chsdbacks Chapter 101: The Heavenly and Earthly Formation, the Land of Sealed Demons
Chapter 101: The Heavenly and Earthly Formation, the Land of Sealed Demons
As soon as Xu Rulin finished speaking, the tent fell silent instantly.
Zhang Ping didn't care and continued eating. The other three, however, all had strange expressions on their faces.
Wen Gaoyang, in particular, had a complex expression that shifted between embarrassment, suspicion, and astonishment. He knew his apprentice wouldn't lie to him, and couldn't help but steal a few more glances at Zhang Ping.
"Master, this is what happened..." Upon seeing this, Xu Rulin quickly recounted how he met Zhang Ping, including their initial investigation of demons in the prefectural city.
Things are different now. After witnessing the iconic black aura on the battlefield, Xu Rulin realized that the three-meter-tall black figure in the prefectural city was most likely Zhang Ping.
Although I don't understand how he did it, as long as he's not a demon, it's fine.
As he spoke, he observed Zhang Ping's reaction. Seeing that the other party did not refute him, he then went on to tell him what he knew about the Sitong Martial Arts School.
Wen Gaoyang nodded repeatedly, a smile returning to his face, as if the previous embarrassment had never happened.
"I never expected this! I never expected this! My young friend is truly a hero of our great Wei! Congratulations!" His voice was loud and clear, carrying a hint of sincerity.
Then, he changed the subject, his gaze becoming eager: "I wonder if you would be willing to join the Demon Extermination Bureau after the battle? If you agree, you can take whatever you want from all the books, secret archives, resources, and treasures within the bureau!"
He knew perfectly well what was going on. The Zhang Ping Xu Rulin spoke of was only at the Body Refining Realm six months ago, but now he was completely different. He didn't intend to pry into the reasons behind it. What martial artist doesn't have secrets?
All he wants now is to bring this rare treasure into the Demon Extermination Bureau.
Zhang Ping was indeed curious about the Demon Extermination Division, but he did not agree.
He put down his wine glass, casually wiped his mouth, and said:
"Old man, this matter isn't urgent, let me think about it some more. But what exactly is going on with this demonic chaos? Does Great Wei really have no clue at all?"
His strength is now far beyond what it used to be; there are probably few in the Demon Extermination Division who can defeat him. Those cultivation techniques and secret medicines also have limited appeal.
But if one joins, one will inevitably be sent to slay demons and quell rebellions everywhere.
It just gives people the feeling of being a huge victim.
Does he look stupid?
In contrast, he was more concerned about the root cause of the chaos, as it directly concerned his own safety.
Wen Gaoyang saw through Zhang Ping's thoughts and sighed softly, "Sigh..."
This is only natural. As long as Zhang Ping remains in Great Wei, he is a force against demons. He adjusted his mindset, his expression becoming serious:
"This demonic disturbance is indeed different from the past. The Demon Extermination Bureau is still investigating the specific cause. However... we do have a guess."
Upon hearing this, even Xu Rulin and the previously silent Black Abyss Army generals perked up their ears and unconsciously moved closer, as it was the first time they had heard Wen Gaoyang make such a speculation.
Wen Gaoyang poured himself a glass of wine, took a sip, and said with a hint of uncertainty, "Actually, I don't know much about it either. This story comes from... someone more than three hundred years ago."
"That one?" Zhang Ping frowned.
Wen Gaoyang continued, "That person once said that the land beneath our feet is not called the Old Land of Wei and Zhao in the Great Domain of Ten Thousand Spirits, but rather... the Land of Sealed Demons!"
"Demon Sealing?" The three of them felt a chill run down their spines at the same time! Just from the name, they knew what it was all about.
"As someone mentioned, in ancient times, this place was still a corner of the Great Domain of Myriad Spirits. Although it was remote, the East Sea was not as dangerous and desolate as it is now. At that time, the human race could still go out to sea and obtain endless marine treasures."
A hint of longing appeared in Wen Gaoyang's eyes. Back then, the path of martial arts was bright, resources were abundant, and martial artists from other regions flocked to the East China Sea, making the tradition of the old Wei and Zhao region strong.
"But later, an extremely strange demon was born here, whose body was almost indestructible. A peerless expert sealed its demonic body here and set up an earth-shattering formation, drawing on the power of heaven and earth to reshape the mountains and rivers, intending to make the seal permanent."
His tone lowered: "That formation sealed off the ancient demon, but it also altered this world. Not only did the power flowing between heaven and earth become thinner, but it also... completely severed the path beyond the sixth realm of Body Refinement!"
Wen Gaoyang sighed deeply, a trace of resentment and bitterness flashing deep in his eyes.
Wasn't he also incredibly talented back then? After learning the truth, he dreamed countless times of leaving this cage and heading to the legendary, resource-rich Great Realm of Ten Thousand Spirits.
But the answer that person gave left all those who held onto hope in despair!
The ancient formations, having evolved over the ages, have completely transformed the former territory of Wei and Zhao into an isolated and desolate place. All paths leading to the Great Domain of Myriad Spirits have been severed! That person, too, entered this place by chance, while fleeing from the pursuit of enemies, severely injured and mistakenly, with all his strength sealed and suppressed.
Whether he can leave is still unknown.
This cruel reality has shattered the martial arts spirit of countless people! Sometimes Wen Gaoyang even thinks that it would be better to never know about the outside world... Now he only has more troubles.
These secrets have always been classified as top secret by the Demon Extermination Bureau, precisely to prevent their spread and the resulting unrest. After all, geniuses whose hopes have been dashed are most prone to madness.
After listening, the three fell into a long silence.
Looking at the remaining flatbread in his hand, Zhang Ping suddenly lost his appetite.
If he truly cannot leave this sealed land, his strength improvement will eventually encounter a bottleneck.
Perhaps, when that time truly comes, even if one imprints all the demons and monsters of the old land with their mark and possesses immense power, one could still live comfortably. But ultimately, like a bird trapped in a cage, one would be unable to see the wonders of the outside world.
At that time, he will probably try his best to find a way out, right?
This news is a heavy blow to any martial artist who aspires to reach higher levels.
Xu Rulin didn't feel much; he was more concerned about whether the current demonic chaos could be quelled, and couldn't help but ask:
"Master, according to you, this demonic chaos... could it be that the ancient demon corpse has been resurrected?" If that's the case, how can they possibly resist with their limited strength?
Zhang Ping also looked up at Wen Gaoyang.
But Wen Gaoyang smiled and shook his head:
"The mountains and rivers have changed, and the seal has been solidified. How could it be so easily broken? The scattered records unearthed by the Demon Extermination Bureau from ancient tombs indicate that a demonic chaos that swept through the former lands of Wei and Zhao thousands of years ago also occurred. Although we do not know how the ancients quelled it, according to that person, the seal itself has not been shaken."
"We don't yet know the cause of this demonic chaos. But we speculate that it might be similar to what happened thousands of years ago. If the ancients were able to quell it, why can't we?!"
A renewed sense of confidence shone in his eyes. With the new methods brought by that being, they might not necessarily lose to the ancients!
Wen Gaoyang's confidence inspired Xu Rulin, and the confusion in his eyes faded, leaving only determination: "Yes! We will definitely quell the chaos and save the people!" His blood boiled with passion.
The Black Abyss Army generals also straightened their backs involuntarily, their faces solemn.
Zhang Ping, who was about to put the last bite of his pancake after hearing that it wasn't the resurrection of the ancient demon, twitched slightly at the corner of his mouth and silently put the pancake down.
These two—master and apprentice—are truly cut from the same cloth, both with passionate personalities.