80: Hidden Dragon List

The air by the river bend seemed to freeze, leaving only the mournful sound of water rushing over rocks and the suppressed groans of the injured soldiers.

The soul-shaking shriek and the subsequent earth-shattering confrontation, though lasting only a brief moment, left everyone with indelible fear and shock.

Shi Poyue's face was still pale. He took several deep breaths to barely suppress his churning Qi and blood, gazing with complex eyes at the horizon where the black cloud and the White Crane had vanished. He muttered, "The hidden dragon ranking... that is the list gathering the strongest Prodigies of the entire Great Liang younger generation... Shen Rushuang, why would she come to our remote Qinghe County? And that black cloud... that evil aura, could it be the 'Evil Daoist' that Senior Martial Uncle mentioned, who fled to Jiuqu Prefecture?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Linsheng's heart sank further.

A Devil Head of the Iron Bone Realm, a Prodigy from the hidden dragon ranking... these figures who normally only existed in legends were now appearing right before their eyes!

"Senior Brother," Chen Linsheng said in a low voice, laced with urgency, "Whether that black cloud is the Evil Daoist or not, we shouldn't stay here long. We must immediately take the captives and witnesses back to the county seat! The crimes of the Black Mountain Gang colluding with the Evil Path and abducting people must be made public as soon as possible, lest complications arise!"

Shi Poyue suddenly snapped back to attention, realizing what was most important right now.

He suppressed the turmoil in his heart, regained his decisiveness as the Senior Brother, and scanned his surroundings. Seeing that most of his soldiers were still shaken, and some were even injured, his expression turned stern, and he announced loudly:

"Pull yourselves together! Clear the battlefield, bring all the captives and victims, and prioritize getting the seriously injured onto the boats! Linsheng, you take a few capable men to cover the rear, be vigilant against potential danger. We are setting sail immediately!"

"Understood!" Chen Linsheng clasped his fist in acknowledgment, immediately selecting Zhao Tiezhu, Li Qing, and a few other soldiers who were still in decent condition. They dispersed around the perimeter of the group, holding their weapons and vigilantly watching the deep, dark woods and steep cliffs surrounding them.

He himself held the fierce wind bow, his Tracking Perfection perception spreading out like an invisible spiderweb, allowing nothing—not even the slightest disturbance—to escape his notice.

The team quickly mobilized, moving with higher efficiency than when they arrived, as everyone felt an invisible pressure.

The rescued common folk, although still terrified, managed to keep up with the team with the comfort and help of the Water Patrol Division soldiers, boarding the fast boats and the captured Water Bandits' vessels.

On the return journey, the atmosphere was exceptionally heavy. No one spoke; there was only the sound of oars slicing through the water and heavy breathing.

Everyone's nerves were taut, afraid that the terrifying black cloud might return, or that some unknown enemy might rush out from a dark corner.

Chen Linsheng stood at the stern of the boat, maintaining vigilance while reflecting on the brief but thrilling scene he had just witnessed. Shen Rushuang's stunning arrow not only repelled a powerful enemy but also opened a new window in his heart.

So, when a Martial Skill is Cultivated to a profound Realm, it can possess such grace, drawing upon the power of heaven and earth to cleanse evil spirits!

This filled him with yearning for higher Martial Dao Realms.

At the same time, he gained a clearer understanding of his own insignificance.

Facing an enemy of that caliber, his current strength probably couldn't even withstand the aftershocks.

The desire to become stronger burned in his chest like a wildfire.

"The Black Mountain Gang, the White Lotus Sect, the Evil Daoist... and this Prodigy from the hidden dragon ranking..." Thoughts raced through Chen Linsheng's mind. "I must increase my strength faster to protect the people around me and to seize the initiative in this chaos."

He subconsciously activated the Python Dragon Strength, his Qi and blood surging within his body, feeling the immense power brought by the thirty-two fully refined muscles, and the increasingly solid texture of his arms after initiating the Iron Arm Skill.

The Startled Swan Spear, infused with the Layered Waves force exertion technique, had greatly increased in power, but it was still far from enough.

"The Hunyuan True Body is the Foundation, and I must push for its advancement quickly. The Fusion of Body-Forging Cultivation Techniques must also speed up... and Alchemy, if I can refine higher-grade Medicinal Pills, my Cultivation speed will undoubtedly increase significantly..."

While Chen Linsheng was deep in thought, the fleet sailed out of the Black Water Ravine without further incident, returning to the relatively open and calm main river channel.

Only then did the tightly strung nerves of the group relax slightly.

After handing over the captives and the rescued, still-shaken common folk to the County Office, and briefly reporting the bandit suppression process and the alarming phenomenon to Head Constable Wang, Chen Linsheng parted ways with Senior Brother Shi Poyue.

Shi Poyue needed to stay behind to assist with the subsequent paperwork and testimonies, while Chen Linsheng removed his Water Patrol Division gear, changed back into casual clothes, and returned directly to the Yangwei Martial Arts Hall.

Stepping into the Martial Arts Hall's backyard, the noise was shut out, leaving only tranquility.

However, the lamp in the Quiet Room was lit, and faint sounds of conversation could be heard.

Chen Linsheng's heart stirred, and he pushed the door open. He saw Master Zhao Zheng and Martial Uncle Chen Chuan sitting opposite each other, a chessboard between them, with fragrant tea steaming gently nearby.

Second Senior Brother Di Moyu was sitting quietly to the side wiping his Throwing Knives, while Third Martial Sister Liu Ruyan and Fourth Martial Sister Zhao Linger were huddled together, whispering.

Hearing the sound of the door, everyone looked over.

Seeing that it was him, Zhao Zheng immediately smiled, put down the chess piece in his hand, and beckoned:

"Linsheng is back? Perfect, come sit down and have some tea. I heard from the messenger Shi Poyue sent that your bandit suppression today went quite smoothly, and you ran into something extraordinary?"

Chen Linsheng first saluted his Master, Senior Martial Uncle, and Senior Brothers and Sisters, before sitting down in the spot Liu Ruyan vacated.

He took the teacup happily handed to him by Zhao Linger, took a sip, and the warm tea soothed his fatigue. He then briefly recounted the process of suppressing the Water Bandits in the Black Water Ravine, including the discovery that the Water Bandits were abducting people and potentially involved with the Black Mountain Gang.

"Outrageous!" Hearing this, Liu Ruyan's willow brows shot up, her pretty face filled with Evil Qi, and she slammed the table. "These scoundrels from the Black Mountain Gang! How dare they commit such wicked acts of abducting people! What are they trying to do? Are they trying to mimic the Demon/Fiend in those storybooks and eat human hearts and livers?"

Zhao Linger's small face was also flushed red with anger, and she waved her fists: "Exactly! Too despicable! Dad, Senior Martial Uncle, we absolutely cannot let them off!"

Zhao Zheng's face was gloomy. He stroked his beard, his eyes flashing with cold light. "It seems Zhang Zhifeng truly intends to walk the Evil Path to the end. Colluding with the Evil Path, abducting people... Hmph, he is seeking his own demise!"

Chen Linsheng paused, then continued in a grave tone: "Master, Senior Martial Uncle, after suppressing the bandits, we encountered a strange incident."

He then described the soul-stirring, mournful long shriek, the terrifying black cloud that swept across the sky, extinguishing all life force in its path, and the astonishing woman who rode a White Crane, drew a Divine Bow, and repelled the black cloud with a single arrow.

"That black cloud was extremely evil, definitely not an ordinary Essence Spirit. And that woman's arrow... was truly shocking."

Chen Linsheng concluded, a trace of shock still lingering in his eyes.

"Rainbow Cloud Chasing Wind, Shen Rushuang!" Di Moyu stopped wiping his Throwing Knives and repeated the name softly, a flash of yearning and seriousness in his eyes.

Zhao Zheng looked at Chen Chuan: "Senior Brother, what do you make of this..."

Martial Uncle Chen Chuan stopped stroking his beard, and instead of worry, a relaxed smile appeared on his face. He looked at Chen Linsheng and nodded approvingly: "Linsheng, what you saw was correct. That black cloud is exactly the Devil Head I mentioned a few days ago, who defected from the Northern Ancient Dynasty and was injured by the Lord of the Star Gazing Terrace outside the Divine Capital—the 'Evil Daoist'!"

"It was really him?" Zhao Linger exclaimed, filled with lingering fear.

"Indeed." Martial Uncle Chen Chuan confirmed, then explained, "As for the woman riding the crane and drawing the bow, she is exactly Shen Rushuang, ranked forty-fifth on the hidden dragon ranking, known as 'Rainbow Cloud Chasing Wind'. She traveled thousands of miles from the Jianghuai Circuit to hunt him down because during the Evil Daoist's escape, he committed a bloody crime that happened to harm the relative of one of her closest friends. In her grief, her friend knew she lacked the strength for revenge, so she leveraged a past favor to enlist this heavenly Prodigy. Shen Rushuang values loyalty and promises, and immediately agreed, chasing him all the way from the Jianghuai Circuit to our Hebei Circuit."

Hearing this, everyone looked enlightened, and at the same time, felt a sense of admiration for Shen Rushuang. To avenge a friend, chasing a Devil Head across thousands of mountains and rivers—such a character was truly extraordinary.

Seeing everyone interested, Martial Uncle Chen Chuan added a few more details: "Don't let her young age and current Jiaojin Realm fool you. She originates from the Jiangzuo Circuit's Dao-suppressing Power, the Cloud Dream Water Palace, and is a true Personal Disciple. Her Foundation is far more profound than we can imagine. It is said she has cultivated 'Jade Tendons,' which are crystal clear and incredibly tough. Relying solely on her Physical Body and strength, she is enough to crush those of the same rank, and even..." He paused, his tone carrying a trace of awe, "An ordinary Martial Artist who has just entered the Iron Bone Realm, without special means, would likely face certain death if they crossed her path!"

"Jade Tendons?" Chen Linsheng's heart stirred. This was the first time he had heard this term; it was clearly a higher level of refinement related to the Jiaojin Realm.

"Not to mention," Martial Uncle Chen Chuan continued, his tone envious, "The longbow in her hands, flowing with precious light, is a genuine 'Treasure-grade' Divine Weapon—the Setting Sun Bow over the Long River! Coupled with the Secret Archery Technique of her Cloud Dream Water Palace, its power is world-shattering. The Evil Daoist's Foundation was already damaged, and his strength is far less than before. Now that she has targeted him, he's like a maggot attached to the bone. Heh, this time, he won't be able to escape his fate!"

Concluding his words, a look of relief appeared on Martial Uncle Chen Chuan's face:

"With her taking action, it saves me and my colleagues in the Immortal Hunting Division a lot of effort. We won't have to waste a large number of personnel hunting down that slippery Devil Head, and we can finally free up our hands to focus on the matters concerning the White Lotus Sect."

Hearing that the Evil Daoist was about to be executed, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. A Devil Head of the Iron Bone Realm roaming nearby was, after all, a sword hanging over their heads.

However, the relaxed expression on Martial Uncle Chen Chuan's face quickly disappeared, replaced by deep solemnity and Killing Intent.

His gaze swept over Zhao Zheng, Chen Linsheng, and the others. He said in a deep voice, "Let the matter of the Evil Daoist rest for now. I rushed back this time not just because of him, but more importantly, because I found some clues about the White Lotus Sect in Jiuqu Prefecture."

The atmosphere in the room instantly became heavy again.

Martial Uncle Chen Chuan's voice was low and cold: "According to the intelligence we have gathered, the White Lotus Sect has been secretly promoting a plan called 'Jade Sowing Plan' in recent years. Its core is to find potential young Martial Artists across various regions, especially those of humble origin who are easy to control, or targets like Zhang Yuchen, who are selected due to their status or special reasons. Using Evil Arts like the Soul Transfer Great Art, they subtly twist their minds, tamper with their memories, and even implant an awareness loyal to the White Lotus Sect, as if 'sowing' a piece of controllable 'jade' into their Divine Soul."

"They Cultivate these 'Jade Sown' pawns, either letting them infiltrate the imperial court to achieve fame through the Martial Examination, corrupting it from within, or making them core members of the cult to aid their wicked deeds. That Zhang Yuchen is likely one of the targets of this 'Jade Sowing Plan'! The events happening in Qinghe County are by no means isolated; they are part of the White Lotus Sect's vast conspiracy!"

"Jade Sowing Plan..." Zhao Zheng muttered, his face extremely grim. "What vicious methods! This is intended to sever the Foundation of our Human Race!"

The chill in Chen Linsheng's heart intensified.

So, the death of Zhang Yang and the transformation of Zhang Yuchen were actually connected to such a massive conspiracy!

Just then, a dense, palpable Killing Intent suddenly erupted from Martial Uncle Chen Chuan, as if winter had abruptly descended, causing everyone present except Zhao Zheng to catch their breath.

He abruptly stood up, his gaze like two cold streaks of lightning, his voice firm and resolute, carrying unquestionable authority:

"This matter is no longer an ordinary Jianghu feud, nor is it just the business of your Yangwei Martial Arts Hall! It involves a giant Evil Path organization like the White Lotus Sect. The waters behind it are incredibly deep, and there is a danger of total annihilation at any moment!"

His gaze swept over Zhao Zheng, Di Moyu, Liu Ruyan, and Zhao Linger one by one, finally resting on Chen Linsheng for a moment.

"Junior Brother Zhao, and you youngsters, listen up!" Martial Uncle Chen Chuan's tone was extremely serious. "Regarding the 'Jade Sowing Plan,' regarding Zhang Yuchen, and regarding the collusion between the Black Mountain Gang and the White Lotus Sect, from now on, you are not to interfere! Furthermore, you must not investigate privately, lest you alert the enemy and even bring about deadly disaster!"

He took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing his surging Killing Intent, but his eyes remained cold as knives: "The next steps will be handled by me, by the Constabulary, and by the Immortal Hunting Division! I will mobilize official forces and set up an inescapable net! Whether it's Zhang Zhifeng, the hidden White Lotus Cult Heretic, or the 'Jade Sown' Zhang Yuchen... none of them will escape!"

Martial Uncle Chen Chuan's voice echoed in the Quiet Room, carrying a taste of iron and blood: "I, Chen Chuan, guarantee you in the name of the Constabulary Commandant of Jiuqu Prefecture! I will absolutely investigate this matter thoroughly, provide a complete explanation to the wrongfully deceased Zhang Yang, and to all the victims!"

When his voice fell, the room was silent. The determination and power contained in Senior Martial Uncle's words left no doubt that he would keep his promise.

Zhao Zheng was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded: "I understand, Senior Brother. This matter... will proceed as you say." He looked at his Disciples, "Did you all hear that? This matter ends here. All subsequent actions will follow Senior Martial Uncle's arrangements. You are not to act without authorization."

Although Di Moyu, Liu Ruyan, and Zhao Linger were reluctant, under the combined pressure of their Master and Senior Martial Uncle, they could only lower their heads and assent.

Chen Linsheng also bowed his head and replied, "Yes, Master, Senior Martial Uncle."

However, a faint light flashed deep within his lowered eyes. Senior Martial Uncle's warning and arrangement were reasonable; they were meant to protect them. But placing all hope in others, and tying his own safety to the meticulous planning of the Government... this was not his style.

Zhang Yuchen was like a poisonous snake lurking in the dark, and the threat of the White Lotus Sect was like a sword hanging overhead. Waiting was certainly safe, but it also meant handing over the initiative to others.

'Not interfere?'

Chen Linsheng murmured internally. The Python Dragon Strength quietly circulated within him, and that trace of icy Evil Qi flowed through his Meridians, bringing calmness and decisiveness.

'Overt investigation can stop, but preparation in secret must never be relaxed.'

He needed to increase his strength faster, needing greater power to deal with any possible changes.

Whether for self-preservation, or to possess the ability to break a deadlock and protect what is important at a crucial moment.

He had listened to Senior Martial Uncle's instructions.

But what needed to be done, he had his own judgment.