Chapter 60: Great Qin's Nine Provinces, Forcefully Entering Beast City

The dantian and the fifteen orifices were filled.

This is the effect of a spirit crystal.

Qin Feng was somewhat shocked.

"This is the treasure!" his eyes lit up.

If it were an ordinary master, it would burst.

The next day, Qin Feng began cultivating the Nine‑Layer Golden Bell Shield and Death Sword Qi, and kept flipping through the various basic techniques Yan Hongye sent, as well as secret arts from the Xiang Family, Bai Family, and others, to strengthen, accumulate, and settle himself.

At the same time he continued to develop the Inch Fist, refine the Step‑Into‑Air technique, and also comprehended the Dao of Artistic Conception.

The days were very fulfilling.

The residence also began making arrangements for the New Year.

Zhang Fu had already roughly dealt with the matters outside, was temporarily idle, and after reporting here, he heard Qin Feng ask about New Year customs. He sat down slowly and said: "Legend says that in ancient times there was a great demon; every time the coldest, snowiest period arrived, it would appear to cause trouble, its strength unmatched, terrifying the world. Yet someone inadvertently discovered that it feared the sound of firecrackers from burning bamboo and disliked red, especially the flame of a red candle. Knowing this, each time the Nian appeared, people would paste red characters on the door, and to be safe, light red candles, even burn bamboo strips in a fire pit to make noise; this could easily drive the Nian away, thus the 'Nian' calamity was passed. Over time this evolved into the established custom called New Year. After New Year, spring warms and flowers bloom, and the red characters gradually turned into spring couplets. Wearing new red clothes during New Year, etc., all spread this way, becoming customary; even as dynasties changed, this custom never altered."

"So that's it!"

This explanation is very similar to that of a previous life.

But in this world it has some truth, after all demons truly exist.

Zhang Fu mentioned some miscellaneous matters again.

For example, he sent New Year goods to Old Qin Village and food to the farms below, among other things.

Also, the shop assistants in the city received an extra month's salary.

"The Lord's Residence remains as always, turning a blind eye, taking no action," Zhang Fu continued, "The Liu Family and the Cao Family have both sent many gifts."

"However, the Cao Family seems off; they mobilized a group of robust youths into the Cao Residence, and none have emerged."

"And the head of the Cao Family gives me a very strange feeling."

"The Lu Family, Xiang Family, and Bai Family still have some unruly descendants, which caused a few incidents, but they were easily resolved."

"The Fan Family side has little movement. Yet many events occurred in the prefectural city; many warriors died, but investigations yielded no results."

"All members of the Black Dragon Guard in the city garrison are unfamiliar faces, and they are very powerful."

"The Third Branch also behaves honestly and properly, occasionally bowing low to show goodwill, hoping to return to the Qin Family; the old servant ignored them."

"The residence now holds over one million taels of silver, divided into three parts and hidden in three secret vaults; you may draw upon them at any time."

"All martial arts manuals have also been transcribed and sealed away."

Zhang Fu babbled, summarizing all the matters.

Compared to before, he is now full of vigor.

After all, having reached the eighth‑rank cultivation, he no longer has hidden injuries, and with the family head so powerful, there is essentially no pressure.

"Our Qin Family is now thriving!" Zhang Fu said with great satisfaction.

"The only shortcoming is a lack of manpower," Qin Feng smiled, "There are too few strong ones."

Zhang Fu deeply agreed.

Cultivating manpower cannot be achieved in one stroke; it must proceed slowly.

As the year's end approaches, the city boils with activity.

Although many events occurred in the city, they had little impact on ordinary people; the festivity remains festive.

The Qin Residence is also very lively.

What surprised Qin Feng was that Yue Wu had not returned.

Through contract sensing, the other party is not dead.

"Something must have happened."

As for never returning? Qin Feng never considered it.

After the New Year, the young master of the Cao Family sent a tribute letter, requesting a visit before the sixth day of the new year.

"Cao Family!"

Qin Feng recalled the words of Fu Ye Ye from earlier in the year; the Cao Family seemed to have some trouble, but he did not mind much.

With strength, one can suppress all unrest.

Sixth day, morning.

Cao Jian arrived bearing heavy gifts.

In the living room, after the formalities, he took two sips of tea and Cao Jian laughed, "Qin Family Master, calling you like this feels awkward to me."

"Then just call me Qin Brother!" Qin Feng laughed.

"No, no!" Cao Jian hurriedly shook his head, "If my father finds out, he'll definitely beat me up."

"Then wait until you become the family head!"

"Hehe, you're just giving me a reason to suffer!"

Cao Jian chatted a few more idle words, then probed his head and whispered, "I came this time to ask you something: in the great battle that night before the year, do you know who could control thunder? Controlling thunder—I've heard that after hearing about it, one's soul trembles; such power is comparable to a deity."

"Is it you who wants to know, or did your father send you?" Qin Feng's eyes flickered as he replied.

"My father!" Cao Jian said.

"Cao Family, have there been any recent odd occurrences?" Qin Feng asked again.

He sensed nothing unusual about Cao Jian.

"Unusual?" Cao Jian hesitated, then shook his head, "No! Qin Family Master, I am here to inquire."

He showed a melancholy hue.

"Haha…" Qin Feng couldn't help laughing, and said, "I don't know the specifics, but I guess it's the Black Dragon Guard. If you inquire about the Black Dragon Guard, you must be careful."

"Black Dragon Guard?" Cao Jian couldn't help trembling.

He eventually left.

Qin Feng stood at the doorway, looked toward the Cao Family direction, and thought: that night when thunder appeared, the one involved was the evil demon.

Cao Family, evil demon! He closed his eyes, amplified his sensing to the maximum, and quickly radiated it outward.

Now his strength has increased, so the Super God Sensing works even better.

Faintly, he sensed a vague ominous aura.

"The Cao Family might indeed get into trouble."

"If it truly is an evil demon, it must be connected to Sun Qian."

"Qin Ziyue is operating nearby, I have also fought the Great Roc King, and yet dares to cause trouble here; his strength is probably far from ordinary."

Qin Feng hesitated, but ultimately suppressed his impulse.

If the other side doesn't pick a fight, then we stall.

Stalling will eventually make it easy to resolve.

Another ten or so days passed, and Yan Hongye arrived.

She said with a solemn expression: "Ten Thousand Beasts City has encountered a crisis that needs urgent handling, Qin brother, can you go now?"

"What's in it for me?" Qin Feng gestured for her to sit, and personally poured a cup of tea.

"As a member of the Black Dragon Guard, protecting the home and nation, slaying demons and expelling evil, isn't that our duty!" Yan Hongye muttered, then mysteriously added, "This time you take the lead; the benefit Ten Thousand Beasts City gains, you will receive eighty percent."

"If the two of us go, I only get eighty percent of the benefit?" Qin Feng showed a disgusted expression.

"What, think my strength is insufficient?" Yan Hongye flared up, "Don't forget, I once saved your life."

"You also said it was back then!"

"Hmph, little pervert. This time it's not just you and me, but also a large number of Black Dragon Guard members secretly heading there, including two Masters."

"That's more like it!" Qin Feng's gaze hardened, and he asked, "First, tell me about the situation over at Ten Thousand Beasts City."

These days he had Zhang Fu inquire, but unfortunately the distance was too great and there were no external information channels, so no useful information was obtained.

Now not only is he sent, but there are also two Masters operating covertly.

The seriousness of the situation there is evident, so it naturally needs clarification.

"Over there, originally there were three factions!" Yan Hongye said slowly.

Within the Great Qin Empire, it is divided into nine provinces.

In the east are Qing Province and East Province; the south has Wind Province and South Province; the west has Thunder Province and West Province; the north has Cloud Province and North Province. The middle is Central Province, setting the heart of the land and governing the myriad peoples of the four directions.

In the east lies East Cloud Mountain, spanning East Province and Cloud Province, stretching for countless miles. Inside are countless peaks, crisscrossing ravines, dense forests, warblers singing and apes calling, ferocious beasts everywhere, and great demons roaming.

The deep parts of the mountain are extremely dangerous.

Precisely at the border of East Province and Cloud Province, backed by East Cloud Mountain, there is a city called Ten Thousand Beasts City.

Long before the Great Qin, a demon king founded a massive city there, gathering the demon tribes, howling through the mountains and forests, and breeding blood food.

It was later destroyed.

After several rises and falls, up to now, there are wanted criminals of the court, sect outcasts, horse bandits and thieves, even half‑beasts, and so on, all gathering there.

Because of the special environment, it became a lawless place.

"Now there are three main forces there!" Yan Hongye said, "They are the Brotherhood, the Seven Sword Disciples, and Heavenly Gate; their leaders are all Grand Master strongmen, maintaining a relative balance. Just a few days ago we received news that the Heavenly Gate Sect Leader has broken through into the Celestial Phenomena Realm, preparing to gather all forces of Ten Thousand Beasts City. If successful, it will pose a threat to the court."

Qin Feng nodded.

Masters are not frightening.

Moreover, since it's a three‑way contest, it's even less frightening.

But now the balance is broken; once a single group forms, if its leader is an ambitious person, they will surely leave Ten Thousand Beasts City, causing terrible destruction.

"One Celestial Phenomenon, two Grand Masters, at least ten Masters, plus hidden great demons, etc." Qin Feng said, shaking his head, "This is sending me to my death!"

"Qin brother, you promised!" Yan Hongye hurriedly said, "Besides, you are the formidable person who almost killed the Great Roc King; for you, Ten Thousand Beasts City is just a small task. Once you capture it, you could earn at least tens of millions of taels of silver, numerous supreme martial arts techniques, and perhaps even spirit crystals."

"Since there's such massive wealth, let the patron go and slay them all directly, or send a Celestial Phenomena Realm strongman; why must I act!" Qin Feng said.

"The patron is restrained, and the court has its own difficulties," Yan Hongye looked at him and suddenly said, "Are you still going to set conditions? Qin brother, be straightforward."

"Before I go, I need spirit crystals, give me five pieces." Qin Feng said with blazing eyes, "I can purchase them with money."

"Five pieces?" Yan Hongye was shocked.

"That's my condition. If you agree, I'll go with you; if not, never mind!" Qin Feng said indifferently.

He will definitely go to Ten Thousand Beasts City.

But there is a huge difference between having a mission and not having one.

"I need to report this!" Yan Hongye hesitated briefly, then got up and left.

Qin Feng smiled.

His gaze hardened, and his personal information appeared before him.

Name: Qin Feng

Gene: 20× (advanced conditions: double pupils of a human, millennium locust tree heart, Death Flower, soul stone, soul‑eating insect) Talents: Unity of Heaven and Man, Super God Sensing, Super Recovery, Supreme Yang Heart Flame

Cultivation: Master (140 acupoints; Carefree Heart Method)

Body Refinement: Double Stage (mid‑phase; Dragon‑Elephant Supporting Heaven Technique)

Techniques: Inch Fist (three layers), Death Sword Qi (forty‑nine acupoints), Golden Bell Shield (six layers), Sky‑Stepping, Instant Step, Droplet Sword, Three‑Phase Sword Finger, Carefree Three Absolutes, Carefree Sword Classic, Seven‑Cut Pulse Severing Path Intent: Rain (minor achievement), Wind (minor gate), Fire (minor achievement). After nearly a month of cultivation, Qin Feng's transformation is tremendous.

All one hundred and forty acupoints have been fully opened.

The Dragon‑Elephant Supporting Heaven Technique has reached the double‑stage mid‑phase.

Inch Fist has also progressed to three layers; the Death Sword Qi secret method has already condensed sword qi in forty‑nine acupoints and continues to refine until it is completed in all acupoints.

The nine‑layer Golden Bell Shield has comprehended the sixth layer; its defense is fairly good.

Additionally, the Wind realm has reached minor achievement.

Through the Supreme Yang Heart Flame, he also realized the Fire realm and directly attained the minor achievement stage.

Progress is remarkable.

The improvement is huge.

Compared to when he fought and killed the Great Peng King, his combat power has increased by several times or more.

If he were to face the Great Peng King now, even if he couldn't kill the opponent, he could easily suppress them.

The next day, Yan Hongye came to the Qin Manor once again.

"I don't know why the Gold Patron favors you so much, actually giving you five Spirit Crystals directly." Yan Hongye said somewhat sourly, "The Gold Patron asked me to tell you that she still has some Spirit Crystals, and also some Intent Seeds; if you want to continue obtaining them, you can exchange them with merit."

"Impressive!" Qin Feng gave a thumbs up, marveling at Qin Ziyue's determination.

"It's time to go!"

"Tomorrow!"

"Good!"

That day, Qin Feng summoned Zhang Fu, Qin Yuan, Mei Yi, Qin Kai and others, saying he would go out for a trip and have them guard the home well.

Externally, they said he was in seclusion to break through.

"Sir, let me go with you!" Xiao Hong tugged at his sleeve.

"Me too!" Xiao Qing stood on the other side, showing a pleading expression.

"Head of the family, let me be your carriage driver!" Zhang Fu proposed.

"I'll guard beside you!" Qin Kai also said.

"If you follow, even one or two months of travel might not be enough." Qin Feng refused them all.

The next day.

Qin Feng carried a long sword and left quietly.

Outside the city, he mounted a Dragon Scale Horse, whose hooves bore scales and forehead bore dragon horns; it was a divine steed capable of traveling three thousand li per day.

He drove…

Qin Feng and Yan Hongye each rode a horse and sped away.

The speed was incredible, the wind howled, their clothes fluttered, and their long hair flowed.

With a thought in his heart, Wind Intent already permeated out, completely canceling wind resistance, thus increasing the Dragon Scale Horse's speed a bit.

"This method is good!" Yan Hongye immediately realized, her eyes lighting up; she also activated Wind Intent, "but the consumption is huge."

"Hongye, how many intents have you comprehended,"

"Not many, only three."

"Three is not many?"

"It's not that many! Besides Wind Intent, I've only just barely gotten started with the others; comprehension is too difficult. I'm still hesitating whether to abandon two and focus on one, for if I try to cover all three, I'll definitely waste a lot of time and even ruin my chance to enter the Heavenly Phenomenon Realm."

"Then first master one, and after it's perfected, learning the others won't be too late!"

"The Gold Patron said the same! Qin Brother, how about you, how many have you comprehended?"

"Three!"

"I'm awesome!"

"You're a girl!"

"What's wrong with being a girl? Same..." Yan Hongye blew up, her mindset also unbalanced, almost saying something even more embarrassing; she quickly stopped, her face turned red, and she gritted her teeth, saying, "You little brat, you're only fifteen—no, sixteen—and you've already comprehended three. Awesome, it's unfair."

"You're awesome again!"

"I'm just awesome at you, what can you do!"

Yan Hongye glared with cold eyes.

Qin Feng twitched the corner of his mouth.

Along the way there was no talk, nothing happened, yet they also saw the outside chaos, with bandits running rampant and people unable to make a living, hard to describe.

By comparison, Ten Thousand Peace City was also quite good.

That day they arrived ten li outside Ten Thousand Beasts City and handed the Dragon Scale Horse over to the welcoming Black Dragon Guard.

"What should we do?" Yan Hongye asked.

She had already explained the general situation of Ten Thousand Beasts City.

"First charge into the Brotherhood and search for the Soul Stone!"

Qin Feng said decisively.

To him, this was the top priority.

There's still more at midnight! (End of chapter)