Chapter 555: Voluntarily Infecting the Soul-Eating Beasts, the Plan Was to Raise Gu

Under Liu Qingqing's exquisite medical skills, those professionals who were severely injured and on the verge of death gradually regained their vitality.

Broken limbs were miraculously repaired, and the lost life force slowly returned under Liu Qingqing's treatment.

In less than an hour, these professionals stood up again, as if reborn, once more displaying their vigor and fighting spirit.

However, those innocent people who were unfortunately killed casually by the Black Sky Demon King had lost their lives forever. Their bodies lay quietly there, never to wake again.

Hong Jishi would arrange for personnel to properly handle the affairs of these deceased, giving them the respect and peace they deserved.

Jiang Chen watched this scene and couldn't help but think of those lost resurrection techniques. "In the ancient era, perhaps these people would have had a chance at rebirth."

His expression was slightly solemn, which led Liu Qingqing to mistakenly believe he was grieving for the dead.

Liu Qingqing softly comforted him, "Xiao Chen, you don't need to be too upset. We'll handle their affairs properly and give them the peace they deserve."

Jiang Chen understood Liu Qingqing's misunderstanding, but he didn't explain further. He did feel sorry and sad for the deceased, but this emotion wasn't strong.

What filled his heart more was hatred and anger toward the Demons. If he had the chance, he would surely step into the Abyss again and launch a fiercer revenge against those Demons, making them pay a heavy price for their actions.

Even on the day when his strength was sufficient, Jiang Chen held a firm belief in his heart—he wanted to destroy the entire Abyss and completely exterminate the Demon race.

This was a vow rooted in Jiang Chen's heart since childhood.

Hong Jishi acted swiftly, gathering personnel and beginning to execute the grand plan formulated by Li Xueru.

The scale of this plan was unprecedented, far surpassing any before it.

Under Hong Jishi's coordination, the Shenlong Empire's army surged like a tide, beginning intense operations.

Jiang Chen knew well that this operation would involve countless lives, and perhaps many would lose their lives because of it.

But before the operation began, Hong Jishi had already explained the situation to everyone and given them a choice.

Those unwilling to participate could opt out, but once they chose to join, they had to be prepared to become death warriors, with life and death already set aside.

Of course, Hong Jishi also promised that all participants in the mission would receive due rewards and honors.

Jiang Chen, meanwhile, continued to focus on his own task—farming Instances.

This was his top priority for now; he had to constantly improve his strength to play a greater role in future battles.

During his previous meeting with Li Xueru, Li Xueru had recharged his Cooldown Talisman, giving Jiang Chen enough confidence to reach Level 60 within the next period of time.

…

Hong Jishi's actions were exceptionally swift. Just two days later, a massive crowd had gathered outside the Secret Realm containing the Soul-Eating Beasts.

The crowd was a dense black mass, so vast in number as to be astonishing—at least tens of thousands of people.

And this was only the vanguard; more people were continuously arriving from behind.

Among these people were both soldiers and experts from various great clans.

They all knew what they were about to face, but they didn't retreat; instead, their resolve became even firmer.

Hong Jishi stood outside the Secret Realm and spoke in a loud voice, "You all know the challenge you're about to face, right?"

"Yes!"

Everyone shouted in unison, their voices shaking the heavens and earth.

Hong Jishi nodded with satisfaction. "Good. Some of you may sacrifice, but I cannot guarantee that everyone will return alive."

"But I can guarantee you this: even if you unfortunately fall, your families, your clans, will be immensely proud and honored because of your choice today."

"This is a major opportunity for our Human Race. A thousand years ago, we missed it once, but today, we must firmly grasp this chance!"

"This is the critical moment for our Human Race, for our Shenlong Empire's rise!"

Hong Jishi's words inspired everyone. Their eyes shone with a determined light, their fighting spirit high as they prepared to meet the coming challenge.

Outside the Secret Realm, on the vast land, dense tents sprang up like bamboo shoots after rain, forming a massive military camp.

This camp was large enough to accommodate hundreds of thousands of people. Looking out, it stretched endlessly, as if without end.

This camp was built specifically for this plan, and its appearance symbolized the military's determination and speed of action.

At the same time, a large number of healers were ready, and medical supplies and food were all in place.

Once the military moved, it was as swift and ruthless as a raging storm.

When all preparations were complete, Hong Jishi gave the order, and tens of thousands of people surged into the Secret Realm like a tide.

The originally silent Secret Realm, with the influx of people, instantly became bustling and lively.

Beside Hong Jishi, several clan leaders and high-ranking military officials gathered, their eyes fixed ahead.

Lin Zhenzi, Yi Qianjue, Feng Anzai, and others were among them, their faces carrying a hint of unease and anxiety.

Lin Zhenzi asked in a low voice, "Old Hong, are you sure there's no problem with this plan?"

Although they had all agreed to participate in the plan, there was still a trace of doubt in their hearts.

Hong Jishi took a deep breath and said firmly, "This is a plan carefully crafted by Lao Li. You may not believe me, but you can't not believe him, can you?"

Yi Qianjue then asked, "Where is Lao Li now?"

Hong Jishi shook his head and said, "He has more important things to do. We just need to follow the plan and do our part."

He paused for a moment and continued, "If you still want to go further, to occupy a higher position among the Human Race, then this is the best opportunity. Miss this, and I'm afraid there won't be another chance like it."

Hearing Hong Jishi's words, the few fell silent. They knew the importance of this plan and understood the responsibility they bore.

Then, they followed Hong Jishi into the Secret Realm. By now, the Secret Realm was already filled with people, standing in orderly rows, waiting for Hong Jishi's next instructions.

Hong Jishi stood before the crowd and shouted in a deep voice, "Everyone, get ready! I'm starting!"

Everyone held their breath. Their preparation was to remain still and not offer any resistance.

These people had varying levels, but without exception, none exceeded Level 70. According to Li Xueru's plan, this level range was the most suitable.

Hong Jishi suddenly threw a punch, and a massive force instantly struck deep into the ground, breaking the final barrier between the Soul-Eating Beasts and the Secret Realm.

Not just one spot, but hundreds were broken simultaneously.

A fierce wind howled out, and a large number of Soul-Eating Beasts flew out from underground. Their faces were ferocious, looking extremely terrifying. These Soul-Eating Beasts roared within the Secret Realm, searching for their next target.

"Activate soul detection, stay calm, don't resist!" Hong Jishi's voice was firm and powerful, echoing in everyone's ears.

When he gave the order, everyone simultaneously employed the Detection Technique, and the subtle fluctuations it produced spread through the air, forming an indescribable connection with the wandering Food Spirit Beasts.

The Food Spirit Beasts seemed to have found their targets; they slipped silently along this special soul conduit, burrowing into the depths of people's spirits.

Someone trembled slightly, but then regained composure as if nothing had happened. Yet the next second, terrified cries rose and fell, and they felt their power draining rapidly, their limbs as if life had been sucked out, beginning to wither.

Many people's spirits quickly grew feeble, their faces turned pale, appearing unusually weak. Strangely, they felt no pain at all.

The Food Spirit Beasts' ability is indeed terrifying; they can Devour souls silently, Devouring any energy that can be Devoured, while the victims feel no pain whatsoever.

Hong Jishi's gaze fixed on everything before him; he discovered that the number of Food Spirit Beasts far exceeded his imagination. Some people were even possessed by more than one Food Spirit Beast—two, three, even more.

"Fortunately, Lao Li's plan was well prepared," Hong Jishi inhaled deeply and said gravely, "There are thirty thousand people here, and more are rushing in."

"Add to that those already infected by Food Spirit Beasts, and the number that have split off during this period; by then we will have in our hands hundreds of thousands, even millions of Food Spirit Beasts."

Lin Zhenzi also said gravely, "I hope Lao Li's plan can succeed."

Feng Anzai also murmured in agreement, "It must succeed, otherwise we will truly become sinners for all ages."

Hong Jishi clenched his fists, his eyes revealing resolve: "It must succeed! I have unwavering faith in Lao Li's wit."

His years of tacit understanding and trust with Li Xueru fill him with confidence in this plan. He can feel Li Xueru's inner anger and determination, that strong desire to change the status quo and turn the world around.

When no new Food Spirit Beasts appear, Hong Jishi shouted, "Everyone, leave the Secret Realm immediately and act according to the prearranged plan!"

Under Hong Jishi's command, people departed the Secret Realm swiftly and orderly. Especially the soldiers, who displayed exceptional discipline and execution, withdrawing in a neat, organized manner.

They stepped into the pre‑set garrison point.

A large number of healers stood ready, beginning to employ their Healing Art to treat those who had suffered significant injuries.

The Healing Art contains life force, a power also beloved by the Food Spirit Beasts.

Continuously using the Healing Art can nourish the Food Spirit Beasts, making them docile.

Under these conditions, the Food Spirit Beasts will not choose to kill their hosts, but will opt for long‑term parasitism.

However, some of the Food Spirit Beasts are temperamental, requiring even stronger healers to deal with them.

Hong Jishi turned to Liu Qingqing and said, "This time I'll trouble you again."

Liu Qingqing smiled in reply, "There's no need for thanks between us; I have already gathered the most outstanding healers in the family and can ensure everything goes smoothly."

As a Divine-level Healer, Liu Qingqing's ability is enough to withstand the force of many.

She is also the core pillar of the healer team.

Hong Jishi watched everything proceed methodically within the plan, silently contemplating Li Xueru's strategy.

In short, this strategy is "nurturing gu"!