Chapter 614: Blood Calamity

"The gang's problem is solved, and the key person's matter is also resolved," Cui Tik praised Li Banfeng. "Friend, your efficiency is truly remarkable." As he spoke, he cut his own palm.

Blood dripped into a test tube. Cui Tik shook the blood and medicine together, then handed it to Bulb. The child brought Cui Tik some gauze. "You're bleeding," he said.

Cui Tik shook his head. "Such a small wound doesn't need bandaging."

Bulb stood ramrod straight at the cave entrance. He hesitated when he saw the medicine Cui Tik had brought. "It's not bitter!" the child shouted, trying to encourage him.

"Do I look like someone who's afraid of bitterness?" Bulb snorted. The child thought for a moment, then shouted, "It won't hurt!"

Pain and bitterness were not the main concerns; the real issue was that Bulb didn't want to drink Cui Tik's blood. He looked towards Li Banfeng.

Li Banfeng gave Bulb a slight nod.

Bulb drank the medicine and waited for over ten minutes before slowly sitting on the ground.

"Here's some water for you!" The child offered Bulb a bowl of water, which he drank completely. After sitting for another ten minutes, Bulb slowly lay down on the ground. Similar to previous instances, this was a sign of improvement, though it was uncertain if he would make a full recovery.

Even if he didn't fully recover, it didn't matter. At that moment, Bulb firmly believed he would heal, and even if the process was somewhat winding, he was certain he would survive.

Cui Tik observed Bulb's condition, meticulously taking notes. He then explained his treatment approach to Li Banfeng: "I've created three types of viruses, all of which have some aggressive properties against fungi."

Li Banfeng recalled his previous biology lessons. "These viruses should be called bacteriophages, shouldn't they?"

Cui Tik pondered the definition of such viruses. "You could call them bacteriophages, but historically, there haven't been any bacteriophages discovered that specifically target fungi; all known bacteriophages target bacteria.

The survival and defense mechanisms of fungi differ significantly from those of animals, plants, and bacteria, which is why diseases caused by fungi are often very difficult to cure.

These 'friends' I've created each have different abilities. Some have strong infectivity and can indeed infect fungi, but they also carry a high risk of damaging a person's normal cells.

Another type of 'friend' has stronger recognition abilities, able to correctly differentiate between fungi and animal cells. However, their infectivity is weaker, making it difficult for them to penetrate the fungi's formidable defenses.

Then there's a third type of 'friend' with decent recognition and infection capabilities. If we're lucky, they could become the primary force in eradicating the fungi. But if luck isn't on our side, they might not be able to utilize any of their advantages and could instead pose a serious threat to Bulb's life."

Li Banfeng frowned. "Are you just leaving this to chance?"

Cui Tik didn't deny it. "Friend, this is the process of life's evolution. We are both creators and selectors of life, and we must confront many random variables."

Mid-sentence, Cui Tik glanced at the child beside him.

The child took a bite of his bread, listening very attentively to Cui Tik's lecture.

Cui Tik clarified some specific terminology. "Evolution is a unique process. The word itself can be misleading, easily bringing to mind the flawed theory of 'use it or lose it,' which can lead to a misunderstanding of evolution's true nature. I believe 'mutation and selection' might be more accurate. Do you understand?"

As he spoke, Cui Tik looked at Li Banfeng.

Li Banfeng glanced at the child, then turned to Cui Tik. "If you're teaching him, speak directly to him; there's no need to look at me when you're talking." A day later, Bulb's condition had distinctly improved. Cui Tik could clearly sense a sharp reduction in the amount of fungi on Bulb's body.

"The virus has mutated, and it's a mutation that has a positive effect on the treatment!" Cui Tik was extremely excited. He recovered some of the virus from Bulb's body. "The 'friends' who were originally good at differentiating have now produced variants that are good at infecting, and these variants have survived!"

"Do the other two types of viruses still need to be kept?" Li Banfeng asked.

He was very concerned that those two viruses might not cure the illness but instead harm Bulb.

Cui Tik nodded. "Those two types of viruses must still be kept. We previously discussed the issue of biological resistance at Haichi Ridge. Viruses mutate, and fungi also mutate. Once resistance develops, it becomes very difficult for a single pathogen to kill the mutated fungi.

Even with cross-control, we cannot guarantee that the viruses will kill all the fungi; a small amount will inevitably remain. However, animals also have their own defense mechanisms; we have immune systems. Once the number of fungi is suppressed to a certain extent, the immune system will help us resolve the problem."

Li Banfeng listened carefully to the entire analysis. "So, this means there's a way to cure this condition without you having to exert your control over microorganisms?"

Cui Tik nodded. "I can extract the most effective virus, turn it into a viral strain, and give it to you to take back and cultivate. This strain can cure the vast majority of infected individuals, except for those with deep infections that have already caused severe and irreversible damage."

"How long will it take to prepare the viral strain?"

"If all goes smoothly, it will take one to two days. It's somewhat regrettable, actually. I've always wanted to kill everyone in this world, and this fungus presented a shortcut to achieving that dream. Now I've personally destroyed that shortcut, which makes me feel a little uneasy."

Li Banfeng looked at the child beside him. "Old Cui, after meeting this little fellow, do you still want to kill everyone?"

Cui Tik shook his head. "My beliefs will not change. What does this have to do with the child? He is merely a stranger I encountered at Desong Cliff." Hearing the word "stranger," the child became a little upset and ran off to play with Bulb.

Cui Tik was somewhat worried but tried not to show it.

Li Banfeng seized the opportunity to ask, "I heard you discovered a new technique that can cause those who instigate war to fall ill. Can you tell me the principle behind it?"

"This technique isn't mature yet. To be precise, it doesn't make those who instigate war fall ill, but rather those who violate a contract. It sounds somewhat like a contract paper in its function, and its underlying principle is also quite similar to a formal agreement.

We are accustomed to the idea of disease entering through the mouth. We've always believed that even if a pathogen doesn't enter orally, infection must occur through touch or inhalation.

We've never considered other modes of infection: visual infection, auditory infection, and even olfactory and gustatory infections are possible. It's just that for these types of diseases, their pathogens currently lack a reasonable explanation.

If fungi had enough sight, I truly wish I could cure your friend simply by drawing a picture. But before I completely heal your friend, let's discuss something important. I previously put forward three conditions, and one of them has not yet been met: Desong Cliff needs a supply of grain."

Li Banfeng, of course, wouldn't default on his promise. "The grain has already begun its journey. Regardless of whether my friends are cured or not, I will remain here to help you distribute the provisions.

However, I must give you a piece of advice: providing so much support to Dexiu might not entirely be a good thing. When they encounter difficulties, they're quick to pick up their bowls and eagerly eat, but once the hard times pass, they're just as quick to put their bowls down and complain. They possess many adaptable and mercurial traits that could potentially cause you trouble."

Cui Tik sighed. "Peace is created not by you and me, but by them. They are the masters of Desong Cliff. I know there's a significant gap between Dexiu's true character and their self-promotion, but we have all experienced hunger. You know that starving people cannot forge true peace."

Li Banfeng nodded. "We have a prior agreement, and I will certainly deliver the grain. I'm just giving you a heads-up: it's best to cut the grass and pull out the roots, especially with someone like Song Demei. You can't expect her to change..." Mid-sentence, Li Banfeng abruptly turned his head, looking towards the foot of the mountain. Someone was attempting to ascend, and they possessed considerable power.

Cui Tik's perception wasn't as sharp as Li Banfeng's, but he trusted his judgment.

Li Banfeng had just killed Song Demei's third son, so it was highly probable she was infuriated and coming up the mountain for revenge.

Cui Tik never underestimated an opponent, and Song Demei herself was certainly not to be taken lightly; her strength had likely reached the third layer of the Cloud Realm. Cui Tik instructed the child and the three patients to immediately return to the cave, preparing to summon some Blade Fiends to confront the enemy.

When the enemy finally reached halfway up the mountain, Li Banfeng felt a slight sense of relief. There was only one foe, and he knew who it was.

It was a very graceful woman, dressed in a light blue robe, wearing a small, round-domed hat, and round-framed black sunglasses on her face. In her hands, she carried a bucket of counting rods, and a large abacus was strapped to her back. This was A Xia, the Calculator Cultivator, who was Xiao Feng's house spirit. Xiao Feng had once been You Tao's beloved.

Li Banfeng had last seen A Xia on Chu Er's New Land. "I heard you and Hundred-Eyed Fish both married Pan Dehai," he said. "Why aren't you happily settled at home? What are you doing here looking for me?"

A Xia shook her head repeatedly. "You mustn't speak so carelessly. We genuinely wanted to marry Elder Pan, but he wouldn't accept us. To this day, we are merely living under his roof, unable to even enter his bedroom.

Today I came to see Seventh Master because there's something I need to tell you. One of your subordinates, a brother named Qin Tianjiu, had a conflict with Elder Pan the other day and is now in Elder Pan's custody. Elder Pan wants to know, Seventh Master, will you intervene or not?"

Li Banfeng was stunned for a long moment before asking, "Why is Qin Tianjiu in Pan Dehai's hands?"

"We don't know the specific reasons behind it. Elder Pan said that if Seventh Master doesn't intervene, he will flay Qin Tianjiu alive. If Seventh Master wishes to intervene, you should go to Haichi Ridge to claim him." How could such a thing happen?

Li Banfeng had confidently sent Little Fatty to Kudaikan because he had previously contacted Feng Daiku, who had instructed his subordinates to meet Qin Xiao promptly upon his arrival in Kudaikan.

But why did Little Fatty end up at Haichi Ridge?

Is Pan Dehai trying to trick me?

Is this old man still coveting Desong Cliff?

Li Banfeng replied, "Qin Tianjiu is indeed my friend, but I have matters to attend to and cannot go to Haichi Ridge at the moment. Please go back and tell Pan Dehai that I will address this issue later. If he truly harms my friend, he shouldn't blame me for turning against him."

Gao Shuxia replied, "Elder Pan has already considered that. He said if it's inconvenient for you to go, he will come to Desong Cliff to find you." "First, tell me, how did he know I was at Desong Cliff?"

A Xia smiled. "Seventh Master has caused such a commotion at Desong Cliff; how could Elder Pan not know?" Pan Dehai still had people at Desong Cliff. His seeking me out likely meant he still intended to become the local master of Desong Cliff. Li Banfeng didn't object. "Alright, let him come. I'll wait for him here."

"Cough, cough~" Cui Tik cleared his throat twice from behind.

Li Banfeng wasn't afraid of Pan Dehai's arrival, but Cui Tik was. If Pan Dehai truly came, he would inevitably continue his conflict with Song Demei, and if the two of them started fighting, all of Cui Tik's previous efforts would be for naught.

Li Banfeng also didn't want to put Cui Tik in a difficult position, so he agreed to A Xia. "I'll go with you to find Pan Dehai right now."

He turned and instructed Cui Tik, "These three friends of mine are entirely in your care. Once they're cured and the medicine is prepared, simply hand it over to them; they will deliver it to the outer states. I will absolutely fulfill my promises to you, seeing them through to the very end. The grain will arrive in two days. If anyone in the village continues to cause trouble, I'll help you deal with them."

"Li Qi, in this world, you will always be my most trusted friend!" With that, Cui Tik produced a contract paper and wrote out an agreement, which included the stipulation that Pan Dehai must not reach Desong Cliff before a complete ceasefire was established.

Li Banfeng snorted. "You need a contract for something like this? Is that what you call trust?" "Friendship is friendship, and business is business. It's best if we write things down clearly."

The two signed the contract. The child, knowing Li Banfeng was about to leave, brought him a large piece of bread. "Here, for you to eat!" Li Banfeng gazed at the child for a moment, gently pinched his cheek, and chuckled, "How did you get to be so adorable?"

After Li Banfeng departed, Cui Tik picked up the child. "From now on, you must keep your distance from people like him," he said. "He is a very dangerous person."

With A Xia leading the way with her travel spirit, Li Banfeng matched her pace, walking for two days and one night across the New Land until they arrived at Haichi Ridge.

Pan Dehai had arranged a banquet at Yunmen Tower, which was his own establishment. The largest private room was reserved specifically for Li Banfeng, with all meals and lodging provided. Li Banfeng, however, was not in the mood to eat or drink; he immediately asked about Little Fatty's situation.

Pan Dehai sighed. "Qin Tianjiu is a real black sheep!"

"What do you mean by that?"

"I raised a herd of horses in the New Land. Qin Tianjiu was there for three days and ate six of them. Wouldn't you say he's a black sheep?" Li Banfeng was somewhat confused. What was old Pan talking about?

Hundred-Eyed Fish called Qin Tianjiu out. Blushing and with his head bowed, Qin Tianjiu said, "Seventh Brother, I've caused you trouble."

Li Banfeng rescued Qin Little Fatty from the wormhole, giving him one hundred silver dollars for travel expenses and telling him to stay in Kudaikan for a few days until Feng Daiku sent someone to pick him up. Qin Tianjiu had just found a place to stay. While eating by the roadside, he devoured over thirty bowls of noodles in one sitting, terrifying the noodle stall owner.

The owner had seen food cultivators before, but never one as thin as Qin Little Fatty who ate with such ferocity. It was truly a first.

Qin Tianjiu was only half full when he noticed a crowd gathering on the street. Among them, he recognized someone who looked familiar—it seemed to be Professor Yu Yaoming from the outer states. Little Fatty wasn't mistaken; it truly was Yu Yaoming. Boss Lu, seeing how hard Yu Yaoming had been working on his research, had specifically brought him to Kudaikan for a few days of relaxation.

Yu Yaoming was strolling around the street and, hearing that someone had eaten dozens of bowls of noodles, went to watch the commotion. He actually didn't recognize Little Fatty, as Little Fatty had been sent into the wormhole immediately after his initial appearance, so Yu Yaoming hadn't retained his image. Even if he had, Little Fatty had changed, becoming much thinner than before.

However, Little Fatty was terrified. Seeing Yu Yaoming was tantamount to seeing Boss Lu, so he immediately decided to leave Kudaikan.

But leaving wasn't so easy. He needed a travel permit and a train ticket. The Three Heroes Gate had a branch in Kudaikan; by finding the brothers there and reporting his identity, he could easily obtain a permit and ticket. However, if he truly reported his identity at the branch, he worried it would summon Boss Lu, and given Boss Lu's skill, the brothers at the branch certainly wouldn't be able to defeat him.

Qin Tianjiu, with no other choice, decided to hide in the New Land for two days, waiting for Feng Daiku to send someone to find him.

According to Little Fatty's reasoning, Kudaikan was Feng Daiku's territory, and the New Land right next to it must also be connected to Feng Daiku, or at least within Feng Daiku's sphere of awareness, even if it wasn't his direct territory.

He had oversimplified things. The New Land he went to was not Feng Daiku's territory, nor was it within Feng Daiku's awareness; it was Pan Dehai's territory.

In the New Land, there was no hope of food or drink. Little Fatty, famished, saw a herd of horses in the wilderness, whose owner he didn't know. He charged in and started eating, devouring two horses a day for three consecutive days before Pan Dehai caught him in the act.

Li Banfeng understood the entire sequence of events and asked Pan Dehai, "How much does a horse cost? Name your price, and I'll pay you double." This was indeed a matter that required compensation; no matter how much Li Banfeng disliked Pan Dehai, he still adhered to principles of fairness.

Pan Dehai waved his hand. "That herd of horses represents a portion of my hard work; this isn't something that can be resolved with mere monetary compensation." Li Banfeng frowned. "Then what is it that you want?"

Pan Dehai smiled. "I want to take him as a disciple, but Qin Tianjiu insisted that the matter needed your approval. So, I specifically invited you here to discuss this very thing." "A disciple? You want him to become a Virtue Cultivator under you?"

Qin Tianjiu shook his head repeatedly. "I won't be a Virtue Cultivator."

Pan Dehai sighed. "What kind of talk is that? Would becoming a Virtue Cultivator be an injustice to you? I certainly didn't say Qin Tianjiu should become a Virtue Cultivator. He is an excellent prospect for a Food Cultivator.

I have spent many years at Haichi Ridge and have extensively researched the path of Food Cultivation. I would like to impart the secrets of Food Cultivation to Qin Tianjiu. Li Qi, my brother, would you be willing to agree to this?"

Li Qi looked at Qin Tianjiu, whose eyes were filled with longing. This seemed like a good thing.

But the question remained: why would Pan Dehai do something good?

"What benefit do you gain from taking Qin Tianjiu as a disciple and teaching him the secrets of Food Cultivation?"

Pan Dehai said, "My Taoist sect follows the path of Virtue Cultivation, but Haichi Ridge is a treasure ground for Food Cultivation. To have occupied this sacred land for so many years without having cultivated a single respectable Food Cultivator is truly the greatest regret of my life.

You might not believe this, but among all the Food Cultivators I've encountered, I've never seen talent as exceptional as Qin Tianjiu's. To find such a raw gem and meticulously polish it into something refined—that is both a good deed and a virtuous act!"

Li Banfeng activated his Golden Eyes of Autumn Clarity, staring intently at Pan Dehai and scrutinizing him. He truly could not believe that Pan Dehai had uttered those words.

"You're taking Little Fatty as a disciple because of Desong Cliff, aren't you? Are you trying to get me to help you fight for that territory?"

Pan Dehai smiled and said, "Let me tell you another truth. After the incident at Desong Cliff, I gained a new understanding of my own Taoist sect. My previous cultivation path was mistaken. From now on, I will no longer concern myself with the affairs of Desong Cliff."

"Is that truly so?" Li Banfeng expressed deep skepticism.

Pan Dehai produced a contract paper. "If you don't trust me, we can sign a formal agreement right here."

"The contract must be made." After a discussion, they formally established the agreement.

Pan Dehai genuinely only wanted to impart the cultivation techniques of Food Cultivation to Qin Little Fatty; he truly intended to do a good deed.

Li Qi still couldn't understand. "But if this is truly a good deed, why didn't you just have A Xia explain it clearly at Desong Cliff? Why make me come all this way?"

Pan Dehai smiled. "Brother Li Qi, to be frank with you, I had you come here to save your life."

Li Banfeng was taken aback. "You saved me?"

"Yes!" Pan Dehai instructed A Xia to take out her counting rods, and she performed a divination on the spot.

"The divination is very clear," A Xia explained. "According to the directions, this hexagram points to Desong Cliff. A great disaster is imminent for Desong Cliff, and it will be a bloody one. Elder Pan invited you here precisely to help you avoid this catastrophe."

Pan Dehai stroked his beard and chuckled, "Brother Li Qi, a small act of kindness should be repaid with a gushing spring. I have just bestowed upon you the grace of saving your life; how will you repay me?"

Before he could finish speaking, Li Banfeng rushed out of the restaurant.

Pan Dehai was stunned. "Brother Li Qi, you haven't even finished your meal. Where are you going?"

Li Banfeng ran at full speed, heading straight for Desong Cliff.

Cui Tik cured Bulb, Candied Fruit, and Begonia Fruit, then handed them the newly cultivated viral strains. "I've written down all the methods for cultivating the virus, as well as its usage and dosage, in this notebook. Whether you can cure others will depend on whether you can successfully transport these materials back to the outer states."

Luo Zhengnan told Bulb, "I can take you to the train station, and it will be a good opportunity to collect the grain that Seventh Master sent."

Cui Tik clasped his fists towards Luo Zhengnan. "Brother Luo, I'll have to rely on you to handle the grain distribution."

Luo Zhengnan returned the gesture. "It's a minor task. My subordinates are all here, and the Sand Serpent Alliance members can also help. Once the grain is distributed, I'll show you the ledger. If you think the amount isn't sufficient, I'll ask Seventh Master to send more. If you believe the amount is enough, then our accounts with Seventh Master will be settled."

Cui Tik nodded. "Fair trade. Our friendship is now stronger than ever."

Luo Zhengnan prepared to escort the three down the mountain, but they were a little reluctant to leave, particularly unwilling to part with the child.

The child had prepared a large loaf of bread and a can of preserves for the three of them.

Begonia Fruit hugged the child tightly, unwilling to let go. "Good child," she cooed, "would you like Big Sister to take you to Yuezhou? It's so much fun there."

Cui Tik was still watching nearby. Candied Fruit shot Begonia Fruit a look. "Don't talk nonsense!"

Bulb wanted to give the child a gift. He searched all over himself but couldn't find anything suitable. In the end, he stuffed all the banknotes from his wallet into the child's hand.

The three followed Luo Zhengnan down the mountain. Cui Tik had kept some fungal strains within his own body and attempted to control these fungi, but every attempt ended in failure.

Cui Tik was exasperated. "They truly are a stubborn form of life, even more so than the people of Desong Cliff. Perhaps they need more significant deterrence to compel these fungi to change their survival habits."

At noon, Cui Tik baked bread for the child. When the child expressed a desire for noodle soup, Cui Tik then prepared noodles.

By two in the afternoon, a child of about twelve or thirteen years old, covered in injuries, ran up the mountain, crying as he spoke to Cui Tik. "Doctor Cui, something terrible has happened in our village! They started fighting at the village entrance over the grain you sent, and many people in the village have died."

Cui Tik furrowed his brow. Luo Zhengnan was always so meticulous in his work; why would such a situation arise?

This must have been caused by the carelessness of his subordinates.

Cui Tik had always regulated the number of deaths, aiming to resolve issues with minimal bloodshed. He hadn't expected that after overcoming the most difficult problems, many would die simply due to the distribution of grain.

"Child, what is your name?"

The child cried as he said, "My name is Liang Zhongde." "What is the name of your village?" "Dexiao Village."

Cui Tik knew the location of Dexiao Village. "I'll take you home now," he said. "Come with me."

Liang Zhongde cried and shook his head. "I dare not go home. My parents were killed by them, and I'm afraid they'll kill me too! Doctor Cui, please let me stay for two days. After they finish fighting, I'll go to my relatives. I beg you."

Cui Tik turned and said, "Little De, take good care of this older brother. I'll be right back." The child happily agreed.

Before leaving, Cui Tik glanced at the two Blade Fiends at the cave entrance. The Blade Fiends nodded towards Cui Tik.

Luo Zhengnan waited at the train station, asking the stationmaster several times, "When will this train actually arrive?"

The stationmaster poured tea and offered a cigarette. "Brother Luo, I've asked several times myself. They originally said it would arrive promptly at one, but it's already two-thirty, and I don't know what the problem is." Luo Zhengnan was becoming irritated. "It's just delivering a few carloads of grain; it's not a difficult task. If it can't make it today, just say so directly. Don't make me wait here for nothing!" Sha Jianfeng, standing nearby, tried to calm him. "Brother Luo, don't be angry. Let's play some cards together; the time will pass more quickly that way."

The child led Liang Zhongde back to the cave. Liang Zhongde lowered his voice and said to the child, "Come back to the village with me. Grandma Demei said your sins aren't fully atoned for yet, but you are still a person of Desong Cliff, and Desong Cliff can still accept you."

The child remained silent.

Liang Zhongde looked at the Blade Fiends at the cave entrance. "You don't need to be afraid of them. I have a magical artifact; we can both return to the village, and they won't be able to catch us." The child shook his head. "I'm not going back to the village."

Liang Zhongde's expression darkened. "Then what are you doing staying with this foreigner? Do you want to be a traitor? I knew you weren't good stock!" The child pondered for a moment, then picked up a bowl and handed it to Liang Zhongde. "Here's some noodle soup for you."

Liang Zhongde's eyes widened. "Did you understand what I said? I'm taking you back to the village, you dog-spawned thief! If you don't come, I'll let you die here!" Not long after Cui Tik had descended the mountain, he realized something was wrong.

The train hadn't even arrived, and the grain distribution hadn't begun. How could there be a fight over food? The child named Liang Zhongde had lied!

Cui Tik ran back desperately. By the time he reached the cave, he heard a strange sound. "Hum, hum hum..."

Two Blade Fiends stood inside the cave.

One Blade Fiend made no sound, simply standing in silence. The other, however, continuously emitted a strange, guttural breathing sound from its throat. "Hum hum..."

Two Blade Fiends stood inside the cave.

One Blade Fiend made no sound, simply standing in silence. The other, however, continuously emitted a strange, guttural breathing sound from its throat. "Hum hum..."

He wanted to cry, but the tears wouldn't come.

Cui Tik approached. He saw a bowl of noodle soup spilled on the ground, and bloodstains everywhere. He picked up the cold child, knelt on the ground, his body trembling uncontrollably.

"Hum, hum~" One Blade Fiend continued to weep.

The other Blade Fiend, who had remained silent throughout, kept staring intently at Cui Tik.

Cui Tik's body trembled, and tears slowly streamed down from the corners of his eyes. He held the child with one hand and tried to wipe away his tears with the other, but they wouldn't come off. The teardrops stopped on his cheeks; originally transparent, they had been stained black by something unknown. These black teardrops transformed into a rash, and red spots began to grow within the rash.

One by one, rashes quickly spread across Cui Tik's face.

The Blade Fiend that had remained silent slowly raised its head and let out a low roar. "Whoosh!"

Thunder rumbled, and layers of dark clouds actively gathered over Decheng Mountain. Though it was the dead of winter and snow should have fallen, today it rained. The heavy rain poured down relentlessly, and the Blade Fiends' roars continued without pause, matching the unceasing downpour.

Nourished by the rainwater, the Blade Fiends on the mountain began to emerge from the earth, one after another. Cui Tik, cradling the child, slowly descended the mountain path in the pouring rain.