Chapter 384: Lu Yuehan's Honesty, Obtaining the Giant Sun Straw Man Spell, Eighteen Nations Gather (End of this Volume)

Caws! Caws!

Crows cawed in his ears. Zhao Xing felt pain all over his body, as if he had been hit countless times. His eyelids were incredibly heavy. He tried hard to open them but couldn't.

What's going on? Am I so badly injured that I can't even lift my eyelids? He couldn't even use his internal vision, so... out-of-body experience!

Nothing happened. Zhao Xing's vision remained dark. It wasn't entirely dark; as his eyeballs moved, faint points of light seemed to move with them. After an unknown period, a cool sensation suddenly came from nearby. It seemed to give Zhao Xing strength. Soon, his body appeared to revive, and Zhao Xing abruptly opened his eyes.

Caws! Caws!

Withered vines, an old tree, and crows of an unknown species flapped their wings and flew away. The sky was gray, not night, but the light was extremely dim. Dark clouds obscured everything. Zhao Xing found he wasn't lying flat but was leaning against a withered tree. That wasn't entirely accurate. He seemed to have merged with the tree, his whole body lodged in its middle, surrounded by dead leaves and vines.

Where am I? What's going on?

Zhao Xing felt a severe headache and couldn't concentrate. After resting for a long time, he finally felt his strength and reason return.

He hissed. Zhao Xing gasped.

I'm within the range of the Severing of Heaven and Earth! That damned Witch Moon God initiated the Severing of Heaven and Earth at Fulong Mountain. Have I become an ordinary person?

Zhao Xing flexed his fingers to summon wind, intending to disperse the dark clouds, but found no response from his fingertips. His vital energy was gone, his spells were gone, and he couldn't even sense the Three Divine Fate Palaces. Forget about summoning clouds and wind, my physical condition is no different from the 15th year of Jingxin Calendar. What exactly happened?

Zhao Xing decided not to move and simply reflected on the scene before he lost consciousness.

Purple Bone Celestial Venerable was being hunted down. I, Yun Tiandao, King Luohou, and Ji Si rushed to rescue him. On the way, we encountered Witch Moon God's interception. I didn't step onto Yun Tiandao's Star Cloud and directly confronted Witch Moon God. Before losing consciousness, I saw the Human Emperor's Sword, but then everything spun, and I don't know where I fell. Looking at the surroundings, this doesn't seem to be Fulong Mountain anymore. I don't even know how much time has passed.

Zhao Xing glanced at the surrounding terrain. On the black ground, there was only a solitary withered tree. He seemed to have landed on a plain. After the dark clouds dispersed, the light finally brightened somewhat, but he found there were no mountains around.

Fulong Mountain's highest peak is over 50,000 meters. Even if the Severing of Heaven and Earth changes the environment, it shouldn't be so drastic. There are many mountains, big and small, nearby. This probably isn't near Fulong Mountain. This counts as good news.

Zhao Xing breathed a sigh of relief. If he were still near Fulong Mountain, the Southern Barbarians would surely search for him after the Severing of Heaven and Earth was unleashed. In the early stages of the Severing of Heaven and Earth, Great Zhou had no cultivators, but the Southern Barbarians did. So, if he were at Fulong Mountain, he would likely be easily discovered.

Witch Moon God's divine abilities include Star Displacement. Unlike Purple Dragon God's teleportation spells, he has reached the level of a divine ability. I was probably sent flying by that move in the battle. This also explains why I couldn't step onto Yun Tiandao's cloud. The cloud Old Yun gave me was displaced by Witch Moon God; it had the appearance but no power. The bad news is, I don't even know where I am, and survival itself is a problem.

After thinking for a while, Zhao Xing felt intense hunger. Indeed, even if no Southern Barbarian army came searching, his chances of survival were slim. The Southern Barbarian lands were largely wilderness, and for a mortal to survive there would be incredibly difficult.

That cursed Witch Moon God! Was Purple Bone Celestial Venerable deliberately let go by him? Just to kill me? Zhao Xing re-examined the events since the start of the Pacification of the Barbarians War.

It's quite possible. To achieve spiritual qi resurgence and ascension, both I and Yun Tiandao are indispensable. However, Yun Tiandao is in the Dao Establishment Realm, making him hard to kill. I'm relatively easier to eliminate. If I die, even if Emperor Wu succeeds in conquering the barbarians, the outcome will still be the same as in my previous life. Then, the Ancient Dragon Court would also be leaderless after losing the Dragon Emperor. The trap Witch Moon God set for me—the Dragon Court trip didn't work, it was more like he went easy. He had no chance in the Land of Returning Ruins because I took a shortcut. So, this time, Purple Bone's defection was the real death trap? In this situation, how long can I live? They don't even need to send people to kill me; I'll starve to death.

Unknown time, unknown location, no spells, no vital energy... Hm?

Zhao Xing's gaze was suddenly drawn to a flash of purplish-gold. Originally, his vision had been fixed on the distance. Trapped within the withered tree, he couldn't look down. Only after regaining some strength could he move. Looking down, he saw a young seedling swaying at the base of the withered tree, about a meter from his feet. Purplish-gold energy, like threads of silk, flowed like a needle and thread, passing along the withered vines and into his body. Zhao Xing understood where the cool sensation he felt before and after losing consciousness had come from.

Cloud-Reaching Vine! Hahaha, Big Brother truly is Big Brother!

Zhao Xing propped himself up with the surrounding deadwood. It seemed to have decayed, and he easily broke it apart. Then he freed himself entirely from the tree trunk.

He hissed. Zhao Xing felt some pain on his body. Looking down, he discovered many root-like tendrils attached to his flesh, like countless IV tubes.

*Snap*

Zhao Xing removed these plant-like IV tubes one by one, then finally got a clear look at the withered tree.

Ice Soul Divine Tree?

He realized he had been living inside the core of the Ice Soul Divine Tree all along. Zhao Xing searched around and found a lotus flower and a withered half-bamboo shoot near the tree.

Divine Lotus of Scorching Fire! Dragon Spirit Bamboo! Bloodthirsty Dragon Vine!

From their withered forms, Zhao Xing could vaguely discern the traces of the Divine Lotus of Scorching Fire, the Ice Soul Divine Tree, and the Dragon Spirit Bamboo.

I understand.

Zhao Xing squatted down and sat beside the Cloud-Reaching Vine.

After the Severing of Heaven and Earth was cast, I wasn't immediately affected by this great divine ability. My Primordial Pure Projection was subconsciously released, and the Cloud-Reaching Vine, Dragon Spirit Bamboo, Ice Soul Divine Tree, Divine Lotus of Scorching Fire, and Bloodthirsty Dragon Vine protected me. Among them, the Ice Soul Divine Tree had an excellent freezing effect, protecting my body from decaying. The lotus seeds of the Divine Lotus of Scorching Fire preserved my life force; otherwise, as a mortal, I would have starved to death in seven days. However, they were also affected by the great divine ability. Only the Cloud-Reaching Vine, acting as a bridge, using the Bloodthirsty Dragon Vine for my meridians, could absorb the essence of these plant lives to provide me with vitality. The period I was unconscious definitely wasn't short.

A light gleamed in Zhao Xing's eyes, and he instantly saw the detailed situation within a five-kilometer radius.

In critical moments, only the Ego Sect can be relied upon. This was once a forest, but I drained its life force. Zhao Xing mumbled to himself.

He flexed his finger again.

*Sizzle, sizzle*

A wisp of vital energy flickered at his fingertip, like a candle flame in the wind, extremely unstable, threatening to extinguish at any moment. Seeing this, Zhao Xing quickly extinguished it, even subconsciously wiping his hand.

The Ego Sect is amazing!

Zhao Xing showed a slight smile. The Ego Sect's motto is 'self-reliance,' finding a glimmer of hope even in extreme environments. What other extreme environment could compare to the Severing of Heaven and Earth? In the Severing of Heaven and Earth, the other two sects couldn't save lives. Only the Ego Sect not only saved his life but also gave him hope for survival. Among the farmers traveling throughout the cosmos, the Ego Sect is rare, but those encountered are all extraordinary individuals. Zhao Xing's experience further confirmed this point: in the era of spiritual energy, the Ego is invincible!

It seems among my plant-based soldiers, only the Cloud-Reaching Vine survived. Only by staying near the Cloud-Reaching Vine can I cast spells and use vital energy.

Zhao Xing walked around for a bit, then returned to the Cloud-Reaching Vine. He quickly grasped his current situation.

If I move more than a meter away from the Cloud-Reaching Vine, I will once again be suppressed by the Severing of Heaven and Earth and become an ordinary person. Even when staying near the Cloud-Reaching Vine, I'm not fully recovered, but only have very limited recovery.

Zhao Xing summoned his status panel to check his condition.

Name: Zhao XingRealm: Unranked / Rule Realm Completion (Abnormal)Profession: FarmerLuck: Nine EvolutionsVital Energy Accumulation: 8th Tier / 100th Tier (Abnormal)Divine Soul: Rule Realm Completion (Abnormal)Remaining Lifespan: 1790 years

Based on the panel, I'm currently just an unranked farmer, and the total vital energy I can use is only at the twelfth tier. However, my luck is normal; within the Severing of Heaven and Earth, my luck won't be affected. Calculating the time based on remaining lifespan, I'm not sure how accurate it is. In the 62nd year of Yuanshuo, my remaining lifespan was 1850 years. Yuanshuo had 98 years in total. Then came Yuanding. The war began in the first year of Yuanding, and by the end of the second phase, 16 years had passed. My remaining lifespan in the 16th year of Yuanding was 1798 years. Now it's 1790 years, meaning I've been unconscious for eight years?

Zhao Xing pondered, this calculation might not be accurate, as he hadn't considered the possibility of lifespan reduction due to injury.

Besides the personal data on the panel, there are a few other records.Affected by 'Severing of Heaven and Earth,' your spells are abnormal.Affected by 'Severing of Heaven and Earth,' your level is abnormal.Affected by 'Severing of Heaven and Earth,' your fate soul is abnormal.

The abnormality of spells, Heaven and Earth.

Zhao Xing sat cross-legged, sensing carefully.

Among the Heaven's Opportunity spells and Earth's Advantage spells, only the Marquis Transformation spell is usable. All others show as abnormal. The Marquis Transformation spell can only be cultivated internally, but my current level is too low, so it's practically unusable. All Ego Sect spells are usable. What's strange is that despite being unranked, I can use Primordial Pure Projection.

With a thought, Zhao Xing caused a shadow to appear within a one-meter radius, centered around the Cloud-Reaching Vine.

I can even take things out of the Primordial Pure Soil.

With a flick of his palm, a vital crystal appeared from the shadow. After a moment of thought, Zhao Xing threw the vital crystal beyond the one-meter range.

*Pop*

The vital crystal, which had been glowing, rapidly dimmed after leaving the one-meter shadow coverage, then burst open with a pop, turning into nothingness. Vital crystals are pure energy crystals, similar to dragon crystals, except one is for humans and the other for dragons.

In that case, even if I can take things out, they won't be very effective. Once outside the range of the Primordial Pure Projection, they will still be suppressed by the great divine ability. Because I haven't truly recovered to a certain realm, but rather forcibly gained a breathing space within the Severing of Heaven and Earth, my recovered strength is very limited.

Zhao Xing finally had a basic understanding of the situation. With the situation clear, he wouldn't starve to death, at least.

Luckily, Witch Moon God doesn't know about this trump card, the Cloud-Reaching Vine, or I would have been completely doomed this time. Zhao Xing had never used the Cloud-Reaching Vine in front of others. Both times he used it were in the Ancient Dragon Court. Before he cultivated the Three Divine Fate Palaces, it remained within his Primordial Pure Soil. After cultivation, it was free from karma and could not be divined. He had only used it twice, when subduing the Dragon Vine and the Ice Soul Divine Tree.

Expand! Expand! Expand!

Zhao Xing circulated the Soldier Envoy Divine Art, and the shadow continuously expanded. After several days of continuous exploration, he finally expanded the Primordial Pure Projection to about a five-meter radius.

This is the limit. With the help of the Cloud-Reaching Vine, the maximum range my Primordial Pure Projection can actively expand is five meters.

Zhao Xing stood up and pulled a bamboo basket from the shadow. Then he dug out the Cloud-Reaching Vine, moved it into the bamboo basket, and carried it on his back.

Huh? Why am I carrying it myself?

Zhao Xing chuckled, then pointed at the withered branches and vines beneath the Ice Soul Divine Tree.

Mighty Grass Man, rise!

Heaven's Opportunity spells and Earth's Advantage spells couldn't be used, but the Grass Man spells belonged to the Ego Sect. Of course, the Grass Man spells he could use now were only low-level ones, such as Reviving Grass Man, Scouting Grass Man, Mighty Grass Man, and Thorny Grass Man.

Carry my Big Brother.

The Cloud-Reaching Vine couldn't be put back. Once it was put back, the Primordial Pure Projection couldn't be activated. This was because Zhao Xing could activate the Primordial Pure Projection by using the Void Seed as an anchor, which meant the Cloud-Reaching Vine had to remain outside.

A five-meter range is enough for several grass men to stand in.

Since he was already using grass men, Zhao Xing simply made a few more and also constructed a sun-shading palanquin.

This way, I don't have to travel on foot myself.

Zhao Xing jumped onto the palanquin and lay down. He was very weak now and couldn't fly. If he traveled on foot, he would likely die of exhaustion. Before leaving, Zhao Xing looked back at the withered vines and old tree.

Ice Soul Divine Tree, Divine Lotus of Scorching Fire, Bloodthirsty Dragon Vine, Dragon Spirit Bamboo. Thank you for saving me.

These four divine trees, once dead, were truly dead. Even if they were moved out later, they couldn't be restored to a living state. Zhao Xing watched silently for a while, then chose a direction and began to move.

As he walked, Zhao Xing kept looking around. His Soul Heaven Sight had reverted to its original Bright Eyes spell, but it could still see up to five kilometers with extreme clarity.

The range of the Severing of Heaven and Earth is roughly four prefectures. It's not too big, not too small. Zhao Xing thought to himself, If it were before the sealing, traveling across four prefectures would only take a few days. One prefecture is equivalent to the area of Earth, so four prefectures would be about four Earths. It wasn't large for pre-sealing travel, but he hadn't even reached the Vital Energy Accumulation Realm now, so this journey would truly take forever.

The good news is that enemies will also find it hard to locate me. Back when I took office as a fifth-rank official, traveling from the East Sea to Nanyang by warship took one or two months. The bad news is that it will also be difficult for Great Zhou's people to find me. I can't determine my direction now, so I can only blindly walk in one direction. I hope my Nine Evolutions luck can play a role, Zhao Xing thought to himself. It's been eight years. I wonder how Great Zhou's offensive is progressing.

***

Great Zhou, Nanyou Province.

Nanyou Province is the twentieth province of the Great Zhou Dynasty, established in the 17th year of Yuanding! It is marked by Yinyou Mountain, around which a provincial capital city was built. It is also the highest military command center for Great Zhou's expansion into the Southern Barbarian lands. Yinyou City was built entirely to the specifications of a royal capital, because since the 17th year of Yuanding, the Emperor of Great Zhou had personally led campaigns and continuously resided in Yinyou City.

Congratulations, Your Majesty. Latest war report: King Luohou has captured the first fifth-rank Witch City in the Southwest battlefield. He requests Your Majesty to name the city.

Inside the Taiji Hall, Tong Wenzhuo congratulated the majestic figure on the throne.

I know. Regarding the naming, the Prime Minister may consult with the Ministry of Rites. I am tired. For minor matters, the Prime Minister may convene the Six Ministries for decisions.

Yes, Your Majesty. I take my leave.

Tong Wenzhuo, seeing Ji Che was not in high spirits, respectfully took his leave. As soon as he stepped out, he met Grand Chamberlain Ji Wenchang.

Prime Minister, why are you leaving already? Aren't you staying for lunch in the palace?

Tong Wenzhuo softly replied, His Majesty did not ask me to stay.

Ji Wenchang silently cupped his hands. Watching Tong Wenzhuo bow and leave, Ji Wenchang looked back at the Taiji Hall and couldn't help but sigh. A long time ago, Ji Che was very close to his ministers. Staying overnight and bestowing banquets were common occurrences. After the 16th year of Yuanding, Ji Che became majestic. No one could guess what he was thinking, nor did he casually joke or scold his ministers. Ji Che became like a true emperor. This was originally the Ji Che that Grand Chamberlain Ji Wenchang wanted to see, but for some reason, now that he truly saw him, Ji Wenchang felt a complex mix of emotions.

Collecting his thoughts, Ji Wenchang entered the Taiji Hall and softly reported, Your Majesty, I have a matter to present.

Speak.

The position of Grand Farmer has been vacant for eight years. There is much discussion in court. I humbly request Your Majesty to again...

Ji Che had been gazing into the distance. Hearing Ji Wenchang's words, he immediately lowered his head and looked down upon him.

Ji Wenchang, I have said that anyone who dares to raise this matter again will be executed. Do you take my words lightly?

Ji Wenchang wanted to say more but found he couldn't utter a word. He found his strength rapidly draining, and his hair visibly turned white.

Considering you are my Grand Chamberlain, I will not kill you. I will demote you to a commoner, grant you twenty years of life, and you may return to enjoy your remaining years.

Ji Wenchang found he could speak, but only managed a faint, "Thank you, Your Majesty." The Taiji Hall finally quieted down. Not long after, a figure emerged from the shadows behind the throne.

Your Majesty, I still have no news about the Grand Farmer, Ji Si said in a low voice. But I believe he is still alive.

I also don't believe he's dead. Ji Che's gaze was profound. Otherwise, Witch Moon God wouldn't constantly be contending with me.

***

Southern Barbarians, Holy Mountain, Witch God Temple.

A tall and ancient temple stood on the Holy Mountain. The temple hall was empty, with only a wide stone seat. The temple walls were covered with abstruse runes, which shimmered with faint light, seemingly echoing the stars. On the stone seat, a white-robed young man, in a posture similar to Ji Che's, gazed at the sky outside the temple.

*Click, click, click*

A sound of bones rubbing against each other came from the throne, interrupting the youth's contemplation. His gaze retracted, falling upon his chest. A great sword was plunged into it. It was this sword that pinned him to the throne. The great sword exuded supreme imperial might, its blade shining with brilliant light like a scorching sun, flickering with the youth's breathing. The Human Emperor's Sword's blade was deeply embedded in the back of the seat, firmly imprisoning Witch Moon God in place. Witch Moon God's fair fingers emitted wisps of soft white light, coiling around the sword's blade.

*Clang!*

Golden patterns spread from the sword's blade, coiling around the Witch God like chains. Each pattern contained immense power, suppressing Witch Moon God's strength. Muscles tensed beneath the white robe. Witch Moon God clenched his fists tightly, but each time he exerted force, the Human Emperor's Sword glowed brighter, and the suppressive power grew heavier, making it impossible for him to break free.

After long deliberation, Witch Moon God transmitted his voice outside the temple: Ke, come here for a moment.

Witch.

A dharma body appeared outside the temple. Ke God, with black horns on his head and blade-like wings on his back, entered the temple. He glanced at the sword in Witch Moon God's chest and couldn't help but ask, Witch, can it still not be pulled out? Ke remembered clearly that when Witch Moon God fought the Great Zhou Emperor, that sword pierced the powerful Witch, pinning him back inside the temple. That Grand Farmer of Great Zhou was also sent to an unknown location. Afterward, the Witch tried for eight years, but only managed to pull the sword out one-tenth of the way.

The Human Emperor's Sword's power shouldn't be this strong, Witch Moon God spoke. But, the owner of this sword has become much stronger than expected. Because the entire national destiny of Great Zhou is much stronger than anticipated. Witch Moon God murmured to himself, All of this is because of Zhao Xing. His death should weaken Great Zhou's national destiny, and consequently, the Human Emperor's Sword's power would also diminish. However, you still haven't pulled out the sword. Could it be that he is not yet dead? Ke God thought of something. Can you determine if he is alive or dead? If he is alive, we should find and kill him.

He should not be dead yet. Witch Moon God looked at the distant sky. He cultivates the Three Divine Fate Palaces, and I haven't been able to locate him for many years. Ke, it can only depend on you and Jiuyou to search for him. Use the most primitive methods to prevent him from returning to Great Zhou.

Yes. Ke God respectfully said, Jiuyou and I will do our utmost.

***

Traveling with all my might for half a month, I finally saw traces of humans. Zhao Xing stood at the base of a small mound, excitedly touching the black ashes in his hand. Traces of a military stove, likely left three days ago. Three days ago, an army passed through here. I just don't know if it's Great Zhou's or Southern Barbarian's construction. Both are possible. Typically, where Southern Barbarians march, that's where Great Zhou deploys troops. Based solely on the stove ashes, it was hard for Zhao Xing to determine if they were left by Great Zhou or the enemy.

I need to be careful. If I encounter a Southern Barbarian army, I'll be in danger. If Big Brother didn't act, then killing Zhao Xing would only require a sharp arrow. Even if the Cloud-Reaching Vine could act, it could only exert a fifth-rank combat power at most, and its range was very small. The Cloud-Reaching Vine's influence was limited to the same extent as the Primordial Pure Projection's range. To maintain Zhao Xing's vital activities and vital energy usage, and to have such conditions within the Severing of Heaven and Earth, was already quite remarkable. If his tracks were exposed to the Southern Barbarian army, the danger would be great. Even without Witch Moon God personally acting, if just two more fifth-rank cultivators came looking, Master Zhao would have to face regret in the northwest.

Disperse!

Zhao Xing dispersed all the grass men and then personally carried the Cloud-Reaching Vine on his back. He now needed to move stealthily. Creating too many grass men would easily expose him. Following the traces of the military stove, Zhao Xing scouted for another two days. He determined it was a supply convoy, and specifically, a Great Zhou supply convoy!

Only Great Zhou's people use arc-shaped stoves, bury them so deeply, and make sure to cover them when leaving. Zhao Xing dug into the soil. Hehe, the Nine Evolutions luck really lives up to its name. I walked out and immediately ran into a Great Zhou army.

Despite this, Zhao Xing remained cautious and did not speed up. He hid by day and traveled by night, continuing his cautious advance. It wasn't until the seventh day that he saw living people.

*Clatter, clatter, clatter*

In the wilderness ahead, a sound of hooves approached. Zhao Xing lay prone on a hillside, watching. Soon, he saw a light cavalry unit, about a hundred strong. They rode warhorses and wore gray leather armor. Zhao Xing glanced at the banner. The Great Zhou character for 'Dragon' was embroidered on it. The character 'Dragon' was encircled by a green dragon, and below it were waves, representing the ocean or rivers. Zhao Xing stared at it, taken aback, then rubbed his eyes.

Isn't that Long Xiao's Green Dragon banner? Am I seeing things? Wait, the leading cavalryman looks a bit familiar. Hm? Isn't that Zhao Chuanzong?

Zhao Xing was a bit confused. Logically, Zhao Chuanzong should be in the Divine Might Army, not the Green Dragon Army. What was going on?

*Whoa*

Zhao Chuanzong pulled on the reins, stopping by the stream. The cavalry behind him also halted.

One squad rests for two kesh (half an hour), let the horses drink water. Wang Wu, Ma Liu, you two take men and carry the components up the hillside. See if you can set up a 'Scorching Fire Stake' on the south slope.

Zhao Chuanzong gave orders from horseback. Soon, members of the cavalry untied boxes from their backs and began climbing the south slope, carrying them. One squad (fifty men) began leading their horses to the stream to drink, while the remaining cavalry dispersed to be on alert.

Squad Leader Liu, Zhao Chuanzong called over a squad leader.

Centurion.

The middle-aged man with a large mole on his eyebrow ran over.

You take ten men to stand guard. Go check the northern valley slope. I keep feeling eyes on me. Be careful.

Zhao Chuanzong pointed his riding crop in Zhao Xing's direction.

Yes, Centurion.

The man surnamed Liu immediately mounted his horse and galloped with his nine men towards the northern valley slope. Zhao Xing watched his younger brother commanding and possessing such high vigilance, and his expression became exceptionally interesting.

Zhao Chuanzong really transformed in the army? Is this still my brother who only knew how to have children?

Meeting an old acquaintance in a foreign land was a strange feeling, especially when that person was his own brother. Zhao Xing immediately stopped hiding, jumped down from the northern valley slope, and walked towards Zhao Chuanzong. He hadn't walked far.

*Whoosh!*

A cold arrow shot over, grazing the top of his head. It wasn't that the arrow missed; it was that Zhao Xing used a spell to deflect it. He saw six people ahead, led by Squad Leader Liu, approaching in a triangular pincer formation. Three more people were crouching low, using the cover of bushes to circle around behind him.

*Whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh*

Another volley of cold arrows.

Wait! Zhao Xing waved his hand and shouted, I'm one of you!

Squad Leader Liu saw that he had emptied his quiver and the opponent was unharmed, and immediately sneered. With a wave of his hand, a dull mechanical click sounded. Zhao Xing suddenly leaped sideways. Then two 'Three-Stop Arrows' appeared at his feet.

Damn it, it's a Divine Arm Crossbow. Zhao Xing immediately swore.

The Divine Arm Crossbow: a bow body three chi three (about 1 meter) long, and a string two chi five (about 0.8 meter) long. From the legacy of crossbow arts. Renowned as the strongest mortal individual military weapon within the Severing of Heaven and Earth. Vital Energy Accumulation Realm cultivators definitely couldn't withstand it, and even Spirit Bridge Realm cultivators could be injured. Squad Leader Liu clearly didn't believe he was one of them. Where would one of their own come from in the middle of nowhere? He saw that Zhao Xing couldn't fly, yet could dodge his arrows as a divine archer, and immediately made a judgment: this was a Vital Energy Accumulation Realm Southern Barbarian scout!

*Toot toot* Squad Leader Liu quickly blew the eagle whistle around his neck. The sharp whistle, like an eagle's cry, was short and rhythmic, echoing and quickly reaching Zhao Chuanzong's cavalry unit.

A Vital Energy Accumulation Realm demon, and a lone one? Zhao Chuanzong shot up, growling, Squad Two and Squad Three of the first troop, grab your weapons! To the north was a valley with many sand and gravel, unsuitable for riding. Besides, the distance wasn't far; running would suffice.

*Whoosh*

A net, about eight meters long and covered with small barbed thorns, straightened from behind and swiftly lunged at Zhao Xing. One man in the center, holding a long spear, rapidly closed in, ready to stab the enemy multiple times once his comrades netted him. Zhao Xing was exasperated. Why couldn't they understand human language?

Stop! I am Grand Farmer Zhao Xing...

*Clang!*

An arrow shot onto a nearby rock. Squad Leader Liu dropped his Divine Arm Crossbow, drew his saber, leaped, and delivered a powerful cleaving strike like 'Splitting Mount Hua.'

This is utterly ridiculous. Attack after attack came, giving him no chance to even catch his breath, and they wouldn't listen to explanations at all. Left with no choice, Zhao Xing had to activate his martial skill.

Roar!

Kui Niu Thunder Roar!

The soldiers, who had approached within five meters, immediately collapsed after suffering from this roar. Squad Leader Liu, who had leaped into the air to strike with his saber, was also repelled by the strong sound waves. With just that one roar, all ten men were knocked down. After all, they were just ordinary people, and Zhao Xing was no ordinary Vital Energy Accumulation Realm cultivator.

*Thud*

Squad Leader Liu fell at Zhao Xing's feet. Even then, he was still resisting, and three cold arrows suddenly shot out from his arm. The angles were tricky, aiming straight for Zhao Xing's groin.

*Slap*

Zhao Xing lifted his leg and kicked them away, then stomped his foot on Squad Leader Liu's back.

Stop all of you! What's wrong with you? I said I'm one of you, why won't you listen?

Hmph, Grand Farmer? Why don't you just say you're King Luohou? Squad Leader Liu struggled, gripping Zhao Xing's ankle with both hands. These Southern Barbarians truly can't even make up a decent lie.

Zhao Xing: ...

Just then, Zhao Chuanzong arrived. He was also stunned for a moment upon seeing Zhao Xing, but he didn't give up his attack. Because many times before, enemies had impersonated his elder brother to lure the army into a rescue. After so many occurrences, few people believed it anymore.

Zhao Chuanzong! When you were eight, I taught you the Mountain-Sitting Stance! You don't even recognize your own Big Brother?

What? Stop! Zhao Chuanzong was greatly astonished and immediately ordered his subordinates to cease their attacks. The Mountain-Sitting Stance was his father Zhao Ruide's martial artist cultivation method, but Zhao Xing had taught him this particular stance when he was bored at home. Enemies could impersonate his elder brother's appearance, but childhood memories couldn't be faked. Zhao Chuanzong immediately took a few steps forward.

You... are you really my Big Brother?

Zhao Xing breathed a sigh of relief. Zhao Chuanzong finally recognized him.

Chuanzong, it's me. I'm back.

Zhao Chuanzong still couldn't quite believe it. His voice trembled as he asked, Big Brother, at the family banquet during the Yuanshuo years, the one Mother brought...

His name was Zhao Chen. I had Zheng'er kill him, and then I sent you to the Divine Might Army. Zhao Xing quickly replied.

Big Brother! Zhao Chuanzong no longer doubted. He immediately knelt to the ground, crawled forward on his knees, and hugged Zhao Xing's legs. It really is you, *sob*.

Alright, don't cry. Zhao Xing patted Zhao Chuanzong's head. You're hundreds of years old. What kind of way is that to be, sniveling like a child?

The other soldiers exchanged glances. They still couldn't believe that the person before them was truly the legendary figure of their Great Zhou. Hadn't it been said that Zhao Xing was killed by the Southern Barbarian Witch God eight years ago?

Big Brother, how... how did you...

We'll talk about this when we get back. Zhao Xing summoned a gust of wind, lifting Zhao Chuanzong to his feet. You're actually in the Vital Energy Accumulation Realm now? If I'm not mistaken, you're working under Long Xiao... You captured a Witch City?

Yes, Big Brother. Zhao Chuanzong wiped his face. General Long is at 'Wind Witch City,' about fifty li ahead. It's a seventh-rank city. Not only General Long is in the city, but also General Xia, General Chen, and even Second Brother.

Oh? How many people do you have? Zhao Xing was a bit surprised.

The various units around Wind Witch City total 30,000 people, Zhao Chuanzong said. However, only 12,000 are actually in Wind Witch City.

That many? Zhao Xing was a bit curious. 30,000 people was not a small force. And Long Xiao and the others were all here?

Let's go, let's go! Take me to Wind Witch City quickly.