I transmigrated to a chaotic world and became the sole player.

Three days later, Huaishan Village.

The morning mist had not yet dissipated, and beneath the charred locust tree at the village entrance, several new graves stood. Before them, an old man, the middle-aged man nicknamed "San'er," the boy, and two other villagers—whom Lu Zhao had saved with his miasma-clearing powder and who were now barely able to walk—knelt silently, wiping away tears and burning paper money. Buried in the graves were the patients who hadn't survived the previous night. Although the evil spirit in the well had been eliminated and the source of the plague cut off, their bodies, weakened by the disease, hadn't yet fully recovered. Saving three of them was already a stroke of luck.

Lu Zhao stood not far away, watching silently. He gave the old man enough silver to bury the deceased and also enough for them to settle down elsewhere. The old man thanked him profusely and stuffed a peach wood talisman, an heirloom supposedly from a time when it had saved a passing Taoist priest, engraved with faint runes, into his hands, saying it could ward off evil and was a keepsake. Lu Zhao didn't refuse and carefully put it away. He knew this was the only decent gift the old man could offer in gratitude.

In the distance, the mountains and forests were silent, bathed in the faint light of dawn. The story of Huai Mountain Village had come to an end. But the price of that end was dozens of lives lost, and the utter desolation of a once peaceful mountain village. Lu Zhao felt little emotion, only a faint sigh. In chaotic times, human life was cheap, and evil roamed freely; he could only save a few.

"Old man, now that this matter is settled, you should leave quickly. There is no hope of survival here; staying any longer will be pointless," Lu Zhao advised as a final reminder.

"Don't worry, benefactor, I will take them away today to seek refuge with my distant nephew in Yunxi Town, thirty miles away. I will never forget your great kindness!" The old man kowtowed again, and with the survivors, he looked back every few steps, carrying his simple baggage, and walked onto the path leading out of the mountains.

Lu Zhao watched them disappear at the end of the mountain path, glanced once more at the well that had been resealed with stone slabs and the newly erected graves, then turned and headed west, embarking on his journey without looking back.

This time, he didn't bother to conceal his presence. He changed into clean gray clothes, carried a simple knapsack, hid a short knife in his sleeve, and tucked a crossbow at his waist, looking like an ordinary mountain boy, except his eyes held a maturity and sharpness beyond his years. Having killed the evil Gu master and seized the [Human Skin Pouch], a storage artifact, he placed his valuables and most of his silver inside, carefully concealing it on his body. His knapsack contained only some dry rations, water, and a few changes of clothes, traveling light.

[Human Skin Pouch (Low-Grade Storage Artifact)]: Contains a square space of one foot, capable of holding inanimate objects. Requires weak spiritual power to operate and retrieve. Cannot store living beings, spirits, or energy bodies that repel space. Durability: 10/10.

This thing, though small, is extremely convenient and quite valuable. That black-robed man, an outer disciple, possesses such an item; it seems the Black Fiend Sect does indeed have some wealth.

Leaving Huai Mountain Village, they headed west along the mountain path, the terrain gradually rising. The Black Wind Ridge range stretched endlessly, the mountain paths rugged and rarely visited. Lu Zhao didn't walk fast, tending to his injuries and familiarizing himself with his newly reached level and new skills as he traveled.

The battle with the man in black robes left him severely injured, his internal organs trembling, and Yin energy and plague poison entering his body. Although he suppressed the damage with pills and the [Dragon's Hibernation] technique, he still needed time to recover. Fortunately, he had broken through to level 11, further enhancing his attributes, especially his mental energy, which greatly aided in the recovery and control of his injuries. He allocated his free attribute points to the [Divine] attribute, raising it from 4.0 to 4.1, further improving his mental perception and resistance. Although his newly acquired [Mental Impact Technique (Flawed)] and [Simple Mental Interference (Flawed)] were only at the beginner level, they had already shown their power in actual combat. When used in conjunction with [Refining Spirit Technique], they often achieved unexpected results. [Identification of Evil Aura (Passive)] also made him more sensitive to the evil energy in his surroundings.

He retrieved the captured [Blood Sacrifice Jade Slip (Fragment)] and carefully examined it with his spiritual power. The jade slip described an evil technique called the "Blood Fiend Soul-Devouring Gu," which used the essence and resentment of living beings as a catalyst to cultivate a special Gu worm capable of devouring souls, controlling minds, and serving as a medium for unleashing various vicious and evil spells, or assisting in the cultivation of evil arts. The "Yin Fiend Blood Eggs" of Huai Mountain Village were the "Gu Nest" for cultivating this Gu, using the lives of the entire village as nourishment. Once mature, they could transform into the "Blood Fiend Gu Mother," possessing immense power. This method was cruel and vicious, a closely guarded secret of the Black Fiend Sect. While the jade slip's descriptions of control and cultivation methods were incomplete, it detailed how to set up the "Gu Nest" and how to collect and transform essence and resentment. The man in black robes had used this method to wreak havoc on Huai Mountain Village.

"Bloodthirsty Soul-Devouring Gu... the Black Fiend Cult... what are they trying to achieve by spreading plagues and setting up Gu nests everywhere? Is it just to cultivate these vicious Gu worms?" Lu Zhao frowned deeply. Huai Mountain Village and Beiling Village—the methods were similar, yet seemingly different. Beiling Village was the "Plague Mother," feeding on plague and soul power to create plague-infected zombies. Huai Mountain Village was the "Gu Nest," cultivating Bloodthirsty Gu worms with essence, blood, and resentment. Both seemed related to "blood," "soul," and "plague," but their manifestations differed. Were they different branches of the same cult? Or different methods for the same goal?

"In any case, the Black Fiend Cult has grand ambitions. Moreover, it's probably connected to the Bone Demon and the fragments of the Evil God's emblem. I must improve my strength as soon as possible, otherwise, once they set their sights on me, the consequences will be unimaginable." Lu Zhao put away the jade slip, his sense of urgency growing stronger.

After walking for most of the day, around noon, Lu Zhao found a stream to rest, ate some dry rations, drank some water, and began to calculate the journey. According to the map, after crossing this mountainous area, it would take another two days to reach "Luoyingjian" (Falling Eagle Ravine). Beyond "Luoyingjian" would be relatively flat hilly terrain, and after another three days, he would reach Luoxia County. Counting the days, there were still more than ten days until his agreed trip to "Tiangongfang" (Heavenly Craft Workshop) with "Miss Yun," so there was plenty of time.

Just as he was about to get up and continue on his way, he suddenly heard a rapid sound of hooves approaching from behind the mountain path. The hoofbeats were chaotic, indicating that there was more than one horse, and they were moving at a great speed.

"How could there be a fast horse on such a remote mountain path?" Lu Zhao's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately became alert. He flashed and disappeared into the dense bushes by the roadside. He activated [Dragon Sleep] and [Breath Concealment Technique] at the same time, and his aura disappeared instantly.

Soon, a group of people appeared from around the bend in the mountain road. It consisted of five riders and four guards in tight-fitting clothes, surrounding a blue carriage. The guards were all dressed in short blue jackets, with long swords at their waists. Their eyes were alert, their expressions solemn, and their riding skills were superb; they were clearly not ordinary servants. The carriage was small but exquisitely crafted. The blue cloth curtains were tightly closed, and the two black horses pulling it were exceptionally strong, their hooves swift as the wind. An elderly man sat on the carriage shaft, driving it. His hair and beard were all white, but his eyes were sharp, and his temples were bulging high, clearly indicating he was a master of internal martial arts.

"Huh?" Lu Zhao's gaze sharpened, landing on the rider at the very end of the group. It was a young man in his early twenties, dressed in a gray-blue outfit, his brow furrowed with weariness, but his eyes were bright, and a long sword hung at his waist. He recognized him! It was Li Gang! The head镖师 (bodyguard/escort) from the Changfeng Escort Agency who had led him to investigate Li Family Village!

"Li, the镖头 (镖头 is a term used to describe a镖局, a type of镖局, meaning镖局, or镖局, and doesn't translate directly)? What's he doing here? Judging from the direction, he's also heading to Luoxia County City?" Lu Zhao wondered. This group didn't seem to be a镖局's (镖局 is a type of镖局, meaning a镖局, a type of镖局, and a镖局, and doesn't translate directly) escort team; it looked more like they were escorting some important figures. Moreover, the guards had a deep aura and were quite skilled; two of them even possessed the cultivation of the second or third level of Qi Refining, stronger than Li Gang. Who was sitting in that carriage?

Just as Lu Zhao was pondering, the caravan had arrived. Suddenly, the two black horses pulling the carriage seemed startled, letting out a long neigh and rearing up, causing the carriage to shake violently! The old man on the carriage shaft gave a low shout, exerting force with both arms to firmly pull on the reins, finally stabilizing the carriage. Several guards also immediately reined in their horses, their swords already half an inch from their sheaths, and warily scanned their surroundings.

"Something's up!" Li Gang also drew his longsword and shouted.

"Whoa—!" The old man soothed the frightened horse, his sharp gaze sweeping across the surroundings before finally settling on an inconspicuous, perfectly round white pebble in the roadside stream. In the sunlight, a faint, almost invisible red halo flashed across the pebble.

"Be on guard!" the old man said in a deep voice. He got out of the car, walked to the cobblestones, squatted down, and examined them carefully. Lu Zhao also stared intently. The cobblestones were nothing special, but the faint red glow gave him a very uncomfortable feeling, as if... they carried a trace of blood.

"It's the 'Blood-Guiding Stone'! Someone has planted a hidden mark nearby!" The old man's face darkened, and he said in a low voice.

"A Blood-Attracting Stone?" Li Gang and his guards' expressions changed. This was a secret technique used in the martial arts world for tracking and warning. A stone stained with a special blood aura was placed on a likely path; if a target passed by, the blood aura would be activated and detected by the caster. The presence of this Blood-Attracting Stone here meant that someone was watching them, and possibly nearby!

"Protect the young lady!" the old man shouted, stepping in front of the carriage. Four guards immediately surrounded the carriage, their swords drawn, facing outwards, vigilantly watching the surrounding mountains and forests.

Li Gang, sword in hand, approached the carriage and whispered, "Miss, be careful."

There was no response from inside the carriage. But the curtain was gently lifted a corner, revealing a pair of clear, watery eyes that also held a hint of curiosity and wariness. The eyes quickly glanced outside before being lowered again.

Lu Zhao held his breath, hiding even deeper. This "Blood-Guiding Stone" was clearly aimed at the convoy. Who were they? Robbers? Enemies? Or… the Black Fiend Cult?

Just then, from the bend in the mountain path ahead, came the sound of unhurried footsteps. A young monk, tall and thin, with a withered face but strikingly bright eyes, wearing a faded gray robe, walked out slowly, one step at a time, carrying a nine-ringed staff. He walked very slowly and steadily, but each step seemed to strike the heart, carrying an invisible pressure.

The monk stopped ten paces ahead of the convoy, raised one palm, and chanted a Buddhist prayer: "Amitabha. Greetings, esteemed benefactors."

The voice wasn't loud, yet it clearly reached everyone's ears, carrying a strange, calming power. But Lu Zhao keenly sensed that the monk's aura was like a deep pool, unfathomable, even stronger than the old man on the cart! Moreover, he possessed an extremely faint yet undeniable scent of blood! This echoed the dark red, neither-gold-nor-wood, prayer beads in his hand.

"The Blood-Guiding Stone... So it was him!" Lu Zhao's heart skipped a beat. This monk was probably the real culprit! Moreover, he was an evil monk! That string of prayer beads was no ordinary object; it faintly emitted a sinister blood aura similar to that of the evil Gu master and the Plague Mother of Huai Mountain Village!

"Greetings, Master. May I ask what brings you to my path?" The old man on the carriage bowed and asked politely, but his body was already slightly tense, clearly sensing that the visitor was not friendly.

The young monk smiled slightly, his gaze sweeping over the carriage before lingering for a moment on the "Blood-Guiding Stone." A knowing glint flashed in his eyes, and he said, "This humble monk has been traveling far and wide. Passing through this place, I found its scenery beautiful and spiritual, and intended to rest and beg for alms. However, I observe a blood-red aura rising from this place, foreshadowing a bloody calamity. I fear that evil spirits are at work, harming the innocent. Therefore, I have come to warn you and request that you, my benefactors... grant me this favor."

"Convenient? What's convenient?" the old man asked in a deep voice.

"The person in your carriage possesses a rare treasure, and his bloodlust is soaring, which has already brought misfortune. This humble monk is willing to safeguard it for you, to avert this calamity, and to form a good karmic connection." The monk spoke casually, but his gaze was fixed on the carriage, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.

Upon hearing this, the old man, Li Gang, and the others' expressions changed drastically! This monk was indeed after the people in the carriage, or the "things" inside!

"You wicked monk! Stop talking nonsense! My young lady is innocent and pure, she has no special treasures or blood essence! Get out of the way at once, or don't blame us for being impolite!" a guard shouted sternly.

"Amitabha, why are you so stubborn, benefactor? I have only good intentions; please do not let them go to waste." The monk's smile remained unchanged, and he gently tapped his nine-ringed staff on the ground.

"Buzz—!"

An invisible, blood-stained pressure spread out like a tide! Several guards were struck as if by a heavy blow, letting out a muffled groan and taking a step back in unison, their faces pale. Li Gang, whose cultivation was slightly weaker, felt a tightness in his chest and his blood churning. Only the old man groaned, not taking a step back, but his expression was extremely solemn.

"Qi Refinement... Peak of the mid-stage! Perhaps even late-stage!" the old man gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with shock. This monk, so young, yet his cultivation was so profound!

"Amitabha, since that's the case, this humble monk has no choice but to... take it by force." The monk sighed, all compassion vanishing from his eyes, replaced by icy killing intent. In a flash, he transformed into a gray shadow, hurtling towards the carriage! His nine-ringed staff, carrying a sharp gust of wind and a pungent stench of blood, slammed down fiercely!

"Protect the young lady!"

The old man roared, his palms clasped together, and he met the attack head-on! The wind from his palms howled, carrying a faint sound of thunder, clearly indicating that he was also a master who cultivated both internal and external skills!

"boom!"

Their staffs clashed, releasing a burst of energy! The old man grunted, staggering back several steps, a trickle of blood escaping from the corner of his mouth. The monk, however, merely swayed slightly before closing in again, his staff sweeping towards the carriage!

"Form ranks!" The four guards, suppressing their surging blood and qi, brandished their swords and formed a simple battle formation in an attempt to block the attack.

"Bang bang bang!"

The clang of metal rang out, sparks flew! The four guards were struck as if by a giant hammer, spitting blood as they flew backward and crashed to the ground, severely injured and unable to get up! The difference in strength between the two sides was too great!

Li Gang's eyes were bloodshot as he thrust his sword at the monk's back, but the monk swung his staff back, sending Li Gang and his sword flying. Li Gang crashed into a large tree, coughed up blood, and collapsed to the ground.

"Overestimating yourself." The monk sneered, his staff piercing the carriage curtain without stopping!

"Buzz—!"

Just then, a soft, emerald-green light suddenly shone from inside the carriage, transforming into a thin protective shield that enveloped the carriage! The tin staff struck the shield with a dull thud, causing it to ripple violently, but it did not shatter!

"A protective magic artifact?" A look of surprise flashed in the monk's eyes, followed by an even stronger greed. "What a treasure! It really is here! Break it!"

He took a deep breath, and his body shone with a bright blood-red light. The nine copper rings on the tin staff in his hand emitted a mournful wail, bringing with them a sky full of staff shadows, like a storm, which slammed heavily onto the green light shield!

"Snap! Snap!"

Cracks appeared on the light shield, and it looked like it was about to collapse!

Inside the car, the girl's gasp could be faintly heard.

At this critical moment—

"call out!"

A faint, almost imperceptible whooshing sound shot out from the dense forest beside the road! It wasn't aimed at the monk, but at the "Blood-Guiding Stone" at his feet, which was emitting a faint red light!

It was Lu Zhao! In the instant when the monk and the old man were fighting and his attention was completely drawn to the carriage, he quietly pulled the trigger of his crossbow! The crossbow bolt was coated with a juice from Huai Shan Village, made from ground plague crystals and mixed with some kind of poisonous herb, which was meant to kill instantly upon contact with blood!

"Hmm?" The monk was extremely alert and noticed it instantly. He swung his staff at the crossbow bolt! But he was a fraction too slow. The crossbow bolt grazed the blood-stained stone, the arrowhead scratching the surface of the stone, leaving a trace of almost imperceptible, sweet-smelling venom on the stone.

"laugh--"

The red light on the Bloodstone suddenly shone brightly, then flickered violently, and with a "poof," a wisp of black smoke rose up. The surface of the stone quickly turned black and decayed, instantly turning into dust! The faint connection between the stone and the monk was instantly severed!

"Who?!" The monk's face darkened, his attack faltered, and he abruptly turned his head to look in the direction from which the crossbow bolts had come, his gaze sharp as knives!