Soon Wu Dingyuan, Yan Ting, Jiang Chong’s warriors, and the Kunlun disciples had all entered the giant door. Looking around, they saw that behind the giant door was actually an enormous cave, appearing quiet and dark with a feeling of unfathomable depth. Though several hundred people had entered, there was no sense of crowding, showing how vast this cave was.

Qian Lingyi laughed, “So this is Shenji Cave? Where are the martial arts manuals? Bring them out quickly!” He swaggered around as if strolling in his own backyard.

Seeing his frivolous manner, Jiang Chong immediately sighed and said, “Sect Leader Zhuo, you’re a martial artist and should know the formidable nature of Shenji Cave. Please restrain your disciples – they must not harbor arrogant thoughts, or they’ll surely die without a burial place.”

Zhuo Lingzhao nodded and instructed, “From now on, everyone travel in groups of three. Without my command, no one may speak or act freely.” Hearing the disciples respond loudly, Qian Lingyi thought, “Playing these ghost tricks again – how boring.” But he didn’t dare show any disrespect on his face and also shouted his agreement loudly.

Jiang Chong said, “Commander An, light the torches.” An’dao Jing quickly struck flint and illuminated the cave interior. Everyone looked far and wide – the cave walls were smooth and even, seeming artificially carved, which amazed everyone.

Jiang Chong walked to Zhuo Lingzhao’s side and said, “From here on, please everyone concentrate on walking forward – absolutely, absolutely do not look back.” As he spoke, countless echoes came from the distance, not knowing how deep this cave was.

Zhuo Lingzhao asked, “Is there something strange here?”

Jiang Chong nodded, “I won’t hide it from you all – this cave is no longer of the mortal realm but a place leading to heavenly secrets. If you see any strange phenomena later, absolutely don’t be shocked or afraid.”

Hearing these words, everyone was startled. Several timid people immediately pushed backward, and no one dared to lead the way forward. That Qian Lingyi was also frightened and hid behind Jin Lingshuang, no longer daring to show off.

Seeing everyone’s fear, Jiang Chong looked at Zhuo Lingzhao and waved both hands, indicating he should go first. Zhuo Lingzhao was bold with high skills – what in heaven and earth could trouble him? He smiled slightly and said, “Good! I want to see exactly what’s strange about this cave!” He flicked his sleeves and shouted, “Bring me my sword!”

A disciple quickly rushed forward and took out a long sword from a bundle. The sword sheath was pitch black with an ancient, simple form – it was clearly Zhuo Lingzhao’s usual sword.

Zhuo Lingzhao hung the long sword at his waist and led the way, walking inside. Jiang Chong followed closely behind, and the group of several hundred people all proceeded inward.

Yan Ting felt afraid and stayed close to Wu Dingyuan. Wu Dingyuan saw her pretty face turn pale and grasped her hand, feeling her small hand soft, smooth, and seemingly boneless. Even in this life-and-death situation, his heart still stirred.

After Zhuo Lingzhao and the others had walked about a li, they still hadn’t reached the end – the cave seemed endless, as if leading to hell. Some timid people in the group wanted to exit the cave when Jiang Chong shouted, “I’ve already said – absolutely do not look back! Anyone who looks back will face great disaster! Everyone concentrate on walking forward!”

Hearing this, everyone could only silently continue forward, gripping their weapons tightly for fear of any mishap.

A Kunlun disciple felt afraid and said to his companion, “What kind of ghostly place is this? Why did the sect leader bring us here?” Another person said, “Concentrate on walking and don’t talk.”

That disciple turned back and cursed, “Damn you, you’re quite obedient!”

Someone exclaimed in alarm, “You… you just looked back!”

That disciple laughed, “So what if I looked back? What’s the big deal?”

Before he finished speaking, suddenly there was a scream. That disciple’s neck mysteriously broke, blood spurted wildly, and his headless body slowly fell down. Everyone didn’t know what had happened and all cried out in shock and amazement.

Jiang Chong shouted loudly, “Don’t mind this person! Everyone absolutely must not look back – walk forward! Walk forward!”

That disciple’s headless corpse still lay on the ground, but his head was nowhere to be found. Those behind were terrified and had to detour around.

Yan Ting leaned against Wu Dingyuan’s chest, so frightened her whole body went limp, yet she didn’t dare look back and flee. Wu Dingyuan reached out to support her and said, “Don’t be afraid, it’s alright.” But his heart was also horrified, cold sweat streaming down.

Everyone detoured around the corpse and continued forward. As they walked, a Jinyiwei master kicked something with his foot. He quickly bent down to look – it was a human head, exactly that disciple’s head, still wearing an expression of shock and horror. The master was startled and dropped his torch. Suddenly he heard strange whooshing sounds nearby. He drew his weapon and turned, shouting, “Who’s there!”

At this time, Wu Dingyuan and Yan Ting were walking close together, happening to stand behind that person. Seeing him turn around, Wu Dingyuan quickly said, “Don’t look back! Turn around quickly!”

That master said blankly, “What?”

Before he finished speaking, something flashed by rapidly. That master didn’t even have time to scream before his head disappeared, and his headless body fell toward Yan Ting.

Yan Ting screamed shrilly and was about to turn back and hide in Wu Dingyuan’s arms when Wu Dingyuan quickly shouted, “Don’t turn your head! Look forward!” Yan Ting’s face was deathly pale as she watched the headless corpse fall at her feet, so frightened she nearly fainted.

Wu Dingyuan didn’t dare move recklessly. He picked up that master’s steel blade and used the smooth blade surface to reflect the scene behind them.

Yan Ting pressed against him and said in a low voice, “Master Wu, what did you see?”

Wu Dingyuan’s body trembled as he said in a shaking voice, “I don’t know what that was, but… but it’s definitely not human.”

Though it was only an instant, Wu Dingyuan had seen something flash by in the steel blade’s reflection – that thing had a strange shape, definitely not human form. He really didn’t know what kind of monster it was.

Wu Dingyuan didn’t dare say more and immediately led Yan Ting forward, stepping over the Jinyiwei master’s corpse to continue onward.

As they walked, a Kunlun disciple carelessly stumbled over that master’s corpse and fell forward. That disciple’s martial arts were decent – he pressed down with his hand, turned his body, and had already steadied himself.

Who knew that at this moment, that disciple suddenly trembled all over. He looked at Jin Lingshuang in terror and said, “Master Uncle, I… I just looked back!”

Jin Lingshuang was shocked and called, “Everyone quickly draw your weapons!”

At this moment, something suddenly flew over and grabbed at that disciple’s head. Jin Lingshuang was greatly alarmed and said, “Quick, lie down!” That disciple leaped and dove to the ground, dodging it, but though he was fast, that thing was even faster. With an “ah” of agony, that disciple’s body fell to the ground, but his head was already gone. The headless body was still crawling on the ground.

The other Kunlun disciples were greatly shocked and all trembled. Tu Lingxin had also arrived by now. Seeing such a tragic scene, despite his lifelong ferocity and cruelty, he too was horrified.

Jin Lingshuang was furious. He straddled his feet and suddenly turned to look, glaring angrily into the dark cave and shouting, “What demon dares cause trouble here! Come and face me!” Relying on his superior swordsmanship, he deliberately looked back, intentionally provoking the demon to kill him, showing no fear at all.

The Kunlun disciples felt both admiration and horror. In an instant, they all raised their long swords to protect Jin Lingshuang, but no one dared to look back.

Jin Lingshuang was shouting curses when he heard “zhi-ah, zhi-ah” strange calls from the cave. His heart tensed as he looked up and saw a monster crawling on the rock wall. It looked like an ape with long arms and legs, covered in long hair, playing with a disciple’s head in its hands – extremely cruel in appearance.

Jin Lingshuang stepped back and said in horror, “What is this thing?”

That monster rolled its eyes to look at him, then made a sharp cry and suddenly rushed down, reaching out to grab Jin Lingshuang’s head.

Jin Lingshuang quickly drew his sword to attack but was a step too slow. Tu Lingxin, standing nearby, immediately shouted, “Don’t fight head-on! Retreat quickly!” He was quick-eyed and fast-handed, quickly pulling his martial brother away. With this pull, that monster immediately grabbed at empty air, failing to tear off Jin Lingshuang’s head.

That monster stared with green eyes. Seeing the Kunlun people all pointing swords at it, it seemed very angry. It roared like a tiger and bit forward viciously. A disciple bearing the brunt screamed, “Mother!” In an instant, the screaming stopped abruptly – his head had already been torn off.

After four consecutive deaths, the remaining disciples were both shocked and afraid. No one dared to fight anymore – they all fled for their lives. That monster kept crying out and clawing wildly. Heads flew everywhere, blood flowed torrentially, and dying wails continued incessantly. The casualties were severe. The Jinyiwei masters in the distance, seeing the Kunlun disciples fighting the monster head-on, had no desire to wade into this muddy water and quickly fled forward.

Wu Dingyuan saw no one could stop this monster even for half a move. He quickly pulled Yan Ting and said quietly, “Let’s go quickly!” The two rushed forward, not daring to look back.

Tu Lingxin saw everyone suffering heavy casualties while that monster leaped like flying, still attacking and biting wildly. He made a sound and used his “Sword Gu” sinister energy, thrusting his sword at that monster. This sword was extremely fast. That monster was busy attacking a disciple and had no idea a master was attacking from behind. When it realized, it was too late to dodge – Tu Lingxin’s sword struck it instantly.

Tu Lingxin continuously activated his “Sword Gu” sinister energy, pouring it into that monster’s body. That monster made a mournful cry and fell to the ground. Tu Lingxin pursued and was about to deliver a finishing sword strike when that monster made a sharp “jiu” sound and suddenly burrowed into a rock cave under the cliff wall, its movement extraordinarily fast.

Tu Lingxin chased over and saw the monster had hidden. He immediately called, “This monster ran into the cave!” He guarded the cave entrance and cursed loudly into the cave. This person was truly brave beyond compare – even before demons and monsters, he remained fierce and violent.

Ahead, Jiang Chong was walking with everyone when he suddenly heard continuous screams from behind, followed by countless subordinates running forward in panic. Jiang Chong stopped and asked, “What happened?”

A master trembled all over and said shakily, “A monster came out and killed many people…”

Jiang Chong cursed, “Didn’t I tell you not to look back? Why didn’t you listen to the warning?”

That master lowered his head and mumbled, not daring to speak. At this time, Wu Dingyuan had also fled here hurriedly with Yan Ting. Hearing Jiang Chong’s rebuke, he said, “You can’t really blame them. This monster is extremely fierce and kills anyone it sees – really no one can stop it.”

An’dao Jing was extremely shocked and said, “What exactly is that monster?”

Jiang Chong sighed, “I won’t hide it from you – this monster is exactly the demon recorded in the Classic of Mountains and Seas, called ‘Chang You.’ It looks like an ape covered in long hair. As long as someone looks back at it, it will pounce and bite to kill. When I brought troops into the cave years ago, it ate several hundred of my men before I escaped this disaster.”

An’dao Jing said miserably, “We should flee quickly!”

Luo Moshi, hearing their conversation, walked over and said, “Commander An, that’s not quite right. If we don’t fight hard now, the casualties will definitely be severe. Let’s think of a way to deal with this Chang You.”

Jiang Chong nodded, “The master is right.” He pointed to An’dao Jing and said, “Commander An, you lead people over to resolve this monster.”

An’dao Jing’s face turned deathly pale as he cursed Luo Moshi in his heart, thinking, “Dead bald monk, if you want to kill that monster, why don’t you go yourself instead of making me do this hard job?” Though he didn’t want to go, Jiang Chong’s orders couldn’t be disobeyed. He could only grumble and shout loudly, “Everyone follow me!” Though the Jinyiwei were afraid, they had to steel themselves and follow him.

Everyone walked along and saw Tu Lingxin and Jin Lingshuang guarding the cave entrance with great vigilance. Seeing An’dao Jing arrive, Jin Lingshuang said, “Commander An, this monster ran into the cave. Should we drive it out and kill it?”

An’dao Jing felt afraid and thought secretly, “If you want to kill it, go kill it yourself – why ask me?” But he was a Jinyiwei official – how could he lose face in front of his subordinates? He snorted and said, “I’m here on Lord Jiang’s orders to exterminate the demon. You step aside and watch our methods.”

The Kunlun people were both shocked and pleased, quickly stepping aside. Tu Lingxin grinned and cupped his hands, “Tu humbly observes Commander An’s divine skills.”

An’dao Jing was about to go toward the cave when suddenly he heard a strange roar from inside the cave, scaring him out of his wits. An’dao Jing quickly shouted sternly at two subordinates, “You two go look.”

Those two masters were startled and said tremblingly, “We… we can’t do it…”

An’dao Jing roared, “Can’t do it? What are you keeping your heads for? To eat rice?”

Those two grumbled inwardly – naturally they were extremely unwilling, but in government offices, high rank means great learning while low rank means worthless life. When a superior gives orders, they had to reluctantly step forward. The two carefully gripped their weapons and walked toward that rock cave.

The two masters crawled beside the cave and looked inside with all their might – they saw only darkness in the cave’s depths, unable to tell high from low.

One named Li San was usually the most cowardly and immediately said, “You crawl in and I’ll cover you from outside.” The other, called Zhang Si, heard this and angrily said, “Damn you, why isn’t it you going in!”

The two argued for a while but neither dared crawl inside. They simply discussed on the spot and finally took out hidden weapons, continuously throwing them inside – sleeve arrows, flying knives, steel darts, all fed with deadly poison.

After throwing for a while, they had exhausted all their hidden weapons, but that rock cave remained silent. The two masters, intending to go through the motions, saw the monster no longer came out and immediately turned to tell everyone, “Don’t panic, everyone. The monster’s every move is under our control. If it dares to attack again, we have eighteen sets of martial arts to deal with it. Let’s go now!”

This was another strange phenomenon in government offices, called “see strangeness as not strange, eternal victory without defeat.” If one insisted on getting to the bottom of things, it would be “see strangeness as strange, defeated before fighting.”

Jin Lingshuang chuckled, “You think you can get away with such nonsense?”

Zhang Si sneered, “Since this monster is cowering and won’t come out, why should we force it out? Wouldn’t that hurt the harmony? You should know ‘peace is harder than war’! Without great wisdom, great benevolence and courage, how could we have such magnanimity to let it pass?”

Hearing his nonsense, the Kunlun masters all sneered with very disdainful expressions.

Seeing everyone’s cold smiles, Li San quickly said, “This monster is so rare, it should probably be called the fifth auspicious omen alongside the four great auspicious signs – flying dragon, qilin, divine turtle, and phoenix. If you force us to kill it, when the sages Confucius and Mencius learn of this underground, wouldn’t they be sad and heartbroken?”

Jin Lingshuang sighed deeply and turned to ask An’dao Jing, “Commander An, is this the end of the matter?”

An’dao Jing snorted, “This monster is already dead inside. What are you all babbling about? If you don’t believe it, go find its corpse!”

Jin Lingshuang shook his head, “Do whatever you want. Since this monster won’t come out anymore, let’s go.”

Those two masters exchanged glances and both breathed long sighs of relief, immediately turning to leave.

Who knew that after just one step, sharp squeaking came from the rock cave again. Everyone was greatly shocked when suddenly a black shadow flashed – that monster rushed out again. Those two masters were terrified and about to raise their blades to block, but before their arms were even raised, their heads had been torn off.

That monster looked terrifying, crying and calling wildly, holding two human heads in its hands and leaping everywhere like flying. That monster charged into the crowd of Jinyiwei. Several people fell to the ground and were immediately grabbed by its claws and had their necks twisted off. The Jinyiwei masters all cried out, “Commander An, quickly come save us!” Where did An’dao Jing have the courage to fight? Hearing his subordinates’ wailing, he instead fled forward.

Everyone saw that monster acting like it was mad – now regardless of whether anyone looked back, it killed anyone it saw. Everyone was shocked and terrified, so frightened they turned and fled. You push me, I push you – all fleeing for their lives into the cave’s depths.

Jin Lingshuang drew his long sword and shouted, “Bold demon, take my sword!” Tu Lingxin also raised his sword and charged at that monster. That monster shrieked strangely and leaped away, casually killing several more people.

Jin Lingshuang in front, Tu Lingxin behind – the two exerted their lifelong power in pursuit, but that monster’s hands and feet were really too fast. Every time their long swords reached its body, it would leap far away. The two couldn’t catch up and could only watch it slaughter everywhere. For a time, all factions scattered in chaos with wailing everywhere, like a human hell.

That Zhuo Lingzhao had originally been walking at the front when he heard disciples’ panicked reports and quickly used lightness skills to turn back. Seeing the monster’s arrogance and ferocity with no one in the cave able to stop it, his heart was also shocked.

Everyone seeing him arrive all cried loudly, “Sect Leader Zhuo, save us!”

Zhuo Lingzhao shouted, “All of you stand back!”

The Kunlun masters, seeing their sect leader arrive, quickly cleared a large space. That monster stood in the center, holding a human head in each hand, still squeaking and calling.

Zhuo Lingzhao hung his long sword at his waist, empty-handed, and slowly walked to that monster’s front. He saw its fur was dark brown while its eyes were green-yellow – truly strange beyond words. Zhuo Lingzhao had never seen such a demon and couldn’t help but furrow his brows tightly.

Everyone held their breath, not knowing how Zhuo Lingzhao would deal with this monster, all breaking into cold sweats for him.

That monster also tilted its head to study Zhuo Lingzhao, seeming quite surprised by this person’s boldness.

Jin Lingshuang said in a low voice, “Sect leader, be careful. This monster moves like flying, advancing and retreating like lightning. As soon as it sees someone look back, it immediately strikes to kill them.”

Zhuo Lingzhao nodded, “Good, so that’s how it is.” He intentionally wanted to lure the monster over, so he turned around with his back to the monster, then looked back with a cold smile on his lips.

Everyone seeing his boldness all cried out in shock.

That monster, seeing Zhuo Lingzhao’s provocation, immediately made a sharp squeak and flashed forward to grab at Zhuo Lingzhao’s head. That monster’s hand strength was enormous – it could easily pull off human heads. It was truly fierce and formidable. Everyone seeing Zhuo Lingzhao unprepared urgently called, “Be careful!”

Just as that monster was about to grab him, Zhuo Lingzhao only snorted. In an instant he reached out and pressed his sword sheath at his waist. Internal energy expelled, and that sword immediately left its sheath and flew out.

With a flash, everyone’s eyes lit up – the cave was actually filled with brilliant light. With a “zhi-ah” scream, that monster’s huge body ran forward and suddenly crashed into the stone wall, then fell to the ground with hands and feet still trembling.

Zhuo Lingzhao’s sword was really too fast. Though everyone present included many masters, no one saw his technique clearly. A Jinyiwei master asked, “Where’s that monster? Is it dead?” Another cursed, “Damn, how would I know? You go look!” Everyone was terrified – how dare they go examine it? For a time they passed the buck to each other, all blaming others.

Suddenly something fell from mid-air – it was exactly that monster’s head!

Everyone burst into cheers, calling “Excellent!” and all applauded.

Zhuo Lingzhao’s sword was exquisite beyond compare, quick as lightning. The saying “When Kunlun sword emerges, blood flows like ocean, a thousand li straight to the Yellow River” was indeed true – even demons and monsters could be killed. At this time, regardless of enemy or friend, this cheer was sincere – everyone knew that without Zhuo Lingzhao’s martial arts, they didn’t know how many more people that monster would have killed.

In the distance, An’dao Jing was extremely shocked, thinking, “I never imagined Zhuo Lingzhao’s swordsmanship was so formidable. That sword was vicious and lightning-fast – if I had to block it, could I have managed?” He had always competed with Zhuo Lingzhao, but seeing his sword technique now, he realized his own martial arts compared to his was truly like heaven and earth. For a moment his face was ashen as he mumbled to himself.

Zhuo Lingzhao sheathed his sword and said, “Everyone, let’s go!”

The Jinyiwei revered him like a god, quickly bowing and walking away rapidly. An’dao Jing didn’t dare meet his gaze and hurriedly walked forward. Only the Kunlun people showed pride and felt honored.

In this battle, eight Kunlun disciples died and fifteen Jinyiwei died, with countless others injured – it could be called heavy casualties.

Everyone rejoined Jiang Chong and explained the situation. Jiang Chong was both shocked and pleased, smiling, “Thank you, Sect Leader Zhuo, for slaying the demon and removing this harm for us.” Zhuo Lingzhao smiled slightly, “Easy to say. Please lead the way downward, Lord Jiang!”

Everyone hearing they still had to go down felt extremely afraid and just wanted to turn around and flee. As for what secrets were really in Shenji Cave, they didn’t want to know anymore.

Jiang Chong pondered for a while and said, “If I remember correctly, ahead should be a tunnel. Please everyone be careful of your footing and follow me!”

Everyone followed him for a while and saw ahead was already a dead wall with no way forward. Just as Zhuo Lingzhao was about to ask, he saw Jiang Chong crouch down and crawl through a small crack under the rock wall. Zhuo Lingzhao was startled but also followed in, then Luo Moshi, An’dao Jing, Tu Lingxin and others entered one by one. Everyone seeing Jiang Chong’s extreme familiarity with this terrain secretly marveled – it seemed he had indeed visited this cave three times, not false words.

Wu Dingyuan was about to step forward when suddenly the heat in his arm showed signs of stirring again. His heart was shocked and he stopped. Suddenly he heard someone behind urging, “Commissioner Wu, please go in!” It was Jin Lingshuang who had come.

Wu Dingyuan nodded and pulled Yan Ting’s small hand – the two entered one after the other in single file.

Jin Lingshuang saw that over a hundred people had all entered the crack before going in himself. He was Kunlun Mountain’s second master with martial arts second only to the sect leader. Every time they went out, he always bore the most important responsibilities. With the precedent of the “Chang You” demon earlier, now he personally brought up the rear to prevent further mishaps.

Everyone crawled into the crack and saw inside was a tunnel only a few feet wide, barely allowing one person to pass. Water occasionally dripped from the rock walls on both sides, making the ground slippery. That tunnel led downward at a steep incline – they didn’t know where it led.

After walking a while longer, they gradually felt their bodies heating up. This tunnel was extremely hot and stuffy with no ventilation, like a great steamer. Everyone was drenched in sweat and gasping continuously. Several Kunlun disciples couldn’t stand the heat and removed their outer garments, walking bare-chested. This was severe winter – logically it shouldn’t be so stuffy and hot. They really didn’t know why the climate here was so abnormal.

Everyone had walked several hundred feet and felt extremely stifled. Their steps gradually quickened as they all wanted to leave quickly. Wu Dingyuan walked along feeling the heat in his arm growing stronger and stronger, as if his poison injury might act up at any time. Yan Ting saw cold sweat continuously dripping from his forehead and quickly said, “Master Wu, is your hand hurting again?”

Wu Dingyuan didn’t want her to worry about him and just shook his head, pretending to smile, “I’m fine – nothing’s wrong.”

Yan Ting took out her handkerchief to wipe his sweat, her manner very caring. Wu Dingyuan’s heart was greatly comforted and he forgot all his various sufferings.

Soon everyone’s feet had stepped onto level ground, then their breathing became smooth – they had emerged from the tunnel. The path on both sides was much wider, now allowing several people to walk side by side. Suddenly they heard flowing water. Everyone raised their torches to look and saw there was actually a small river beside the stone wall. In the firelight, that river had clear water flowing continuously.

Jiang Chong was somewhat tired from walking and said, “Everyone sit down and rest for a while before continuing!” He usually lived luxuriously and having walked for so long, his stamina was failing. The Jinyiwei quickly brought over a round stone for him to sit on and rest.

A Kunlun disciple was extremely hot and thirsty beyond endurance. He immediately crawled beside the stream wanting to drink water. A companion nearby quickly said, “Be careful – there might be monsters again.”

That disciple raised his long sword and stirred it in the water for a long time, but saw nothing unusual. He breathed a sigh of relief and felt reassured, saying, “This water looks very clean – no problem.” He immediately cupped water to drink.

After drinking two mouthfuls, he praised loudly, “This water is so sweet! You all come drink too!” Then he buried his head in the water to drink deeply. Everyone had originally been worried and afraid, but seeing him fine, they were all delighted. Several disciples were already parched and all came forward wanting to crouch down and drink.

Jiang Chong had originally been sitting in a corner resting when he saw the Kunlun disciples’ behavior and immediately exclaimed in alarm, “What are you doing? Quickly get back!”

The disciples heard this and were startled, quickly retreating backward. One person urgently shook that drinking disciple and called, “Hurry up and get up! Stop drinking!” That disciple raised his head from the water, dripping wet, and said, “What’s wrong? Is there something?”

At this moment, the water surface suddenly split open and a large fish leaped out of the water. That strange fish looked like a squid, golden yellow in color, with a large shell connected to its back – its appearance was indescribably strange. It bit directly at that disciple’s head.

That disciple was greatly shocked and hurriedly dodged. With a crisp “crack” sound, his arm had already been bitten. If he had been slightly slower, his head would have been bitten off by that strange fish – extremely dangerous indeed.

That disciple screamed in pain, crying for his parents, and quickly ran to Jin Lingshuang, urgently calling, “Master! Save me, save me!” But his hand was still connected to that strange fish – they didn’t know if it was poisonous.

That disciple was Jin Lingshuang’s beloved student. The two had a father-son relationship and usually had very good feelings. Jin Lingshuang felt anxious and called, “Tian’er, don’t be afraid! Master is coming!” With a flash, his long sword immediately left its sheath – he wanted to kill that fish.

Seeing this situation, Jiang Chong was even more alarmed and quickly said, “This ‘clam thief’ cannot be killed! Quickly push this disciple into the water!”

Everyone hearing this were all stunned. Jiang Chong called again, “What are you waiting for? Quickly stop him!”

Luo Moshi’s heart tensed. He quickly raised his iron monk’s staff and with a clang, blocked Jin Lingshuang’s long sword.

An’dao Jing saw the opportunity couldn’t be missed and kicked that disciple. This kick was very powerful – that disciple cried out and flew far into the stream center, then fell into the water. They could still hear him crying and calling, “Master! Master!”

Jin Lingshuang, seeing An’dao Jing kick down his beloved student, felt angry in his heart. But at this time his disciple was soaked in water with his life in great danger. He had no mind to deal with An’dao Jing and strode forward to go into the water to rescue him. Suddenly he saw countless clam thieves surge up from the bottom of the water – he didn’t know if there were thousands or tens of thousands, all turning and swimming about. Each one had a strange turtle shell and all swam toward that disciple.

That disciple cried out in terror, “Help! Help!”

Jin Lingshuang shouted in alarm, “Tian’er, quickly come up!” This child he had raised from small – they were like father and son. Seeing his life hanging by a thread, how could he not be anxious? He leaped with both feet, about to jump into the water to rescue him.

Jiang Chong urgently said, “Absolutely don’t go down! Quickly stop him!” Tu Lingxin was quick-eyed and fast-handed, grabbing him with one pull.

That disciple flailed his arms desperately, swimming toward shore, but saw the school of fish chasing urgently behind him. He was so frightened his face turned deathly pale as he swam toward shore even faster. Jin Lingshuang pushed away Tu Lingxin and angrily said, “Don’t stop me! Let me go save Tian’er!”

Tu Lingxin sighed and pointed to the water surface, shaking his head, “Second martial brother, it’s too late.” Jin Lingshuang was shocked and quickly looked – he saw that school of strange fish had already bitten that disciple to death. The water surface was full of fresh blood with only a long sword floating. Countless strange fish were still fighting over the corpse, the water surface rolling and tumbling – the sight was disgusting to the extreme.

Jin Lingshuang screamed miserably, “Tian’er!” Tears immediately flowed down his aged face. In his heartbreak, he actually became dizzy and fell to the ground. That disciple usually had very good relationships with everyone. Seeing him die so miserably, everyone couldn’t help but cover their faces and sob. Even a mad fellow like Tu Lingxin also shed tears.

Wu Dingyuan looked at Jin Lingshuang and thought, “Retribution never fails. At that time, how cruel Kunlun Mountain was – they killed entire families without even blinking an eye. Now they too must taste the flavor of life and death separation. Alas! This is what Buddhism calls present-world retribution!”

Suddenly he heard a woman’s crying nearby. Wu Dingyuan turned to look and saw Yan Ting also with tears streaming down her face. Obviously the scene of life and death separation just now had moved her, reminding her of her master uncle’s death.

Wu Dingyuan gently touched her hair and said softly, “Don’t cry. These are all bad people – they deserve this.”

Yan Ting wiped away her tears and said, “I know. But I… I still want to cry.”

Tu Lingxin wiped away his tears, and for a moment his fierce nature rose. He immediately rushed toward An’dao Jing and shouted, “Surname An, why did you kick my sect’s disciple into the water?”

An’dao Jing was startled and said, “Didn’t you hear Lord Jiang’s instructions? He said this strange fish couldn’t be killed, so we had to sacrifice your disciple!”

Tu Lingxin roared violently, “Bullshit! We could handle the ‘Chang You’ – why couldn’t we handle this school of strange fish? Could it be that in you bastards’ eyes, my sect members’ lives aren’t even worth a fish?” These words implicitly involved Jiang Chong and gave him no face at all. Speaking to this point, his eyes seemed to spout fire, his whole body full of killing intent.

An’dao Jing coughed and said, “Kunlun disciples are famous throughout the world – who dares not respect them? Brother Tu, please don’t think this way.”

Tu Lingxin stepped forward two paces and said coldly, “Commander An, don’t say such nonsense. Today I’ve been feeling quite stuffy walking all this way and just want to exercise my muscles and bones. I wonder if the commander could instruct me in a few moves?” He placed his hand on his sword hilt.

An’dao Jing retreated several steps and waved his hand, “Everyone came here for serious business – don’t cause trouble.”

Tu Lingxin’s ugly face turned cold as he said ominously, “I just want to ask Commander An for instruction in a few moves – do you dare or not? Could it be you’re a silver-plated wax spear head, just for show?”

An’dao Jing’s anger surged upward and he shouted loudly, “Last time in the capital you injured many of my subordinates – don’t think I’ve forgotten! Damn it, if you want to fight, then fight – I’m not afraid of you!” He charged forward, about to have a fierce battle.

Suddenly someone blocked between the two. Both were startled and stepped back – they saw that person had a face full of wealth and nobility – it was Jiang Chong.

He slowly raised his hand and said, “Commander An, you step back.” An’dao Jing didn’t dare disobey and could only retreat to one side. Everyone seeing Jiang Chong’s strange behavior all tensed and immediately quieted down.

Jiang Chong sighed and said, “This clam thief is fierce and dangerous. If you kill one of them, the rest will become extremely vicious and crawl onto land to attack people. There are countless thousands of these strange fish here. We had no choice but to sacrifice one life from your esteemed sect in exchange for everyone’s safety. Please forgive us, Hero Tu.”

Tu Lingxin roared violently, “You think saying these few words of nonsense settles the matter? I tell you, don’t even think about it!” These words were extremely fierce, completely ignoring Jiang Chong’s high position and great power. Everyone felt shocked.

Luo Moshi, seeing Zhuo Lingzhao slowly approaching, quickly stepped forward and said, “Sect Leader Zhuo, please persuade Hero Tu! Everyone should value harmony!”

Zhuo Lingzhao snorted and said indifferently, “My third martial brother grieves for his disciple’s death and is inevitably somewhat agitated. Though I hold the position of sect leader, it’s not convenient for me to interfere.”

Hearing him say this, Luo Moshi knew Zhuo Lingzhao was also dissatisfied in his heart. If Jiang Chong handled this improperly, there would be a massacre. Thinking of this, he became even more extremely anxious.

Jiang Chong saw all the Kunlun disciples with anger on their faces looking at him. He sighed lightly and slowly lowered his head, saying quietly, “Many years ago, to reach this place, I caused the deaths of exactly thirty thousand soldiers. Your esteemed sect has only lost several people so far – this can be considered great fortune in misfortune. I originally didn’t want to mention past ugly deeds, but since Teacher Tu has asked, I have no choice but to answer.” He bowed deeply to Jin Lingshuang and said, “Teacher Jin, I’m truly sorry for causing the death of your beloved disciple.”

At this time Jin Lingshuang had been revived by others. Seeing Jiang Chong’s courteous manner, it wasn’t appropriate to say much more. He could only sigh deeply and say, “Tian’er’s fate was thin – it’s no one’s fault. Please don’t do this, Lord Jiang.”

Jiang Chong shook his head and said, “We can’t say that. From now on, this Tian’er’s family and relatives will all be cared for by the court – consider it my apology.” He bowed deeply again to show his regret.

Seeing this treacherous minister being so respectful, Zhuo Lingzhao was quite satisfied and said, “Since Lord Jiang speaks this way, Tian’er didn’t die in vain. Everyone, let’s go!”

Everyone seeing Zhuo Lingzhao had also made concessions all breathed sighs of relief, thinking no more trouble would arise, and proceeded forward one after another.

Hearing the sect leader’s instructions, Tu Lingxin didn’t dare act rashly either. He sighed deeply, helped Jin Lingshuang up, and the two walked together.

Suddenly someone said, “Tu Lingxin, you better speak respectfully to me in the future, or you’ll suffer for it.”

This voice was arrogant and conceited – it was the fat-bellied An’dao Jing. Having been lectured by Tu Lingxin earlier and lost face, he now came to get some verbal advantage so his subordinates wouldn’t look down on him.

Tu Lingxin angrily said, “Damn it, are you looking for death?” He pressed his hand on his sword hilt, ready to draw and kill at any moment.

Jin Lingshuang blocked him and sighed, “Forget it. Tian’er is already dead – no need to argue with him. Let’s go.”

An’dao Jing snorted and said, “Jin the Second is more sensible – you should learn from him.”

Tu Lingxin chuckled coldly and glanced sideways at An’dao Jing. His face was full of killing intent as he heavily sheathed his sword and left with Jin Lingshuang.

An’dao Jing’s heart tensed, knowing this person had formed a grudge with him. When they met on a narrow road in the future, there would definitely be a battle.

Everyone walked for a while longer when a screen wall appeared ahead, blocking the way forward with only left and right paths remaining. Jiang Chong nodded and said, “Entering the mysterious palace, heavenly secrets are true, riddles follow, gods and ghosts are free. This damned rebel is truly hateful, filling the inside with dangerous mechanisms and traps, just wanting to harm people and civilians.” He turned to Wu Dingyuan and said, “Commissioner Wu, in this world only you have read the riddles from Shenggui Pavilion. From here on, it all depends on you.”

Zhuo Lingzhao asked, “What? Lord Jiang hasn’t been to this place either?”

Jiang Chong sighed, “How could I not have been here? It’s just that this maze below is too terrifying. If you take one wrong path, thousands will die miserably. To pass this barrier, you must solve the riddles from Shenggui Pavilion.”

Originally, the hero who opened Shenji Cave was an extraordinary genius. He knew the things in Shenji Cave were extraordinary – not only containing peerless martial arts but also secrets involving the world’s destiny. So he divided the secret to entering the cave into two parts: one was transmitted to Lu Guzhan and others for them to spread in the martial world, while the other was written on sheepskin to be hidden within. Without simultaneously grasping both the sheepskin and Shenggui Pavilion’s riddles, even with tremendous abilities, one couldn’t force entry through violence and martial arts. It’s just that this sheepskin first fell into Khan Yesen’s hands and for twenty years was never discovered, while the secrets of Shenggui Pavilion were also never comprehended by anyone, so no one could solve the mystery. Only now finally someone held all the keys and came to this place to knock on the gate and explore the secrets.

Wu Dingyuan’s mind flashed as he thought of the two lines “Divine Embryo Precious Blood Talisman of Heaven’s Record, A True Dragon Born in the Sea.” He thought, “It seems those two riddle lines I read that day are the only way to enter this place. Without my guidance, they definitely couldn’t find what they want. Should I speak deceptively or what?”

Zhuo Lingzhao, seeing him pondering without answering, gave Tu Lingxin a meaningful look. Tu Lingxin sneered, “Surname Wu, don’t try any tricks, or you’ll regret it later.” He grabbed Yan Ting and made a cutting gesture across her snow-white neck.

Qian Lingyi laughed, “Don’t kill her yet. Everyone’s been walking quite stuffily – why not have some fun first!”

Wu Dingyuan, seeing their shameless behavior, could only sigh deeply and say, “Lord Jiang, that first riddle line is called ‘Divine Embryo Precious Blood Talisman of Heaven’s Record.’ I don’t know what it means either. Figure it out yourself.”

Hearing this, Jiang Chong tensed and said quietly, “Divine Embryo Precious Blood Talisman of Heaven’s Record… what does this mean?”

Luo Moshi pondered for a long while and said, “Divine Embryo Precious Blood… judging by the literal meaning, it should require the use of fresh blood.”

Jiang Chong exclaimed, “According to Master Luo Moshi’s meaning, could it be we need to smear fresh blood on the sheepskin?”

Luo Moshi nodded, “It might be so.”

Jiang Chong was delighted and called to the Jinyiwei, “Who volunteers to extend their hand? I’ll reward them handsomely.”

The Jinyiwei at this time were all standing far away and hadn’t heard Luo Moshi and Jiang Chong’s conversation. Hearing Jiang Chong’s summons, they were all delighted. They usually just wanted to flatter this great treacherous minister but couldn’t find the way. Hearing him call like this, how could they not compete to be first? Instantly countless arms extended forward.

Jiang Chong smiled, “One arm is enough!” But hearing these words, the crowd didn’t pull back.

Jiang Chong took out a short knife and randomly stabbed it into an arm. A guard cried out in pain as fresh blood flowed. Everyone seeing this miserable sight were shocked, thinking, “Damn! How dangerous – good thing it wasn’t me who got stabbed. This fellow is really unlucky!” Countless arms pulled back.

Jiang Chong, seeing that guard in extreme pain, said gently, “Bear with it – I’ll promote you to colonel in a moment.” That person was delighted and nodded. Everyone hearing the word “colonel” were extremely envious, all thinking, “Damn, why wasn’t it me who got stabbed? This fellow is really lucky!” Countless arms extended out again.

Jiang Chong took the sheepskin and smeared fresh blood on it. Wu Dingyuan leaned over to look and saw that once the sheepskin was stained with blood, those crooked strange characters slowly faded away. After a short while, Chinese characters actually appeared one by one. Wu Dingyuan’s heart tensed as he thought secretly, “So this is where the mechanism lies – how did I never think of it?” At that time, he and Yang Suguan had traveled everywhere, even seeking out Yesen’s old subordinates to translate the text. It turned out they had the wrong medicine for the illness – no wonder they couldn’t see anything.

Jiang Chong picked up the sheepskin to read. The first line said: “Shenji Cave has four perils and four difficulties: Chang You, Clam Thief, Fei Yi, and Golden Scale are called the four perils; Heaven Gate, Mysterious Palace, Heart Bridge, and Underworld Sea are called the four difficulties. To obtain divine secrets, one must pass through the four perils and four difficulties to receive guidance and enlightenment.” In the center of the sheepskin appeared a diagram that seemed to guide people into the cave’s depths.

Previously everyone had already experienced “Heaven Gate,” “Chang You,” “Clam Thief” and other perils and difficulties, but didn’t know what strange things the remaining barriers of “Fei Yi,” “Mysterious Palace,” “Heart Bridge,” “Underworld Sea” would be. For a moment, everyone’s faces were quite pale.

Jiang Chong sucked in a cold breath. He had come here many times but lacked the riddle guidance. Only today did he glimpse the cave’s full picture. He shook his head and said, “No wonder I suffered heavy losses each time – there are so many terrible mechanisms. Qin Baxian, ah Qin Baxian, today I have everything prepared – you can’t do anything to me.”

Wu Dingyuan, hearing him suddenly mention this name, couldn’t help but be startled, thinking, “Qin Baxian? Who is that?”

Jiang Chong looked down at the sheepskin and discussed with Zhuo Lingzhao, Luo Moshi and others for a few sentences, then walked left on his own. The rest quickly followed.

After walking for a while, they saw the walls on both sides were dark gray in color. Touching them, they were neither metal nor stone – no one knew what material they were made of. Several people behind, seeing the straight road ahead, immediately ran to the front and rushed far ahead, afraid that others would get the treasures and secrets first, leaving them with fewer benefits.

Suddenly someone ahead shouted, “We’ve encountered another fork in the road!”

Wu Dingyuan slowly walked over and saw nine paths of different sizes ahead – four went straight forward, four led downward, but only one was an upward slope with quite steep terrain. An’dao Jing asked, “My lord, which path should we take?”

Jiang Chong took out the sheepskin to look and pondered, “Hmm, it seems we should go down…”

The Jinyiwei were full of villains – all arrogant and murderous martial world scum. Though countless people had died miserably before, thinking of the countless treasures and manuals in the cave, one warrior immediately laughed heartily and shouted, “So we’re going down – watch me!” He charged straight down one path.

Luo Moshi, seeing Jiang Chong couldn’t make sense of it, leaned over to look. He saw a red line pointing to the upward slope and said, “My lord, you’re looking wrong – we should go up.”

Jiang Chong exclaimed, “Sorry, this diagram is somewhat blurry – I misjudged.” He instructed An’dao Jing, “Quickly call our brother out – we need to go up.”

An’dao Jing walked to the slope entrance and shouted loudly, “Old Han! Come out quickly!” But he didn’t hear that warrior respond, nor see any sign of him.

Jiang Chong said, “Commander An, you wait here while we go first.” An’dao Jing smiled miserably, his face showing great difficulty. The crowd of subordinates, seeing he had to wait here, were unwilling to stay and accompany him, rushing up the slope path like smoke.

At this moment, suddenly a scream came from the downward path – that cry lasted only an instant before disappearing without a trace.

Luo Moshi’s heart tensed and he immediately stopped, saying, “It seems there’s something there?” Everyone was feeling doubtful and afraid when suddenly they heard another low roar from below, seeming to be some wild beast like a lion or tiger. Everyone’s hearts were uncertain as they all drew their weapons as if facing a great enemy.

Jiang Chong, hearing the roar, couldn’t even say a word of instruction and hurriedly rushed up. An’dao Jing had always been quick to flee and didn’t lag behind others. Regardless of Jiang Chong’s previous instructions, he immediately called, “My lord! Wait for me! Let me protect you!” and urgently followed.

Everyone seeing Jiang Chong in such a state of disaster – just now when threatened by Zhuo Lingzhao his expression was still composed, but now with several hundred people protecting him, how could he be so flustered? They all felt surprised.

Just as they were wondering, suddenly there was a tremendous roar like thunder, followed by a shadow flashing in the downward passage – a large lizard actually emerged. They saw it had six legs and four wings on its back, about two zhang long, several times larger than a crocodile, crawling rapidly toward everyone.

Jiang Chong, standing on the slope path and seeing that monster’s appearance from afar, said in horror, “That’s a monster from the Classic of Mountains and Seas called ‘Fei Yi’! If you don’t know to flee for your lives now, you’ll face great disaster soon!”

Only now did everyone know to be afraid, all charging upward. Among the crowd, only Zhuo Lingzhao remained calm and composed, holding Yan Ting with one hand and his long sword with the other, slowly walking up the slope.

That monster, seeing everyone fleeing wildly, suddenly roared toward the sky. Its four wings flapped as it pounced at everyone. Yan Ting cried out in alarm, “Oh no!” Zhuo Lingzhao smiled slightly and said, “Miss, don’t be afraid – this is just a little insect. If you make a big fuss, you’ll only diminish Mount Jiuhua’s prestige.”

Hearing him say this, Yan Ting immediately calmed herself. She arranged her beautiful hair and said indifferently, “Sect Leader Zhuo’s teaching is correct. Yan Ting stands beside the ‘Sword God’ – even if there were ten monsters, they couldn’t do anything. I really shouldn’t have panicked.”

Zhuo Lingzhao had always been proud and conceited. Hearing Miss Yan Ting praise him like this, he was truly delighted to his heart’s core. Seeing her beautiful and lovely appearance, his heart was even more fond, thinking, “This girl is truly lovable. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, I definitely won’t kill her.”

Wu Dingyuan, following behind the two at this time and hearing their conversation, just smiled bitterly without speaking.

That monster was biting people everywhere. The Kunlun disciples cried out loudly and urgently rushed up the slope. Qian Lingyi angrily said, “Damn monster! I’ll cook it and eat it later!”

Tu Lingxin, hearing his boasting, immediately cursed, “Your mother’s dog fart! Fourth, if you have guts, quickly go down and slaughter it! Why are you still fleeing backward?”

Zhuo Lingzhao, seeing his disciples not only fleeing in panic but also all speaking crudely, really showing the most wicked and ugly behavior, couldn’t help but sigh, thinking, “Alas… how does my Kunlun Mountain not even have half a lovable female disciple, all just these useless waste…”

Watching the Kunlun disciples flee up the slope, the Jinyiwei masters weren’t so fortunate. At this moment that monster had already blocked the upward passage, forcing the Jinyiwei to have no choice but to draw blades and fight desperately. But this monster was truly terrifying – a warrior stepped forward to fight, slashing at that monster’s scales with his blade, but the monster seemed to feel no pain. Its mouth opened wide and immediately bit that warrior in two. As fresh blood splattered, everyone trembled and their faces lost all color.

An’dao Jing and Jiang Chong had fled fastest and were already at the top of the slope path. He looked down at his subordinates fighting the monster. Though afraid in his heart, he pretended nothing was wrong on his face and turned to Jiang Chong saying, “Lord Jiang, rest assured – even if your subordinate loses his life today, he will protect my lord’s safety.”

Jiang Chong’s face was bloodless as he gasped, “You do your job well and I’ll promote you when we return. Understand?”

An’dao Jing was delighted and immediately chuckled dryly, about to boast when suddenly he heard people below calling, “Commander An, be careful!” An’dao Jing looked down and saw that monster spreading its wings and flying toward him.

An’dao Jing screamed miserably, “My dear mother!” and fled down the slope, abandoning Jiang Chong alone.

Jiang Chong screamed, “My emperor!” but didn’t know where to flee, so frightened his whole body trembled.

That Fei Yi flew in attack with extreme speed, in a blink cornering Jiang Chong against the wall. Jiang Chong cried out, “Someone save me!” That monster hissed and roared, just staring at him fiercely. Jiang Chong trembled all over. Despite his high position, his eloquence failed him now and he was scared to piss and shit himself.

That monster roared “Hu-ah!” and bit toward Jiang Chong. Jiang Chong’s legs went soft and he knelt on the ground crying, “Monster sir, spare my life! I’ll give you a hundred thousand taels of gold! Please don’t bite me!” Fortunately, when he knelt like this, that monster bit empty air and didn’t chew up his head.

This Jiang Chong relied on his cleverness and eloquence all his life, always succeeding. Usually he would threaten with power or tempt with profit – even when encountering martial arts masters blocking his way, he never worried or feared. But this monster before him only knew how to eat people and didn’t understand the benefits of beautiful women’s sweet kisses or gold’s temptation. To this monster, he was probably just a piece of fat meat – except for being fatter than others, there was no other difference. He was so scared he prostrated himself completely and cried, “Monster master above, spare this little one’s life! This little one will burn incense and worship you in the future, make a golden statue for you – just beg grandpa to spare this little one’s life…”

That monster was startled, seeming surprised why this person didn’t flee, staring at Jiang Chong as if encountering some strange creature.

At this moment, Luo Moshi had already flown forward and grabbed Jiang Chong, then quickly fled. That monster roared furiously and chased after the two. Luo Moshi, holding Jiang Chong, rolled to the side and immediately shouted, “Musketeers!”

Two hundred musketeers charged up in formation and fired. In an instant, fire flashed and smoke filled the air. That monster was hit by over two hundred shots but only cried mournfully once and still kept crawling toward the two.

Seeing the sharp teeth about to bite their bodies, Luo Moshi was greatly alarmed and shouted, “Fire again!” The musketeers loaded ammunition and fired another volley. That monster took another two hundred shots. Though it still roared, it had already turned over and fallen to the ground. Luo Moshi shouted, “Fire again!” Gunshots rang out together, that monster cried miserably once, fire flashed as every shot hit its scales, beating it until its skin split and flesh tore, scales fell off and armor dropped – it was already rotting dead on the ground.

Jiang Chong breathed a long sigh of relief and quickly hugged Luo Moshi, crying loudly, “Without the master, how could Jiang Chong live? In the future I’ll definitely make a golden statue for the master, burn incense and worship, never forgetting the master’s kindness for life!” He immediately transferred all the benefits he had just promised the monster to Luo Moshi.

Luo Moshi, seeing his loss of composure, quickly helped him up and said, “This is a subordinate’s duty – my lord needn’t thank me.” Jiang Chong refused and just held him crying.

Suddenly An’dao Jing rushed up urgently and called loudly, “Your subordinate was late in rescue – please heavily punish me, my lord!”

Jiang Chong turned and saw this person, immediately became angry from the heart and shouted loudly, “You’ve finally come! A moment later and I would have died!” In the recent crisis, An’dao Jing had fled alone – truly callous to the extreme. Jiang Chong’s face showed anger, wishing he could cut him to pieces. The Kunlun people secretly laughed, all wanting to see how An’dao Jing would excuse himself.

An’dao Jing called loudly, “My lord, a thousand rights and ten thousand rights, only this one thing is wrong.”

Jiang Chong angrily said, “What fart are you spouting? Aren’t you afraid I’ll have your head cut off?”

An’dao Jing knelt down and said, “Reporting to my lord, your subordinate has followed you for many years and long knew my lord has heaven’s protection – that monster, even if a hundred times more powerful, couldn’t touch a hair on my lord’s head. Just now my lord let Master Luo Moshi rescue you, but it was just testing his loyalty. My lord, isn’t that right?”

Jiang Chong was first startled, then his eyes rolled and he smiled, “These words make sense, these words make sense! Stand up and speak!”

An’dao Jing, seeing his flattery worked, stood up delightedly and said, “My lord is so wise and divine, in learning comparable to Confucius and Mencius, in martial arts comparable to Guan Yu. This small monster coming before my lord – my lord moving a little finger would scare it to piss and shit itself, not daring to move. Only those ignorant youngsters in the martial world would think my lord feared that monster! My lord, tell me, does what this little person said make sense?” He spoke proudly and actually laughed heartily.

Everyone felt contempt in their hearts, thinking, “This person is shameless to the extreme – rarely matched in the world.”

Who knew Jiang Chong not only wasn’t offended but also looked up to the sky and laughed loudly, “Good! Commander An spoke well!” He patted An’dao Jing’s shoulder and smiled, “The one who knows me is none other than you, Commander An. I’ll promote you when we return!”

An’dao Jing was delighted and knelt down, “Your subordinate thanks my lord for his grace!”

The two laughed together, leaving Luo Moshi standing there stunned. It seemed his desperate fight for Jiang Chong wasn’t as useful as An’dao Jing’s few words of flattery.

Zhuo Lingzhao, seeing Luo Moshi’s helpless expression, immediately walked to his side and mocked, “Master, they say there are people beyond people and heavens beyond heavens – you understand this principle today!”

Luo Moshi sighed deeply but didn’t answer. It seemed though he was cunning, when encountering true Central Plains flattery masters, he was still no match.

Zhuo Lingzhao smiled indifferently and led Wu Dingyuan and others away, walking toward the depths of the corridor. In a blink, all the Kunlun disciples had left, leaving only Jiang Chong and his subordinates.

Jiang Chong, having heard An’dao Jing’s flattery, was still excited. Seeing that monster was dead, he walked over and kicked it hard, laughing, “This mere dog thing ultimately died under my hands.”

An’dao Jing smiled obsequiously, “My lord is right. Let’s cut off two legs and take them back to roast and eat – they might be quite nourishing.”

A subordinate laughed, “The commander is right – maybe eating this monster could really beautify the face and strengthen yang!”

A crowd of Jinyiwei masters were all troublemakers and immediately started an uproar, “My lord, quickly start the slaughter! Personally prepare this dog thing!” Jiang Chong laughed heartily, quite pleased with himself.

An’dao Jing smiled, “My lord, please personally slaughter it!” He handed over a long knife.

Jiang Chong raised the steel knife and chopped at that monster’s leg. He chopped hard several times, but saw the blade edge had already curled while that leg was like hard iron, completely unmoved. He immediately cursed, “What kind of monster is this! So difficult to deal with!”

A master kicked hard at that monster’s head and shouted, “Screw your grandmother! Dead and still acting tough!”

That monster had originally closed its eyes, but when kicked hard, suddenly its eyes opened, then it roared like a tiger and suddenly pounced up. That master cried out, “Mother!” but his feet had already been bitten. That monster opened its mouth and chewed, immediately biting him in two.

Seeing that monster come alive again, Jiang Chong and An’dao Jing were so frightened they fled, rushing up the slope. The other crowd also turned pale with shock and all fled up the slope, but that monster stamped wildly with its feet and bit frantically with its mouth. In a moment it ate five or six people.

Luo Moshi exclaimed, “Fire quickly!” Gunshots rang out. Though that monster was continuously hit, it still ran around wildly and bit everything. Luo Moshi called, “Fire quickly!”

A soldier said, “Reporting to the master, ammunition is exhausted!”

Luo Moshi shouted, “Then quickly load gunpowder!”

The soldiers hurriedly took out gunpowder from their pouches and filled iron tubes in great confusion. Seeing that monster approaching step by step, Luo Moshi was sweating coldly. The situation was critical and he couldn’t avoid going into battle. He roared and immediately activated his “Netherworld Mysterious Energy” and charged downward.