The divine manifestations began at the Gongwei Division.

Lin Qingshan was a seasoned veteran who knew the area well.

The advantage of following Zhenyuan Escort Agency is that you don't have to worry about getting lost.

Zhou Heng spent most of his time studying martial arts while on the escort vehicle.

The other bodyguards didn't bother him either.

Lin Qingshan would only come over to talk to Zhou Heng when the caravan stopped to rest.

A few days passed in the blink of an eye.

The Seventh Madam did not reappear.

The caravan encountered two groups of bandits who attempted to rob them.

Lin Qingshan dealt with them without Zhou Heng having to lift a finger.

They stopped to rest at the foot of the mountain that day.

Lin Qingshan continued to talk to Zhou Heng.

"Once you cross this mountain, you'll be in the territory of Shu Prefecture."

The roads to Shu have always been difficult; the road ahead is not going to be easy.

Lin Qingshan remarked with emotion, "The world has clearly changed in the last two years."

Seven or eight years ago, this journey would have been virtually free of bandits and monsters; that would have truly been a time of peace and prosperity.

"Is the world really in chaos right now?"

Zhou Heng asked thoughtfully.

When he was in the capital, he often heard people say that the world was at peace.

But his experience in Qizhou and his observations along the way all told him that the Great Yue Dynasty was not as peaceful as it seemed on the surface.

Beneath the blazing fire and dazzling prosperity lies a hidden undercurrent of turmoil and lurking dangers.

Everywhere is being portrayed as peaceful and prosperous, but in reality, chaos and disorder are rampant.

A certain Lord Qingyang caused chaos in several states; even the Zhenyuan Escort Agency had heard of his legend, yet the Gongwei Division was completely unaware of him.

This shows that the local government never reported it to higher authorities.

The Imperial Guard was short-handed, and even those who were sent to pacify the various prefectures mostly relied on local officials when they arrived in the area.

They will only take action after local authorities report any disturbances caused by demons.

The Gongwei Division's own intelligence system was far from covering the entire Dai Viet Dynasty.

Of course, Zhou Heng's position was not high enough, and he did not know the situation of the intelligence system of the Guard Division.

Anyway, before he came to Shuzhou, the department didn't tell him about Lord Qingyang Mountain.

Logically speaking, if the Imperial Guard had known that such a powerful demon was lurking in Shu Prefecture, causing chaos in several prefectures, they should have sent someone to eliminate it long ago.

While a fourth-rank demon is indeed powerful, the Guardian Division is not without powerful beings of the third rank or above.

"It wouldn't be accurate to say it's chaotic, but it's certainly not peaceful either."

Lin Qingshan hesitated for a moment before saying, "For local officials, the death of some ordinary people is no big deal."

They believe in avoiding trouble and usually choose to settle things quietly.

I've even heard that some local governments have secretly made deals with demons.

They pay tribute to the demons every month in exchange for the demons not causing further disturbances to the area…

"Is that so?"

Zhou Heng's face darkened, and a murderous glint flashed in his eyes.

Lin Qingshan felt the air around him instantly drop several degrees, and he couldn't help but shiver, a look of horror on his face.

Just how powerful is this Commander Zhou?

His murderous intent was almost tangible.

How many people have been killed to condense this murderous intent?

He had only ever seen such a killing god in those border generals before; he never imagined that the Imperial Guard Command would also have such a killer.

"I've only heard about it—"

Lin Qingshan said, "We all know that this has nothing to do with the Imperial Guard."

The Imperial Guard was putting out fires everywhere, but it couldn't stop the flames from breaking out all over the land...

Zhou Heng wanted to ask more questions, but then he thought, what difference would it make even if he knew?

He was merely a minor military governor, incapable of managing the affairs of the realm.

All he can do is deal with the immediate problem.

Once he arrives in Shu Prefecture, if he has the opportunity, he will definitely go back and meet the Lord of Qingyang Mountain.

"It will take us another half a month to travel this road into Shu Prefecture."

Lin Qingshan changed the subject, saying, "The Shu Road is difficult for two reasons: first, the mountain roads are hard to travel, and second, monsters often appear in the mountains."

My lord, news of the Demon King's Bone has been leaked, and this final stretch of the journey will likely be incredibly difficult.

"If all else fails, how about we throw out the Demon King's Bone?"

"Aren't you afraid of ruining the reputation of Zhenyuan Escort Agency?"

Zhou Heng glanced at him, but couldn't tell whether Lin Qingshan was trying to test him.

"It's better to ruin my reputation than to lose my life. These brothers have followed me for so many years, I can't just stand by and watch them die."

And Lord Zhou, I can't let you be implicated either.

Lin Qingshan said.

"Don't you trust me?"

"No, I mean if it comes down to a last resort."

"As long as the green hills remain, there's no worry about running out of firewood. My Zhenyuan Escort Agency will sell everything we own to compensate our employer."

"We'll see when the time comes. If I really can't handle it, I'll naturally make you hand over the Demon King's Bone."

Zhou Heng said casually.

suddenly.

His brow furrowed slightly.

"Tell the brothers to keep a close watch on the caravan; we have important guests arriving."

Zhou Heng said calmly.

After playing the role of a bodyguard for so long, he started to really see himself as one.

Zhou Heng rose into the air and walked forward.

Lin Qingshan shouted in a deep voice, "Enemy attack! Protect the escort!"

The bodyguards rushed to the side of the caravan, drawing their long swords with a clatter.

For a moment, the blades flashed, creating a rather intimidating aura.

Swish!

A dark figure darted out of the forest with incredible speed.

The Seventh Madam, with a human face and a spider's body, appeared in front of the caravan with her sixteen legs moving erratically. She stopped a few feet away from Zhou Heng and looked at him with a wary expression.

In the distance, the leaves on a tree trembled, clearly indicating that other monsters were hiding there.

Zhou Heng's gaze fell on the Seventh Madam, and he said calmly, "You still dare to come and die?"

"Hey Zhou, don't be so arrogant."

The Seventh Madam sneered, "I was careless last time when I fell into your ambush."

This time, I've been following you for several days, and I've already figured out your situation.

All you have are these people, and there's no ambush for you here.

Today, I will fight you to the death here.

It raised its two front paws and grabbed a rectangular bag.

The pockets looked as if they were sewn together with tiger skin, and they appeared very heavy.

"Hand over the Demon King's bones now, or I will ensure your flesh and bones are dissolved in the white wind, leaving you nowhere to be buried!"

The Seventh Madam cried out in a shrill voice.

Lord Qingyang Mountain is a tiger spirit. With a roar, it can spew out a white wind, which is as sharp as a knife.

Countless demons were killed by Qingyang Mountain Lord's roar, their bodies torn to pieces.

This tiger-striped bag contains the White-haired Wind of Lord Qingyang Mountain. Once the bag is opened, it will sound like Lord Qingyang Mountain roaring.

Lin Qingshan and the others all had drastic changes in expression.

Legend has it that when the Lord of Qingyang Mountain roars, the entire mountain will be razed to the ground, and even a fifth-rank martial artist will be instantly reduced to a skeleton.

I never imagined that the Seventh Madam would possess such a treasure.

This is troublesome.

No matter how powerful Lord Zhou is, he is probably no match for Lord Qingyang.

Zhou Heng looked at the Seventh Madam with a look of surprise on his face.

The Seventh Madam thought Zhou Heng was frightened by the tiger-striped bag and sneered, "Now you know fear?"

"Hand over the Demon King's Bone obediently, and then become my pet. I might spare your life, otherwise—"

Before it could finish speaking, a burst of firelight rushed towards it.

"You're asking for it!"

The Seventh Madam screamed sharply, and as she flew backward, her two front legs had already opened the tiger-striped bag.

In an instant, a gust of wind howled out from the bag and blew towards Zhou Heng. Wherever it passed, leaves fell in a rustling sound, and even the bark was stripped clean.