Blade - Unbound

A demonic fox!

Li Yan's expression hardened as wariness filled him.

Though the old fox was still far, he could clearly smell the dense yin killing qi emanating from it. It was comparable to that of some yin deities. Once a fox developed spirituality and acquired cultivation, it could be called a demonic fox.

However, demonic foxes also varied in quality. Generally speaking, they were divided into three kinds: Wild Foxes, Ghost Foxes, and Heavenly Foxes.

All fox demons with cultivation could be called Wild Foxes. They balanced skulls on their heads and worshipped the moon at night, a practice known as Wild Fox Zen.

As their cultivation deepened, not only could they cast spells to bewilder humans, but they could also gather large numbers of yin creatures and demonic ghosts as subordinates, much like humans summoning spirit soldiers and generals.

At that stage, they could be called Ghost Foxes. They were essentially the pinnacle of fox demon cultivation.

As for the legendary Heavenly Foxes, they required tremendous fortune and opportunity. They possessed extraordinary spirituality, and their intelligence could even far surpass that of ordinary humans. In ancient times, they were sometimes regarded as auspicious omens.

Of course, if they followed an evil path, they could also bring chaos to the entire realm. The one before them was clearly a Ghost Fox. Li Yan could smell at least several dozen ghostly entities surrounding it.

Naturally, the sight also alarmed the men from the Military Surveillance Department. They became wary and began drawing their bows and nocking arrows.

"Don't move!" Lu San yelled suddenly. His eyes were filled with tension as he stared ahead and said softly, "Leave this to me."

He slowly walked toward the Ghost Fox. Once he was halfway, he stopped and imitated the cries of a fox, seemingly attempting to communicate with it. Strangely enough, when the Ghost Fox opened its mouth, it did not make a fox's cry. Instead, it produced a strange series of clucking and clicking sounds.

Spirit language!

A sharp gleam flashed through Li Yan's eyes.

Spirit language was the language used by spirits to communicate with one another. This Ghost Fox could command numerous ghosts, cast spells, and even speak spirit language, allowing it to communicate with all manner of beings. It could be considered a local tyrant within these mountains and forests. Even tigers, leopards, jackals, and wolves would have to avoid it.

With its assistance, many things would become far easier. The men of the Military Surveillance Department also held their breaths, not daring to make a sound.

"Cluck, cluck, click-click..." Lu San spoke spirit language with remarkable fluency.

He and the Ghost Fox exchanged words back and forth, seemingly negotiating. At times the atmosphere became intensely hostile, while at others it eased again...

At last, the Ghost Fox stopped speaking. It gave everyone a long, deep look before leaping away and disappearing into the forest. The yin wind and thick mist surrounding them vanished along with it.

Bright moonlight shone down from above, and everything that had just happened seemed almost like a dream...

Huang Wenzhong hurried forward and asked impatiently, "How did it go?"

He was also extremely anxious. The case involved the new-style gunpowder, making it an assignment that could cost him his head. Yet the enemy was cunning, and every clue had already gone cold. Otherwise, why would he have compromised with Li Yan?

Lu San was not good at dealing with people to begin with, and he had even less fondness for government officials. Therefore, he ignored Huang Wenzhong and looked toward Li Yan instead.

"That old fox really does have information. The monk who escaped is hiding in a stronghold in the mountains, but the old fox said there is a deity inside the stronghold, so they cannot approach it at all.

"Also, someone in the stronghold can unleash lightning and fire. There used to be a fox immortal in these mountains who had cultivated to a high level. It protected all the nearby fox clans, but that person killed it with thunder and fire, then cut out its heart to cultivate a spell.

"The stronghold is extremely well hidden. The old fox agreed to guide us there, but on one condition: the person who killed the fox immortal must die, and the fox immortal's heart must be returned."

"That's easily done!" Huang Wenzhong agreed without hesitation. Turning around, he ordered in a deep voice, "Captain Wang, gather everyone immediately. We're entering the forest tonight to seize them!"

Li Yan frowned slightly and reminded him, "Commander Huang, don't forget that the old fox said a deity protects the stronghold. There must be cultivators assisting them..."

"Rest assured, Young Hero Li." Huang Wenzhong did not appear concerned. He said coldly, "Now that I know cultivators are behind this, how could I possibly have come unprepared? We will enter the forest first. The men from the Enforcement Hall will arrive soon."

Li Yan said nothing further. For a case this large, one that also involved powerful evil arts, it was hardly surprising that the Enforcement Hall would participate.

Before long, a large force gathered at the city gates.

The Military Surveillance Department clearly attached great importance to the case. This time, they had brought a full two hundred men, all elite fighters. Combined with the local garrison soldiers, they had more than enough strength to crush a bandit stronghold.

Once everyone had assembled, Lu San wasted no time. He strode directly into the dense forest, with Li Yan and the others following close behind to protect him. They had already struck a deal with the Military Surveillance Department, so naturally, they had to take the matter seriously.

Their group walked at the very front. Huang Wenzhong followed closely behind with two captains, while skilled men spread out around them to scout the way. The main force followed about one hundred chi behind.

That was the standard formation for entering mountainous forests. They divided their forces into scouts and reinforcements, ensuring the entire force would not be wiped out if they fell into an encirclement.

If anything happened, they could also rapidly close ranks.

However, events soon proved that all these precautions were unnecessary. As they traveled, they did not encounter so much as a single wild animal. It seemed every living creature was deliberately avoiding them. Only several ghostly flames drifted ahead, guiding the way.

The sight secretly startled Huang Wenzhong. The mountainous regions of Jingchu had always been a grave concern for the imperial court. This vast mountain range stretched from the Zhongnan Mountains in the west to the Tongbai and Dabie Mountains in the southeast, the Funiu Mountains in the northeast, and the Jing Mountains in the south. Its sheer size was astonishing.

Not only that, but the area was filled with endless mountain ranges, winding rivers, and deep forests. It was sparsely populated, while the soil was fertile. Southerners could farm the wetlands, and northerners could cultivate dry land.

In other words, refugees could survive as soon as they arrived.

Was that a good thing? It certainly was for the common people. Whenever war swept the realm; drought or locust plagues struck; or government exploitation became so severe that the people could no longer survive; they only had to flee into these mountains to live. They could cultivate a few acres of fertile land and live beyond the control of the imperial court. It was, in many ways, an enviable life.

But it was not a good thing at all for the imperial court. Refugees had always retreated into these mountains across successive dynasties. Even according to official records alone, their numbers had reached several million, and they remained outside the court's control.

If someone with ulterior motives exploited them, a single command could throw the entire realm into turmoil. Thus, successive imperial courts had often forcibly expelled them or ordered them to return to their home regions. This intensified the conflict between both sides and eventually sparked several massive uprisings among the refugees.

The Great Xuan Dynasty had established Yunyang Prefecture precisely to deal with this problem. Although Yunyang Governor Yuan Qun had governed effectively in recent years, and various favorable policies had persuaded many refugees to move out, the problem could not be eradicated. Whenever disaster struck any province, refugees still poured into the region.

Many wanted jianghu fugitives, heterodox practitioners, and even quite a few secret cults chose to establish themselves in these mountains. Moreover, the region was also steeped in the ancient shamanic traditions of Chu. Descendants of the ancient tribes still remained, and bizarre, fantastical incidents frequently occurred.

Neither the Taixuan Orthodox Sect nor the Military Surveillance Department could fully extend their influence into the mountains.

At times, Huang Wenzhong even felt that the mountains themselves harbored a deep hostility toward the imperial court. On several occasions, when men had been sent deep inside, they had inexplicably encountered ghost walls and become hopelessly lost.

It was the first time their journey had ever been so easy. Huang Wenzhong could not help glancing at Lu San. His gaze gradually softened, as though he were looking at a priceless treasure.

Traveling through the mountains at night was extremely difficult. Even though all the wild beasts had avoided them and no yin creatures disturbed them, the complicated terrain and treacherous paths still made the soldiers grumble bitterly under their breath.

To make matters worse, Huang Wenzhong had forbidden them from lighting fires. In the pitch darkness, people were constantly tripping over tree roots, and some even tumbled down slopes.

Finally, after traveling for an hour, Lu San suddenly raised his hand. "Stop!"

From deep within the forest came what sounded like the cries of foxes.

He tilted his head and listened before turning around. "They're on the hillside ahead, but they not only have hidden sentries, they have also stationed wandering souls as guards."

"That's enough. Finding the place is all we needed!" Joy rose in Huang Wenzhong's eyes. Smiling kindly, he said, "Brother Lu San, you've worked hard. Leave the rest to us."

Earlier, he had simply called him Lu San. Now, he was already calling him his brother. Lu San was visibly uncomfortable being looked at that way. He hurriedly lowered his head and hid behind Li Yan.

"Hmph!" Sha Lifei snorted, unhooked the waterskin from his waist, and grinned. "Come, Brother Lu San, have some water. Sit over here, it's cleaner."

He was an old hand at dealing with people and saw through Huang Wenzhong's ill intentions at a glance. Lu San was the treasure of their group. How could they possibly let someone poach him away?

Lu San felt increasingly uncomfortable. "Old Sha, you... Don't act like this."

Li Yan could not help laughing, and did not bother interfering. The Military Surveillance Department had truly chosen the wrong target if they wanted to poach someone from their group. All they could offer were benefits and official positions, yet they had no idea that such things held no attraction whatsoever for certain people.

However, Huang Wenzhong showed no embarrassment. He merely smiled, then turned around as his expression became solemn. "Everyone, make your preparations and wait for the men from the Enforcement Hall!"

Just as he had said, the Enforcement Hall had already set out. The group waited for less than half an hour before three Daoists arrived, their robes drifting as they moved.

The three wasted no time after arriving. One climbed to a high point to observe the flow of qi, while another tilted his head and listened. They then began setting up a ritual altar.

As for the Daoist leading them, he stood in front with a sword in hand.

Li Yan knew they intended to summon their spirit soldiers and generals. But as they set up, he was secretly taken aback. He had not expected them to make such a grand display the moment they arrived, without the slightest hesitation. Clearly, the situation in Yunyang Prefecture was extremely severe.

The two Daoists worked in concert, moving even faster as they stepped in the formation of the Big Dipper. They ignited talisman paper and brandished their ritual swords, and three astral command talismans immediately shot into the sky.

There were practitioners in the mountain stronghold, so naturally, such a disturbance could not be concealed from them. Before long, firelight appeared in the distance amid a clamor of voices, while a sinister wind howled toward them.

"Hmph!" The leading Daoist removed a bamboo tally from his waist, stepped in the formation of the Big Dipper, formed hand seals with both hands, and chanted, "Those who face battle, warriors all, march in formation at the front!"

Li Yan naturally recognized the spell.

It was the Mountain Ghost Warding Art, which Luo Mingzi had used before. It required reciting its chant, and had to be used together with the Profound Bamboo Envoy Talisman.

The spirit soldiers and generals of the Taixuan Orthodox Sect had yet to arrive. As such, the incantation could drive away wandering souls and prevent the other side from causing trouble.

In an instant, fierce winds swept through the surroundings, yet they carried none of the usual sinister chill. At the same time, an intimidating aura rose from the Daoist's body.

The soldiers watched in fear and trepidation. They only felt the wind suddenly pick up, while many strange rustling sounds came from the dark forest in the distance.

Li Yan had already secretly formed the Yang Seal. He could detect waves of cold, bloody auras circling around them. They had not been driven away by the Daoist's Mountain Ghost Warding Art. Instead, they continued probing for weaknesses, circling in from the flanks as they attempted to attack the soldiers.

Li Yan immediately recognized the nature of these yin entities.

They were all Ferocious Spirit Soldiers! They were belligerent, vicious, and wildly unrestrained. Clearly, the Mountain Ghost Warding Art had failed to frighten them away.

Noticing them, the Daoist's expression grew visibly strained. With a cold snort, he shouted angrily, "Wretched spirits, you court death!"

He took a yellow talisman from his robes, formed a hand seal, and wiped it along his sword. The talisman immediately ignited on its own, while a layer of astral qi coated the blade.

He leapt forward and began hacking at the spirits. Li Yan was left somewhat speechless at the sight. There were generally two types of Daoists in the Law Enforcement Hall. One type had opened the bodily root and specialized in close combat, using mystic arts as support. The other primarily relied on setting up ritual altars.

This Daoist was fairly skilled. Judging from his condition, he was already close to the peak of the Dark Jin Realm. His swordsmanship combined hardness and softness, so it was probably Wudang swordplay.

His cultivation was also roughly at the second level, far inferior to Luo Mingzi's. Even dealing with the current situation seemed somewhat strenuous for him.

Swinging a sword at them... Yin entities move far faster than humans!

"Daoist, back me up!" Li Yan shouted in a deep voice. He immediately drew the Divine Tiger Token from his waist, stepped in the formation of the Big Dipper, and chanted, "Nuogao, three stars upon the left, three prisons upon the right. Heaven overturns and Earth reverses. All nine paths are sealed. Lose your senses... By my command!"

That was the first time he was using the Northern Emperor Protection.

"Roar!"

Everyone seemed to hear the roar of a tiger. Many of the Military Surveillance Department men suddenly turned toward Li Yan, uncertainty filling their eyes. They felt as though the man before them had transformed into a ferocious beast.

However, the Northern Emperor Protection was far more than a mere intimidation technique. Its true power lay in injuring the soul. Those lightly affected would become dazed and sluggish, while those struck severely would fall into illusions.

When Li Yan first encountered Daoist Tiger, he had recklessly activated a ritual implement and been overwhelmed by the man's spell, nearly falling unconscious. Back then, his cultivation had been shallow, and he could only use the incantation to frighten wild beasts. Now, however, it was already capable of injuring souls.

Sure enough, the instant the tiger's roar rang out, the sinister winds around them fell into chaos. The Ferocious Spirit Soldiers immediately lost their bearings and began charging left and right in confusion.

The Daoist shouted in praise, "Excellent technique!"

He immediately charged toward one of the Spirit Soldiers. His sword hacked and thrust until the spirit's soul scattered completely. Then, while simultaneously forming another hand seal, his fingers shifted repeatedly before he struck out with his right palm. A muffled boom sounded as the sinister wind howled.

It was the Lightning Palm, which shattered another Ferocious Spirit Soldier.

Seeing how formidable Li Yan's spell was, the Daoist was feeling a little competitive, and therefore used his Lightning Palm. Yet when he glanced over covertly, he was secretly shocked. Li Yan had not even drawn his blade!

As Li Yan formed a hand seal, crackling sounds erupted from his palm. With a light slap, Li Yan destroyed a Ferocious Spirit Soldier.

Yin Lightning Palm?

Wasn't he supposed to be a wandering cultivator?

Ordinary lineages did not even possess this technique!

But what happened next left him even more speechless. The previously inconspicuous long-bearded Daoist drew a coin sword from behind his back, formed a hand seal, and lightly wiped the blade. A terrifying wave of astral qi immediately rose from it.

The Daoist formed another seal, swung left, then chopped right. A Ferocious Spirit Soldier more than ten chi away had its soul scattered on the spot.

Those were special coins forged into a ghost slaying sword!

The Daoist's eyes reddened with envy. An artifact of this level could already form a minor formation of its own, and borrow astral momentum to slay ghosts. He carried out missions everywhere and accumulated Yin Merit, yet still could not afford to exchange for one.

Moreover, the artifact used by the young man earlier was also extraordinary.

Where did this group come from? How are they so damn rich?!

After dispersing the nearby Ferocious Spirit Soldiers, Li Yan stopped and watched Wang Daoxuan display his might, unable to keep from sighing to himself.

Back at Li Clan's Fort, a single Cold Altar Spirit Soldier had nearly taken his life. Now, he could suppress and destroy them with a wave of his hand. At Mount Hua, with so many Daoist experts gathered together, he had felt like nothing more than a minor lackey, utterly insignificant.

Only now did he truly feel how much he had grown...

Suddenly, he sniffed the air and spun around, warning in a deep voice, "Someone's coming. Watch out for hidden arrows!"

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

The moment he finished speaking, the sound of arrows tearing through the air rang out. The attackers were still far away and were merely judging positions by sound before letting loose arrows at random. Thus, by the time the arrows reached them, they had already lost most of their force.

Li Yan drew his treasured saber with a metallic ring and hacked left and right. Every incoming arrow was knocked aside as he protected Wang Daoxuan and the others behind him. To him, the darkness of night was no different from broad daylight.

The Military Surveillance Department suffered instead. Several men grunted as arrows struck them, while the rest drew their bows and fired wildly in return.

At that moment, the wind rose around them once more. The spirit soldiers and generals of the Taixuan Orthodox Sect had finally arrived!

Before long, sinister winds howled between heaven and earth as sand and stones flew through the air.

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