Chapter 355: Zhengmo War, the World in Chaos!

A powerful earth-elemental Qi surged underground, enveloping the two like an arrow released from a bow, fleeing at extreme speed away from the open ground.

Chen Mu pushed his evasion speed to its limit, disregarding exhaustion, solely intent on escaping this dangerous place as quickly as possible.

Perhaps Chen Mu reacted too swiftly, or perhaps the Tiangong cultivator's primary target was not these two "minor players."

In any case, the terrifying Tiangong aura did not pursue, and the spreading toxic smoke failed to penetrate underground.

Chen Mu carried Ye Jiuzhong, fleeing over a hundred li underground in one continuous burst; only after confirming no pursuers' presence behind them did he break through the earth into a hidden mountain hollow and return to the surface.

"Puff… puff…"

Even with Chen Mu's abundant True Qi, such extreme exertion had taken a toll; he breathed lightly.

Ye Jiuzhong's face was even paler—partly from the immense strain of resisting the aura, partly from lingering shock.

"Brother Chen! Thank you!"

After catching his breath, Ye Jiuzhong immediately bowed deeply to Chen Mu, his face filled with gratitude and lingering fear.

Had Chen Mu not reacted with lightning speed and pulled him away, he would now be just like those others—crushed utterly by the Tiangong aura, his life or death uncertain!

"…"

Chen Mu waved his hand, signaling no need for thanks.

Then, frowning deeply, he gazed toward the Qilin Mountains and said gravely, "Who was that man? Does he truly dare kill Lin Tuotian and Qin Nan? Doesn't he fear the combined wrath of Xuanjian Mountain, Wuji Sect, and others?"

"It's probably not killing—it's capture."

Ye Jiuzhong's solemn countenance darkened as he recalled the strange blue mist, speaking heavily, "That pale blue toxic fog that appeared—I've seen records of it in my sect's texts. It's called 'Biluo Smoke,' a unique toxic miasma of the Wandu Sect!"

"This poison isn't instantly lethal, but it's extremely hard to defend against—it seeps through the skin, specifically shattering protective qi. Even a Di Tan or Shen Qiao cultivator who inhales or contacts too much will have their True Qi stagnate within moments, falling into unconsciousness, helpless and at the mercy of their enemies."

"Wandu Sect?"

Chen Mu's eyes sharply narrowed, "One of the Wudamo Sects?!"

Wudamo Sect.

The Changsheng Sect and Xuemo Sect primarily operate in the southern regions of Da Zhou—the former pursuing perverse "immortality" arts, the latter excelling in blood-refining sorcery, devouring the essence of living beings to cultivate.

The Riyue Mo Sect and Wandu Sect have extended their influence to the north.

The Wandu Sect, as its name suggests, is most skilled in crafting and controlling various deadly poisons, toxic miasmas, and venomous insects; its disciples are often coated in poison, making them nearly impossible to guard against and exceedingly troublesome.

The Jile Sect holds sway in the western regions of Da Zhou and the Western Regions, its doctrines decadent and bizarre.

Chen Mu never expected that upon arriving in northern Wansheng Dao and entering the Qilin Armory for only three days, he would emerge to confront the Wandu Sect in action—and with a Tiangong cultivator personally involved!

"What does the Wandu Sect want with Qin Nan, Xu Zhen, Lin Tuotian, and the others?"

Chen Mu frowned deeply, thinking rapidly, "Could it really be that they're capturing these exceptionally gifted young geniuses to use as test subjects for new poisons or feed to special venomous insects?"

As far as he knew, the Wandu Sect had indeed previously used living people—especially cultivators with notable cultivation or unique physiques—to test poison potency, breed high-grade venomous insects, and even assist in cultivating certain vicious demonic arts.

These top-tier prodigies from major sects were undoubtedly "premium materials."

"I don't know."

Ye Jiuzhong shook his head with solemn countenance, his tone grave, "But this matter is far from simple. Though the Wandu Sect acts recklessly, launching a coordinated strike against so many core heirs of top sects—with a Tiangong cultivator personally leading it…"

"That's equivalent to declaring war simultaneously on Xuanjian Mountain, Wuji Sect, Long Hu Sword Sect, Shenqiang Gate, and countless others! Unless they have a special reason or a greater scheme, they wouldn't be this insane."

He paused, then looked at Chen Mu and said, "Guessing here won't get us answers. Our priority now is to leave this area, find a safe place, and gather information about what's happening outside. The Wandu Sect dared act so brazenly—perhaps the entire world has already erupted."

Chen Mu fully agreed and nodded, "Fine! Head to Wuzhou's capital!"

The two wasted no more time, confirmed their direction, leapt into the air, suppressed their Qi, and raced toward Wuzhou's capital at top speed.

Along the way, both remained hyper-vigilant, fearing ambushes or pursuit by the Wandu Sect.

Several hours later, they arrived at Wuzhou's capital.

Before even entering the city, they sensed a tension unlike any other day.

The number of soldiers guarding the city gates had increased severalfold, each fully armed, faces grim, with far stricter inspections of entrants and exits; atop the walls, they could even see newly erected Gang-Shattering Crossbows and defensive arrays glowing with shimmering light.

Inside the city, the streets were noticeably emptier, and most passersby hurried with anxious expressions.

The once-bustling marketplace had grown quiet; some shops had already closed.

The air carried a suffocating pressure, like a storm about to break.

Chen Mu and Ye Jiuzhong exchanged a glance, each seeing solemnity in the other's eyes.

They had originally planned to visit the "Hero's Pavilion," the city's most reliable source of news, but now it seemed unnecessary.

For the streets, teahouses, taverns, and even whispered conversations among pedestrians were filled with terrified, furious, and anxious murmurs.

Fragments of speech coalesced into a clear current of truth.

"... Too sudden! The Wudamo Sects launched a coordinated strike!"

"Not just a strike—it's full-scale war! I heard the Xuemo Sect overran the Seven Sword Sect's main base overnight!"

"The north is worse—Wandu Sect and Riyue Mo Sect joined forces, ambushing several sects and clans; rumors say even the geniuses who entered the Qilin Armory were caught!"

"The Jile Sect in the west is also stirring… Now everything's in chaos!"

"It's not just the Wu Lin—the imperial court can't sit idle either. Garrison troops everywhere are mobilizing; I heard even parts of the Shence Army have begun marching!"

"A Zhengmo War… This is a Zhengmo War! It hasn't happened in so many years!"

"The world's falling apart! What are we common folk supposed to do now…?"

Wudamo Sects… simultaneous strike… Zhengmo War… the world in chaos…

Each keyword exploded like thunder in Chen Mu and Ye Jiuzhong's ears.

The two finally understood why the Wandu Sect dared act so recklessly against Lin Tuotian and the others.

This was no isolated attack or raid—it was the long-planned beginning of a full-scale war engulfing all of Da Zhou's Wu Lin and beyond!

For reasons unknown, the Wudamo Sects had chosen to launch a coordinated, all-out assault against the orthodox sects and even the imperial court, all at once.

War had, in a single night, spread across the entire Da Zhou realm.