I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 137 Killing the Enemy

The wind blows fiercely, the snow falls heavily, and the night is dark and the sky is high.

The moment Xue Xiang saw the battle flag above his house, his heart skipped a beat, and he transformed into a blur, rushing towards his home.

From the outside, unless you look closely, you won't notice the array flag hanging high in the sky like a kite.

The area around the house was also peaceful.

But when he stepped through the door, it was as if he had entered a world of evil spirits and demons.

Inside and outside the courtyard, a faint gray smoke permeated the air, like the wailing of wronged souls, lingering and refusing to dissipate.

Various shrill howls and rustling sounds, like hundreds of rats scurrying around in the corner, or like the night wind sweeping dry leaves, are hard to identify, yet enough to send chills down one's spine.

"Sister, be careful, it's a White Walker."

Xue Xiang's eyes suddenly turned cold.

This object is not a collection of resentful ghosts, but rather a product of a ghost cultivator's ritual refining, where he devoured corpses and melted down remnants of souls in the mountains and wilderness.

The most mysterious and unpredictable thing is that the Others are difficult to eradicate completely. Once they break into a human dwelling, they can disturb the mind or even kill people.

At this moment, the courtyard was filled with surging shadows. Liu Mei stood in front of the hall, her green robe fluttering in the wind, and in her hand was Xue Xiang's Spirit Serpent Sword.

Whenever a White Walker approached, she would slay it with her sword.

However, the Others are inherently formless, gathering through shadows, and only reveal their form when they are close by. They may resemble the beak of an eagle or the claws of a wolf, or the sharp bones of a skull, and they are as swift as the wind. They may cling to window frames or hide in beams and pillars, appearing and disappearing in an instant.

If it weren't for the Wind-Slaying Sword, which Liu Mei used to rest, being known for its speed, it wouldn't have been able to defend against the attacks of these alien demons.

"Brother, is that you? Help me, I'm scared."

Inside the main hall, Xiao Shi's voice could be heard.

"Don't worry, it's my elder brother who hired someone to perform magic tricks. Youyi, open the door and let the little girl see it clearly."

Xue Xiang called out and strode over, causing the strange ghosts to flee.

He exuded an invisible baleful aura, which was formed from hunting hundreds of winged ghost-faced monkeys in the miasma valley of the Trial Realm.

Once released, it is enough to send chills down one's spine and make all ghosts flee.

For a moment, the White Walkers dared not approach.

With a creak, the door opened.

Fan Youyi stood at the forefront, protecting Xue Wan and Xiao Shi behind him. The three of them looked tense and breathed heavily.

Meanwhile, Xue's mother was deathly pale, her eyes filled with tears, and she was muttering incantations.

Just then, a light, swift voice rang out in the wind and snow, and the White Walkers hiding in the shadows seemed to receive a command and all emerged.

Xiao Shi screamed in fright, but Xue Xiang picked her up and said, "This is a shadow puppet show. My elder brother spent a lot of money to hire people to perform it. It looks scary, but it's only scary."

If you are really scared, just close your eyes and listen.

"I, I'm not afraid."

Xiao Shi's eyes widened, but she held them tightly in front of them with both hands.

Several White Walkers, propelled by the wind, swept in.

Some of them resemble withered dogs, some have mouths split to their ears, some have broken tongues and ghost hair wrapped around their mouths, and many more have their skin and flesh torn and their joints exposed.

These White Walkers sprinted along the ground like lightning, attacking from all directions, moving along the walls as if they were flat ground, and forming an encirclement.

"Lang Jun."

Liu Mei tightened her grip on the sword in her hand, her face turning pale.

Even when fighting others, though she has only reached the Foundation Establishment stage, she is fearless.

But she was terrified of this eerie, ghostly creature.

She had used up all her courage to hold on until Xue Xiang returned.

Xue Xiang gently put his arm around Liu Mei's shoulder, standing amidst the wind and snow, his clothes fluttering, his eyes as deep as the ocean, and uttered a single word: "Lock".

The sound wasn't loud, but it was like a hammer striking a bell, reverberating through the void.

Suddenly, the literary energy within his body surged and churned like a tide, bursting forth from the literary palace, as if thousands of golden characters were flying and condensing in mid-air.

In the next instant, the literary energy transformed into a chain.

The chain was pure white, neither gold nor jade, with Confucian proverbs engraved between its links, each word shimmering like stars hanging upside down.

The chains did not move, and the snowstorm stopped.

Suddenly, the chains shot out like snakes emerging from a pot, their trajectories drawing incredible arcs in the air, and in an instant, they wrapped around three otherworldly demons that were rushing towards them.

"squeak--!"

The three ghosts howled and trembled violently as they tried to escape, only to find themselves surrounded by walls. With each movement of the chains, invisible spiritual energy transformed into a net, trapping them firmly in place.

The chains moved with unusual agility, as if they possessed their own consciousness. They split into several strands and burrowed into the shadows of the courtyard. Within a hundred paces, the strange ghosts hiding on the beams, between the tiles, and in the corners of the walls were all drawn out.

Whether by the neck, the heart, or the claws, they were bound so tightly that they could not even make a sound while struggling.

In an instant, ghostly figures tumbled in the courtyard, and chains swayed and weaved, like a dragon wagging its tail, severing throats in a flash!
In just a few breaths, countless White Walkers were transformed into wisps of green smoke.

Xue Xiang has now reached the third level of the Word Realm, and his literary energy can be transformed from mind to mind.

Literary energy is most effective at suppressing yin entities. As long as they are chained, Xue Xiang doesn't need to deliberately cast spells; these ghosts will be automatically refined.

"Brother, your literary talent is truly remarkable."

Fan Youyi looked on with admiration. Having participated in the city examination once, he had come to understand the hardships of the imperial examination path.

They also know how difficult it is to acquire literary talent.

"Alright, Xiao Shi, the shadow puppet show is over."

Xiao Wan tugged at Xiao Shi's chubby little hand.

Xiao Shi loosened her fingers a little, about to let go, when she heard Xue Xiang say, "Not yet."

His gaze turned to the east side of the courtyard.

Near the flower bed, a thin, almost invisible mist was rising gracefully.

If he didn't possess the Mysterious Night Eyes, he would never have been able to detect that cloud of mist.

"Now that you're here, don't leave."

Xue Xiang whispered again, "Cut."

In an instant, literary spirit surged.

As darkness fell, a pure white sword light burst forth from his fingertip, falling swiftly from the void and condensing into a great Confucian sword, slashing straight toward the head of the ghost fetus!

The sword light was so intense that it illuminated the entire courtyard as if it were daytime.

The gray mist churned, like bubbles rising from boiling water, growing larger inch by inch until it finally condensed into a monster resembling an infant.

Its entire body is grayish-black, with a semi-transparent membrane, protruding ribs, a large head and a small body, extremely long limbs, and its body is shrouded in eerie light and blood vessels. Its eye sockets are deep-set like wells, but red ghost flames dance in its eyes.

"ulterior motive!"

Xue Xiang was greatly surprised.

According to the Book of Strange Things, the ghost fetus is the mother of all ghosts, and only those who are skilled in the ways of the underworld can refine it.

In other words, since the evil child has emerged, there must be someone behind it all.

"Zhao Huanhuan!"

As Xue Xiang was shocked and enraged, the sword light had already struck!

The demon fetus let out a piercing shriek, suddenly opened its blood-red maw, and a demonic hand covered with dark blue veins reached out from its body, forcefully grabbing the sword light.

boom!
A loud bang was heard, the sword shattered, and the ghost hand also exploded inch by inch, black blood splattered, and the ghost fetus was forced back several feet and fell into the snow, rolling and rolling in the snow as it struggled, leaving a deep bloody trail.

A new wound appeared on its body, running diagonally from its shoulder to its lower abdomen. Flesh and blood were torn up, and white bone spurs were exposed, exuding a terrifying aura.

Wounded and trying to escape, it suddenly transformed into a black shadow, like a bird startled by a bowstring, and darted swiftly behind the eaves.

"You've actually cultivated to the point of physical form! I can't let you off the hook any longer."

Before Xue Xiang finished speaking, he raised his hand and clenched it. The sword spirit suddenly hummed and expanded rapidly. In the blink of an eye, the sword spirit transformed into a hundred-foot-long sword.

Inscriptions flowed across the sword's edge, their literary aura shimmering.

The Ghost Embryo's speed is unmatched, but the Sword's Spirit transforming into a sword is even faster, happening in an instant.

The giant sword pierced through the courtyard wall as easily as piercing tofu, hitting the demon head-on, just like an iron skewer piercing a skewer of meat.

"Ow!"

The moment the mournful howl began, a large net, formed from the essence of literature, captured it.

Before long, a wisp of smoke rose, and the evil fetus vanished.

The array flags overhead also fell down, the entire concealment array disappeared, and the dim night was brought into everyone's view.

Xue Xiang lowered his eyes and gently rubbed Xiao Shi's head. "This time, the shadow puppet show is over."

………………

The night was as dark as ink, and the cold stars were like dust.

Deep in the mountains outside Ningjiazhuang, in an old pavilion, the lights were dim, and the charcoal brazier crackled softly, carrying the lingering fragrance of ambergris.

Two people sat facing each other at a table in the pavilion.

A man dressed in white, with a half-smile on his lips, stood there; it was Ning Qianjun.

One of them had a pale, ashen face, and his robes were filled with a ghostly aura; he was none other than the Ghost Lord, who had not shown his face for a long time.

Gui Bo sat leaning back in a bamboo chair, his shoulders trembling slightly, his right hand pressing against his chest from time to time, his face completely drained of color.

His lips trembled, and he stuffed a handful of pills into his mouth, cursing in a hoarse voice, "That sword actually injured my very essence... Isn't he just a junior Qi Refining cultivator? How can he be so powerful?"

Ning Qianjun poured a cup of warm wine, pushed it over, and said, "This scoundrel has always been strange. His literary talent has probably reached the second level of the Word Realm. It's hateful that I haven't even entered the first level yet."

Gui Bo sneered, took the wine cup and drank it all in one gulp, blood dripping from the corner of his lips. "I spent seven years refining that ghost fetus, and today it's destroyed by this thief. I really wish I could devour him alive."

Young master, I just don't understand. Don't you hate Xue Xiang to the bone?
Why did you only let me scare his family?

I have every right to make him return to find his entire family tied to ropes, hanging in mid-air, their souls devoured by evil spirits.

Ning Qianjun slowly got up, walked to the window with his hands behind his back. Outside, the pine trees rustled like waves, the sky was gloomy, and a ray of snow light shone through the branches and leaves, reflecting on half of his face, like a cold blade of frost.

I want to do the same.

But he was an official.

Ning Qianjun turned around, his expression unusually calm: "Uncle Gui, you come from the borderlands and are unaware of the political system of my Great Xia Divine Kingdom."

There are a few inviolable rules that no one dares to break.

If someone commits a crime, the case will be transferred to the Wenyuan Pavilion, and the whole country will punish them.

One of these was targeting the families of officials.

I've already given them a scare today; that's the limit.

If casualties occur, it will be a bloodbath.

At that point, it won't be about solving a case, but about suppressing fear.

"Suppressing terrorism requires no evidence. Even my esteemed Ning family, a clan passed down through generations, will be uprooted."

Gui Bo gasped, "It seems that being an official is still the best thing ever. No wonder everyone is scrambling to take the imperial examinations."

However, if that's the case, what's the point of having me act in this scene?

What a pity for my ghost child.

Ning Qianjun took out a silk handkerchief from his bosom, unfolded it, carefully wiped his knuckles, and said slowly, "It certainly has significance."

When he attended the banquet, something happened at home.

Who do you think he'll hold accountable for this?

Gui Bo was taken aback, then realized, "What a clever way to shift the blame! You want that Xue guy to pin the blame on Zhao Huanhuan."
That Zhao Huanhuan is such a tempting girl, she smells so good.

The moment I saw her face, I couldn't help but think of a bed.

Young master, to make up for my sinister intentions, after you've had your fun with that woman, you'll have to let me... hehe..."

"Of course I won't forget you."

A faint hint of sarcasm flashed across Ning Qianjun's eyes.

Gui Bo said, "Young master, I still don't understand."

Even if you hadn't set this up, Xue would still have destroyed the Joyful Sect. In the end, he and Zhao Huanhuan would still be irreconcilable enemies.

I don't see the point in you adding fuel to the fire.

Ning Qianjun snorted, "I have studied Xue Xiang carefully. He is fiercely protective of his own and is most afraid of others bullying his family or disgracing his family. Even if he doesn't say it, he holds a grudge in his heart."

From his perspective, he couldn't tolerate Zhao Huanhuan daring to do this to his family.

Now, the entire spiritual cleansing room is empty, and he can only act alone.

Then, hehe... all the old and new grudges will be settled together.

Gui Bo paused for a moment, "Young Master just said that he is an official and should not act rashly."

Ning Qianjun turned around abruptly, his gaze so cold it seemed to dim even the flames of the charcoal brazier. "That's why my fire is all the more meaningful."

Everyone knew that he was going there for Zhao Huanhuan.

If he dies on Lingyun Peak, and if those above take it seriously, Zhao Huanhuan will take the blame.

"But Zhao Huanhuan might not cooperate."

"That's not up to her."

A cold glint flashed in Ning Qianjun's eyes. "Do you know how many people mocked and laughed at me when I was expelled from the trial world by that scoundrel during the county examination?"

My face, my dignity, the entire prestige of the Ning family—all were trampled under his feet!

He suddenly slammed his hand on the table!
The bamboo cup on the table flew half a foot up, spilling clear wine onto the edge of the charcoal brazier with a sizzle and a wisp of smoke.

Uncle Gui couldn't help but shiver.

Instantly, a streak of crimson blood light burst forth from Ning Qianjun's palm.

He spread his five fingers slightly, and a burning feather pattern suddenly appeared on his palm, like a molten gold sun, exuding pressure from his flesh and blood.

Gui Bo suddenly found it hard to breathe, his eyes widening as he stared at the red light in Ning Qianjun's palm. "You...you refined Phoenix Blood?"

"good."

Ning Qianjun's tone remained calm, "The Phoenix Clan bloodline has long been absent from the world. My elders spent three years searching for a single drop in the Land of Demons."

Ten days of arduous struggle, enduring countless hardships, finally refined it into my heart and soul; now, it has been accomplished.

He paused, then said, "I can't wait for the second trial in the Land of Demonic Obstacles. I want him dead immediately."

…………

The Xue Residence.

As the night wind subsided and the snowflakes thinned, a faint, lingering resentment of a wronged soul seemed to remain in the wind, echoing softly between the roof tiles.

Inside the room, Xiao Shi and Xue Wan were fast asleep in their mother's arms. Only the flickering candlelight reflected on the window paper, casting slanted shadows. Xue Xiang stood in the courtyard, his blue robes fluttering in the wind. He lightly stroked his sword with his fingertips, his expression calm, yet his brow was furrowed, and he remained silent for a long time.

Liu Mei walked out of the hall and came to Xue Xiang's side. She held a towel in one hand and was wiping away some snow from his sleeve. "Everything is fine in the house. Fortunately, there were no casualties."

I've thought about it. It's possible that the man didn't want to take lives. If he really wanted to, with the power of the demonic fetus, even if I did my best, I would never be able to protect your family.

That person's actions were mostly intimidation.

Xue Xiang nodded, a question creeping into his mind.

When he first stormed into the house, he was furious and his first thought was of Zhao Huanhuan.

After all, it was she who set up the trap, transferring him away from home.

And since the talks broke down, she had the most motive to teach herself a lesson.

Based on his brief encounter with Zhao Huanhuan, he felt that she was not a short-sighted person.

This seems more like something a novice would do with someone who has very little experience in designing layouts.

"Never mind, this experience has convinced me that the safety of officials' families is assured within the Great Xia Divine Kingdom."

Xue Xiang breathed a sigh of relief, "Now I can finally get a good night's sleep."

"Ning Qianjun."

Liu Mei whispered, "Lou Changqing, Shen Nansheng, and Lü Wenhou should not be among these four."

Her ability to make connections was unparalleled, and Xue Xiang never hid anything from her about matters within the government office.

Liu Mei knew that he went to see Zhao Huanhuan.

"You mean, the Joyful Sect is being used as a pawn by them?"

“I’ve done the math. The Joyful Sect is a newly established sect. The cost of rebuilding some cave dwellings won’t exceed two or three hundred spirit stones.”

Liu Mei said, "I believe Zhao Huanhuan can also figure out this cost."

With a mere two or three hundred spirit stones, she wouldn't risk her life by letting a ghost child come knocking on her door.

Unless, she had developed an extraordinary interest in the two spiritual veins that passed through Lingyun Peak.

But according to you, Zhao Huanhuan is an extremely intelligent person.

With her Foundation Establishment cultivation, she wouldn't be foolish enough to harbor such greed.

In conclusion, this could only be a tactic employed by someone behind her.

The goal is simple: to provoke you, make you hate Zhao Huanhuan, and then incite you to do something rash.

Xue Xiang pondered for a moment, "No matter how you look at it, the Joyful Sect is a festering sore that must be eradicated sooner rather than later."

I haven't even gotten anxious yet, but they've already started to get anxious. Well then, I'll show them what it's like to get anxious.

Xue Xiang didn't rush things after all.

The next morning, he rushed to the Third Hospital to report his actions to the hospital's director, Zhao Pu.

Unexpectedly, the order from the Ninth Hall, the Venerable King Bodang, came down.

According to regulations, a forced demolition operation must involve a team of at least five people.

The spiritual property cleanup room simply cannot gather enough people right now. Xue Xiang should remain calm and wait until everyone returns from leave before commencing operations.

Xue Xiang could only wait, and five days passed.

Early that morning, he climbed Lengcui Peak.

At dawn, the thin layer of snow on Lengcui Peak had not yet melted. The morning light slanted across the verdant mountainside, making it seem as if ink shadows were hidden through glass.

The Ninth Hall's main office is located at the junction of the snow line and the verdant greenery.

Xue Xiang arrived at the Ninth Hall's main office just as work hours began.

He passed through a curtain of silver vines, his footsteps landing on the damp stone steps. A corner of his sky-blue official robe brushed against the cold jade-like steps, sending out a slight ripple of chill.

In front of the government office, several clerks, upon seeing him arrive, hurriedly bowed.

Xue Xiang nodded, strode into the main office, and went directly into Wang Bodang's office.

Wang Bodang's official residence was not large, with sandalwood bookshelves on all four sides, a painting of "Admonitions to My Son" hanging on the wall, and a stove on the desk burning black charcoal cakes, emitting a faint herbal fragrance.

He was leaning back on the couch, sipping tea with his eyes half-closed. When he looked up and saw Xue Xiang enter, his previously amiable gaze faltered for a moment. He then slowly put down his teacup and smiled faintly, "Vice President Xue, is there some emergency this time?"

He had completely let down his guard against Xue Xiang.

Earlier, he had reviewed Xue Xiang's resume, especially the part about his fight with Su Suiran in Suiyang Town, and he was quite alarmed.

However, during this period of fighting, Wang Bodang did not feel that Xue Xiang was anything special.

Five days ago, Xue Xiang wanted to take action against the Joyful Sect, but he easily rejected it by using the excuse of "insufficient manpower," and Xue Xiang did not respond at all.

Without exchanging pleasantries, Xue Xiang pulled out a roll of names from his sleeve, placed it on the table, and said in a flat tone, "All personnel in the Spiritual Property Cleaning Room who have taken more than five consecutive days of leave should be dismissed according to the law."

Wang Bodang raised an eyebrow slightly, "They didn't ask for leave without a reason. If their injuries are ignored, who will dare to risk their lives for the court in the future?"

"Injuries? The spiritual property cleanup office has never received any reports of their injuries. I have no choice but to proceed according to the law."

Xue Xiang endured five days of hardship, all for this very reason.

He felt it was worth the five days to use procedural justice to remove the obstacles in the spiritual property clearing room.

"I cannot approve the dismissal. I, Wang, cannot let my subordinates bleed and weep."

Wang Bodang waved his hand dismissively, "Show the guest out."

Xue Xiang stood still. "I came here not with Lord Wang's approval."

I have submitted the paperwork to the second department, and after their review, it has been approved and stamped.

I am not familiar with those who are absent from work, so I came here hoping that Lord Wang could help me inform them.

They don't need to come anymore.

"you!"

Wang Bodang jumped up, his anger reaching its peak.

He vanished in a flash, heading straight for the second hall.

Since the Second Hall Master Fang Zuo was not present, he went straight to the Deputy Hall Master Tong Tian, ​​looking like he was there to interrogate him.

Tong Tian spread his hands, "We don't want to handle this either, but the key is that Xue Xiang said that if it's in accordance with regulations but we delay the process, he'll make a scene at Canglan Academy."

He is the newly appointed top scholar in the county examination, and he must have some support at Canglan Academy.

No one was willing to take the blame for this bloodbath for a few unemployed men.

Xue Xiang's materials were so complete that it was impossible not to affix the seal to them.

"You could have notified me first."

Wang Bodang was so angry that his eyebrows practically stood on end.

The spiritual cleansing room is a replenishment room.

Every time a supplementary room is opened, it becomes a prime opportunity for distant relatives to squeeze people in.

Of those dismissed by Xue Xiang, 70% were people connected to him.

"Look at what you're saying, as if informing you means you can disregard procedures. If you have any complaints, blame Xue Xiang."

After saying that, Tong Tian quickly left, saying he had official business to attend to, leaving Wang Bodang alone in the room, sulking.

Wang Bodang roared and rushed back to his office, about to unleash his pent-up rage, when he was surprised to find that Xue Xiang hadn't waited for him but had left on his own.

He was still furious and went straight to the Third Hospital.

In the main hall of the yamen, Zhao Pu was holding a document.

Wang Bodang roared, "Where is Xue Xiang?"

Zhao Pu seemed to have known that Wang Bodang was coming, and handed him the document directly.

When Wang Bodang saw this, he was so angry that his nostrils were practically steaming.

It was a report document in which Xue Xiang stated that due to insufficient staff in the spiritual property clearing room, he had not been able to perform official duties for several days. He had reported this to the Ninth Hall Master multiple times, but received no response.

Helpless, he had to go to the crime scene alone to handle the backlog of cases.

"How could you sign such a document!"

Wang Bodang glared at Zhao Pu and said sternly.

Zhao Pu said, "He would threaten to file a lawsuit at the drop of a hat. If I didn't sign, he would make me write a statement proving that it was my fault that I had delayed official business."

"So, Lord Wang, what do you think I can do?"

In his heart, he thought, "How much have I received in benefits that I have to stand up to Xue Xiang like this, risking my life?"
Wang Bodang turned and left, but as he entered the office, a golden-eyed eagle landed on the window frame.

He whispered a few words to the golden-eyed eagle, which seemed to understand his voice. It flapped its wings and soared into the sky, instantly becoming a black dot and disappearing from sight. The morning sunlight on Lingyun Peak was thin and cold.

The clouds and mist on the mountainside had not yet dissipated, and the boundary between the snow line and the verdant greenery looked as if it had been slashed by a cold knife, starkly distinct.

The forest was so quiet that even the soft rustling of pine needles falling seemed amplified.

Xue Xiang walked steadily among the protruding tree roots and jagged rocks.

He could have used his literary energy to fly through the air, but considering that the Joyful Sect would definitely activate its protective array, flying high would make him easier to be discovered.

Therefore, he chose to climb the mountain.

They had only gone halfway up the mountain when a soft whistling sound came from behind.

Suddenly, a gust of wind pressed down from the treetops.

Recalling the experience of Song Chang, the former head of the Spiritual Property Cleanup Room, when he led his team into Lingyun Peak, Xue Xiang knew that the real culprit had arrived.

Sure enough, the breeze felt like a thin film on my face, a little cool.

The membrane was torn apart in the next instant.

The evil wind was like a river that had been filled to burst its banks.

The snow was swept up in a large flake, turning into countless glittering needles.

The dried leaves and gravel were rolled into dark clumps, with tiny red lights embedded in them, like sparks dancing in the ash.

In the next instant, countless giant trees and rocks were blown up and crashed down on him.

"shield!"

Xue Xiang gave a soft shout, and his literary energy transformed into a ring-shaped shield, firmly protecting him within it.

He lightly gripped the sword's core, and with a thought, the core transformed into a steel rod, driving firmly into the ground.

He lowered his shoulders, gripped the hook handle tightly with both arms, and stepped sideways, using the momentum to embed his body between the tree roots and the rocky bones.

The demonic wind seemed to possess a magical power, managing to slip through the tiny gap between the shield and the earth.

Just a wisp of evil wind was enough to make him feel tired and numb, and his jaw even trembled.

He pressed the tip of his tongue against the roof of his mouth to steady his breathing, his blood and energy surging through his body.

After more than ten breaths, the wind stopped.

Xue Xiang removed his shield and looked around. The entire mountain forest had been destroyed, leaving only barren land.

A layer of mist rose in the northwest direction. Xue Xiang focused his gaze and activated his Xuan Ye Tong (Mysterious Night Eye).

Immediately, a dark shadow slowly emerged from the distant forest ridge.

He was a cloaked figure draped in animal skins, his face obscured by the wide hood, but his relaxed posture and the air of condescending scrutiny made it easy to associate him with the word "hunter."

The ground beneath his feet was not the ground.

It is the back of a monster.

The monster was initially only shown in outline.

Its wings are incredibly large; when folded, they resemble a folding fan, and when unfolded, they resemble a golden-black canopy that blocks out parts of the sunlight.

Its feather root is not pure black; the tip of the feather has a line of golden red, which looks like the edge of burnt metal when backlit.

It has four hooves, and when they tread the ground, they leave clean indentations in the snow with slightly charred edges.

Its eyes were amber, but deep within its pupils flickered dark red flames.

"A wild beast! The Golden-feathered Flame Eagle!"

Xue Xiang recognized the strange creature; the last time he saw it was in an ancient book.

The term "wild beast" refers to a monster that possesses the bloodline of primordial divine beasts.

Legend has it that the Golden-feathered Flaming Eagle possesses the bloodline of the ancient divine beast, the Phoenix.

The cloaked man snorted coldly, said nothing, and a golden sun shone in his palm.

In an instant, the Golden-feathered Flame Eagle's giant head rose high, its throat membranes opening and closing, its entire body like a drawn bow.

In the next instant, it suddenly darted out close to the ground, its four hooves leaving only four spots of scorched yellow on the snow, but its body had already cut across the mountainside like a shooting star.

The wing tip arrives first, and before it touches a person, the wind pressure presses the nearby snow surface into a groove.

Xue Xiang unleashed the Wind-Stopping Step, transforming his sword courage into a sword, advancing instead of retreating.

At the same time, Wen Qi manifested a giant halberd and slashed down.

clang!
The guan dao seemed to strike a steel plate; the giant eagle almost shattered the guan dao and swooped down to its front in an instant.

The Golden Flame Eagle's left wing snapped sharply, its wing elbow like an axe, slashing down diagonally along the white stripes.

Xue Xiang barely managed to dodge the attack by using the Wind-Stopping Step, but the sharp blades cut by the giant eagle's feathers tore his clothes to shreds.

The cloaked figure sitting atop the giant eagle, though his face was covered by the cloak, still exuded a hint of contempt in Xue Xiang's breathing.

With just one move, Xue Xiang knew he was no match for the giant eagle.

"Ning Qianjun, if you have the guts, come down and fight me."

Xue Xiang shouted sternly.

The cloaked man stiffened his neck, about to respond, but then stopped himself.

Ning Qianjun dared not show his face until he had successfully hunted down Xue Xiang.

He was extremely surprised; even though he was all wrapped up like that, he could still be recognized.

A giant light flashed in his palm, and the Golden-feathered Flame Eagle suddenly opened its huge mouth and took a deep breath, turning countless blades of air into its mouth.

Immediately afterwards, the Golden-feathered Flame Eagle's belly swelled up rapidly, resembling a hill.

Immediately, its swollen, hill-like body burst into flames.

An overwhelming sense of oppression immediately followed.

"Fuck."

Xue Xiang exclaimed in surprise and activated the Wind-Stopping Step.

"Too late."

Ning Qianjun sneered, and instantly, the Golden-feathered Flame Eagle spat out a beam of incredibly bright white light.

(End of this chapter)