I am Guhuoniao, not an umbrella demon, please do not disturb me.

This is not the time to dwell on this; the battle is.

·

The battle at sea continued, and the battle on land began at the same time.

Compared to the chaos at sea, the situation on land was more purposeful. The Merfolk went ashore and joined forces with the Heavenly Cult to cleanse the target sects, eliminating one at a time.

Tianyang Palace had already offered assistance, but Ji Canghai arrived first with his men.

The goal is to buy time and hold off the experts from Tianyang Palace; every extra minute is an advantage.

They've been rivals for a long time, and they can guess each other's thoughts without saying a word.

The battle was also a massacre; many human cultivators died, but even more merfolk died.

The shockwaves from the battle could be felt even from thousands of miles away, such as when Bai Qingyu was quietly drinking tea in the courtyard of Tongzhou.

This big battle was destined to have nothing to do with her; she was only responsible for taking care of the kids.

It wasn't that she didn't want to take action, but rather that it wasn't necessary. Besides, there was someone outside watching her the whole time, and he was a Mahayana cultivator at that. He looked so nervous that anyone who didn't know better would think that Bai Qingyu was about to do something terrible to him.

With her eyes glazed over, Bai Qingyu was using the power of her faith to eavesdrop on the conversations of the people around the battle.

The people could only complain. When gods fight, mortals suffer. After they die, no one will come to avenge them or collect their bodies, because not even their corpses will be left.

While lamenting when such days would end, the people also said something that was both unexpected and not unexpected to Bai Qingyu.

The people were saying, "Good job! Killing one is better than killing another."

This statement wasn't just directed at the merfolk, but also at human cultivators.

For ordinary people, 99% of cultivators are not good people; it's better if one dies, or even better if ten.

These cultivators are really inhuman. Even if they are normally a little better, they would still pray to drive away those ugly things in the sea.

This idea wasn't just found in one or two places; wherever a battle broke out, the people within a radius of a hundred kilometers would inevitably share this sentiment.

The resentment of the common people towards these cultivators was simply too great.

Volume Two: Journey Through the Demon Book: Chapter Forty - Something Unusual

"It's unpopular. These cultivators will probably never understand that the start of the great calamity and their own personal tribulations may not be the birth of some so-called demonic sword or heavenly sword."

Bai Qingyu was deeply moved by this scene.

These cultivators stand at the pinnacle of the world, different from ordinary people, but they are still ultimately human.

She is increasingly convinced that the great calamity is essentially caused by the common people. The great calamity, which is triggered by the resentment of the common people, is essentially a way to consume the number of cultivators to give back to the common people.

"What's wrong, sister?"

Zhen Tian brought over a plate of fruit and sat down next to Bai Qingyu.

"It's nothing, I was just thinking about the Sea Kingdom. It's quite interesting. The fact that the Sea Kingdom dares to fish shows they're confident, and the human cultivators are equally confident. Which side do you think will win?"

"This should be the Sea Kingdom, since it's on the sea and that's their own territory."

"I also think it's the Sea Kingdom, but it's hard to say about the human race. After all, not all of the Sea Clan's fighting force is on the Sea Kingdom's side. For example, the Merfolk have almost all of their fighting force come to the land. It's really hard to say what their remaining fighting force is."

After thinking for a moment, Zhen Tian picked up a piece of apple with his chopsticks and personally fed it to Bai Qingyu.

"Sister, why do you think the sea creatures do this? This mutual attrition is not beneficial to them, and it only exposes their hidden strength that they have kept hidden for so many years."

"I don't know either. They must have their reasons. They wouldn't come if there were no benefits. I guess it's related to the Demonic Cult. This war may not have been started by the Merfolk. Maybe it was the Demonic Cult's idea. It just so happens that their interests align, so the two sides simply joined forces."

Bai Qingyu really didn't understand the sea tribe's operation. No matter how he looked at it, he couldn't see what benefits it would bring them. So many people died, and they weren't even sure how much treasure they could get. In the end, they also exposed their strength.

In terms of consumption, the human race's recovery speed is much stronger than that of the sea race. The sea race is already no match for the human race, and with this consumption, the gap may widen even further.

"Currently, those appearing at sea are all sects with considerable strength. All the sects with overall strength of medium to high have gone there, leaving some small sects untouched. These small sects are unlikely to be the target of the sea race; it is most likely that the focus is on these medium-sized sects."

"With its own weak strength and so many powerful individuals scattered to seize the Sea Kingdom, it is naturally unable to withstand the combined forces of the Sea Clan and the Demonic Sect."

A sect of medium strength, even weaker than the original Fate Sect, because in terms of strength, the Fate Sect was considered to be above average.

Most sects don't even have a Mahayana cultivator, so they are bound to be wiped out.

The extermination of the sect meant that the sect's treasures naturally belonged to the sea tribe and the demonic sect; this was the only benefit they could superficially obtain.

"What about Dongqing..." Zhen Tian paused, thinking of Dongqing who was far away in Tianyang Palace.

"Holly, she will definitely make a move, but the danger is not very great."

With a great calamity looming ahead, Bai Qingyu was not particularly good at predicting the future. She preferred to use her talent to sense whether things were good or bad, which was essentially a super-enhanced version of a wild beast's instinct to seek advantage and avoid harm. This ability was not obscured by the heavens and could not only sense herself but also the people around her.

Collecting blood and nail clippings from relatives can enhance this ability.

The good news is that, despite the huge events happening outside, her abilities haven't given her any warning.

This means that if I'm fine, then others probably aren't either.

Of course, she didn't blindly believe in this ability, but given the current situation, she had no choice but to believe it.

"The Demonic Sect shouldn't make a move against Dongqing, right?" Zhentian whispered.

Given Bai Qingyu's relationship with the Heavenly Cult, the Heavenly Cult members will likely show some mercy.

Bai Qingyu shook his head upon hearing this, "If given the chance, the Demonic Sect will make a move. This operation is extraordinary. The Heavenly Sect is not the only dominant force within the Demonic Sect. For the Demonic Sect, Dong Qing is the biggest threat. If they could kill her, they wouldn't hesitate even if Ji Canghai were there."

Bai Qingyu never thought her relationship with the Heavenly Cult could be this good. She was able to get involved with the Heavenly Cult because of Changsheng and Ji Xuan.

Ji Xuan, as the Holy Maiden of the Heavenly Sect and the biological daughter of Ji Canghai, possesses unparalleled talent and is also the host of the Demon Sword. She is perfectly worthy of Ji Xuan. As the sect leader, Ji Canghai is very satisfied with Changsheng, which is why he gives Bai Qingyu face.

On the other hand, when it comes to the bigger picture, let alone oneself, even Ji Xuan might not be indispensable.

That's a demonic cult. No matter how suave they are, that doesn't change the fact. How can you expect them to have a kind heart?

The Heavenly Cult became the leader of the Demonic Cult not because they were too powerful and were therefore ostracized, but because some of the things they did were so outrageous that people wanted to grind them to dust on the spot.

Conversely, if Tianyang Palace had the opportunity, it would also choose to kill Liu Changsheng.

"elder sister......"

"No need to say anything, don't worry, everything will be fine. If something really happened, would I still be sitting here?"

These words were meant to comfort Zhentian, and also to comfort himself.

After speaking, she remained silent for a long time, unsure of what to say next. She then popped a few pieces of fruit into her mouth, got up, stretched, and straightened her skirt.

"I'll go teach Xiaoya how to cultivate."

After leaving those words, Bai Qingyu walked towards the backyard. As soon as she left, the others surrounded Zhen Tian.

Kiyohime's eyes were clearly filled with worry as she looked in the direction Bai Qingyu had left. "Sister Zhentian, Auntie has been very down lately. How should we comfort her?"

Anyone with eyes can see that Bai Qingyu seems to have become a different person recently.

She no longer likes to talk and often sits in the yard sighing. She is either teaching Xiaoya and Xiaoyao, the three children, or weaving her oil-paper umbrellas. Recently, she also adopted a tabby cat. A scene that everyone often sees is Bai Qingyu sitting under the eaves weaving a wooden umbrella, with a tabby cat huddled beside her with its two white paws tucked in.

In the past, when I talked to her, she didn't seem very energetic; she had too many things on her mind.

This was not only because of the war outside, but also because of her dilemma of being caught in the middle. If she went out, who would she help? Tongzhou was also vulnerable to attack. If she didn't go out, she couldn't just stand by and watch.

Zhen Tian understands Bai Qingyu best; she even knows that Bai Qingyu is worried about Bai Xiaoya.

Cultivation carries the risk of being targeted by the heavens, while not cultivating may lead to unexpected events. It just so happens that she happened to be at this crucial moment.

"Leave the comforting to me; the situation is rather unusual lately."

Zhen Tian sighed helplessly.

She wanted to make Bai Qingyu a little happier.

·

Just as Bai Qingyu had thought, the main targets of the attacks were the ordinary sects that were slightly weaker.

So rather than saying the whole world is at war, it's more accurate to say that all the sects of medium strength are under siege.

Sects are usually located far from populated areas, at least far from the main city, and in some small towns and villages around them. Therefore, when a war breaks out, it is rare for it to really affect ordinary people, and even fewer people die as a result.

At that moment, Dong Qing was inside a sect, holding the Heavenly Sword and facing an attack from more than ten members of the Demonic Sect.

Tianyang Palace itself is unlikely to be besieged. Only someone with a serious problem in their mind would target Tianyang Palace. It would be enough to stop Tianyang Palace's top experts.

People with cultivation levels like Dongqing are usually leading teams to support other sects.

She was a Heavenly Sword, a direct disciple of Jin Xufeng. Feng Yuan did not give her any preferential treatment, allowing her to stay in a safe haven under such dangerous circumstances. On the contrary, Dong Qing was among the first team to lead disciples out to provide support.

The first group to go out, unaware of the other party's background and actual strength, is often in the most dangerous situation.

However, Dongqing was not afraid. After receiving the mission, he left almost immediately with his sword, without pausing at all.

Surrounded by more than ten members of the Demonic Cult, Dong Qing's expression turned solemn.

She was surrounded mostly by members of the Heavenly Cult, seven of whom were elders.

There are only three merfolk, and their auras are not the strongest; they are only at the level of Nascent Soul cultivators.

“I say, little princess, why do you need to serve as a servant for Tianyang Palace? With your status, there is absolutely no need for you to come to such a dangerous place. Your mother, Lady Shenhuang, has a very good relationship with my Heavenly Sect and is a friend of my Heavenly Sect Leader.”

"How about this, you come back with us, and we will never make things difficult for you, much less harm you."

As soon as the Heavenly Cult elder finished speaking, another alluring woman spoke up, "Miss Bai, when you consider yourself, do you also consider the Divine Phoenix Lady who raised you? Today you stand in the Heavenly Sun Palace, opposing our Prince Liu Changsheng. What will she think?"

"The Divine Phoenix Lady is caught in the middle, wondering whether to intervene or not. She can't help either side. But if you come to our Heavenly Sect, then there will be no problem, and the Divine Phoenix Lady will no longer have this concern."

Dongqing and Changsheng were treated completely differently. Changsheng was subjected to sarcastic remarks, while Dongqing was constantly being courted and flattered.

Most importantly, upon closer examination, what the Heavenly Sect said actually makes some sense.

Serving as an assistant to Tianyang Palace, Bai Qingyu has done countless tasks, big and small, but has received little reward and his status has never improved. At this moment, it is easy for him to find himself in a dilemma.

“Young Miss, please think it over again. Tianyang Palace cannot keep our Prince Liu Changsheng, because they are all hypocrites. On the contrary, if you come to Tianjiao, your status will be as noble as our Tianjiao Holy Maiden.”

These words were heard by Dong Qing, his teammates who came to help him, and especially by the cultivators of the sect that was being invaded.

A cultivator from Tianyang Palace roared and told Dong Qing not to be a traitor. Then, the man was killed on the spot because he was distracted.

There wasn't even a scream. Dongqing gritted his teeth and said, "Stop talking nonsense!"

The Heavenly Sword in their hands unleashed an astonishing sword intent. These dozen or so experts said no more and attacked directly, their attacks extremely ruthless and showing no intention of holding back. Every move was aimed at vital points, and every move was fatal.

What they said was true. As long as Dongqing agreed, they could take her away, and Dongqing's status would not be lower than that of Ji Xuan, the Holy Maiden.

This is already quite incredible. After all, the Heavenly Cult is the number one demonic cult, and not just anyone can make them make such a decision.