite bank of the pool, half-submerged in the water, with only a three-foot gap visible.

"That's it." Jiang Han said sharply. "There are fresh drag marks at the entrance, so someone must have been going in and out recently."

Led by Jiang Han, the three of them quietly entered, sneaking along the wall.

After half an incense stick had burned, Jiang Han and his two companions arrived at a cave. Stalactites hung from the cave ceiling, and dozens of wooden boxes were casually placed on the ground.

Two cultists dressed in black robes are counting supplies.

Not far away was a black lotus platform, upon which sat a gaunt old man.

[Combat Strength]: 118~145

Shen Lian looked at the withered old man, and the [Combat Power Detection] quietly activated. The opponent's combat power data was displayed, showing that he was a formidable character at the eighth level of the Heavenly Realm.

Jiang Han said in a low voice, "This person is Viper, an elder of the 'Witchcraft Cult,' who is skilled in using poison. You and Li Hu should step back first."

suddenly!

Jiang Han's figure surged forward, rushing ahead.

"Who is it?"

The two sorcerers were immediately alarmed and shouted angrily.

But Jiang Han had already closed in, his long sword suddenly unsheathed, and he slashed down angrily forward.

The black-robed cultist hurriedly tried to block with both hands, but was killed by Jiang Han.

The viper on the black lotus platform suddenly opened its eyes, its gaze turning cold as it looked at Jiang Han and the other two: "Silver Badge Envoy of Qingzhou Prefecture, I recognize you. Three years ago on the southern border, you killed my junior brother. Today, this Broken Dragon Cliff will be your burial ground."

Jiang Han gripped his longsword tightly in his right hand and snorted, "The 'Witchcraft Cult' harms the people by practicing evil arts; their crimes deserve to be punished."

The viper slowly rose, his eyes suddenly turning cold. He held a snake-headed staff, its shaft carved into the shape of a snake: "You think you can ruin my Holy Church's plans? You're delusional. Today, none of the three of you will leave here alive."

The viper suddenly surged forward.

The snake-headed staff slammed down on Jiang Han, its fangs spewing out three streams of dark green venom that dispersed into mist in the air, enveloping Jiang Han.

Jiang Han flicked his longsword, unleashing a sharp, piercing aura.

Two powerful energies collided inside the cave.

The viper held a snake-headed staff, the venom dripping from the tip onto the ground with a hissing sound and a puff of white smoke.

"You got away with it three years ago, but you won't be so lucky this time," Jiang Han said coldly, holding his sword in front of him.

The viper sneered, "You'll have to have the ability to do that."

After saying that, the viper stuck its snake-head staff into the ground, and dark green poisonous mist was released from the staff, spreading in all directions.

Jiang Han shouted sharply, "Hold your breath!"

Seeing the viper release poisonous mist, Shen Lian and Li Hu dared not be careless at all. They quickly retreated and activated the "Tiger Subduing Stance" mental technique.

Taking advantage of the situation, the viper launched a fierce attack, its snake-headed staff aimed at Jiang Han's lower body.

Jiang Han moved with steady footwork, using his longsword to block the viper's attack.

clang!

A shockwave exploded inside the cave, forcing the viper to retreat several steps. His snake-headed staff trembled slightly, and horror flashed in his eyes.

Jiang Han's strength has improved considerably compared to three years ago.

"Jiang Han, don't be so smug. The sect leader's divine skill is about to be completed, and our sect is determined to have the 'Yu Wang Ding'! At that time, Qingzhou will become a vast ocean, and you will all die," Viper shouted.

The next moment, he flipped his wrist, and several dark lights shot out from his sleeve. They were actually several completely black Gu worms, moving at an astonishing speed.

"Watch out for the Gu worms!" Jiang Han shouted sharply, wildly brandishing his long sword.

Upon seeing the Gu worms thrown out by the viper, Shen Lian and Li Hu immediately swung their long swords, unleashing the "Demon-Subduing Sword Technique." The sword light flashed like a bolt of lightning, slashing at the flying Gu worms.

Shen Lian swept his blade horizontally, slicing the flying Gu worm in two. The Gu worm writhed upon landing, oozing a dark green liquid.

On the other side, Li Hu suddenly slashed out with his sword, cleaving another Gu worm away. But the blade was corroded, leaving several dents, which made his expression change.

The viper took the initiative to attack Jiang Han. With a flick of his snake-head staff, three emerald green venomous snakes shot out from the snake's head and lunged straight at Jiang Han's face.

"Fishing alone on a cold river!"

Jiang Han's sword stance changed, and his sword energy spread out, instantly severing the three poisonous snakes.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, the viper rushed forward and struck Shen Lian with its left palm, which glowed with a bluish-black light, clearly containing a deadly poison.

Shen Lian quickly stepped into the "Tiger-Taming Stance" footwork, swept his long sword horizontally, and used the "Wave-Slaying Style" to slash at the viper.

"Overestimating yourself." The viper swept his snake-headed staff horizontally.

Shen Lian parried with his sword, the powerful force forcing him back.

Seeing this, Li Hu roared angrily and unleashed the full power of the "Mountain Splitting Strike" to strike the viper.

Without turning his head, the viper swung his staff and sent Li Hu flying.

Jiang Han's eyes turned cold. He stepped forward and charged out, his blade flashing like lightning as he attacked the viper.

Viper swung his snake-headed staff to parry Jiang Han's longsword. The clash of their weapons unleashed a powerful burst of energy that shattered all the wooden crates inside the cave.

Inside, piles of demon stones were exposed.

Jiang Han said coldly, "So you really are here refining demon stones."

The viper grinned maliciously, "This cave at Broken Dragon Cliff connects to an underground river, making it the perfect place to cultivate Water Demon Guardians. It's a pity you discovered it... so you can't be allowed to live."

He suddenly blew a bone whistle.

There was movement in the water not far away.

Something is coming up from the water.

Then, three mutants covered in scales emerged from the pool, emanating a chilling aura. They stared intently at Shen Lian and Li Hu.

Shen Lian looked at the three mutants, whose combat strength was all over 50.

"Tiger, be careful!" Shen Lian warned.

Li Hu nodded solemnly. He sensed the aura emanating from the three mutants and knew they were not easy to deal with.

The viper sneered, "Didn't you want to find the 'Water Demon Guard'? Now I'll show you how powerful the 'Water Demon Guard' really is."

Having said that, Viper, wielding his snake-headed staff, charged straight at Jiang Han. He knew Jiang Han was extremely powerful, and only he could deal with him.

As for Shen Lian and Li Hu, he didn't take them seriously at all.

Three 'Water Demon Guards' are enough to deal with the two.

Jiang Han drew his knife and engaged in a fierce battle with the viper.

Three mutants pounced on Shen Lian and Li Hu. Their bodies were covered in bluish-black scales, and they let out inhuman roars.

"Wave-Cutting Style!"

Shen Lian strode forward, his figure like a tiger leaping across a stream, unleashing three consecutive slashes at one of the mutants, the sharp blade energy spreading outwards.

clang!clang!clang!

Shen Lian unleashed three consecutive slashes at the mutant, sparks flying everywhere.

The mutant withstood three of Shen Lian's strikes, leaving only a few shallow marks on his body. He then threw a punch at Shen Lian's face.

Shen Lian was prepared and dodged the opponent's attack by turning to the side. He then used the "Mountain-Splitting Style" to intercept the attack with his longsword.

A powerful force was released from the longsword, directly forcing the mutant back.

The mutant roared in pain and frantically swung its fists at Shen Lian.

Shen Lian wielded his longsword to block the opponent's attack.

On the other side, Li Hu unleashed the "Mountain-Slaying Style," his blade as steady as a mountain, forcefully clashing with his opponent's iron fist.

Bang!

Knife and fist clashed, and the force exploded.

Li Hu's tiger's mouth split open, and he staggered back several steps before regaining his balance.

The scales on the mutant's fist shattered, but he didn't care at all. He spurred himself on and pounced on Li Hu again.

"This beast is incredibly strong." Li Hu panted heavily, his right hand holding the knife trembling slightly, and he was secretly amazed.

Shen Lian was locked in combat with the mutant.

The mutant was extremely fast, its fists slamming towards Shen Lian like iron hammers, each punch carrying immense force.

But Shen Lian showed no fear, unleashing the "Demon Subduing Blade Technique" one after another, steadily suppressing the mutant.

Shen Lian quickly killed him.

He turned to look at the side; Li Hu was currently locked in a fierce battle.

Even with Li Hu's strength, he still struggled greatly against the mutant, being suppressed by him and unable to defeat him.

Li Hu gritted his teeth. Faced with the mutant's storm-like attacks, he could only push the "Demon Subduing Blade Technique" to its limit, constantly wielding his longsword.

However, his opponent's strength far exceeded his own, and each strike caused his blood and qi to surge.

"Tiger, let me do it."

Shen Lian's shout rang out, and Li Hu immediately moved aside. Almost simultaneously, a sharp blade of light slashed straight at the mutant.

Shen Lian moved like lightning, instantly entering the battlefield.

This slash came with a spinning, crushing force, slashing fiercely at the mutant's body, the powerful force directly breaking through his scales.

Seizing the opportunity, Li Hu flipped himself up and unleashed the full power of his "Mountain Splitting Style," slashing down with his longsword imbued with all his strength.

The mutant was killed instantly!

"Brother Lian, thanks!" Li Hu said, panting heavily.

"Don't be too happy yet, there's still one left." Shen Lian looked at the remaining mutant.

The mutant's aura was extremely strong, far exceeding that of the mutant he and Li Hu had just defeated.

[Combat Strength]: 59~70

Shen Lian activated the [Combat Power Detection] and checked the opponent's combat power data.

The opponent's strength is not weak.

"The color of his scales seems a little different," Li Hu said, frowning.

Shen Lian said with a solemn expression, "His mutation is more advanced. Be careful of his claws; they may be highly poisonous."

Li Hu nodded emphatically, not daring to be careless at all.