Chapter 32: Rainy Night, Deadly Threat

Dusk fell at the West Gate of the gymnasium.

The squad members stood or sat, guarding the steps before the gate.

No one in the team had spoken for a long time; all waited in silence as the sky slowly darkened.

“Don’t be nervous,” Zhang Feng leaned against the wall, naturally sensing the heavy atmosphere within the team.

He spoke to reassure them: “There are many sentries posted around, and countless statues guard the interior.”

“If any demon clan appears, just follow my orders.”

Lu Ran and the others were indeed believers, but as newcomers, how could they stand alone?

As Zhang Feng said, there were many believers posted around.

Unless misfortune struck and a demon appeared right before them, there was no need for the squad to act.

The true purpose of this night watch was to guide new believers into the fold, to shift their mindset, and so on.

Not to send these students out to fight to the death.

Zhang Feng continued: “Rain Alley City is just a small county town, with few people and only one divine avatar statue located outside the suburbs.”

“Over the years, powerful demons have rarely descended upon our area.”

Lu Ran: “.”

These words of comfort sounded more and more like tempting fate.

“You are the top team of this cohort,” Zhang Feng changed tone.

“Yes,” Jiang Ruyi nodded lightly, gazing into the distance.

Outside the West Gate lay an open field; further west were shrubs and iron fences, beyond which stretched a road lit by streetlamps.

Under the dim yellow light, the fine drizzle was clearly visible, like a curtain of water.

“As long as you survive this night safely, your score won’t be bad,” Zhang Feng said softly.

Deng Yu suddenly spoke: “I noticed the student teams arriving later were all assigned inside shelters—only we’re guarding outside?”

Zhang Feng nodded: “The interior of buildings is naturally safer than the exterior.”

“Only the top ten teams are allowed to guard outside the major shelter structures.”

“So if you survive tonight safely, your base score will be much higher than other squads.”

Deng Yu understood, and pleaded: “Brother Zhang, if a low-rank demon attacks, let us try our hand.”

To earn a high score, base points alone won’t suffice.

Before departure, everyone had learned that Zhang Feng was a River Realm · Second Stage Lotus Believer.

River Realm!

No wonder the Moonwatchers who guard the city are so powerful—their cultivation levels are truly high.

Mist, Creek, River, River, Sea.

For believers, River Realm is a watershed—and a badge of strength!

Even though Lu Ran rose two ranks in just half a month to reach Mist Realm · Third Stage,

know that in Great Xia, at least half of all believers remain forever stuck in Creek Realm!

These believers spend their entire lives unable to cross the threshold into River Realm.

The words “watershed” carry immense weight!

When a believer reaches River Realm, their use of divine power undergoes a qualitative leap.

River Realm believers can condense divine power into flowing water, allowing it to extend outward and coil around their bodies.

This “water armor” is a lifesaving talisman—and the very foundation for charging into battle!

If you already possess a defensive divine art, it’s even better.

You gain an extra layer of armor; in some situations, it’s like gaining an extra life!

“City defense is no child’s play,” Zhang Feng emphasized again. “I know you want high scores, but everything hinges on obeying orders.”

“Otherwise, I’ll deduct points.”

“Understood,” Deng Yu sighed inwardly, nodding reluctantly.

Last time, during the Evil Dog Village assessment, military instructors graded them; this time, Moonwatchers from the Divine People’s Bureau will judge.

Beside them, Lu Ran’s voice came: “This time, the school’s ranking reward is a weapon, Deng Shao.”

Deng Yu: “What?”

Lu Ran teased: “You’re holding a million-grade Tianchen Spear—do you even care about the school’s reward?”

Deng Yu looked at Lu Ran sitting on the steps and shrugged indifferently: “Might as well take it for fun.”

Lu Ran nodded solemnly: “Thanks for the school’s measly little gift?”

“Hehe~” Jiang Ruyi couldn’t help but laugh softly.

“Lu Brother, you’re wrong!” Deng Yu laughed too. “You’re aiming for first place for the reward?”

Lu Ran nodded: “Yes.”

Deng Yu tilted his head, a giant question mark appearing above it.

He stalled for a long moment before saying: “No—you and I fight for honor!”

“Right,” Lu Ran readily adjusted his tone. “Also for honor.”

Deng Yu: ???

Also?

“Don’t tease him,” Jiang Ruyi smiled gently.

“Oh.” Lu Ran extended two fingers, slowly tracing the cold blade.

He wouldn’t replace the Radiant Blade—but if he got another blade,

could he try dual-wielding?

“Wuuu~~~”

Suddenly, a deep horn blast pierced the long night.

Lu Ran rose slowly, gazing northward in the direction of the sound.

But the distance was too great; even with streetlights blazing, he saw nothing.

He only sensed the night rain was growing heavier.

“Has it begun?” Deng Yu gripped the Tianchen Spear tightly.

“Ah!”

“Help! Demon—demon!”

“Aaaaaa!” Suddenly, screams erupted from inside the gymnasium.

The sound was piercing; the group instinctively turned to look inside.

“Hold your posts!” Zhang Feng barked. “No one is to leave their station without orders.”

The screams inside continued, but Lu Ran could only imagine the chaos unfolding within.

The once-silent rain-soaked night was shattered.

“Mm,” Tian Tian’s heart rose to her throat; one small hand clutched Jiang Ruyi’s tightly.

Her other hand churned with divine power, ready to summon the Lotus Shield at any moment.

“Roar!”

Another roar came from the north—and this time, the source was close.

Everyone turned instantly: a massive, mist-shrouded figure stood a hundred meters away.

“Mist Shadow!” Deng Yu stepped forward immediately, blocking the squad.

Demon Clan · Mist Shadow—commonly called “Mist Shadow Man” by civilians.

“Its realm is high,” Jiang Ruyi frowned, her spirit tense.

Demons come in many types, each with unique traits.

But one universal rule: the larger the demon, the higher its realm.

That distant Mist Shadow stood over three meters tall, radiating overwhelming pressure.

It was at least a River Realm Mist Shadow!

Human-shaped, entirely composed of gray mist, its face lacked eyes, nose, or mouth—mystical and horrifying.

From the moment it appeared, it acted like a contaminant, continuously releasing thick gray mist in all directions.

“Don’t move—stay alert!” Zhang Feng immediately recognized the enemy’s strength.

“Here!”

“Kill!” Several roars erupted as a Moonwatcher squad stationed to the north charged forward.

Seeing this, Tian Tian felt slightly relieved.

But Zhang Feng suddenly raised a hand to his ear.

The voice through his hidden earpiece made his face change.

“Close your eyes!” Zhang Feng blurted out an extreme order.

“Huh?”

“Close our eyes?” The group was stunned.

In such extreme danger, keeping eyes open took courage—but closing them took even more.

“Close your eyes!” Zhang Feng ordered again, lifting his gaze toward the western sky.

Above the iron fence, energy churned violently.

The next moment, a tall figure suddenly formed and tumbled into the bushes.

It had a human shape, yet its face was withered, shriveled like a corpse.

It possessed an utterly grotesque hide, yet its eyes were brilliant, crystalline green.

Demon Clan · You Tong!

Folklore also calls it the “You Tong Ghost.”

When you encounter this creature, never! Never look into its eyes!

One misstep, and you might lose yourself within them—even willingly tear out your own heart to offer the demon.

“Rise!” Zhang Feng knelt on one knee, slamming one hand fiercely onto the ground.

In an instant, a massive lotus bloomed from within the bushes.

The sturdy iron fence was cleanly severed by the rapidly closing petals, along with the bushes and the You Tong, all swallowed whole inside the bud.

“How could this happen?” Zhang Feng questioned inwardly.

The misty figure from the north, the You Tong Ghost directly ahead—both were River Realm demons?!

This was human society, not the depths of a demon lair, let alone a higher-tier divine-demon battlefield.

And this was merely an ordinary full-moon night.

It wasn’t that powerful demons couldn’t invade—after all, on the fifteenth day of the lunar month, anything was possible.

But the odds were off!

The frequency of River Realm demons appearing was even more suspicious!

Zhang Feng had served for a full decade—this was the first time he’d encountered two powerful River Realm demons appearing one after the other, clustered together.

River Realm,

was not merely the dividing line for human cultivators—it was also the dividing line for the demon clan’s strength.

Yuxiang City was just a small county town!

Throughout history, the demons drawn to such small places were almost always below Stream Realm.

“Thud!”

The lotus bud trembled violently as the demon inside raged, trying to break free from its prison.

“West Gate-4, request backup!” Zhang Feng’s face was rigid; his other hand surged with divine power as he slammed it again onto the ground. “Eyes open—remain on alert!”

“Sss!”

A cry of agony came from within the bud.

Had Zhang Feng activated his Lotus Sword again?

Lu Ran received the order and opened his eyes at once, seeing only a massive, pure white lotus bud.

Such a beautiful, flawless flower was utterly out of place in this gloomy rain-soaked night.

“Luu~”

As Lu Ran savored this stark contrast, another sound came from his left.

His heart leapt—he spun around sharply.

Energy rippled along the building’s wall, then a black dog plummeted from above, crashing hard onto the concrete.

“Woof!”

The black dog barked wildly; its entire body suddenly glowed with vivid crimson patterns.

Sparks flew from its mouth.

Demon Clan · Xue Zai!

It was the very demon race humans dreaded most—the Blood Plague Dog, capable of igniting raging infernos!

Its body length was roughly 1.4 meters.

That meant,

this was a Mist Realm ·

One minor stage higher than Lu Ran, two minor stages higher than the other three!

Lu Ran’s pupils shrank slightly as he watched the Blood Plague Hound open its bloody maw, flames igniting within.

“Jiang Ruyi!” Zhang Feng kept both hands on the ground, issuing a firm order, “Form battle array! Lu Ran?!”

“Sssss!”

Before Zhang Feng finished speaking, Lu Ran had already shot forward.

Divine Technique: Immortal Hoof!

What even is a launch start?

Lu Ran’s feet sprouted goat hooves as he charged straight into the rain curtain:

“Baa~”

A tiny, light bleat, like a baby’s cry, even more chilling than the shrieks of the Mist Shadow or the You Tong Ghost!

The mournful cry of the little lamb pierced through layers of rain and reached the Blood Plague Hound’s ears.

“Huh?” The Blood Plague Hound, distracted by Lu Ran, turned its head instinctively.

Yes, Lu Ran hadn’t charged directly at the Blood Plague Hound—he didn’t want to be swallowed by flames.

The flame meant for Gate West-4 now sprayed into the rainy night, striking the distant iron fence.

“Damn it!”

Lu Ran’s heart pounded as he continuously blasted Immortal mist from his feet, feeling flames churning behind him.

“Save! Save...”

Lu Ran fled wildly, while the Blood Plague Hound searched for the lamb’s location, sweeping its scorching fire column across the area.

“Brother Lu!” Deng Yu tang, startled and frantic, seized his long spear and charged toward the Blood Plague Hound.

Another talisman flew past Deng Yu tang’s side, overtaking him from behind.

“Snap!!”

Lightning flashed, electricity spreading everywhere.

The lightning-binding talisman shot out with pinpoint accuracy and stuck to the Blood Plague Hound’s neck.

Jiang Ruyi’s divine power surged, her raincoat flapping violently.

The noble mage had acted!

Her beautiful eyes locked onto the Blood Plague Hound, her fingers trembling slightly as she swiftly drew another lightning-binding talisman.

“Save...” Lu Ran halted his feet, staring at the Blood Plague Hound paralyzed with numbness, “That’s your save?”

“Ha!” Deng Yu tang stomped the ground, brandishing the Tianchen Spear and lunging straight at the Blood Plague Hound.

His momentum aimed to pierce a hole clean through the beast’s body.

“Woof!!”

The Blood Plague Hound roared in fury, using its inner energy and formidable physique to tremble as it opened its mouth.

No wonder it was a Mist Realm·Stage Four demon!

It could actually open its mouth while under Jiang the Goddess’s hard control?!

Seeing this, Deng Yu tang’s heart lurched as he charged forward.

Flames were already igniting inside the Blood Plague Hound’s mouth.

“Baa~~~”

At the last possible moment, the little lamb’s mournful cry pierced through layers of rain.

Desolate and heart-wrenching, like a sobbing lament.

The Blood Plague Hound was indeed embarrassing—embarrassing for a dog.

As a demon, the Blood Plague Hound had been bewitched!

Driven by primal desire, it turned its head uncontrollably, eyes filled with violent greed, staring once more at the weak, whimpering creature.

Sometimes, too-sensitive hearing isn’t such a good thing.

Deng Yu tang hadn’t heard the mournful cry; his tiger-like eyes glowed brightly as he leapt forward without hesitation, spear aimed straight at the dog’s head.

“Clang!”

The spear tip pierced straight through the dog’s skull, then slammed hard into the concrete ground with a crisp sound.

Though a Mist Realm·Stage Four demon, the Blood Plague Hound was still flesh and bone, with no defensive techniques.

“Die!”

Deng Yu tang swung his spear sideways; the million-level divine weapon revealed its true worth—razor-sharp, slicing cleanly through the hound’s body.

From start to finish, his forward charge never paused.

That little fat lamb lurking in the shadows was Deng Yu tang’s greatest confidence.

“Good!” Zhang Feng muttered, his expression slightly stunned.

In just three or five seconds, he had misjudged nearly every move of the squad!

Following the others’ gazes, Zhang Feng turned and saw Lu Ran standing alone in the rain.

Judging from the squad’s reactions...

So, was this boy the true architect of it all?

Continuing with four thousand characters—please give some votes~

(End of Chapter)