Tang Dynasty Demon Suppression Division

"One type is spirits and monsters, which are mountains, rivers, plants, birds, beasts, insects and fish. They absorb the essence of the sun and moon or are accidentally tainted by demonic energy and gain intelligence, but their hearts are inclined to evil. They feed on humans, such as tigers, wolves and other beasts, tree spirits and vine monsters and other plants."

This is similar to the monsters that Li Yuan understood.

"The second type is the vengeful spirits and ghosts, which are the resentment and evil energy of the dead, or the transformation of the yin energy of special earth veins. They are formless and intangible, and they crave the yang energy of the living souls, such as vengeful ghosts, evil spirits, zombies, etc."

"The third type is the extraterrestrial demons, which come from rifts in the heavens or the void demon abyss. They are formless and shapeless, and are most adept at bewitching people's hearts, arousing inner demons, and devouring souls, making them impossible to guard against."

"There is another type: evil cultivators. They were originally human, but they practiced evil techniques or used demonic methods to transform themselves. They have lost their humanity and become the henchmen of demons."

Master Han pointed to the three major regions marked on the map: the Northern Desert, the Western Rong, and the Southern Frontier. "In any country controlled by demons, the human race is reduced to domesticated livestock, food to be taken at any time, or slaves to be driven and enslaved."

"Demons also have family lineages and strict hierarchies. Although their cultivation differs from that of humans, they mainly focus on devouring blood and plundering life force or refining resentment and evil. However, their strength can be divided according to the nine realms of human cultivation, only the names are different and the process is more cruel and direct."

He then explained in detail the common power levels of demons, including lesser demons and demon soldiers who were at the stages of Body Tempering and Qi Induction, demon generals who were at the stages of Subtlety and Heart Inquiry, demon commanders and demon kings who were at the stages of Breaking Illusion and Core Formation, and even demon lords and demon emperors who were at the stages of Qi Condensation and Dao Enlightenment...

The cultivation methods of the demon race inevitably lead to irreconcilable conflicts with the human race, a life-or-death relationship between the two.

The classroom was deathly silent, with only Master Han's somber voice echoing through the room.

Looking at the grotesque and ferocious-looking demons on the scroll, and hearing the descriptions of the tragic fate of their compatriots who were kept, enslaved, and devoured by the demons, many people turned pale, their breathing became rapid, and their eyes revealed a glint of anger.

Li Yuan's expression remained calm, but his heart was in turmoil. Previously, his concept of demons had been based on impressions similar to Journey to the West, believing that demons, like humans, were also divided into good and bad, and could also be friends with humans.

He never expected reality to be so cruel, laid bare before him in a bloody way, shattering any illusions he might have had.

Just then, he heard heavy, suppressed breathing coming from beside him, and he couldn't help but turn his head slightly.

Shen Lian, sitting in front, had his head down, his hands gripping the edge of the table tightly, veins bulging on the back of his hands, and his whole body trembling slightly.

Those eyes, usually cold and sharp, were now filled with terrifying bloodshot veins, turning completely red!

It was as if endless anger was burning within it.

Li Yuan couldn't help but be slightly surprised. Could it be that Shen Lian had a blood feud with the demons?

"I hope you will remember what I have said today."

"There is no need to show mercy to demons, and there is no room for luck. Only blood for blood, tooth for tooth. If we meet on the battlefield one day, it will be either you or me who dies."

The heavy atmosphere continued into the afternoon. The students transformed their anger into motivation for training, each throwing punches with incredible speed and power, seemingly tireless.

The days flew by in the midst of continuous cultivation, and a month passed in the blink of an eye.

That day, Liu Hongyan announced some good news that cheered everyone up.

"Cultivation is not something that can be done behind closed doors. Tomorrow is a day off, and I will take you to Shenwu Pass, the closest pass to Chang'an, for a visit and training."

What, a visit to the pass?

The crowd immediately erupted in excitement.

Liu Hongyan's beautiful eyes swept over the excited teenagers: "Mr. Mo and I will lead the team. Everyone, travel light and meet at the academy gate at 7:00 AM tomorrow."

"Those skilled in riding may apply for horses; the rest shall ride in carriages. There shall be no delays."

"To Shenwu Pass?" Wu Yu exclaimed in surprise, his face full of excitement.

"Can we really go and close it to take a look?" Yu Ling'er asked excitedly.

Even the usually composed Li Yuan was moved.

The end of the paper is so shallow that I know that this matter must be carried out.

Who wouldn't be excited to see with their own eyes the iron-willed pass that blocked countless demons and to feel the true atmosphere of the front lines?

The following morning, a dozen students gathered at the academy gate, riding in several large and sturdy carriages, with several magnificent dragon horses on either side.

The horses ridden by Tang Dynasty cultivators were not ordinary breeds, but specially bred dragon horses capable of traveling a thousand miles a day and possessing spiritual energy.

Liu Hongyan and Mr. Mo each rode a jet-black dragon horse, standing at the head of the procession.

This was the first time Li Yuan had met Mr. Mo, and he did not know his identity, only assuming that he was an ordinary college teacher.

Today, Mr. Mo changed into a clean gray cloth robe. He was still unkempt, but when he rode on horseback, his back was straight. His eyes, which usually carried a hint of drunkenness, were unusually clear as he looked north.

Li Yuan, Wu Yu, Zhou Mo, and Jin Duoduo rode in one carriage, while Shen Lian, Chu Yunhe, and several other students skilled in riding chose to ride horses.

Yu Ling'er also happily picked out a gentle mare, her movements quite skillful.

The convoy set off, leaving Chang'an and heading north.

Looking at the receding scenery outside the window, Li Yuan felt quite novel. The speed of this dragon horse was no less than that of the green train in his previous life. Moreover, the carriage should have been engraved with array patterns, as it was very stable and there was no bumpy feeling.

At first, the official road was flat, and the fields and villages on both sides were peaceful and serene. But the further north you go, the higher the terrain becomes, and the more desolate the scenery becomes.

Abandoned village ruins began to appear on both sides of the road, with weeds growing among the broken walls and yellow sand everywhere.

The chattering students gradually quieted down. Most of them were born in the wealthy and prosperous city of Chang'an and had never seen such poverty.

Even the most lively Yu Ling'er fell silent, quietly gazing at the scenery on both sides.

After a day of rapid travel, as evening approached, a majestic black shadow finally appeared on the distant horizon, stretching across the mountains like a giant dragon.

As the distance closed, the dark shadow became clearer and more imposing, giving rise to a sense of oppression.

It was a formidable pass that defies description.

The city wall is over twenty feet high and is entirely built of huge dark blue iron rocks. The wall is covered with marks of knife cuts, axe blows, and fire burns, making it look like an ancient giant wearing heavy armor with many wounds, standing silently.

Banners fluttered atop the wall, embroidered with the huge character "Tang" and the emblem of the Demon Suppression Bureau's tower, rustling in the north wind of the frontier.

The wall extends to both sides until it disappears into the distant, misty mountains, as if it has become one with heaven and earth.

A desolate and majestic aura swept over us, a mixture of the smell of metal and the fire of war, with a profound sense of age and weight, making all who saw it for the first time feel breathless and filled with boundless awe.

This is Shenwu Pass.

One of the eight great passes of the Tang Dynasty, and the largest pass in the due north, it is an iron wall that blocks the demons of the northern desert from going south.

The convoy stopped outside the massive barbican at the pass, where several captains in black armor were already waiting.

The leader was tall and rugged-looking, with a hideous scar running diagonally from his brow bone to his chin, making him appear extremely fierce.

Upon seeing the crowd, he grinned widely, revealing a憨厚 (honest and simple) smile.

"Old Mo, I see you again, haha..." The scarred captain strode forward, raised his hand and punched Mr. Mo in the chest, his attitude was very intimate.