novelapdf Chapter 159 The God of Slaughter Returns!
Chapter 159 The God of Slaughter Returns!
Shui Miaozheng's heart was in turmoil at this moment.
The imperial court actually wants to negotiate with her?
are you crazy?
But then I thought, the situation is in a mess, and Ling Ye and Shangguan Luoxue are both pillars of the court. Perhaps I can really move them with my emotions?
Will this woman ever mend her ways?
I'm afraid of letting out a madman.
Jiang Mu didn't know anything about the important figure being suppressed, so he looked at Yuan Qianfan and asked:
"Lord Yuan, are you sure someone will really come to rescue Yancheng? What if they don't show up and we all become cannon fodder?"
"I'm sure."
Yuan Qianfan nodded slightly. "Yancheng is a strategic location, and the imperial court will not give it up easily. Someone will definitely come."
But before that, Chief Water, young friend Jiang, I need you to hold the fort for the next few days.
He looked at Shui Miaozheng and solemnly instructed her:
"Especially the news that I am dead must never be spread!"
Once the secret is leaked, morale will collapse, and the city will fall into chaos on its own without the demon army even needing to attack.
Shui Miaozheng calmed herself down, nodded, and then asked worriedly:
"We can keep the secret, but the demon army outside may not be so easily fooled."
I just observed that there's the aura of a tenth-tier great demon behind the demon army. The reason they're still observing and haven't launched a full-scale attack is clearly because they've received word that you might be in trouble.
Once they've figured out your location and confirmed you're not there... what will we use to defend ourselves?
"It was the mastermind behind my death who leaked the information."
Yuan Qianfan sneered, "However, those great demons who have lived for hundreds of years are the most afraid of death and are naturally suspicious."
As long as I don't reveal any flaws, they won't dare to gamble.
If they truly cannot restrain themselves from attacking, I will unleash my Dharma form.
Shui Miaozheng asked with some doubt, "In your current state, are you still capable of releasing a Dharma form?"
"Of course there are."
Yuan Qianfan smiled nonchalantly, "Although it's just an empty shell, it can only scare people and can't cause any real harm."
But this is enough.
Cultivation is not easy, whether for humans or demons.
The higher the level of the demon, the more afraid of death they are, and the less likely they are to risk their centuries of cultivation. As soon as I manifest my Dharma form, they will surely retreat in fear. This is a high-stakes gamble.
The bet is on the demons' paranoia.
After listening, Jiang Mu fell into deep thought.
Although the situation remains extremely perilous, if reinforcements arrive and Yuan Qianfan manages to stabilize morale, it's not necessarily a hopeless situation. The most crucial thing right now is to withstand the first few waves of the demon tide's attacks.
He was very familiar with the demon army's tactics.
First, use a large number of low-level demons as cannon fodder to deplete the Demon Slayer Division's manpower and spiritual energy.
Only when the city's defensive formation is on the verge of collapse and the demon slayers are exhausted will a general offensive be launched, even forcing the garrison commander to take action.
Although these lesser demons are no match for the garrison commander, they effectively deplete the garrison commander's vital offerings and prayers. That's how Huzhou City was attacked.
However, that mist demon was too arrogant, and Tiger Vanguard was a reckless brute, so Shangguan Luoxue managed to cripple him despite being seriously injured.
But now Yancheng is facing an army of 30,000 demons, or even more.
Moreover, there was no real garrison commander in charge.
The consequences would be unimaginable if the defenses collapsed.
Jiang Mu raised his head and looked directly at Yuan Qianfan: "Governor, please don't take offense at my words."
I will do my best to protect and kill the demons.
But if... I mean if, the city really falls, and your divine form fails to frighten those great demons, and the imperial reinforcements are slow to arrive, then I will definitely flee.
I can't possibly risk my life here for this city.
That's a harsh truth, but it's the reality.
Shui Miaozheng glanced at Jiang Mu with some worry, fearing that Yuan Qianfan would get angry.
However, Yuan Qianfan was not angry.
Instead, a relieved smile appeared on his face, and his gaze towards Jiang Mu softened even more:
"I understand."
It is human nature to seek advantage and avoid harm.
Actually, if I really wanted to live, I could abandon this city right now and just escape. With the secret techniques I've mastered, it wouldn't be difficult for me to eke out a living as a ghost cultivator or a rogue cultivator.
only……"
He looked up at the night sky, his voice becoming somewhat low.
"I, Yuan Qianfan, am blessed by the people and the nation's fortune. If I were to abandon the city and flee at this moment, my heart for the Great Dao would be shattered."
Rather than lingering on as a useless person, I'd rather do one last thing for this city and its people.
"Even if I die, it was worth it."
He turned his head and looked at Jiang Mu and Shui Miaozheng, his gaze as gentle as an elder's:
"As for you... you are still young, especially you, young friend Jiang. You are exceptionally talented and your future is limitless."
If things truly reach a point where there's no way to win, then running away is the right choice. Preserve your strength to kill a few more demons in the future; that will make your efforts worthwhile.
Hearing these heartfelt words, Jiang Mu was deeply moved.
Having been lectured by that heartless person in his dream, and with various clues, he was convinced that Yuan Qianfan was the heinous "Black Mountain." His impression of her was extremely negative.
Unexpectedly, I ended up judging others by my own petty standards.
This garrison commander may have some tricks up his sleeve, and he may have had his own selfish motives, but when it comes to matters of principle, he truly deserves the title of "garrison commander." He is a person worthy of respect.
Jiang Mu thought to himself:
"But if Yuan Qianfan isn't Heishan... then who exactly is Heishan hiding behind the scenes?"
Jiang Mu's expression shifted slightly, and he suddenly asked:
"Commander Yuan, I want to know, besides you, whose other Dao foundation divine object, the [Buddha's Lamp Fire], exists in this world?"
Yuan Qianfan was slightly taken aback, and asked in return, "Why are you asking this?"
Jiang Mu said in a deep voice:
"There's a guy who calls himself 'Black Mountain,' whose cultivation is unfathomable. He forces a group of demons to harm people for him, and it seems he's secretly refining some kind of evil magic. This person is also nourished by the power of incense and prayers, and his foundational artifact is the [Buddha's Lamp Fire]. He can even enter my dreams and talk to me across time." Upon hearing this, a trace of solemnity flashed across Yuan Qianfan's face.
He lowered his eyes and pondered for a moment before slowly saying:
"Among the sixty Jiazi Na Yin, there are two corresponding fate types for 【Buddha Lamp Fire】."
One is the Buddha lamp fire of Jia Chen, and the other is the Buddha lamp fire of Yi Ji.
I was born in the year of Yi Si, hence this foundation was laid. As for the other Buddha lamp fire of Jia Chen…”
He raised his head, his gaze deep and unfathomable:
"If I remember correctly, the great beings in this world who possess this destiny and the ability to establish a foundation should be from the Buddhist sect."
"Buddhism?"
Jiang Mu's pupils contracted sharply, and she muttered to herself.
"No wonder that guy possesses such pure incense offerings and vows; he must be a highly accomplished monk?"
That makes sense.
Yuan Qianfan then turned to Shui Miaozheng, a touch of tender reminiscence appearing on her ethereal face:
"Commander Shui, I once served under your father, the old Commander Shui. In fact, I owe my position as the garrison commander to the old Commander Shui's assistance back then."
The lives of tens of thousands of people in Yancheng are hanging by a thread. The safety of this city rests in your hands.
He bowed deeply, his expression sincere, and said:
"I know this request is somewhat unreasonable. But I still hope that if there is still hope for the situation, you two can hold on a little longer and do your best to protect the lives of all the people in this city."
But if things truly come to a head, and the city falls and everyone dies…
Yuan Qianfan's voice lowered, revealing a hint of helplessness and magnanimity: "You two don't need to risk your lives for this inevitable situation. If you can keep your bodies and kill more demons in the future, that will be doing right by me and by the people of Yancheng."
"Run when it's time to run."
Shui Miaozheng nodded and said softly:
"Rest assured, Lord Yuan. In this position, we must fulfill our duties. As long as there is a glimmer of hope, Miaozheng will never give up easily. If it really comes to that... we will certainly protect some of the people and help them evacuate."
"well."
Yuan Qianfan nodded with satisfaction.
Jiang Mu and Shui Miaozheng exchanged a glance. There was no point in staying any longer, so they bowed and took their leave.
Just as he was leaving, Yuan Qianfan suddenly called out to Jiang Mu again:
"Hall Master Jiang."
Jiang Mu paused and turned around.
Yuan Qianfan gazed intently at the young man, his eyes deep, and slowly said:
"The fate of Yancheng is like a game of chess with no clear winner; many players have made their moves, and danger lurks everywhere. Perhaps in the end, it will still fall on your shoulders."
Jiang Mu was taken aback, then gave a self-deprecating laugh:
"Lord Yuan is too kind to me. I am just a minor leader of the Fourth Division. If the sky falls, there are tall people to hold it up. This job of being a savior is not my responsibility."
All I can guarantee is that I will try my best to cut off as many demon heads as possible.
Yuan Qianfan gave him a deep look, said nothing more, and just smiled and waved her hand.
Once the two figures had completely disappeared into the night, silence returned to the round altar.
Yuan Qianfan sat cross-legged alone, murmuring softly:
"Buddha's Flame Lamp... why you of all people?"
After leaving the garrison commander's residence, the two fell into a silence.
Jiang Mu turned to look at the beautiful woman beside him and said seriously:
"Aunt Shui, what I said inside just now wasn't a joke."
I am not afraid of death, nor am I unwilling to save the people in the city. But if we really reach a dead end and there is no hope left, I will never stay and fight meaninglessly.
I hope you can leave with me then.
Looking into his bright eyes, Shui Miaozheng felt a surge of warmth in her heart.
She suddenly smiled and said, half-jokingly:
"Aunt Shui is different from you; she's actually more afraid of death. So when the time comes, Aunt Shui might run faster than you." Jiang Mu was taken aback, then laughed, the heaviness in her heart easing slightly.
Shui Miaozheng suppressed her smile, stepped forward, and used her slender fingers to carefully straighten Jiang Mu's slightly disheveled clothes.
She raised her head, her beautiful eyes brimming with tears, her voice soft yet incredibly firm:
"fool.
Aunt Shui won't abandon you.
Whether you live or die, defend the city or flee... Aunt Shui will always be by your side.
Jiang Mu's heart skipped a beat.
The slightly cool night breeze didn't seem so cold anymore.
"Let's go."
Shui Miaozheng withdrew her hand, regaining her capable demeanor as the head of the department.
"Let's go back to our base first. Cui Cui and the others have probably already engaged the demon army."
"Um."
Jiang Mu nodded gently.
The two moved with lightning speed, quickly heading towards their encampment.
The sky was beginning to lighten with the first hint of dawn, but a thick fog still shrouded the city, and the shouts of battle grew clearer and clearer.
Back in the courtyard, the two did not linger.
Jiang Mu rushed straight into his house; he needed to retrieve all the equipment he had lost after his death.
Especially that Blood Frenzy Blade.
Without that thing, even fighting demons is difficult.
Shui Miaozheng also returned to her room next door, preparing to change out of her long dress, which was inconvenient for fighting, and into a more fitted outfit.
inside the room.
Shui Miaozheng untied the sash around her waist, and the light blue dress slid down like flowing water, piling up at her feet.
She walked up to the bronze mirror and glanced at herself in the dim light.
The woman in the mirror was still plump and graceful, but there were several glaring purplish-blue marks on her skin.
At first glance, it looks like a fine piece of white jade porcelain that has been pinched and cracked.
Looking at her reflection in the mirror, Shui Miaozheng felt somewhat dazed, even finding herself to be a stranger to herself.
She bit her lower lip.
That person... is so reckless.
Although it was for saving a life and was the first time, why did it look like they wanted to devour a person alive?
She didn't dare to look any longer, and quickly changed into a neat blue outfit and fastened her belt.
Then, she pushed open the door and went to Jiang Mu's room next door.
When she entered, Jiang Mu had just changed into a black outfit.
At that moment, the man was standing by the bed, holding a light red undergarment, looking completely bewildered.
Jiang Mu was truly stunned.
He was changing his clothes when he casually picked up the stack of clothes that Aunt Shui had given him and shook them.
As a result, this intimate little garment simply floated out.
Is this Shui Miaozheng's?
How did it end up here?
Could it be that she accidentally got it in there when she was washing and drying clothes?
That's incredibly careless.
Just as he was wondering what to do with the thing, the door was pushed open and Shui Miaozheng walked in.
Eyes facing each other.
The air froze instantly.
Jiang Mu subconsciously tried to hide the undergarment behind her back.
But after only halfway through the action, he felt it was too lewd, so he had no choice but to bite the bullet and take it out, coughing dryly as he held up the small garment and said:
"Um... Aunt Shui, is this yours?"
How did you get it in my clothes? Did you accidentally put it there?
Shui Miaozheng blushed slightly as she looked at the intimate item the man was holding and waving in his hand.
However, instead of reaching out to take it, she turned her head away and whispered:
"You...you can keep it."
? ? ?
Jiang Mu's eyes widened, her mind filled with questions.
Should I keep it?
I'm not a woman, what would I need this thing for?
It's too small even for wiping sweat!
"Let's go, the battle is more important!"
Shui Miaozheng didn't explain further, turned around and walked out quickly.
Jiang Mu was left alone, bewildered.
He glanced at the undergarment in his hand, then at the woman's retreating figure, casually tucked it back under his pillow, picked up his longsword, and followed her out. Just as the two stepped out of the courtyard, a member of the Demon Slayer Division rushed over.
Upon seeing Shui Miaozheng, the man breathed a sigh of relief and cupped his hands, saying, "Lord Commander, something terrible has happened! Miss Ming has sent an urgent message!"
A large number of monsters suddenly appeared in that defense zone, far exceeding expectations, and they were about to be overwhelmed.
Furthermore, there seem to be signs of a sixth-tier powerful demon appearing on the southern border.
"Sixth rank?"
Shui Miaozheng was surprised.
Why send out a demon with such cultivation so quickly?
It seems that those tenth-tier demons who were observing were eager to confirm the situation inside the city.
Jiang Mu's eyes lit up, as if she had smelled a shark.
Monsters? Large numbers?
His mana gauge is currently empty, and he's desperately thirsty for more.
"Master Boss."
Jiang Mu made a quick decision and said in a deep voice, "I'll go help Cuicui and the others. Leave those little demons to me. You go and scout south."
Having said that, without waiting for Shui Miaozheng to speak, he rushed towards the defense zone that Ming Cuicui and the others were responsible for.
It moved so fast that in the blink of an eye, only a blur remained.
"Hey! Little Jiang, you..."
Shui Miaozheng opened her mouth, but could only shake her head helplessly as she watched the departing figure disappear into the distance.
This guy is always so reckless.
However, upon further reflection, given Jiang Mu's monstrous ability in group battles, dealing with those low-level demons would indeed be a piece of cake, so there's no need to worry too much. The real concern is that sixth-tier demon.
The messenger stood there dumbfounded, rubbing his eyes, staring in the direction Jiang Mu had disappeared, with a look of utter disbelief on his face.
That was... Master Jiang?
It's come back to life?!
Within the mountains and forests, the sounds of battle shook the heavens.
Ming Cuicui, Zhu Chang, and the others stood back to back in a circle, desperately trying to fend off the surging demons from all sides.
Most of these monsters are first or second tier wolf demons.
Although their individual strength is not strong, their sheer numbers make up for it.
Densely packed, covering the mountains and plains.
They were tireless and fearless, swarming in wave after wave.
The main strategy is a war of attrition.
After half a day of non-stop fighting, everyone's star power was exhausted, and their physical strength was pushed to the limit. They were barely holding on by sheer willpower. Everyone had some kind of injury.
"Cui Cui, let's go!"
Zhu Chang cleaved a wolf demon in two with a single stroke, then shouted breathlessly,
"There are too many monsters; we can't kill them all. If this continues, we'll all die here!"
"We won't retreat!!"
Ming Cuicui's eyes were bloodshot as she forcefully swung her twin swords, slicing a snake demon that pounced at her in two. She gritted her teeth and hissed, "What are you retreating for!"
As long as there's a breath left, we can't retreat!
Zhu Chang looked at his junior sister, who was almost driven mad, and sighed deeply.
Ever since Jiang Mu died, this girl has been in a state of self-blame.
She felt that she was responsible for the death of Master Jiang.
He has been quiet and reserved during this period.
Today they killed the most demons, as if venting their anger.
Just then, the ground began to tremble slightly in the mist ahead, and countless scarlet eyes lit up in the forest.
Everyone looked up in alarm.
In the dense forest ahead, the trees swayed, and a new, dark horde of demons surged out.
There are well over a hundred of them!
Among them were even quite a few powerful third-tier demonic creatures.
"It's over..."
Zhu Chang's face was deathly pale, and his hand holding the knife was trembling.
They were already at their limit, and now this new wave of reinforcements is coming. It's like the heavens are going to kill them.
Didn't they say that there are very few monsters in the area protected by our Tanzhou City?
How can there be so many?
The other surviving demon slayers also looked desperate, their eyes revealing signs of retreat, their fighting spirit on the verge of collapse.
Only Ming Cui Cui.
She bit her lip until it bled, a glint of madness flashed in her eyes, and she raised her knife, charging towards the demonic tide.
"Cui Cui!"
Zhu Chang screamed in terror and tried to pull her away, but it was too late.
Just then
Suddenly, a large hand landed on the girl's shoulder.
A gentle tap.
That abruptly stopped her forward momentum.
Immediately afterwards, a familiar, warm voice sounded behind her:
"Why are you working so hard?"
"Silly girl, you only have one life. If you lose it, you lose everything."
Ming Cuicui froze.
As if struck by lightning, they were frozen in place.
That sound...
Zhu Chang and the others stared wide-eyed, looking as if they'd seen a ghost, at the man who had suddenly appeared behind Ming Cuicui. They wondered if they were hallucinating.
Jiang Mu gently pulled Ming Cuicui behind him and patted her head.
Then he raised his head, looked at the surging tide of demons, grinned, revealing his gleaming white teeth:
"You guys rest first, leave the rest to me."