Chapter 666

Chapter 666

The rain-washed Qingyun Town was devastated, with broken beams and broken pots scattered on the muddy streets. Fu Shaoping stood on the half-broken monument, his blue shirt rustling in the mountain wind, and the black iron heavy sword without a tassel at his waist shone with a cold luster in the morning light.

"Today we will clean up the ruins of East Street. All young and strong men should go to Zhao the Blacksmith to get their tools." His voice was not loud, but it was clearly heard by everyone. "Women and children are responsible for collecting usable food and clothing."

The crowd began to stir, but no one took immediate action. An old man with wrinkles on his face came out with a cane: "Master Fu, our house has collapsed, and our food has been washed away. These days..."

Fu Shaoping frowned slightly and was about to speak when a crisp bell rang from behind. Nangong Wan walked slowly towards him holding a bronze compass. Her moon-white Taoist robe was stained with mud and water, but it did not reduce her extraordinary temperament at all.

"Uncle Wang," she stopped in front of the old man and took out a small cloth bag from her sleeve, "This is the 'earth spirit root' I picked from the mountain. Boiling it in water and drinking it can relieve rheumatic pain." She turned to the crowd again, "The temporary granary in the north of the town has been built, and each person can receive two bowls of rice porridge every day. Reconstruction will take time, but we will get through it together."

Fu Shaoping watched Nangong Wan calm the townspeople with a few words, and a hint of appreciation flashed in his eyes. After the crowd dispersed to complete the task, he walked up to Nangong Wan and asked, "How is the situation over there?"

Nangong Wan's compass needle trembled slightly, pointing to the north: "The evil spirit of Zangyinpo is stronger than yesterday. If it is not controlled, it will erupt again within three months." She looked up at Fu Shaoping, with stars in her eyes, "We need to establish a long-term and stable defense mechanism. It is far from enough for the two of us alone."

"You want to establish a cultivation academy?" Fu Shaoping immediately understood her intention.

"It's not just about defense," Nangong Wan pointed to the townspeople who were clearing the ruins, "This disaster has changed the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. The traditional way of cultivation is no longer applicable. We need to train a new generation of cultivators to adapt to this changing world."

Fu Shaoping was silent for a moment, then suddenly drew out his heavy sword, pointing the tip of the sword directly to the north in the direction of Zangyinpo: "That's where the evil spirit is the heaviest, but it also contains huge energy."

"Are you crazy?" Nangong Wan rarely lost his composure, "Let the apprentices practice in the evil spirit? They will die!"

"The immortal disaster three years ago, those who survived were those who could breathe in the evil spirit." Fu Shaoping sheathed his sword, his eyes sharp, "The world of cultivation has changed, Nangong Wan. Either adapt or perish."

The two looked at each other for a long time, and finally Nangong Wan sighed: "At least take a look at the ruins of Jiange first, there is still spiritual energy there, it is relatively safe."

Fu Shaoping nodded in agreement, and the two walked eastward side by side. On the way, they passed a temporary medical shed, where a dozen injured people were lying on simple straw mats. A thin girl was wiping the face of a feverish child with a rag dipped in water, and the blood vessels on her arms were abnormally purple.

Nangong Wan stopped and said, "Yin Meridian Body?"

The girl looked up suddenly when she heard the sound, and took a few steps back in fear, almost knocking over the basin. Fu Shaoping quickly held the basin, but saw that the girl was staring at his heavy sword with even more fear.

"Don't be afraid," Nangong Wan squatted down and said softly, "What's your name?"

"Linlin Xiaoman." The girl's voice was as thin as a mosquito.

“Where are your parents?”

Lin Xiaoman lowered her head: "They are all dead. When the evil spirit came, they stuffed me into a water tank." Her voice became smaller and smaller, and finally almost inaudible.

Nangong Wan and Fu Shaoping exchanged glances. Fu Shaoping suddenly asked, "Do you want to learn sword?"

Lin Xiaoman looked up in surprise, with disbelief written all over her purple face: "Can I? Everyone says that people with Yin Meridian bodies cannot live past the age of fifteen."

"Nonsense." Nangong Wan scolded, took out a jade talisman from his sleeve and hung it around Lin Xiaoman's neck, "This is the 'Yin Zhen Fu', which can help you control the Yin energy in your body. Come to the town center square to find me tomorrow morning."

After leaving the medical tent, Nangong Wan was thoughtful: "The concentration of Yin energy in that child's body is ten times that of an ordinary person. Logically, he should have exploded and died long ago."

"But she survived," Fu Shaoping said with a far-sighted look, "Just like we discussed, the world is changing, and the physical condition is changing too."

The two continued to move forward and soon arrived at the ruins of Jiange. The once magnificent building now only had a few broken stone pillars and half a wall. Fu Shaoping reached out and touched the sword marks on the stone pillar, with a trace of nostalgia in his eyes.

"There is indeed abundant spiritual energy here," Nangong Wan's compass needle spun rapidly, "but it is not enough to support the operation of an academy." She looked up at Fu Shaoping, "We need more resources - spiritual medicine, minerals, monster materials."

"Black Mist Forest." Fu Shaoping said briefly.

Nangong Wan frowned: "It's too dangerous there. Since the immortal disaster, the monsters in the forest have mutated."

"Danger and opportunity coexist." Fu Shaoping said firmly, "I will go explore the way tomorrow."

That night, Fu Shaoping was cleaning his heavy sword in his temporary residence when he suddenly heard a noise outside the door. He quietly came to the door and suddenly opened it - Zhao Dachui, the son of Zhao the blacksmith, was standing outside the door, holding a newly forged iron sword in his hand.

"Master Fu-fu," the young man stammered, "I made a sword and would like you to take a look at it."

Fu Shaoping took the iron sword and frowned slightly. The sword was rough and uneven, and the weight was unevenly distributed, which was completely unsuitable for actual combat. He was about to speak, but he noticed the boy's calloused hands and expectant eyes.

"Why do you want to learn sword?" Fu Shaoping asked suddenly.

Zhao Dachui lowered his head: "I don't have spiritual roots, so I can't practice like you and Nangong Xianshi. But I want to protect everyone and don't want to see anyone die again."

Fu Shaoping was silent for a moment, and suddenly threw the iron sword back to the boy: "Tomorrow morning, bring this sword to the square."

The next morning, when the first rays of sunlight penetrated the clouds, more than 30 children had gathered in the town center square. Nangong Wan stood in front of a flat stone slab with various talisman materials in front of him. Lin Xiaoman stood in the front row, nervously pinching the corner of his clothes.

"Today we are learning the basics of talismans," Nangong Wan said in a clear voice, "The way of talismans is to mobilize the power of heaven and earth for your own use."

At the same time, at the other end of the square, a dozen young men stood in front of Fu Shaoping. Zhao Dachui stood at the front, holding the rough iron sword tightly in his hand.

"The way of swordsmanship is all about the state of mind," Fu Shaoping said in a deep and powerful voice, "The sword is an extension of the arm and a manifestation of the will."

Halfway through the teaching, there was a sudden commotion. A blood-stained townsman stumbled into the square and said, "The monsters from the Black Mist Forest have attacked the farmland to the west!"

Fu Shaoping and Nangong Wan both changed color. Nangong Wan quickly arranged for the apprentices to evacuate, while Fu Shaoping had already drawn his sword: "I'll go and take care of it."

"Wait," Nangong Wan stopped him, "This attack is unusual. The monsters in the Black Mist Forest never come down the mountain." She took out the compass, and the needle spun wildly, "Something is driving them out."

Fu Shaoping's eyes flashed coldly: "Then I must go."

“I’m with you.” Nangong Wan said firmly. She turned to Lin Xiaoman and Zhao Dachui, “You two, take the others to a safe place.”

Lin Xiaoman suddenly knelt down and said, "Please take me with you! I can feel those monsters. They have the same Yin energy as me."

Zhao Dachui also stepped forward: "I am strong and can help!" Fu Shaoping and Nangong Wan looked at each other and finally nodded: "Follow us closely and don't act on your own."

The four of them quickly headed west. On the way, Nangong Wan briefly explained the situation of the Black Mist Forest and the possible dangers to the two children. Lin Xiaoman listened carefully and nodded from time to time; Zhao Dachui nervously clenched his iron sword, his palms full of sweat.

When they arrived at the farmland in the west, the scene before them was horrifying - three monsters that looked like wild boars but had scales were wreaking havoc, their eyes glowed abnormally red, and their fangs were dripping with corrosive saliva.

"Evil-like iron-backed pigs," Nangong Wan quickly judged, "Be careful of their saliva, it's highly poisonous."

Fu Shaoping had already rushed out, his heavy sword drew a black arc, and the monster in front fell to the ground. The other two let out a piercing howl and pounced on him at the same time.

Nangong Wan quickly made a gesture, and three golden lights flew out from her sleeves, turning into chains that entangled the limbs of one of the monsters. Lin Xiaoman suddenly exclaimed: "Watch out for your back!"

The third beast had somehow circled behind Fu Shaoping and was about to pounce on him. Zhao Dachui got the courage from nowhere, and rushed forward with a roar, slashing at the monster with his rough iron sword.

With a clang, the iron sword broke, but this strike successfully attracted the monster's attention. Fu Shaoping seized the opportunity, turned around and pierced the monster's throat with a sword.

The battle ended quickly. Nangong Wan checked the bodies of the monsters and frowned: "The concentration of evil spirits in these monsters is abnormal, as if they were forcibly infused by something."

Lin Xiaoman timidly approached a dead monster and suddenly reached out to touch its scales: "It's afraid."

"What?" Fu Shaoping asked vigilantly.

Lin Xiaoman closed his eyes: "I can feel their memories before they died. Something is driving them away in the depths of the Black Mist Forest."

Nangong Wan quickly took out the compass, and saw the needle tremble violently, pointing directly to the depths of the Black Mist Forest: "There is a more powerful being awakening there."

Fu Shaoping clenched his heavy sword and said, "We need to form a team and investigate the Black Mist Forest."

"It's too dangerous," Nangong Wan objected, "We need to be more prepared."

"There is no time left," Fu Shaoping pointed to the western sky, where dark clouds were vaguely gathering. "If we leave it alone, the next attack won't just be the three monsters."

While the two were arguing, Lin Xiaoman suddenly said, "I can help. Those monsters don't dare to approach me. They are afraid of the Yin energy in me."

Zhao Dachui also mustered up his courage: "Although I don't have spiritual roots, I am strong and can carry the supplies."

Fu Shaoping looked at the two children and suddenly had an idea: "No, you stay in town and continue your studies. What we need is..." He looked at Nangong Wan, "special talents."

Nangong Wan immediately understood what he meant: "Chen San's ghost eyes can see through evil spirits, Aunt Sun is good at using poison, and Li Qinghong's archery skills are unmatched."

"But they all have problems," Fu Shaoping pointed out calmly, "Chen San is a tomb robber, Aunt Sun was expelled from Yaowang Valley, and Li Qinghong is even more..."

“That’s why they can survive in this new era.” Nangong Wan interrupted him, “Just like Lin Xiaoman and Zhao Dachui, traditional standards no longer apply.”

Fu Shaoping finally nodded in agreement: "I will go find them tomorrow. You are responsible for preparing the necessary supplies and talismans."

That night, Nangong Wan was drawing talismans in a makeshift tent, while Lin Xiaoman was carefully grinding cinnabar beside him.

"Master Nangong," Lin Xiaoman suddenly asked, "Why do you and Master Fu want to help us so much?"

Nangong Wan paused for a moment, "The disaster three years ago changed everything. Most of the traditional sects were destroyed, and the survivors either went into hiding or took the opportunity to cause chaos." She continued to draw the talisman, "Someone has to stand up and restore order."

"But why Qingyun Town? You and Master Fu can go to a bigger city."

Nangong Wan put down her pen and looked at the stars in the night sky outside the tent: "Sometimes, fate will bring you to where you are needed." She said softly, "Just like you, Lin Xiaoman, your Yin-veined body should have died young, but you survived and gained the ability to sense evil spirits. This is not a coincidence, but..."

"Responsibility." Fu Shaoping's voice came from outside the tent. He lifted the curtain and walked in, his body damp with the night dew. "Chen San and Aunt Sun have agreed to join, and Li Qinghong still needs to be persuaded."

Nangong Wan nodded: "I have almost prepared the supplies, but we need more information about the Black Mist Forest."

Lin Xiaoman suddenly said: "I can try to sense the evil spirit from farther away."

"No," Fu Shaoping refused flatly, "It's too dangerous."

"but"

"Master Fu is right," Nangong Wan said gently but firmly, "You haven't mastered the method of controlling Yin Qi yet. If you try rashly, you may hurt yourself." She turned to Fu Shaoping, "I will go to find Li Qinghong tomorrow. His resentment towards Tianji Pavilion may be of use to us."

The next morning, Nangong Wan came to the archery range in the east of the town alone. Li Qinghong was practicing shooting without arrows. His movements were smooth and each "arrow" could accurately hit the target a hundred steps away.

"The seventh level of the Soul-stealing Arrow, the 'Shadowless Style,'" Nangong Wan stood at the edge of the archery field, "In the past hundred years, no more than five outer disciples of the Tianji Pavilion have been able to reach this level."

Li Qinghong paused, and a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes as he turned around: "Master Nangong, what can I do for you?"

"Something has changed in the Black Mist Forest. We need your archery skills."

Li Qinghong sneered: "How can I, a traitor whose cultivation has been abolished, help?"

"It is precisely because your cultivation has been abolished that you can play the greatest role in this era of chaotic spiritual energy." Nangong Wan looked directly into his eyes, "The Soul-stealing Arrow does not rely on spiritual power, but directly attacks the spiritual consciousness - this is the best way to deal with mutant monsters."

Li Qinghong was silent for a moment: "The elders of Tianji Pavilion said that the Soul-stealing Arrow is an evil spell that will corrupt the mind of the user."

"They are wrong," Nangong Wan said firmly, "There is no right or wrong in magic. The key lies in the user's intention. How many townspeople did you save with this 'evil magic' three years ago?"

Li Qinghong's eyes wavered slightly. Nangong Wan took the opportunity to take out a black iron arrow and handed it to him: "This arrow is engraved with the 'Evil Inducing Pattern', which can transform the resentment left by the 'Soul Slashing Whip' on your right arm into the arrow's intent."

Li Qinghong took the arrow, his fingers trembling slightly: "What on earth do you want to do?"

"Establish a new order," Nangong Wan said firmly, "a world where heroes are no longer judged by their origins and traditions." (End of this chapter)