Chapter 492: Appointment of Xu Qing, Acting Authority of the Palace Master

Xu Qing ignored Ning Yan's miserable and disbelieving cries. At his mental summons, the Golden Crow in the sky let out a cry and descended with a roar.

It instantly approached, half merging into Xu Qing's body and half hovering outside, its wings spanning a hundred zhang with swaying tail feathers, exuding an astonishing aura. Xu Qing's aura also surged at this moment, clearly displaying a domineering spirit that could swallow mountains and seas.

From a distance, Xu Qing, enveloped by the Golden Crow, appeared like a reborn emperor descending upon the world. The power of one Primordial Spirit and nine Heavenly Palaces permeated his entire body. Furthermore, a physical fluctuation spread from him, also giving the sensation of a Primordial Spirit, raising Xu Qing's combat power to the level of two Primordial Spirits and nine Heavenly Palaces.

This level of combat power was unprecedented for a Golden Core cultivator.

Rumbling reverberated in all directions. The sky and earth, due to the previous fluctuations from both sides, formed massive ripples that continuously spread outwards, further expanding Xu Qing's poisonous mist. Even those rogue cultivators who had fled beyond Morning Glow Mountain's range could not escape the toxic demise. Looking across the land, all that remained was black water from the poisoning, and in the distance, more rogue cultivators shrieked in the sky as they fell into the abyss.

Of the thousands of villains who had come, less than forty percent remained, each filled with fear. The artifacts on Morning Glow Mountain were also gradually recovering, continuously erupting and causing the heavens and earth to tremble. All invading cultivators knew that the tide had turned.

Xu Qing's arrival, seemingly just one person, caused a mental shock by killing two early-stage Primordial Spirit cultivators. Moreover, the terrifying power of his poison restrictions was the most frightening aspect of this battle. The term "poison cultivator" instantly became a nightmare in the hearts of all living rogue cultivators.

However, Xu Qing did not lower his guard. His expression was cold as he looked up at the black-winged figure in the sky, his right hand gripping the vine on Ning Yan's belly, ready to strike with full force at any moment. This individual was no ordinary Primordial Spirit; a late-stage Primordial Spirit fluctuation emanated from him, revealing formidable power, and his recent sneak attack gave Xu Qing a sharp impression. Furthermore, this opponent closely resembled the immortal puppets of the Near-Immortal Clan, though a closer look revealed some differences; he did not possess three heads and six arms.

With a cold glint in his eyes, Xu Qing waved his hand, using the Palace Master's jade token to take control of the artifacts on Morning Glow Mountain, redirecting all of them to lock onto the figure in the sky. In his heart, he rapidly assessed the difference in power between them.

He could now easily slay early-stage Primordial Spirit cultivators. After all, once a Golden Core cultivator possessed the combat power of ten Heavenly Palaces, they were not much different from a one-Primordial Spirit cultivator, except for lacking divine abilities, spiritual senses, and instant teleportation. Xu Qing had his divine origin to counter divine abilities. For spiritual deterrence, his third-stage Golden Crow and divine origin also allowed him to resist. As for instant teleportation, Xu Qing's physical speed combined with the Blood Wings of the Netherworld made him no less effective at short distances.

Thus, when he had just slain that four-armed Primordial Spirit cultivator, one punch shattered its inherent outer shell, a second strike obliterated its physical body and one Primordial Spirit, and with a final slap, the last Primordial Spirit disintegrated.

However, Primordial Spirit cultivators differed greatly. Just as in the Golden Core realm of Heavenly Palaces, some reached their peak at six Heavenly Palaces, while others achieved eight, and with a Life Lantern, the limit could extend to thirteen. The four-armed cultivator, having been suppressed in the Prison Department, likely had a maximum potential of six Primordial Spirits, but it was useless; he had no more time to grow.

Therefore, while Xu Qing appeared to be fighting above his level by killing the two-Primordial Spirit four-armed foreign race member, this was not actually the case; his strength was fully capable of suppressing them. As for ordinary mid-stage cultivators, Xu Qing would have found it difficult to kill them in the past. When facing Chu Tianqun, who barely had three Primordial Spirits left after being injured, Xu Qing narrowly escaped death and emerged victorious, but he was severely injured, his wounds more grievous than ever. Had it not been for Ling'er and the purple crystal, he would have perished in battle.

But now, his body, transformed by the divine finger, compensated for this deficiency. Even though he could not fully unleash his true divine body, and his strength and speed only increased threefold from his original physical level, it still granted him the power of one Primordial Spirit, a Primordial Spirit of the flesh. And his strongest attribute was defense! Due to the countless golden threads contained within this physical body, Xu Qing's current defensive power was terrifying.

Combined, without using divine techniques, he could contend with a mid-stage cultivator possessing three Primordial Spirits. If he unleashed divine techniques, Xu Qing could slay mid-stage cultivators with four Primordial Spirits without sustaining damage himself. If facing a five-Primordial Spirit cultivator, Xu Qing could still fight with all his might, the outcome unknown. Most likely, he would be unable to harm the opponent, and the opponent would be unable to break through his physical defense.

"Currently, my physical attack is comparable to one Primordial Spirit, the Golden Crow is one Primordial Spirit, and my own nine Heavenly Palaces combined with the Shadow Fusion technique is another Primordial Spirit – that's three Primordial Spirit equivalent power. With my divine techniques, I can fight a four-Primordial Spirit cultivator!"

"And my strongest point is physical defense. At the Primordial Spirit level, this body cannot be shaken."

Through his previous actions, Xu Qing quickly judged his limits. The cold glint in his eyes grew stronger. He could sense that the black figure in the sky likely possessed combat power around five Primordial Spirits.

At this moment, the middle-aged woman rapidly ascended to the black-winged foreign race member's side, her expression showing reverence as she spoke in a low voice. "Boss, this pawn is problematic. When will the various clans funding and pushing this matter make their move?"

As she spoke, she spat out black blood, and many parts of her body showed signs of decay, which she suppressed with all her might but could not fully control. The tragic fate of those poisoned filled her with terror and made her want to retreat.

"Interesting." The black-winged foreign race member in mid-air coldly glanced at Xu Qing. He noticed the artifacts of Morning Glow Mountain locking onto him and saw the scattered rogue cultivators, knowing that the tide had turned. Furthermore, Xu Qing gave him an incredibly strange feeling; he sensed that Xu Qing's physical body was extraordinary, and the cultivator held in his hand like a weapon also made him feel uneasy. There was also the human-shaped mountain high in the sky, whose deterrence was so strong that it made him wary. And the Cang Dragon, staring intently at him from within the clouds, also seemed difficult to deal with. Finally, he scanned the poisonous mist below, his pupils contracting slightly.

"Such bizarre methods... and this person's Morning Glow Radiance is also very troublesome. Also, those hidden foreign races, they only dare to hide in the shadows and provide funding until the northwestern battlefield is definitively collapsed. A bunch of rats who dare not show their faces. Now..."

All of this increasingly deepened the apprehension in the black-winged foreign race member's heart. So, after a grim glance at Xu Qing, he reached out and grabbed the middle-aged woman, who was swaying from the poison's effects. His body suddenly retreated, instantly flying into the sky, becoming a black speck as he teleported away.

His departure brought an end to the siege on Morning Glow Mountain.

Xu Qing did not pursue the black-winged foreign race member in the sky. His body flickered as he carried Ning Yan, eradicating the scattered cultivators. He moved swiftly and ruthlessly, gradually turning the ground into a river of blood, the desperate screams growing fewer. The Golden Steel Sect Old Ancestor and the Shadow also spread out in pursuit, while the Cang Dragon submerged, devouring everything in its path.

Only after all visible cultivators were slain by Xu Qing did he retract everything, including all the poisonous mist permeating the area. Then, he dispersed the Morning Glow Radiance that had protected the dozens of Sword Holders. These Sword Holders were all gravely wounded, but their eyes were now filled with shock, excitement, and disbelief. Their gazes towards Xu Qing were full of reverence and fanaticism as they stepped forward to pay their respects.

"Greetings, Commandant Xu!"

Among them, the elderly Sun Hai quickly stepped forward and bowed solemnly to Xu Qing. "This subordinate, Sun Hai, greets Commandant Xu!"

They had already confirmed Xu Qing's identity through the uproar of the prisoners. Especially recently, Xu Qing had issued several decrees throughout Feng Hai Prefecture at the Palace Master's request. At that moment, his name had already spread throughout the Sword Holders' Tribunal of Feng Hai Prefecture. And the rank of Commandant was naturally higher than that of ordinary Sword Holders, so Sun Hai calling himself "this subordinate" was appropriate.

As he bowed, Sun Hai's heart continued to churn with immense waves. As a newly promoted Primordial Spirit cultivator, he was very clear about the strength of the invading enemies this time. Even just the three foreign race Primordial Spirit cultivators who openly appeared were enough to make them unable to resist, not to mention the five-Primordial Spirit expert who appeared last.

A five-Primordial Spirit cultivation level, among ordinary Primordial Spirit cultivators, was already considered close to the peak. It was even an absolute core strength within any sect or faction. After all, compared to rare prodigies, ordinary cultivators who ascended with three fires and six Heavenly Palaces were the most numerous. Their limit after advancing to Primordial Spirit was six Primordial Spirits, so any five-Primordial Spirit cultivator should not be underestimated.

Yet, Xu Qing not only killed two early-stage cultivators but also forced the five-Primordial Spirit cultivator to retreat. Such combat power, demonstrated by a Golden Core cultivator, was even more shocking.

Indeed, had Xu Qing not come to Morning Glow Mountain to investigate this time, Morning Glow Mountain might have already collapsed. While this seemed coincidental, similar incidents had occurred multiple times throughout Feng Hai Prefecture.

"I don't have very thorough information here, only that the Sword Holders' Tribunals of at least three prefectures, after the defeat on the northwestern battlefield, were secretly funded by some ulterior motives clans with array-breaking artifacts, pushing large numbers of rogue cultivators to occupy them. Fortunately, the human race sects who participated in the battle were not implicated," Sun Hai said with a bitter expression. "The actual numbers are probably more dire. But they only dare to hide in the dark. As long as our human race holds the northwestern battlefield without collapsing for a day, they will not dare to openly attack the Sword Holders' Tribunal for a day. Moreover, the purpose of these foreign races is not hard to guess: this is a pledge of allegiance prepared for when the battlefield eventually falls and the Saintly Wave Clan invades."

"I only hope that after our human race endures this calamity, we will slaughter all these foreign races with malicious intentions!"

Xu Qing remained silent. It was dawn, and the night was being dispelled by the rising sun in the distance. Sunlight poured down, falling upon Morning Glow Mountain, making the mountain glow with radiant splendor, dazzling brightly. Gazing at the Morning Glow Mountain after the battle, though it was a mess, the flaws did not obscure its beauty. Under the seven-colored light, everything still appeared wonderful.

"Everything will be fine," Xu Qing murmured in the sunlight, illuminated by the seven-colored morning glow.

Three days later, after repairing and reactivating the array, Xu Qing departed Morning Glow Mountain. He had arrived alone, but on his return, Ning Yan accompanied him. The reason for such a swift departure, besides Xu Qing having found the necessary clues, was primarily because he received a decree from the Palace Master on the third day.

"Xu Qing, regardless of investigation results, put them aside for now. Regarding the battlefield, return to the prefectural capital immediately!"

"The two northwestern battlefronts are in dire straits. Troops and supplies are needed. I cannot return from the front line. I grant you authority in my stead to cooperate with the Prefectural Commander in handling this matter in the prefectural capital."

"My token now gives you full authority!"

The Palace Master's voice carried a deep weariness. As the decree was issued, a golden light descended from the sky's vast net, directly striking the Palace Master's token on Xu Qing's person. With a series of clicking sounds, the token was fully activated.

"Your decree shall be obeyed!"

Xu Qing responded solemnly. He did not ask questions; he knew the battlefield was in crisis and understood the importance and urgency of this decree. He was also clear that the war must have reached a critical juncture, otherwise the Palace Master would not have made such arrangements and would have been able to deploy troops and acquire supplies more calmly. Only in such an urgent situation would he be told to stop his investigation and execute a more crucial mission.

"The Palace Master doesn't trust any outsiders, whether it's Marquis Yao and the two Palace Masters, Feng Xing and Si Lü, in the northern battle zone, or the Prefectural Commander remaining in the capital. So, for the supply of front-line materials and troops, he wants me to assist."

"It appears to be assistance, but it's actually supervision. Also, given the Palace Master's methods, he likely has multiple channels for this, and there must be other Sword Holders carrying out tasks in various places. I might just be one of them."

Xu Qing took a deep breath, his heart anxious about the battlefield. He then quickly left Morning Glow Mountain with Ning Yan.

Fortunately, this trip was not in vain. In the three days before the Palace Master's decree arrived, after communicating with Sun Hai, he indirectly found out that each time the Morning Glow Radiance was born, it would slowly and continuously form some special seven-colored powders at its point of appearance. These powders generally appeared for up to ten years, initially containing a faint glow, but this light could not be utilized or collected, and it would gradually dissipate with time. Generally, it would completely disappear in about ten years, consistent with the duration of the powder's continuous appearance. The final powders formed no longer contained the Morning Glow Radiance, marking the end of this phenomenon.

This detail provided Xu Qing with a crucial clue, aiding his investigation. The clue he found did not come from the detailed records of the over seven hundred instances of Morning Glow Radiance, but from the divine finger. Xu Qing believed that since someone could find unrecorded Morning Glow Radiance, someone with malicious intent could certainly do the same.

So, he tried to awaken the dormant consciousness of the divine finger, D-132. After finally rousing a bit of its awareness, Xu Qing immediately communicated gently, and under various promises, asked for the location where it had found the Morning Glow Radiance. This communication process was not smooth; the divine finger was simply too forgetful.

Thus, it took three days for Xu Qing to search multiple areas before finally finding the place where the finger had discovered the Morning Glow Radiance: a remote underground crevice. In the crevice, Xu Qing saw a puppet that had recently perished. A trace of the divine finger's aura remained on it. The puppet was completely shattered, only its general shape discernible, its specific origin unidentifiable. At the same time, there were some seven-colored powders containing faint Morning Glow Radiance, and those glows were slowly dissipating. Xu Qing estimated that it would indeed take about ten years for them to completely disappear.

These powders were a unique change accompanying the formation of Morning Glow Radiance. All of this indicated that his Morning Glow Radiance had been born here. As Xu Qing searched the area, he was shocked to discover that the powders here... seemed to have been produced by more than one instance of radiance. A small amount among them contained an even fainter glow, looking as if they would completely dissipate in another year or two, and such powders were most abundant on the puppet.

Clearly, this puppet had been placed here by someone to collect the powders and erase traces. From this, it was not difficult to deduce that another Morning Glow Radiance had likely appeared here before, perhaps a year or two prior! But, like Xu Qing's instance, the Sword Holders' Tribunal had no record of it, implying it had been directly taken by someone as soon as it appeared, before it could even fly out.

This discovery made Xu Qing realize that the Palace Master's conjecture about the "Upper Radiance Fate Calamity Pill" was likely correct. This meant there was a very high probability that the Prefectural Governor's death was related to this pill.

Armed with this clue, Xu Qing and Ning Yan left Morning Glow Mountain. The shattered puppet was also taken by Xu Qing. Since this area could not be teleported to, and Morning Glow Mountain was the same, the two of them sped along, rushing towards the prefectural capital.

Along the way, Ning Yan opened his mouth multiple times, wanting to say something, but seeing Xu Qing's consistently grim expression, he was afraid and dared not ask. However, the turmoil in his heart continued to churn, even now. In fact, at the Ten Intestine Tree, he had already felt that something was amiss. He was immensely perplexed, having a vague guess, but this guess was too outlandish, so he hesitated afterward. Yet, Xu Qing's familiar slap earlier made him feel as if his soul had been slapped out of him.

"The one who bit me must have been Chen Erniu! Is that guy a mad dog or something? Not only did he bite me, but he even tried to bite the Heavenly Dao in the end. He deserved to be reduced to just a head!" Ning Yan felt grief and indignation in his heart, but he was helpless. He recognized the vine on his belly and knew it was extremely difficult to remove.

Moreover, during these three days on Morning Glow Mountain, he communicated with the Sword Holders and learned about the Prefectural Governor's death and the Saintly Wave Clan's invasion. The shock in his heart was immense. Compared to this, he suddenly felt that his own troubles seemed insignificant.

Thus, three days passed. During these three days, Xu Qing's speed was fully unleashed. He finally brought Ning Yan through Morning Glow Prefecture and the area between it and the prefectural capital, entering the prefectural capital's territory. Here, Xu Qing no longer needed to conceal his tracks. He found a teleportation array and returned to the prefectural capital at the fastest speed.

When he left, the prefectural capital was in a state of panic and hidden chaos. Upon his return, Xu Qing immediately noticed the difference. Although the northwestern front line was in full emergency, and the situation was critical, with the Feng Hai Prefecture's defenses constantly on the verge of collapse, the human residents of the prefectural capital were clearly in much better spirits than before. While still carrying fear for the future, they also held more hope. Even shops were almost back to normal, and everything was orderly. At least on the surface, there were no visible signs of the war's devastation.

Leaving the teleportation array and walking on the street, Xu Qing roughly understood the reason through the conversations of the surrounding crowd and the shouts of prefectural cultivators present at regular intervals.

"Everyone, do not panic, do not hoard! The Prefectural Commander has stated that the Sword Holders' Palace and all our human race's sects and factions are protecting our lands on the front lines and defending our Feng Hai Prefecture."

"Moreover, the Prefectural Commander has clearly informed us that our human race's reinforcements are on their way. It won't be long before the crisis is suppressed and resolved, and everything returns to normal."

"During this period, any acts of disturbance or price gouging will be severely punished!"

"There's no need to fear. Heaven will not change, nor will chaos arise. Haven't several foreign clans around us been suppressed by the Prefectural Commander in recent days? Besides, the Prefectural Commander also said that the Palace Master is protecting us on the front lines. We must not cause internal chaos!"

As the frontline situation was mentioned, Xu Qing's heart also stirred. The Prefectural Commander, during his time in the capital, had clearly done many things. And Ning Yan, behind Xu Qing, looked around and listened to the words, his own heart churning with immense waves.

Within less than an incense stick's time after Xu Qing's return, no sooner had he arrived at the Sword Holders' Palace than he immediately received a voice transmission from the Prefectural Commander.

"Xu Qing, I received the Palace Master's decree, ordering you to return from the battlefield to handle military affairs. Come to my place first."

Xu Qing took a deep breath. He knew the situation was urgent, so he arranged for Ning Yan and the Sword Holders remaining at the Sword Holders' Palace to be assigned to his Commandant's Department. Then, he himself went to the Prefectural Commander's residence.

Inside and outside the Prefectural Commander's residence, there were numerous prefectural cultivators coming and going. While martial law was enforced, a large number of tasks were being issued by the Prefectural Commander and carried out by these cultivators.

Xu Qing's arrival was immediately reported. Soon, he saw the Prefectural Commander in the Prefectural Commander's Hall. The Prefectural Commander looked much more haggard and weathered than when Xu Qing had left, his eyes bloodshot. He was currently receiving a pill from an old servant beside him, glanced at it, and then set it aside without immediately swallowing it. Generally, cultivators of this level rarely showed such fatigue, unless under immense mental pressure, which could override their cultivation and cause such weariness.

"The Prefectural Commander has borne the burden of internal affairs for the prefecture during this time. Internally, he must maintain stability, and externally, he must mediate. Under such internal and external troubles, the pressure is immense. Even his old spiritual injuries have shown signs of relapse, and yet he cannot take too many pills... Alas." The old servant beside the Prefectural Commander sighed softly upon seeing Xu Qing.

"Nonsense! I don't take them because too many pills are useless. I know my old injuries; they are fine," the Prefectural Commander frowned and reprimanded, then spoke to Xu Qing. "Xu Qing, recently I've received urgent reports from multiple prefectures. The Sword Holders' Tribunals of five prefectures, under the instigation of some major clans, have been occupied by rogue cultivators. The Palace Master is right; these major clans deserve to die!"

"I can lend you prefectural cultivators to assist in their rescue." The Prefectural Commander looked at Xu Qing and said in a deep voice. "Additionally, I previously received the Palace Master's decree. The front line is brutal, with countless casualties, requiring vast amounts of troops and supplies. I will find a way. If you have any methods, you can also tell me, and I will handle it."

Xu Qing clasped his fists and bowed. He understood that the Prefectural Commander bore a heavy burden; after all, the entire rear depended on him. Ensuring stability in the rear during wartime was no simple matter. "Thank you, Prefectural Commander. This subordinate plans to conscript supplies and purchase them from foreign clans within Feng Hai Prefecture. I request your approval for all necessary expenditures."

The Prefectural Commander nodded upon hearing this. "At this critical juncture, forced requisitions would be difficult and time-consuming, while purchasing is much gentler. This matter is fine. Even if the prefectural capital's finances are tight, we can still squeeze some out."

Xu Qing thanked him and left the Prefectural Commander's residence. Without wasting any time, he returned to the Sword Holders' Palace's Commandant's Department and immediately issued a decree to conscript supplies throughout Feng Hai Prefecture. He also arranged for people to go to the reclusive Near-Immortal Clan to discuss purchasing supplies.

As decrees were issued one after another, the hundreds of Sword Holders remaining at the Sword Holders' Palace immediately obeyed. When the Palace Master was still present, Xu Qing handled official duties and issued orders in this very manner daily, so there was no obstruction this time. The remaining Sword Holders promptly carried out their tasks.

However, Xu Qing felt anxious. He understood that his cultivation was simply not enough to support the completion of this task, especially after his trip to Morning Glow Prefecture, where he deeply felt the hidden malice of those foreign clans. He knew that even purchasing supplies might encounter obstacles, not to mention providing troops for the battlefield.

"To complete the Palace Master's mission and provide urgent assistance to the front line... I need a powerful combat deterrent. I cannot fully trust the Prefectural Commander!" Xu Qing remained silent, standing in the Commandant's Hall, looking out at the sky.

Outside, it was night, dark clouds pervaded, and there was no thunder, yet raindrops gradually began to fall, pattering softly on the bluestone slabs outside the hall. A chilling aura, carried by the falling rain, rose from the ground and spread outwards, chilling Xu Qing's legs.

"Master and Old Ancestor, and Zi Xuan... they are all fighting the Corpse Curse and cannot spare attention."

"Senior Brother also disappeared, and there's no news of him to this day."

Xu Qing pondered, then finally turned his head to look towards the direction outside the prefectural capital, near the desert. In his mind, the figure of a three-headed giant bird appeared.

"The great bird Qing Qin!" A sharp glint appeared in Xu Qing's eyes.

Xu Qing's impression of Qing Qin dated back to his first arrival in the prefectural capital when it had appeared in the sky, carrying Ning Yan in its mouth. Its passage stirred up storms, turning into tornadoes that connected heaven and earth, with a majestic and formidable aura. At that time, Chen Tinghao, who was beside him, had told him that the great bird Qing Qin was an ancient aberrant species, whose bloodline could be traced back to antiquity, its ancestors having once followed ancient emperors. As for its identity, it was a friend of the previous Prefectural Governor. Eight hundred years ago, when the former Prefectural Governor returned to the imperial capital, he had invited Qing Qin, but Qing Qin did not follow and instead resided in Feng Hai Prefecture. In this war, Qing Qin's status was transcendental; even the Palace Master had not managed to enlist its aid.

"According to what Chen Tinghao said back then, this great bird Qing Qin is loyal to humanity. At this critical juncture, I can try to enlist its help."

"Also..."

A cold glint appeared in Xu Qing's eyes.

"If Qing Qin refuses, I wonder if this great bird is afraid of the Red Moon!"

Xu Qing had no other choice. To provide the desperately needed troops and supplies for the urgent front line, he could only resort to drastic measures. Thinking this, Xu Qing's body flickered. He found Ning Yan, who was busy, and without explanation, grabbed him and left.

"Xu... Senior Brother Xu, where are we going?" Ning Yan trembled, seeing Xu Qing's expression, a sense of unease rising within him.

"I'm taking you to meet an old acquaintance."

"An old acquaintance?" Ning Yan was startled, then took a breath and asked cautiously, "Is it Senior Brother Erniu?"