Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

Shi Tie stood shirtless, revealing his muscular, bronze-colored upper body, carrying a giant door-shaped axe, at the very front of the group, like an iron tower.

His large, bell-like eyes swept across the deep canyon entrance, he grinned, revealing gleaming white teeth, took a deep breath, and then unleashed a thunderous roar:

"My lads! Cheer up! Let those cowardly turtles hiding in the canyon show you what the Azure Cloud Battle Formation is all about!"

"Roar!" The two hundred disciples responded in unison, the sound waves were so real that they crashed into the cliffs on both sides, the echoes were deafening, and the sand and stones fell down in a flurry.

"Flowing Cloud Battle Formation! Activate!" The giant iron axe pointed forward!

"Clang! Clang! Clang!" The sound of swords rang out in unison! Two hundred disciples moved with incredible speed and shifted their forms, instantly forming a massive, ever-flowing battle formation!

The formation appears loose, yet it subtly follows a mysterious trajectory, like drifting clouds in the sky, untraceable yet enveloping the entire landscape!

Sword energy crisscrossed, and spiritual energy fluctuations merged into one, faintly forming a rolling cloud in the air, within which flashes of lightning flickered! An immense pressure surged into the canyon like a tidal wave!

This "Flowing Cloud Battle Formation" is a combined attack formation improved by Shen Mo based on the Flowing Cloud Daoist tradition. It integrates offense and defense, is unpredictable, and is one of the Qingyun Sect's trump cards. Now, unleashing its full power, its momentum is earth-shattering!

Deep within the canyon, the dozens of men in black who were busy setting up the formation were terrified by the sudden surge of murderous aura and overwhelming pressure!

They sensed the terrifying power contained within the battle formation, enough to crush them along with this undeveloped stronghold!

"It's the Qingyun Sect's Battle Hall!"

"It's that evil star, Shi Tie!"

"What a formidable battle formation! Quick! Retreat!"

"The formation isn't complete yet! We can't stop it!"

In the chaos, without even bothering to gather their tools and materials, dozens of dark figures, like startled rabbits, fled hastily from every hidden corner of the canyon, desperately running towards the Lieyang Sect, looking utterly disheveled.

Shi Tie chuckled as he watched the fleeing figures, but did not order a pursuit.

Following Shen Mo's instructions, he deliberately slowed down the advance of the battle formation, and even "accidentally" let a few sharp sword energies sweep past the area near the black-clad men's escape lights, scaring them so much that they ran away in terror.

"Pah! A bunch of spineless cowards!" Shi Tie spat on the ground, shouldered his axe, and roared at his disciples behind him, "Brothers! Keep training! Treat this canyon entrance as your training ground! Train hard!"

"Kill! Kill! Kill!"

The battle formations shifted, the shouts of battle shook the heavens, and sword energy soared into the sky, continuing for the entire morning. The intense fluctuations of spiritual energy and the overwhelming killing intent could be clearly felt within a hundred miles. It wasn't until noon that Shi Tie, still unsatisfied, ordered the troops to retreat.

Before leaving, he had someone carve a huge, menacing "禁" (forbidden) character on the most conspicuous stone wall at the entrance of the canyon with a giant axe, and drew a simple cloud emblem next to it.

The news spread like wildfire, quickly reaching all surrounding factions.

Qingyun Sect launched a two-pronged attack: on the southern front, they rescued the people, wiped out the mastermind behind the beast-driving attack, and won the support of the masses; on the northern front, they deployed troops to the border, exerting strong deterrence and subduing the enemy without a fight, forcing back the unknown forces!

In an instant, all the major and minor forces that were paying attention to this matter were shocked by the efficiency, strength and...just the right amount of restraint shown by the Qingyun Alliance.

This is not merely a display of strength, but also a declaration of stance: the Qingyun Alliance has the fist, but will not resort to violence lightly; it has a bottom line, and will punish anyone who crosses it; it has a sense of responsibility, and will protect its members; it has strategy, and will advance and retreat with discretion.

Inside the Liuyun Palace, Shen Mo received detailed battle reports from both the northern and southern fronts. His face showed little joy; he simply tapped the table lightly.

"Jin Hao did a good job, using both kindness and severity. Shi Tie... although reckless, he grasped the right measure." He looked at Su Xiao and Han Lin, "The Xuan Yin Sect is interfering on the southern front, and the Lie Yang Sect is probing the northern front... the waters are getting increasingly murky."

Han Lin stroked his beard and said, "After this incident, our alliance's prestige has greatly increased, and the border can be kept safe for the time being. However, the grudges with these two factions are likely to deepen even further."

Su Xiao said coldly, "We'll have to face each other sooner or later. Now's a good time to let them see the truth."

Shen Mo stood up, walked outside the hall, and looked towards the south and north, his gaze deep: "The feud has begun. Let's see who gets restless first. Issue the order to double the patrol forces on the north and south borders. The contribution points jade coins will be issued as scheduled. We will remain steadfast in the face of all changes."

The Qingyun Alliance resolved the border crisis cleanly and efficiently with a firm yet methodical approach, not only saving Xishi Village from destruction but also driving back the ill-intentioned explorers hundreds of miles.

This strength and sense of responsibility have placed a heavy weight on the land of the Southern Region.

Inside the Liuyun Palace, the afterglow of the battle report had not yet faded when Shen Mo began to plan for the aftermath and consolidation.

A huge sand table depicting the southern region's topography was brought up, clearly marking mountains, rivers, the territories of sects, and locations of recent conflicts.

Shen Mo held a slender jade ruler, pointed it at the location of Black Wind Gorge, and said to Shi Tie, Jin Hao, Han Lin, Su Xiao, and others who were standing solemnly to the side, as well as those who had rushed over upon hearing the news:

"Although the probing has subsided, the hidden dangers remain. Black Wind Gorge is a strategically important location, the gateway to the north. In the past, it was left unattended, which allowed others to take advantage of the situation. Now that they have retreated, there is no guarantee that they won't return or seek trouble elsewhere."

He moved his jade ruler, tracing the long border: "Our alliance's territory is newly established, and our defense line is long. We cannot always wait for the thieves to come to our door before responding passively. We must take the initiative to move forward, establish early warning systems, and control key points."

"Shi Tie." Shen Mo looked at the burly elder of the Battle Hall.

"I'm here!" Shi Tie answered, his chest puffed out, his voice booming.

"I order your War Hall to immediately mobilize its elite forces, along with disciples from the Array Hall and Weapon Hall, to establish permanent outposts at seven strategically important border locations, including the Black Wind Gorge exit, Eagle's Sorrow Stream, and Broken Dragon Slope!"

"Each outpost needs to be equipped with an early warning array and defensive fortifications, and a team of warrior disciples should be stationed there. It should also be equipped with a communication array to maintain real-time contact with the main peak. Elder Han will coordinate the allocation of supplies needed for the outposts."

Shi Tie's eyes lit up, and he patted his chest, "Don't worry, Sect Leader! I, Old Shi, will personally lead the team to select the location! I guarantee the outpost will be as solid as an iron barrel, not even a fly can get in!"

"If any of you bastards dare to stick your head out again, I'll twist his head off and use it as a chamber pot!"

Shen Mo nodded, then looked at Jin Hao and Su Xiao: "Jin Hao, you are familiar with the terrain of the southern route. The old site of Xishi Village on the edge of the miasma forest needs to be rebuilt, and based on this, extend fifty miles south to set up three more patrol posts, and join forces with the local 'Mujia Village' and 'Hewan Village' to clear out scattered monsters and protect the safety of the people on the trade route."

"Su Xiao, the Shadow Guards need to extend their reconnaissance range another hundred miles, focusing on any unusual movements from the Blazing Sun Sect and the Profound Yin Sect. Report any disturbances immediately."

"Yes! Your disciple (subordinate) obeys!" Jin Hao and Su Xiao replied in unison.

"Elder Han," Shen Mo finally turned to the Chief Steward, "the construction of outposts, personnel deployment, and daily supplies are all numerous and complex matters, requiring your full coordination. The contribution system is about to go online; all disciples who participated in the border operation and outpost construction will have their contribution points increased by 30% to the highest standard!"

"Those killed in action or seriously wounded will receive double the compensation, and their families will be supported by the Alliance!"

Han Lin solemnly cupped his hands in greeting: "Sect Leader, you are truly benevolent! I will certainly make all the necessary arrangements and ensure that none of my alliance's disciples shed blood and tears!"

With the arrangements finalized, everyone accepted their orders and departed. Several days later, the war drums of Qingyun Mountain sounded frequently, and squads of elite disciples, led by elders such as Shi Tie and Jin Hao, rode various flying magical artifacts and marched in a grand procession towards the border.

Disciples from the Array Hall carried array plates and flags inscribed with runes, while disciples from the Weapon Hall transported sturdy spiritual materials and city-defense crossbows, beginning to solidify the foundations and construct fortifications in various strategic locations.

The once desolate border area has suddenly become unusually lively, attracting the attention of surrounding forces.

Cola Novels: turn the page and you're in another world.