In a chaotic and famine-stricken era, I picked up an empress to be my wife.

Shen An's face suddenly darkened.

"Are you sure you're not mistaken about the address? It's Black Cloud Village, which is under the jurisdiction of Qingyang City?"

"Yes, there's no mistake!"

Upon receiving an affirmative answer, Shen An's expression grew even uglier: "Those people from the Shenji Sect actually dared to be right under my nose!"

"Doesn't that mean they're using the young boys and girls from my Qingyang Prefecture as raw materials to make these human skin masks?"

"My lord, there's no need to be angry. When I captured that Shenjimen member before, he told me that they don't attack places close to their own territory. To avoid being discovered by the authorities, they only take action in places far from their own base, and then proceed to their base as quickly as possible to carry out the production," Zhang Chi replied.

"Even if they're far away, they're definitely not far from my Qingyang Prefecture. These scumbags will not get away with this!" Shen An said menacingly.

Zhang Chi could sense Shen An's anger. He had previously thought Shen An was a serial killer, but now it seemed that Shen An also had his own bottom line. Even if Shen An wasn't his enemy, he still cherished life.

Shen An then announced that he would be staying in Nanling Prefecture for the time being, while secretly preparing to lead his trusted confidants to Qingyang City.

But before he could leave, Luo Li arrived.

She was somewhat dissatisfied, as she hadn't seen Shen An for days and wondered where he had gone.

Next, she insisted on following Shen An.

Since Shen An still needed to cause trouble for the Shenji Sect, he couldn't take him along. After much persuasion, he promised Luo Li that he would bring her fine wine when he returned, and only then did Luo Li agree to wait for Shen An's return in Nanling Prefecture.

A day and a night later, Shen An returned to Qingyang City.

Although it hasn't been many days since he left, it still feels like a lifetime has passed.

His return was very discreet; he only met with Dugu Meng, Shen Xiaoqi, and others.

Seeing Shen An return safely, their hearts finally settled down.

Shen An also told Dugu Meng about Princess Gaoping's intention to kill him.

Upon learning of this, Dugu Meng's expression was complex.

After a long silence, she finally spoke, "I really didn't expect my aunt to target you. Should I write her a letter?"

"Forget it. Your aunt probably trusts that imposter in the palace now. Even if you write a letter, she'll treat you like a traitor." Shen An shook his head and said, "I'm telling you all this today just to let you know about this matter, and also to let you know that since Princess Gaoping wants to deal with me, then I will take revenge on her and make her understand the consequences of provoking me, Shen An!"

Although Dugu Meng wanted to persuade Shen An, the harm her aunt had caused to Shen An was real, and she had no right to stop Shen An.

She chose to remain silent!

After speaking to Dugu Meng.

As night fell, Shen An led his men to Black Cloud Village.

The difference between Heiyun Village and Heishan Village is only one character.

The distance between them was more than 50 kilometers, which was already close to the border of the Western Barbarians.

Choosing this location is clearly a way to cover one's tracks.

Shen An led more than 300 people, all dressed as Nightwalkers, who, under Shen An's command, were perfectly hidden in the darkness.

Zhang Chi was in charge of leading the charge.

The other side demanded that only Zhang Chi come; anyone else who came would be refused entry and killed.

To ensure Zhang Chi's safety, Shen An strapped many explosive canisters to his body.

These can severely damage them if things go wrong.

Although it was called Black Cloud Village, Shen An and the others knew that this was just a meeting place; their real hideout was not here at all.

Indeed, after Zhang Chi met with the people of Shenji Sect...

Only one person came.

Without saying a word, Shen An immediately took action!

That person had excellent lightness skills, but he couldn't withstand Shen An's many people.

They quickly brought it under control.

The person was masked, so their face was not visible.

After removing the mask, it can be seen that the person is a young woman.

At first, he was stubborn and uncooperative, completely disregarding Shen An and the others, and his words were full of threats.

Shen An tortured her on the spot.

She became much more docile; under torture, how could she dare to think too highly of herself?

Tell them where they are.

Shen An then stormed into the Shenji Sect's branch.

Another massacre!

Shen An captured Xu Ruotian, a branch elder of the Shenji Sect.

They acquired ten human skin masks that had not yet been used or sold.

After obtaining these, Shen An left no one alive except for Xu Ruotian.

They could then take Xu Ruotian away from this place, return to Qingyang City, and imprison him in the dungeon.

At first, Xu Ruotian didn't say anything, and he was unwilling to reveal anything even when he was tortured.

She then learned that the man in front of her was Shen Anshi.

Xu Ruotian then changed his attitude: "You're Shen An, that's great!"

"I'm Shen An, isn't that great?"

"You've become incredibly famous lately. As far as I know, the Divine Dragon Society, the Twelve Zodiac Assassins, and even Prime Minister Luo all want to kill you!"

"This has absolutely nothing to do with what you said, 'That's great!' Don't give me that nonsense!"

"Then I'll be frank. The Divine Mechanism Sect is very interested in your divine weapons and artifacts. We'd like to cooperate with you. Is that alright?" Xu Ruotian asked.

Shen An, of course, would not agree.

However, in order to obtain more information, he did not refuse, but instead made two conditions: "Give me a detailed account of your Shenji Sect. How many people are there? What is your ultimate goal? What is your relationship with the Shenlong Society? How can those human skin masks be used for a longer period of time?"

"Heh, if you want to know these things, you have to exchange them for the secrets of your divine weapons! You want to tell me, how exactly did you obtain these divine weapons?" Xu Ruotian retorted.

"You're not qualified. In front of me, let me answer your questions first."

"Okay, I can answer your question first. After I've explained, may you continue?"

"Let me hear what you're saying first, to see if it's true or false!"

"Listen carefully, our Shenji Sect has 390 members, spread across the seven kingdoms! As for our goal, it is to become the ruler of this world! As for our relationship with the Shenlong Society?"

They are nothing more than tools we use; what else could they be?

Ordinary people are unaware of the Divine Dragon Society and believe that the emperor is the most powerful.

The powerful ministers knew about the Divine Dragon Society, and they believed that the Divine Dragon Society might one day overthrow the world.

Little did they know, the Divine Dragon Society was merely a tool of ours; the true force that would overturn the world was our Divine Mechanism Sect!

As for how to use the human skin mask for a longer period of time, there are naturally ways.

Unfortunately, this method is a closely guarded secret and can only be shared by core internal personnel.

In other words, as long as you are willing to join our Shenji Sect and become a part of us, you can know these things!

In addition, we can help you achieve rapid success!

I'm telling you all this because I see your talent and potential, and it also represents my sincerity!

"How about it? Join our Shenji Sect!" Xu Ruotian invited again.