The First Sage of Military Strategists

There was silence.

When the demons descend, their overwhelming malice chills the heart, and countless people are filled with fear, yearning to flee.

Unexpectedly, when Han Qing made his move, this seemingly ferocious and powerful demon turned out to be so weak, and was easily killed.

"Is this demon too weak?" someone whispered.

"The Six Desires Demon Lord was able to escape the great calamity of ancient times and survive to this day. He is no weakling. It is because Young Master Han is too strong."

"No wonder the Palace Master was so polite to him; Young Master Han's strength is truly unbelievable."

Many elders of the Zongheng Dao Palace were discussing how they had prepared many methods, such as magic treasures and formations, to deal with the Six Desires Demon Lord, but they hadn't expected to be able to use them all.

Han Qing descended from the sky, stroking the deep purple pearl he had obtained from slaying the demonic ape.

"Palace Master, this demon is too cunning. He only sent a few demon servants. I'm afraid he's still hiding in the far south abyss," Han Qing said.

The Palace Master of Zongheng Dao Palace laughed and said, "This demon has survived until now, so his ability to protect himself is first-rate. Killing his true form is as difficult as ascending to heaven. Let's put this matter aside for now. Today, we are very grateful to you. Otherwise, relying solely on the power of my Zongheng Dao Palace, we would not know how many twists and turns we would have to go through to kill the Six Desires Demon Lord."

"It was nothing, not worth mentioning!" Han Qing said calmly. The scene seemed dangerous, but he was actually not under any pressure. If the Six Desires Demon Lord had come in person, he might have been threatened, but he didn't care about a few demon servants at all.

Seeing Han Qing's calm and composed demeanor, Chi Yan felt even more admiration for him.

The two were about the same age, and Han Qing was already a powerful figure who could influence the course of the world. How could he not envy or admire him?
"Brother Han, you are so charismatic! No wonder my father always says you will be a leader in the trend of humanity. You are truly amazing. You must come to my Shennong Kingdom someday. My father will definitely give you a warm welcome." Chi Yan also came over, his face beaming with a bright smile and overflowing with enthusiasm.

"Since Young Master Chi is so hospitable, I will definitely pay him a visit when I have the time." Han Qing nodded slightly, glanced around, and then asked, "Palace Master, about your injury?"

"With the Shennong Dao Palace Spirit Fruit here, my injury should be fine. I should be able to recover in three to five days," the Palace Master said with a smile.

"In that case, I'll stay for three to five days until the Palace Master's injuries have healed before I leave," Han Qing said.

"Thank you, young friend Han," the old man said hastily. "However, you are guarding Linchuan. If you stay here with me, what if a powerful enemy attacks and it delays important matters? I think you should go back as soon as possible. With the elders of my Dao Palace here, there should be no problem."

"It's alright. There are tokens I left near Linchuan City. If a powerful enemy attacks, I can teleport back with a single thought," Han Qing said.

"Extreme long-distance teleportation? You're already at the third level of the Golden Body Realm?" Upon hearing this, Chi Yan let out a strange cry, his eyes filled with disbelief.

The Shennong Kingdom also has its own exclusive intelligence network. Although they have never interfered in the world's conflicts and value peace above all else, they have always paid close attention to the world's situation. As a hot figure in recent years, Han Qing naturally has dedicated personnel to collect intelligence.

Chi Yan thought that Han Qing's strength, as described in the intelligence, was already abnormal enough, but he didn't expect that was an understatement. After meeting him in person today, he found that he was even stronger than he had imagined.

"I recently entered the third stage of the Golden Body realm." Han Qing nodded.

"What a monster!" Chi Yan thought to himself.

After chatting for a while, the three arrived at a spacious hall halfway up the mountain.

In the inner hall.

The three of them each sat in a chair.

"Young friends Han and Chi, you two have come from afar to help me open the Heavenly Gate. No matter the outcome, this old man will remember this kindness. I have some invaluable news to share with you as a way of repaying you," the Palace Master of the Zongheng Dao Palace suddenly said.

"You flatter me, Palace Master. I'm helping you out of consideration for your past help to me, and I don't ask for anything in return." Han Qing shook his head.

"Young friend Han is of upright character and has the demeanor of a gentleman. This old man admires him. However, I also have my own set of principles. You killed the demon servant for me, and I would feel bad if I didn't repay you in some way. This news is about the ancient secret land, Panlong Immortal Realm!" the Palace Master said.

“Panlong Immortal Realm? My father said that it was the battlefield of the last great war in ancient times, where all races joined forces to slay the demons and kill many powerful demons. Since then, the demon race has never recovered. After a hundred years of demon slaying, the demon race disappeared from the world. I wonder if I am right?” Chi Yan asked thoughtfully.

"What you are referring to, young friend Chi, is the Ancient Realm of the Void. That war was the dividing line between the ancient and medieval periods. All races won a great victory, but it was also a Pyrrhic one. In the end, the Demon Race destroyed the Heavenly Pillar, causing a flaw in the Heavenly Dao, a decline in spiritual energy, and the extinction of all races. When the Human Race was in dire straits, they found another way, refining their spirit and nourishing their soul, becoming saints and immortals, and thus safely survived that catastrophe, and have remained the undisputed overlord to this day." The Palace Master of the Zongheng Dao Palace said unhurriedly.

Han Qing listened attentively; he had read many different versions of this history.

However, there is one thing: in ancient times, there was a huge pillar between heaven and earth called the Heavenly Pillar, which connected the sky above and the earth below, supporting the Heavenly Gate.

The world is rich in spiritual energy, which is why all races possess intelligence and can absorb spiritual energy to strengthen their bodies.

Humans only cultivate martial arts, not the soul. They use fragments of the Heavenly Pillar to seal acupoints, greatly increasing their combat power. They do not have the problem of rapidly declining lifespan after entering the intermediate Martial Saint realm.

The demons destroyed the Heavenly Pillar, changing everything. The spiritual energy withered, the Heavenly Gate disappeared, and the era when all races vied for glory in ancient times was gone forever.

In that instant, many things came to Han Qing's mind.

Chi Yan slapped his forehead: "I remembered wrong. You're right, the Demon Burial Ground is the Ancient Realm of the Void. What is the Panlong Immortal Realm? I really don't know. Could it be the birthplace of the ancient dragon race?"

"Young friend Chi guessed correctly this time. It is indeed an ancient dragon and phoenix nest, which contains great fortune. Dragon bones can be used to refine treasures, dragon scales can be used to forge armor, and dragon blood can strengthen the body. There is even a chance to obtain the secret techniques of the dragon race, which are the most powerful physical combat techniques in the world. Whoever can control this place and gather its resources will immediately see an astonishing increase in strength, and may even have the opportunity to create a new martial arts holy land!" The Palace Master of the Zongheng Dao Palace said solemnly.

"The Seventh Holy Land?" Chi Yan's eyes widened. "That's too exaggerated."

"Young friend Chi, please don't think I'm exaggerating. Among the ancient races, the dragon and phoenix are the most prominent. These two beasts are treasures from head to toe. If you have the chance, you must not miss it," the Palace Master added.

"How could such a treasure-filled place have been preserved until now? Shouldn't it have been looted long ago?" Chi Yan asked again, puzzled.

"Young friend Chi is thinking too simply. Panlong Immortal Realm is an independent minor world with a hidden entrance. Only a handful of major powers in the world know its location. Moreover, there is a magic array blocking the entrance, which even experts at the Rainbow Transformation Realm cannot force their way in. However, some time ago, part of that magic array collapsed, and its power is rapidly diminishing. All parties are actively preparing, just waiting for the entrance to break in and reap a huge harvest," the old man explained.

"What other forces are plotting?" Han Qing asked.

"As far as I know, Emperor Yu is the most enthusiastic. He wants to repair the Nine Dragon Palace of the Heavenly Emperor, which was one of the strongest magic treasures of the human race in ancient times. Now it is broken and its power is gone. If he can enter the Panlong Immortal Realm and take all the remains of the dragon and phoenix, then the Nine Dragon Palace of the Heavenly Emperor will be repaired soon."

In addition, the Peacock King Buddha and several ancient families of the Great Yu Dynasty also knew about the Panlong Immortal Entrance, as well as several holy sites, such as the Mo family of Tiangongfang.

In short, there will be a great battle, where the world's top experts will clash. If you want to gain any advantage, you will have to take a great risk!" The old man said solemnly.

One of the reasons he invited Han Qing was this: compared with the other major forces, Zongheng Dao Palace was still too weak. After all, it was not a martial arts holy land. If it wanted to participate and gain some benefits, its own strength alone was not enough. However, if Han Qing joined, it would be different. No one would not be wary of a leader of a holy land.

Han Qing also understood the key point in an instant. He was still hesitating about whether to go or not, but when he heard that Emperor Yu wanted to repair the Huangtian Nine Dragon Palace, he immediately made up his mind to go.

"This batch of treasures will cause an imbalance no matter who gets it. To avoid one person dominating, I've decided to make a trip." "Alright, young friend Han, you'll come with me. I don't want anything else, just a certain amount of dragon blood crystals," the old man said with a smile.

"Then it's settled." Han Qing nodded. He didn't know what the Palace Master of the Zongheng Dao Palace wanted the blood crystal for, and he was too lazy to ask. Anyway, the Panlong Immortal Realm had countless treasures, and dragon blood was just one of them. Giving it to the old man wouldn't hurt.

However, the Palace Master of the Zongheng Dao Palace still offered an explanation.

"My lifespan is about to end, but dragon blood can prolong it, buying me time to open more acupoints."

He secretly transmitted his voice, and Han Qing's heart trembled. He knew that once a martial artist opened the first hidden aperture, he had to open the thousand apertures as quickly as possible to become a high-level martial saint. Otherwise, his life force would be continuously consumed. He just did not expect that the Palace Master of the Zongheng Dao Palace would also fall into such a predicament.

For him, this matter was not urgent. He could open his hidden apertures very quickly, and his life force was incredibly abundant, lasting for one or two hundred years. Therefore, the dragon blood was of no value to him.

Hearing Han Qing's words, Chi Yan hesitated.

"I need to go back and discuss this with my father. Our Shennong Kingdom has always refrained from participating in external conflicts."

"Young friend Chi, once you've discussed it further, just send someone to inform me," the old man nodded.

The three discussed the matter for a while longer before parting ways.

Three days later, Han Qing returned to Linchuan. The Palace Master's injuries had mostly healed, and his strength had recovered to 70-80% of its peak, enough to protect himself.

In the courtyard.

Han Qing descended from the sky and glanced around, seeing Yan Qiuling standing by the pool, scattering bait into it. The pool was full of red carp, and as they thrashed about, water splashed everywhere, creating a unique scene.

"Oh, my husband is back!" Yan Qiuling sensed something and immediately moved closer.

"Qiu Ling, get ready, we're going back to Shu!" Han Qing said.

"What happened?" Yan Qiuling asked.

"It's nothing serious." Han Qing then recounted the events of the Panlong Immortal Realm.

"According to calculations, the Panlong Immortal Realm will open between January and March. Before that, I need to seize the time to improve my strength so that I will have a fighting chance against Han Yi, Peacock King Buddha, and others."

This time, he will likely have to face Han Yi directly. Although he is strong now, it is not enough to defeat a powerful opponent like Han Yi. Therefore, he has a strong sense of urgency.

"Husband, since the Panlong Immortal Realm is so dangerous, why bother fighting for it? With your strength, find a place to cultivate diligently, and you will soon become one of the world's top experts." Yan Qiuling was quite worried. He felt that it was too early for Han Qing to go head-to-head with supreme experts like Han Yi and the leader of the Mo family.

"My lady, there's no need to worry too much. With checks and balances from all sides, I may not need to confront Han Yi head-on. The treasures in the Panlong Immortal Realm are invaluable, and I can't miss them," Han Qing explained.

Yan Qiuling said no more. She knew that once Han Qing made a decision, he would not easily change it.

"By the way, take these two treasures and refine them as soon as possible to improve your strength."

With a wave of his hand, Han Qing summoned two magical treasures into his grasp: the Impermanence Sword and a pearl transformed from the Eight Desolate Demon Ape.

These two magical treasures are merely icing on the cake for him and will not significantly enhance his combat power. However, Yan Qiuling has too few means of fighting enemies at the Saint Realm, so she needs these two treasures even more.

"Thank you, my husband." Yan Qiuling smiled as she accepted the treasure and immediately began refining it.

Half a day later.

The two took flight and headed straight for Shu (Sichuan).

Although the distance is far, it won't take Han Qing much time to travel with his current strength.

Half a day later, the two landed in the Hundred Thousand Mountains of Sichuan.

Two years later, Han Qing returned to the valley. The scenery had not changed; it was still dilapidated and decaying, with ruins and rubble everywhere. The distant mountains appeared dark blue-black, deep and oppressive.

A cold wind howled, as if someone was crying, as if the wronged souls of those who perished here many years ago were recounting that bloody and tearful history.

Han Qingfa swept his mind across the valley and took in everything. The broken stele was still there, and it seemed that no one had come to this place in the past two years.

"Let's go."

"Husband, didn't you want to take that half-scroll of scripture?" Yan Qiuling asked curiously.

"No rush, let's go back to Hengshan City first and see some old friends," Han Qing said softly.

At the same time, he secretly transmitted his thoughts: "Qiu Ling, someone is following us."

"What?" Yan Qiuling was shocked. "I didn't notice anything at all, which means the tracker is exceptionally strong."

"Hmm, I can sense a faint hostility nearby. I need to kill this enemy hiding in the shadows first. Otherwise, if something unexpected happens when this wonder land opens and I fail to take the scriptures, the location of this treasure land will be exposed," Han Qing said in a low voice.

"When was it discovered?" Yan Qiuling asked, puzzled.

"I spotted them shortly after they left Linchuan City, but these trackers are very good at hiding their hostility. I only discovered them once by chance along the way, and I didn't take it to heart. But just now, I sensed malice again. I'm not sure, but it's always good to be careful," Han Qing replied.

“What my husband says is absolutely right,” Yan Qiuling nodded.

The two immediately took flight from the valley, and in a flash, they transformed into a streak of light, flying rapidly towards Hengshan City in the distance.

After the two left, a shadow flew out of the valley and sped off in the direction they had gone.

An hour later, Han Qing and his companion landed at the gate of the Qi residence in Hengshan City. With his current strength, he could sneak into the Qi residence without anyone noticing, but such behavior would be an offense to the host family, so Han Qing would not do it.

He followed the rules and sent someone in to announce his arrival. Before long, the two entered the mansion and met Qi Wufeng in a warm and inviting flower hall.

Qi Wufeng was deeply moved upon seeing Han Qing. Back in Shu, he constantly received intelligence about Han Qing, and each report shocked him. (End of Chapter)