novellhall Chapter 39 [Earthly Fiend Tribulation] Dynamics from All Sides, Level 5, Aura
Chapter 39 [Earthly Fiend Tribulation] Dynamics from All Sides, Level 5, Aura
Let's pull back the timeline...
Inside the Zhenxie Division, in a quiet room.
The candlelight flickered, illuminating Zhou Tong's face, twisted with greed.
The sound of his knuckles tapping on the rosewood tabletop was like the cold, menacing sound of a viper flicking its tongue.
"That idiot Fang Qingyuan is still using the excuse of a minor malfunction in the earth's veins?"
Ah, the more he tries to whitewash the situation, the more I want to prepare a grand gift for him!
"Has any new offering been sent from the Yin Luo Path, over at the source of the turbid evil in the south of the city?"
The man beside him, who appeared to be a clerk, bowed obsequiously, his eyes gleaming with calculating cunning.
"Your Excellency is wise! The messenger from Yinluodao has just sent word that the source core has reached a critical point and success will be achieved soon."
To show our sincerity, we are offering three Hundred Infant Soul-Condensing Pills!
He carefully took out a chilling jade box from his sleeve, opened it a crack, and a sinister aura emanated from it, sending shivers down one's spine.
"This elixir can help you break through your bottleneck and extend your lifespan by sixty years..."
"Great! Excellent!"
Zhou Tong grabbed the jade box, greedily inhaling its wicked scent, a look of intoxication on his face:
"Fang Qingyuan's clinging to his meager sense of righteousness is like adding fuel to the fire! Once he's burned to ashes by this overwhelming evil, the position of Director and the power over Jiangzhou City will be mine, Zhou Tong's, possession!"
After carefully placing the jade box down, a fierce glint appeared in his eyes. "Report back to Yinluodao that the window of opportunity for monitoring points No. 3 and No. 7 in the western part of the city will be extended by two days!"
Let them absorb all the earthly evil energy to strengthen that Dharma Corpse! The stronger, the better!
Ideally, this would cause such a scene that Fang Qingyuan and those so-called righteous people would be completely humiliated!
The clerk standing to the side gave a knowing, sinister laugh: "Your Excellency is brilliant!"
Once the Dharma Corpse is born and wreaks havoc in Jiangzhou, you can suppress it with swift and decisive action. At that time, the credit for turning the tide will be yours, as will the abundant resources promised by Yinluo Dao and the control of the underground Yin veins in Jiangzhou!
As for Fang Qingyuan... he naturally died a heroic death in suppressing evil spirits.
only……"
He lowered his voice, a hint of barely perceptible apprehension in his tone, "That corpse is ferocious after all; what if it loses control..."
Zhou Tong couldn't help but let out another wicked laugh:
"Master, you're quite the master at playing dumb!"
"Out of control? That's exactly what I want! The more chaos it causes and the more people it kills, the greater my credit will be!"
As for the mess that follows? The imperial court will send experts to clean it up! Or…”
A cruel smile curled at the corner of his mouth. "Let the Yin Luo Dao retire successfully, leaving the out-of-control Dharma Corpse to our Zhenxie Division. Wouldn't that make my methods even more impressive?"
Remember, human lives are merely bargaining chips. The more chaos and bloodshed Jiangzhou experiences, the more secure our position will be!
"Remember, our goal is Fang Qingyuan's position and the power to allocate resources in his hands, as well as the sincerity of Yin Luodao's promises."
As for what the Yin Luo Dao wants to do... as long as it doesn't affect us or cause any major upheaval, let them do what they want!
If necessary, we could even... provide some convenience, such as creating gaps in patrols in certain areas?
"After this is done, I'll be the director... and you... haha!"
"Then I must congratulate you in advance, Director Zhou!"
In the candlelight, the two shadows swayed constantly, their schemes continuing unabated.
…………
On the other side:
Prefect Zhao Wenqian's portly face showed no worry about the impending turmoil in the city, only the excitement of about to reap the rewards.
The general facing him, Qin Lie, was dressed in military uniform, his eyes like the sharp edge of a tempered blade.
Zhao Wenqian first sighed, feigning exhaustion, and rubbed his temples:
"General Qin, things haven't been peaceful in the city these past few days. Reports from below say that in some places at night, eerie winds are blowing, and the people are terrified. What did Fang Qingyuan say about the Suppression of Evil Division?"
Qin Lie responded promptly, his voice loud and clear, carrying a hint of barely perceptible contempt:
"Director Fang? Hmph, it's the same old rhetoric! What about the breeding of evil spirits that need to be dealt with slowly, and what about not disturbing the people's livelihood!"
In my humble opinion, he is just timid and afraid of taking responsibility! This Jiangzhou City may seem prosperous on the surface, but there are already undercurrents surging beneath.
The Yinxuan Temple collapsed. Has the Zhenxie Division found out anything about it? No!
Now strange things are happening again in the south of the city, and he's still holding back! I think he's been living in peace for too long!
A strange light flashed in Zhao Wenqian's eyes, and he leaned forward slightly: "General Qin, do you mean...?"
Qin Lie lowered his voice, seemingly afraid that someone might overhear:
"Lord of the City! In chaotic times, harsh measures are needed, and a serious illness requires strong medicine! Fang Qingyuan's indecisiveness will inevitably lead to major trouble sooner or later!"
Rather than waiting for chaos to erupt on its own and harm innocent people, let's... let it erupt while we still have control!
He tapped his fingers heavily on the unfolded city defense map. "My men are ready for battle! As soon as chaos erupts, whether it's the demons of the Underworld causing trouble or the ignorant masses they incited to riot, my city defense army will strike with lightning speed and quell it all in one fell swoop!"
Zhao Wenqian finally dropped his pitying act and revealed a curious smile, a hint of calculation hidden in his eyes: "Dang Ping... and then what?"
Qin Lie smiled knowingly, a smile that carried the bluntness and greed of a martial artist:
"And then? Naturally, it was the city lord's strategic planning and decisive command that turned the tide! I, Qin, led my troops in a bloody battle to protect the people of this region! This tremendous achievement, this merit in stabilizing Jiangzhou and deterring the villains... how could it not reach the ears of the emperor?"
Fang Qingyuan…ha, when the time comes, a charge of mishandling the situation and causing a major disaster will be enough to get him into serious trouble! His Zhenxie Division's resources should also be redistributed.”
He emphasized, "This achievement is far more remarkable than the meager peace taxes we routinely pay year after year!"
Zhao Wenqian nodded slowly, a satisfied smile appearing on his lips: "What the general said is exactly what I think! Peace is what we should expect, but turning the tide is the real achievement!"
Closely monitor developments in the south of the city. The city's defense forces... must be prepared to quell any unrest at any time. Remember, if there's to be unrest, it must be just right, so unrest... that it demonstrates our capabilities!
"Without your orders, my men have already sharpened their swords! We're just waiting for that evil spirit from the Yin Luo Path... to cause even more trouble! Ideally, it should burn down half a street and kill hundreds of people! Let the wails of those lowly commoners echo throughout the entire city!"
Zhao Wenqian put down his teacup, his eyes gleaming with naked ambition: "A few hundred men? Not enough! General, in chaotic times, laws are severe, and merits must be weighty! If we're going to cause trouble, let's make it big..."
I will recommend you for a high position; the title of garrison commander is certainly within your reach!
Upon hearing the prefect's affirmative reply, Qin Lie licked his lips, as if he could already see a bloody feast.
Zhao Wenqian nodded in satisfaction and raised his teacup:
"For the perfect chaos, for our bright future!"
Remember, the fire must be fierce, the blood must flow, and the credit must be seized!
The remains of Jiangzhou City are the ladder for us to ascend to heaven!
The teacups clinked together, making a crisp sound; this was yet another conspiracy.
…………
Even earlier...
The dark, secret room was illuminated only by a single, green soul lamp.
A Yinluo Dao cultivator, shrouded in a wide black robe and exuding a chilling aura, sat opposite another person.
The black-robed man's voice was hoarse:
"Master Li, Hu San's dog died suspiciously, but it's nothing serious. The new Turbid Sha Source Core Node... is progressing smoothly, and the gestation of the Dharma Corpse has reached a critical stage."
However, such extraordinary items require a massive amount of pure earthly evil energy and living souls to nourish them. Jiangzhou City... is a good place.
The person in front of him also replied, "Master, it's good that things went smoothly. Just be careful with the noise... Fang Qingyuan may be pedantic, but he's not stupid."
If this leads him to investigate relentlessly, and even alerts the higher-ups, neither of us will be in a good position. What our superiors want is…”
The man in black robes chuckled and tossed out a heavy little jade bottle and a black jade slip engraved with runes:
"Rest assured, the Soul-Condensing Pill will help Lord Zhou refine his soul and reach a higher realm. This initial stage of Yin Puppet crafting... is a bonus. Once the Dharma Corpse is fully crafted, there will be even greater rewards. All we need is... convenience."
Master Li quickly put away the jade bottle and jade slip. After confirming that everything was correct, a glint of greed flashed in his eyes, and his tone softened slightly:
"Convenient... No problem. The duty rosters and rotation routes for the next three days at the No. 3 and No. 7 Earth Vein Monitoring Points in the West City will be delivered to the usual location on time."
The local climate is complex, and occasional violent fluctuations are normal and won't attract too much attention from the department. It's enough for you to obtain what you need.
In addition, Fang Qingyuan seems to have developed some interest in the old files in the south of the city recently. We adults will try to... divert his attention and get him to investigate some unimportant old cases.
The man in black robes nodded in satisfaction, his bright green eyes gleaming beneath his hood: "Very good. Deputy Director Zhou is a wise man. Once the Dharma Corpse is born, the Yin Luo Dao will control the underground Yin veins of Jiangzhou."
At that time, Director Zhou will be the true, nominal ruler of Jiangzhou. Fang Qingyuan will be nothing but a skeleton in a tomb. Remember, our common enemy... is those meddlesome, self-righteous gentlemen.
Master Li's lips curled into a cold smile: "It's just a matter of each getting what they want. Daoist, you must also remember your promise. The Dharma Corpse... must not be out of control. At least until the dust settles, it must remain quiet."
As if sensing the conversation was over, the figure in black robes began to slowly fade, disappearing into the shadows: "Heh heh... Of course. Awaiting good news..."
The man in black robes disappeared, leaving only Master Li in the secret room.
However, no one knew that the crucial point where things were progressing smoothly was now a wasteland.
…………
The timeline returns to Lao Lu.
[Urgent Event in Dungeon: Defeat the Enemy (High-Level) Completed!]
[You have successfully defeated the mutated evil entity that was possessed by an unknown entity!]
[Huge rewards will be awarded based on combat contributions, the difficulty of challenging higher-level enemies, and the criticality of events!]
[Gain: 1500 General Experience Points]
[Received: 500 Disaster Coins from the Comprehensive Network]
[Received: 1 Free Attribute Point]
[Optional Task: Uncover the Truth - Deadline Has Been Closed!]
You have received all subsequent rewards for the mission!
[Gain: 3000 General Experience Points]
[Received: 1500 Disaster Coins from the Comprehensive Network]
[The main storyline quests are currently being re-evaluated...]
[You broke through your limits in this battle, gaining a deeper understanding of the Blood Moon Mark and your own power!]
[Blood Moon Seal Now Has a New Released Form]
The Blood Moon Seal (Liberated) has been added to the skill tree.
[In Unleashed state, your Strength, Agility, and Constitution receive a massive boost.]
[Bloody Moon Seal (Unleashed) grants a massive amount of proficiency!]
[Blood Moon Seal (Form) Trait [Flesh Furnace] Unlocked: In the Unleashed state, your body will absorb and convert blood and energy more efficiently.]
[Your class: Spirit Master - Gain massive combat experience!]
[Aura Master Level Up from LV4 to LV5]
[Spiritual Power: 30/30 → 60/60↑, Spiritual Power recovery speed greatly increased!]
[Strengthened Foundation and Stabilization Effect: Foundation stability +20%, significantly improved resistance to abnormal statuses!]
You have acquired a new class trait: Foundation Establishment.
[Foundation Establishment Completed: The spiritual energy vortex solidifies into a Qi Sea, lifespan increases to 150 years, and physical strength is significantly enhanced.]
Physical strength receives an additional weight bonus.
[Breath Control Effect Improved: Recovery Amount Increased to 8 Points]
[Weapon repair trait triggered! The binding effect of the Azure Edge Sword is enhanced!]
[Gained new special effect: Three-foot-long azure light, spiritual energy conduction efficiency +30%]
[Master the exclusive sword skill: Piercing Moon (Concentrate spiritual energy into a single point for penetrating damage)]
[Initial Manifestation of Divine Consciousness → Divine Consciousness Forms a Net!]
[Detection range expanded to 100 zhang, capable of penetrating low-level spiritual energy barriers]
[Power unlocking progress 100%!]
[Past Life Panel Unlocked...]
[The powers of the two lifetimes are merging...]
[All attributes have been greatly improved!]
You have gained a new trait: Two Lives.
[All attributes +1!]
[Zhuang Zhou dreamt he was a butterfly, and the butterfly dreamt it was Zhuang Zhou; which one is the real me?]
[Sufficient experience points detected. Warrior class level is increasing...]
[Job Level: lv4→lv5!]
[You have lost your profession: Spirit Master]
[Integration of occupational characteristics...]
[Network notification: You have undergone a profound professional baptism, and your base vitality (maximum health, base saving throws, etc.) has been significantly improved!] *2
Your Qi and blood have received a (powerful) boost!
Based on your growth path, you have acquired the following career traits: ... (being merged and strengthened)
[You have lost your class trait: Divine Sense as a Net]
You have gained a new class trait: Aura!
[Using blood as a guide, a thousand-mile pursuit of the soul!]
P.S.: This is the inconvenience of the Eastern side; killing one person means killing the whole family—Bai Jinghong, the Sword Burial Master.
[Random ability selection in progress...]
[You have gained a new class ability: Blood Feud Mark!]
【Blood Feud Mark: Marks the unit that caused the attack after being attacked, increasing the damage dealt to that unit by 10%】
Lu Qingfeng slowly opened his eyes. In the depths of his pupils, it seemed as if stars were flashing and blood was surging, before finally settling into a deep calm.
The memories of two lifetimes and the torrents of two power systems collided and merged within his body.
Ultimately, this formed a completely new and integrated foundation of power.
He looked down at his hands, where a faint jade-like luster flowed beneath his skin, yet contained explosive power.
With a slight thought, an invisible aura quietly spread out from him, covering the surrounding area.
Qi refers to the qi of life, death, essence, and spirit.
The field refers to the energy field, the life magnetic field, and even the magnetic field of stars.
Although Lu Qingfeng hasn't unlocked such advanced usage yet.
but……
He looked at the complex atmosphere of the ruins before him, and everything there had a source and a destination!
That's more than enough.
You have caused a significant disruption to the world line of this world!
[Main quest phase two is undergoing changes...]
You have a new main quest.
[Phase Two: Cleanup, Begin]
[Mission Requirements: Clear out Jiangzhou City and obtain the Sealing Disc]
[Quest Description: You've already messed up the main questline, but with so many ghosts and monsters lurking in the city, it's time for you... to put the city back on track!]
[The purge begins!]