From Five Animal Exercises to being hailed as a saint and ancestor

As the sun rose high in the sky, the intense sunlight baked the bustling Baiwei City into a somewhat languid state.

Inside the city lord's mansion, the atmosphere was completely at odds with the tranquility of the afternoon.

The aroma of tea wafted through the reception room.

Chi Xiao, the commander of the Crimson Flame Army, sat imposingly in the guest seat.

His face appeared ordinary, even somewhat refined.

The occasional glint of light in those deep-set eyes was as sharp as a scalpel, as if it could dissect all living things in the world.

He was having a very pleasant conversation with Zhang Xinghan, who was seated at the head of the table.

The discussion ranged from the delicate balance of power among various factions on the mainland to the political changes in the Great Xia Dynasty in recent years.

He then seemingly casually mentioned the upcoming Heavenly Dao Academy assessment, which had attracted much attention in the Eastern Region.

Chi Xiao spoke eloquently and logically. If one did not know his background well, one would almost think he was a righteous role model who cared about the world and mentored the younger generation.

Zhang Xinghan wore an impeccable official smile, handling the situation with ease.

But I felt as if I were facing a formidable enemy, and every nerve in my body was taut.

Just then, a guard from the city lord's mansion rushed in to report.

"Lord, riots have broken out in several markets and wards throughout the city!"

"Vendors were fighting in the street, thieves took advantage of the chaos to steal valuables, and unidentified individuals in the West Market spread rumors, causing panic!"

"Although these are all minor incidents, there are a great many of them, and the city guards are stretched thin. The commanders are asking for instructions on how to handle them!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xinghan immediately frowned.

His face displayed just the right amount of "displeasure" and "headache." He scolded:

"What's the panic! These are just a few petty thieves causing trouble; they should be dealt with according to the law! Send more men to suppress them, and don't disturb the Crimson Sky Army Commander!"

As he spoke, his peripheral vision keenly caught what he was seeing:

Chi Xiao's lips twitched almost imperceptibly upwards, a fleeting arc filled with the smug satisfaction of a cunning scheme succeeding.

Chi Xiao unconsciously tapped her right index finger twice on her knee.

It was as if they were enjoying a show they had directed themselves.

Zhang Xinghan sneered inwardly, but showed no sign of it on his face.

He simply picked up his teacup, using the act of drinking tea to conceal the coldness in his eyes.

All of this was expected. As expected, Chixiao used this widespread approach to limit the strength of the city guards to the greatest extent.

When the guard reported, their eyes met for a fleeting moment, and the resolute meaning in his gaze made him understand:

The actions of the Underworld and the Academy have begun!

Despite being prepared, when she sensed Chi Xiao's aura beside her, which was as obscure and powerful as an abyss...

Zhang Xinghan's heart involuntarily quickened its pace.

Sitting opposite a madman at the Nascent Soul Realm and acting out a scene is incredibly stressful.

"Under Lord Zhang's rule, the people are truly... 'simple and honest'."

Chi Xiao put down his teacup, his tone carrying a subtle hint of sarcasm.

"I'm sorry to have made you laugh, Commander."

Zhang Xinghan sighed, his acting skills were completely natural.

"Baiwei City is a bustling commercial hub, attracting all sorts of people, and inevitably there are some unruly individuals. It can't compare to the Crimson Flame Army's strict discipline and unwavering obedience to orders."

His words, though seemingly self-deprecating, actually contained a hidden meaning.

Chi Xiao chuckled, just about to say something more.

Another trusted aide dressed in the uniform of a low-ranking officer of the Crimson Flame Army strode in, first bowing to Chi Xiao and Zhang Xinghan, then leaning close to Chi Xiao's ear and whispering urgently:

"My lord, the royal envoy has arrived at the military camp, requesting to see you. Lord Yan Jin is currently receiving him, but the envoy's attitude is unyielding. What do you think..."

Chi Xiao's brows furrowed instantly, a hint of surprise and anger flashing in his eyes!

A royal envoy? Why would they suddenly arrive at this critical juncture?

His sharp, hawk-like gaze suddenly shot towards Zhang Xinghan.

But the other person was calmly blowing on the foam in their teacup, looking completely unconcerned.

But beneath those slightly lowered eyelids, there seemed to be a hint of something elusive.

"Was it this old bastard who did this?"

Suspicion instantly rose in Chi Xiao's heart, and a surge of resentment was almost impossible to suppress.

But he knew that if he turned against them now, all his previous efforts would be in vain!

That batch of "materials" is about to be secretly transported out of the city. This is a critical period, and we must not let our efforts go to waste!

Once the materials are sent out, even if the royal envoy wants to investigate, without evidence, he can't do anything to him!

He forcibly suppressed his anger, waved his hand at his trusted aide, and tried to keep his voice steady.

"Understood. Go back and tell Yan Jin to treat the envoy well. I have important matters to discuss with Lord Zhang, and I will return shortly."

He emphasized the words "important matter" and at the same time, his left hand, hidden in his sleeve, made a subtle gesture.

That's a signal urging us to speed up the action!

The trusted confidant understood and bowed as he withdrew.

Almost at the same time that Chi Xiao's confidants left the city lord's mansion!

Near the granary in the east of the city, Shangguan Hong strode down the street, making no attempt to conceal his presence, glancing left and right.

It appears that they are investigating the source of the surge of energy that erupted from the direction of the grain depot yesterday.

Qin Feng's figure also appeared at the teleportation array hub in the south of the city.

But he was not alone; all the attendants from Qinglu Academy were following behind him this time.

His expression was cold and stern, and his body was surrounded by sword energy. Although he was only at the Yuan Dan realm, his incomparably sharp sword intent, comparable to that of a Divine Bridge cultivator, was enough to make one's heart tremble.

He secretly held in his hand an exquisite jade talisman given to him by Shangguan Hong.

That is the main seal of the myriad transformations returning to one.

Outside the western armory, a seemingly ordinary middle-aged man dressed in the armor of a general from Baiwei City slowly removed his helmet.

His eyes were sharp as an eagle's, and his aura flickered unpredictably.

Sometimes it resembles an insignificant Spirit Sea Realm, and other times it reaches the peak of the Divine Bridge Realm.

He exuded a murderous aura; his long military career had made him seem like a god of death.

He grinned, revealing his gleaming white teeth, a mixture of suppressed fighting spirit and excitement.

It was Ye Kang, Zhang Xinghan's sworn brother.

Because of the existence of the Crimson Flame Army, they have been hiding their strength for many years, lying in wait within the city guards, all for this day!

Beneath the den of iniquity, in a dimly lit prison.

The patrolling guards in black seemed to have received some kind of instruction, and their movements suddenly quickened.

They roughly opened the cell doors and dragged out the young men and women, whose bodies were weak and sore from the drugs.

Yao Mengkang noticed that the number of men in black had more than doubled, and his eyes narrowed slightly.

"Get up, all of you! Quickly!"

"Blindfold them! Seal their mouths!"

"Tie your hands, one by one, and don't make a sound!"

Yao Mengkang was also lifted up by two guards.

A black cloth emitting a foul odor was used to blindfold him, rough strips of cloth were stuffed into his mouth, and his hands were tied behind his back with specially made ropes.

He convincingly feigned weakness and fear, but his heart remained cold and clear.

It's finally going to move!

Like the other "prisoners," he was pushed and shoved, forming a long line as he walked up the familiar, damp passage.

He could sense that they had left the dungeon and entered the relatively dry air.

Then they were stuffed one by one into different carriages filled with the strong scent of perfume.

These carriages were clearly used by courtesans when they went out to "do business." Although they were brightly colored, they were inconspicuous and were perfect for concealing their identities.

Just as this batch of carriages loaded with "goods" rolled over the threshold of the back door of the den of iniquity and entered the relatively quiet alley outside...

A sudden and unexpected change occurred!

A chilling, sorrowful, yet infinitely sharp sword intent, like a sigh from the deepest hell, instantly enveloped the entire "Golden Cave"!

Luo Wuyai, one of the Seven Lords of the Underworld, has made his move!

"Buzz!"

Almost at the same instant that Luo Wuyai's aura erupted.

Deep within the den of iniquity, a powerful aura, imbued with a decadent yet eerie spiritual energy, surged into the sky.

Like a blooming, eerie flower, it was none other than the alluring and beautiful woman—Zhao Xiaoman!

"Who dares to cause trouble here!" Zhao Xiaoman's charming shout carried a captivating power.

The next moment, two terrifying auras belonging to the Purple Mansion Realm clashed fiercely in the sky above Hundred Flavors City!

A mournful sword aura rang out, and countless afterimages appeared as a fierce battle instantly unfolded!

"Boom!" "Boom!" "Boom!"

As if by prior arrangement, the auras of the three Chixiao disciples who were originally stationed at the three key locations—the western armory, the southern teleportation array, and the eastern granary—immediately erupted, ready to support the Gold-Dissolving Cave!

"Your opponent is me!"

Outside the armory in the west of the city, the general who had been concealing his cultivation level roared angrily.

The aura of the peak of the Divine Bridge realm was released without reservation.

A massive blade, as large as a door panel, appeared in his hand, and he slashed out fiercely!

At the granary, Shangguan Hong snorted coldly. The heavy pressure of the Earth-Splitting Divine Qi was like the earth collapsing, directly pressing Han Li, who wanted to take off, firmly to the spot!

At the teleportation array, Qin Feng's eyes were resolute. He held the Myriad Transformations Return to One Main Seal in his left hand, and his sword energy surged. He temporarily possessed the ability to stand on equal footing with Sun Miao!

Fierce battles erupted simultaneously on four battlefields!

The clash of forces caused a violent upheaval, and the roar echoed throughout the entire city!

Inside the city lord's mansion, Chi Xiao, who was holding a teacup, suddenly froze, spilling most of the tea from the cup.

He suddenly looked up, sensing the undisguised battle fluctuations erupting throughout the city between those at the Purple Mansion Realm and the peak of the Yuan Dan Realm, and his face instantly turned ashen.

An extremely violent killing intent spread out as if it were a tangible force, and the temperature in the entire reception room plummeted!

He slowly turned his head, revealing his crazed and icy eyes.

He stared intently at Zhang Xinghan, who remained seated opposite him, though his face had turned slightly pale, as if he were a venomous snake.

"Zhang, Xing, Han!"

Chi Xiao's voice seemed to be squeezed out from between his teeth, carrying endless chill and murderous intent.

Zhang Xinghan felt a chill run down his spine, knowing that the most crucial and dangerous moment had arrived.

He must keep Chixiao in check.

Buy enough time for external operations!