I relied on leveling up to achieve a comeback.

By the end, Zhao Heshan's face had turned even paler.

He initially had some wishful thinking, but as he got to know him better, his judgment was proven correct.

The Changsheng Cult is now intentionally hunting down people and forces around Qinghe County.

Once the Changsheng Sect has tasted great success, then attacking Qinghe County will be inevitable.

The Zhao family's roots are in Qinghe County.

Xu Hao's expression hardened upon hearing this.

When the nest is overturned, no egg remains unbroken!

Although he was not afraid, he still had his mother, Xu Liushi.

"Even with so much evidence, everyone still believes the Changsheng Sect is planning to attack the county seat. Why don't we submit the evidence and testimonies? They should send someone down then, right?" Xu Hao asked. "Within Qinghe County, one person at the Jinli Realm is enough to maintain order and deter troublemakers, right?"

"You're thinking too simply!" Zhao Heshan smiled bitterly. "The power of a Jinli Realm cultivator is immense. Why would they risk their lives for the mere people of Qinghe County? Moreover, if the Changsheng Sect really wants to take action, it's definitely not limited to Qinghe County."

It was able to stir up trouble in Henan Province, and its sect also had many powerful members. Moreover, in a large-scale rebellion, one or two people at the Qi Realm level probably wouldn't be of much use!

"What should we do then?" Xu Hao stared at Zhao Heshan.

He knew that since Zhao Heshan dared to express the severity of the situation in front of him, he obviously had a backup plan.

"I want to invest in Junior Brother Xu!" Zhao Heshan said, taking a moment to gather his emotions.

"Invest in me?" Xu Hao was taken aback.

That's quite novel.

"Indeed, Junior Brother Xu has extraordinary talent. In a short period of time, he has already reached the third level of cultivation and was able to kill a fourth-level martial artist. His future is limitless. Even if he goes to Shuangqing Prefecture, he will be able to secure a place for himself."

Zhao Heshan slowly explained, "Our Chen Family Martial Arts School has some connections in Shuangqing Prefecture. If Junior Brother Xu can reach the fourth level of breakthrough in a short period of time, I can advise Master to give Junior Brother Xu a chance to enter the Five Animals Sect!"

"Oh? Why don't you follow your master, or try to get a spot in the Five Animals Sect on your own?" Xu Hao asked with a strange expression.

He had heard of the Five Animal Frolics Sect.

Master Chen Changhe's Fierce Tiger Fist belongs to the Five Animal Frolics School.

Moreover, the Five Animals Sect is extremely powerful, especially in Shuangqing Prefecture, where it can be called a behemoth.

Even many powerful positions in the imperial court were controlled by disciples of the Five Animals Sect.

As the saying goes, in name it is the imperial court, but in reality the Five Animals Sect is in charge.

By joining, one can not only learn advanced techniques, but also attain a very high status.

However, not everyone has such an opportunity.

"Well, I'm also keeping things on two fronts. To be honest, when I go back this time, I will also advise my master to evacuate Qinghe County, making preparations for both scenarios!" Zhao Heshan continued without hiding his intentions.

"Don't worry, I don't need any guarantees from you, Junior Brother. I just hope that you can help me out when we go to Shuangqing Prefecture in the future!"

"If it's feasible, then of course it is. We're fellow disciples, so helping each other is only right!" Xu Hao stared at the honest Zhao Heshan and smiled. "However, do you really have such a low opinion of the imperial court?"

Upon hearing Xu Hao's response, Zhao Heshan smiled, then shook his head. "The Longevity Cult is deeply entrenched within the territory, with extremely far-reaching influence. The reason the Cui family relocated is because they saw through this key factor."

Our Qinghe County may seem peaceful on the surface, but it's actually rotten to the core, just like the entire imperial court, which could collapse at any time.

Moreover, the so-called Blood Pill of the Longevity Sect is simply a lifeline for some people. If you are old and frail, breaking through is fine, but if you encounter the Blood Pill, wouldn't you have some thoughts?

Throughout Qinghe County, there are many such people among some powerful families and powerful clans. In order to survive and continue their own interests, they are capable of doing anything!

The collapse of a dam is never caused by external destruction, but by internal strife!

Upon hearing Zhao Heshan's words, Xu Hao couldn't help but look at him with newfound respect.

Unlike him, Zhao Heshan was able to spot the red names; this was entirely Zhao Heshan's forward-thinking analysis.

It is meticulous and the rules are clearly defined.

The key point is that the analysis was spot-on and completely correct.

"I understand, but advancing to the fourth breakthrough will be quite difficult!" Xu Hao said honestly.

Although he has a cheat code, he's not far from breaking through to the fourth level.

However, he cannot achieve success overnight; it will still take some time.

But he believes this period won't be long.

"This is the reward for my sponsorship of Junior Brother Xu!" Zhao Heshan said, taking out a porcelain bottle from his pocket and saying, "This is a pill I obtained by chance from the Blackwater Swamp. It is called the Marrow Cleansing Pill. It can temper the bones and muscles and nourish the internal organs. It is quite valuable."

Xu Hao was stunned.

It wasn't free?

Xu Hao took it blankly, and the next moment, a message appeared on his game panel.

[The Marrow Cleansing Pill, crafted in ancient times using numerous rare medicinal herbs and rare treasures, has the effect of enhancing aptitude, increasing Spirit by +5.]

hiss!

Xu Hao gasped.

This was the first time he had ever seen a pill that could boost his spirit.

One pill is equivalent to him leveling up five times.

More importantly, it also has the effect of cleansing the marrow and replenishing essence.

"This is too precious!" Xu Hao looked up and said earnestly.

This pill is far more valuable than the support that fellow disciples can provide.

It's safe to say that even if Zhao Heshan himself ate this stuff, it would probably allow him to reach the fourth level of cultivation in a short period of time!

Zhao Heshan quickly replied, "It's not valuable at all. With your talent, Junior Brother, you'll have a bright future. Besides, if the Changsheng Sect attacks Qinghe County, my Zhao family will still need to rely on Junior Brother Xu. More importantly, there are many powerful forces in Shuangqing Prefecture, and it won't be easy to gain a foothold!"

This takes all subsequent matters into consideration.

Since the Eternal Life Sect attacks a city from all directions, the only way to break out of the encirclement is to rely on top-tier combat power.

He had considered Chen Changhe, but by then, a fourth-level martial artist would have too little impact on the battlefield.

Only someone like Xu Hao, who can charge into battle, is the best choice.

The third breakthrough is that powerful. Once the fourth breakthrough is achieved, who can stop it?

No matter how good the elixir is, it's useless if you lose your life.

"Since you think so highly of me, senior brother, then I shall accept your offer!" Xu Hao said, no longer declining.

He also wanted that ancient elixir.

It's just helping out a little, isn't it?

As long as it is within my power.

Moreover, if the Changsheng Sect really wanted to attack Qinghe County, he would need someone to look after him, and Zhao Heshan, Chen Changhe, and others would be good candidates.

That way, he can free up his hands.

"Then I wish Junior Brother Xu all the best!" Zhao Heshan's face was filled with joy when he saw Xu Hao accept the pill.

The two then chatted for a while, analyzing the significance of the Changsheng Sect's actions.

Then they left and began to take stock of the battlefield.

Then everyone returned to Huilong Township together.

Meanwhile, the few remaining survivors from this stronghold were scrambling towards the Blackwater Swamp, the main stronghold of the Eternal Life Cult.