Chapter 172: The Terrifying Physical Body!

The northern city wall bears a great protective array cast a thousand years ago by array masters under the orders of the Great Xia Ancestral Emperor, and only the command arrow held by the Zhenbei Army can activate it.

Those inside cannot leave, and those outside find it nearly impossible to breach.

Originally, this small squad tasked with escorting the command arrow was to arrive ahead and wait for them, but the war broke out too suddenly, disrupting the army's rhythm and delaying their progress.

Just a cup of tea ago, a message arrived from the army stating the escort unit was en route.

At this moment, the young geniuses from the immortal sects also descended from the city wall, their expressions grim.

The barbarian warriors are strong, massive, and tough.

This was their first impression of the barbarians after watching the battle from the ramparts, exactly matching Ji You's judgment.

This race is composed of countless different humanoid tribes who intermarried and reproduced, gradually evolving into a single race.

Each of these humanoid tribes originally possessed unique innate talents, and over these millennia of mutual fusion, they have grown powerful enough to be no longer ignorable.

In fact, the human race had opportunities to exterminate the barbarians—many times.

Especially after the founding of Great Xia, those immortal sects and aristocratic families had grown immensely rich from the offerings of the common people, and immortals capable of moving mountains and filling seas were commonplace.

Had they not chosen to sit idle in deep mountains pursuing the Immortal Dao, but instead surged forward together, the barbarians might have vanished long ago.

But they did not.

Current historical records do not state why humans chose not to act, but the reason is easy to guess.

Either the human states, after centuries of warfare, desired peace and recovery, or they deemed the cowardly, war-shy barbarians no real threat.

But the more important reason was that humans knew the Dao had bestowed fortune upon them.

As folk tales often say, when the barbarians launched a full-tribe assault on Han Tie Pass, they were suddenly struck by a blizzard and nearly annihilated, proving humans were the chosen masters of heaven.

Under this aura of heavenly favor, the human race prospered.

But what they gained in return was strife among immortal sects, conflict among aristocratic families, and Great Xia reduced to a tool for immortal rulers to govern the masses, with covert resistance growing and hearts gradually fracturing.

Now, every immortal faction harbors secret agendas, internally divided and externally hostile.

Some even believe that since I can cultivate and ascend, what do I care about tribal lands?

Thus, when the top beam is crooked, the bottom beams will surely follow.

To expect them to unite against a common enemy again, unless the barbarians actually storm their gates and strike their faces.

In contrast, the barbarians, forced by harsh conditions to band together for survival, have grown stronger through unity and become increasingly impossible to ignore.

Fortunately, the northern city wall has blocked them, and the Qingyun Immortal Rules permit the Zhenbei Army to cultivate, so the barbarians have never succeeded.

Until the Qiling incident occurred, the elder ancestor of the Zheng family used dark arts to ascend to immortality, as if announcing to the world that the Dao had changed.

Thus, the demon race also began to stir, tipping the balance slowly.

"Esteemed Immortal Elders, esteemed envoys, this mission beyond the pass is fraught with peril. To prepare for the unknown, we shall divide into three teams at the gate."

"The envoy delegation will be at the center, while each of you immortals flank the delegation on either side, with the three teams spaced no more than five li apart, entering the north in a ' Chuan ' formation."

"If you encounter scattered barbarian troops, avoid combat—focus on maintaining speed!"

The deputy director of the Si Xian Jian, Peng Dongyang, was giving final instructions and assignments for the mission.

Ji You was assigned to the right flank, alongside his sect-mate Xiao Hanyan, Jiang Chenfeng and Jiang Yan of the Wenda Sect, Gongshu Chou and Yan Qiubai of Lingjian Mountain.

Shi Junhao of the Tian Shu Academy, Huo Hong, the illegitimate son of the Shanhai Pavilion, along with Jiang Yuerou, Tu Ri, Xie Chenyu, and others formed another team.

Of the six elders dispatched by the six immortal sects, four were Yingtian and two were Wujiang; they accompanied the envoy convoy in the center, ready to adapt as needed.

After assignments were made, the carriages were lined into three columns.

At this moment, Ji You summoned seven of the finest spirit swords from his storage gourd, binding them to his body along with their scabbards, just like the ancient figure in "A Chinese Ghost Story."

Not very handsome, but practical was enough.

Because if a life-or-death battle truly erupted, even a moment's delay could be fatal.

The barbarians would not grant him time to summon weapons from his gourd; this method was the safest.

At this moment, those assigned to the right flank turned to look at him, and seeing his display like a peacock spreading its tail, they began whispering among themselves.

"What is this?"

"Gongshu Chou said he always uses seven swords at once."

Jiang Chenfeng stared at him for a long while, then shook his head: "If your spiritual sense is insufficient, splitting your control among multiple swords might injure yourself. I should've swapped him for Tu Xu."

The left and right flanks were the escort teams, so their strength had to be balanced—thus their junior sect brothers were assigned to the other side.

In their eyes, Ji You clearly had the aura of cannon fodder; if they truly encountered barbarians, they weren't sure whether to use him or not.

This wasn't an immortal sect debate where points were enough—combat strength meant life or death.

Gongshu Chou now walked over slowly, gazing at Ji You with a calm expression.

"Seven swords on your person, your aura is imposing—truly your style."

"?"

Ji You had just finished binding the swords, his face showing a hint of confusion.

He didn't know Gongshu Chou had invented a theory: the greater your reputation, the greater my value.

From his perspective, he had once used dark energy suppression to nearly kill Gongshu Chou; logically, they should have been mortal enemies.

"You ambushed me, a Rong Dao cultivator, and left me gravely wounded, subjecting me to the world's ridicule! Today, it's either your death or mine!"

"You, a mere Tong Xuan, without the dark energy suppression of Qiling, I could crush you with one finger!"

"Scream all you want—no one will save you now, hehehehehe!"

According to the web novels he'd read, Gongshu Chou's attitude toward him should have been exactly like this—not a shred of kindness.

Now, suddenly praising him, it felt utterly bizarre.

Didn't I stab him one inch to the right of his heart, not one inch to the right of his head?

But before he could think further, a distant cry of warhorses rang out. Ji You turned to see a group of dozens racing toward them, pulling their reins to halt their steeds.

The lead horse carried a armored general named Ding Ze, his expression stern.

"Gentlemen, we've just received intelligence: the barbarians have launched an attack today, expanding their front. Barbarian scouts now roam within a thousand li radius—I suspect they anticipated a human envoy mission to the Snowlands."

"They don't know your departure time or route, so they've stretched their lines, deploying reconnaissance patrols across the pass."

As he finished speaking, everyone in the envoy delegation tightened their brows.

Ding Ze raised his hand to silence the murmurs: "But rest assured—the barbarians' main force remains at Han Tie Pass, fighting our army. The reconnaissance patrols are not lethal, but you must exterminate them completely to prevent them from sending word; otherwise, they'll summon reinforcements and pursue relentlessly."

Ji You stood on the left, hearing this and thought: Now I've got my hands full.

Originally, we wanted to avoid them, take a detour—but now it seems we won't just encounter them, we'll have to charge through enemy lines.

This expense must be recorded by the Office of Affairs—I'll demand more silver upon return, because this is blatant misrepresentation of the image versus reality.

At that moment, Ding Ze suddenly raised his command arrow high. Instantly, a brilliant spiritual light shot like an arrow straight into the sky, striking precisely on the ramparts of Luoyue Pass.

Instantly, a deep blue array pattern surfaced on the wall like ink spreading in water, then, within moments, receded like a retreating tide from the gate outward.

Simultaneously, the massive black iron gate, with a grating, ear-splitting screech and thunderous rumble, slowly opened.

At once, the sounds of battle beyond the pass grew clearer, and the air rushing in carried a tinge of blood.

Thus, everyone boarded their carriages and drove out of Luoyue Pass, following the distant haze of smoke.

Before them stretched a barren wasteland choked with weeds, even more desolate than Fengzhou.

There were no roads; the further they went, the wilder it became. Even seated in the carriage, they felt the mud beneath the wheels, and a chilling aura seemed to pierce through the cabin.

According to the Si Xian Jian manual, the land beyond the northern border is utterly unsuitable for crops—only these fine, dense roots, flat stems, and flat, dark green leaves can grow.

And most of these grasses are highly toxic.

Thus, the barbarians' determination to return to the Nine Provinces was understandable.

This place is simply unfit for long-term habitation.

At this moment, the convoy raced across the barbarian wastelands beyond the northern plains, spiritual energy howling as the artifacts suppressing aura fluctuations hummed continuously…

In the following days, news of the envoy mission coinciding with renewed barbarian aggression spread back to the Nine Provinces.

Upon hearing this, most people remained calm—after all, battles beyond Han Tie Pass were constant; one more outbreak didn't stir their nerves.

The enthusiastic crowds who had gathered to see the envoy off seemed to have merely been there for the spectacle.

For instance, at the outer academy of the Tian Shu Academy, no one even discussed it; everyone's focus remained on who would enter the inner academy.

Pu Yangxing had already begun condensing his second mysterious light, while Lu Hanyan had caught up to him in progress.

As for Fang Jincheng, he now decided to abandon sensing the Heavenly Book entirely.

Through family connections, his great-grandfather had sent nearly every inner academy disciple who had sensed the Heavenly Book from the Changsheng Palace.

After several futile attempts, the hope in his heart finally died.

He could not sense it—no clue at all.

Thus, in the first year of Taichu, not a single outer academy disciple sensed the Heavenly Book.

But a few others, who cared about the border or those heading there, stood out in their unease amid the general calm.

For example, Cao Jingsong, Ban Yangshu, Wen Zhengxin, and from Ji Zhai, Pei Ruyi and Qiu Zhong—they all lived with clenched hearts, alternating between worry and regret.

Earlier, Ji You had said if Han Tie Pass fell, Fengzhou would be lost, so he was going; they had understood.

But now that he was truly gone, they felt they should never have agreed, no matter what he said.

Because even if this mission succeeded in preventing the barbarian-demon alliance, if he died, Fengzhou would not fare any better.

After all, with him as precedent, the incoming immortal estates would never again allow Fengzhou to produce another immortal sect disciple.

Then taxes and tributes would rise again, and the people would suffer even more.

Meanwhile, the chancellor's daughter had not stepped outside for days, staying indoors, gazing northward, oblivious to the turning of stars and moon, day after day.

And the scholar she longed for was now inside Han Tie Pass, standing in the Zhenbei Army's encampment.

Outside the pass, the battle raged fiercely; wild spiritual energy howled through the air, colliding and triggering violent gales that stirred yellow dust from the ramparts, covering him in a layer of dirt—he paid no mind to washing.

"General Ding, it's the fifth day—any news from beyond the pass?"

"Apologies, Sir Inspector, we have no news of them today."

Ding Ze, who had opened the Luoyue Pass for the envoy delegation that day, returned from the city wall and bowed to deliver the answer upon hearing the question.

At the sound, Kuangcheng furrowed his brow, his fist clenched tightly beneath his sleeve.

After parting with Ji You in Fengzhou's northwest, he came here.

Human reconnaissance units operate outside the city, monitoring the barbarians' movements and occasionally sending back news of the envoy.

For instance, when they were ten li from the city, they encountered barbarian cavalry and ambushed and annihilated them; at fifty li, they avoided the main barbarian force by detouring—but in the following days, no such reports came at all.

Ding Ze now patted his shoulder: "Our recon teams can't penetrate the barbarian wastes, so not getting news is actually a good sign—it means they're moving fast and are nearly out of the combat zone. But likewise, no more news will come."

"They've come this far already...?"

Ding Ze nodded and added: "Do you have friends among the envoy, Sir Inspector?"

Kuangcheng nodded: "One close friend. I'm deeply worried for his safety."

"You needn't worry too much. The Immortal Sects have sent many experts this time, advancing in a triangular formation—the envoys are well protected. Though the barbarians possess formidable physiques and innate talents, they are distant from the Dao and can cultivate only in extremely rare cases."

"So while the passage through the Dao-attuned realm is dangerous, caution ensures survival. In my view, the only one in this delegation who might die is the one who tied himself up like a peacock displaying its feathers—a Tongxuan cultivator."

To comfort Kuangcheng, Ding Ze chuckled lightly—but saw the scholar turn to him, eyes sharp, not smiling at all.

And a hundred li away, atop a mountain ridge deep in the barbarian wastes.

A barbarian soldier, thick-furred and powerfully built, watched the approaching sword-wielding man, his eyes igniting with murderous intent.

He was Lang Da, leader of the third squad in the patrol unit.

Two days ago, he received the chieftain's direct order: the humans were likely sending an envoy to the snowlands; they were to keep watch and kill any they saw.

He hadn't taken it seriously—until, in the following days, his soldiers began disappearing one after another. He suspected the humans had infiltrated, and specifically from his direction, so he came here to scout—and indeed, he met one.

Perfect! I'll earn glory!

Lang Da dismounted, gripping his steel blade, his face twisted into a bloodthirsty snarl. His powerful arms bulged, veins thrumming with wild, untamed strength.

Hum!

A deafening rush of air erupted like thunder.

Lang Da swung his iron blade in a furious slash—before him, a blade of light screamed skyward!

Clang! The sword and blade clashed. Lang Da's pupils snapped shut. He instantly raised his blade before his chest, studying the human before him anew—his eyes filled with disbelief.

The barbarians were a superior race to humans, innately unmatched in divine strength.

Yet in this collision, he felt a mountain-like force—and suddenly, he grew wary. His thick nostrils flared as he panted wildly.

This wasn't exhaustion—it was excitement!

Lang Da gripped his blade with both hands, staring at the slender human before him. A cruel grin spread across his face as he charged forward!

Horizontal slash!

Direct chop!

Circular cut!

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Lang Da's barbarian aura surged violently, his blade winds like a storm—yet the human before him remained expressionless, drawing his sword with swift, fluid grace. Blade-light flashed everywhere, clashing fiercely against his iron blade.

The sun now sank westward; yellow sands rose across the earth.

In moments, dozens of sword-blade clashes rang out, sparks flying!

Lang Da stomped and leapt high, his iron blade descending straight down—his battle fury fully ignited, for he realized this human, like a barbarian warrior, possessed tremendous strength!

He had once served in the Vanguard, killing countless human soldiers who felt as limp as noodles—almost shattered by a single slash.

But barbarians forbade fighting among their own—this had always frustrated him.

Now, finally, he'd met a human who could make him unleash his full power!

Hum!

As his iron blade vibrated, Lang Da slashed horizontally, chopped straight, cut in a circle—trying to crush the slender human beneath his overwhelming force.

But suddenly, he noticed the human's sword trembled—blade-light surged like overlapping waves, striking his blade with a thunderous *bang*, sending a fierce aura surging through his weapon!

Clang! The iron blade flew from his grip. Lang Da's green eyes widened in shock.

He couldn't comprehend human swordcraft. He pondered long, unable to fathom why his blade trembled uncontrollably—his expression twisted into fury.

But then his pupils contracted again—because after his blade fell, he saw the slender human discard his own sword.

"Go berserk."

"?"

"Berserk. Quickly. Or you're disrespecting me."

Before Lang Da understood, the human raised his arms—and a scorching aura surged toward him, whipping through his fur.

As the sun sank, night gradually enveloped the land.

Beneath this night, a mist crept silently forward.

From Shen to You hours—one hour passed—the sky was utterly dark.

Now, in the western depths of the ridge, beside a black swamp, within a grove of dead trees.

The envoy's caravan rested quietly within the forest.

Yan Qiu Bai, a disciple of Lingjian Mountain, scanned the forest with his spiritual sense, observing every rustle—when suddenly, spiritual energy surged in the air, bending the grass.

Instantly, Jiang Yan drifted in, holding a body covered in thick fur, her longsword dripping blood.

"Just one?"

"One isn't enough. Sister, you may not know—the deeper we go, the stronger the barbarians become."

Jiang Yan dropped the corpse: "I don't know if barbarians have our ranking system, but today's one was far stronger than those before—especially after berserking. His strength and speed changed completely, and his flesh is truly unbreakable—more so after berserking."

They had entered the wastes five days ago; now, the deeper they went, the more barbarian cavalry they encountered.

Perhaps because the territory to patrol was too vast, they lacked enough men to form large groups—so they appeared only in small numbers.

To avoid detection and pursuit, they always split up to clear nearby barbarian patrols.

They also had to retrieve the corpses—otherwise, the dead barbarians would reveal their path.

And the barbarians they'd met these past days, as Jiang Yan said, grew harder to handle the deeper they went.

Yan Qiu Bai looked at the corpse: "The barbarians' strength tiers were explained by the Zhenbei Army. Due to constant warfare, they rank by military rank: three soldier tiers—Lower, Middle, Upper—and three general tiers—Lower, Middle, Upper—with three more above them: the King tiers."

Jiang Yan frowned: "What tier is this one?"

"Upper Soldier tier. After berserking, he matches Upper Tongxuan. Some barbarians possess rapid healing, even reaching early Rongdao level."

"Their third tier is already this strong?"

Yan Qiu Bai smiled faintly: "Don't worry, Sister Jiang. Since they struggle to connect with the Dao, even the three General tiers are merely enhancements to physique and innate talent—far less potent than human realm advancements."

Jiang Yan understood: their innate strength and talents gave them a high starting point.

But their later realm gains brought far less combat power than human realm advancements.

Just then, a whistle pierced the night sky. Jiang Chenfeng drifted down, landing amid a gust of air, his gaze calm as he tossed two Upper Soldier corpses to the ground.

Rongdao cultivators differ—depending on their Dao and techniques.

Though Jiang Chenfeng was Jiang Yan's cousin, his strength was higher—he had slain two Upper Soldiers, only his hairpin slightly askew.

"Chenfeng, how are you?"

"My left shoulder aches slightly."

Jiang Chenfeng pressed his shoulder: "These two patrols weren't strong, but their physiques are absurd. As long as they don't close in, they're easy prey."

Jiang Yan stared at his shoulder: "You let them get close?"

"No harm done. I wanted to test a technique I discovered during my seclusion—they slipped through."

Just then, another sound came from the forest.

All three turned—seeing a figure emerging from thick mist, slowly approaching.

Then they saw Ji You's face, expression thoughtful, dragging a thick-furred corpse behind him.

Yan Qiu Bai spoke: "Did any barbarians escape?"

Ji You dropped the corpse: "No. Just this one."

"How was it?"

"The barbarians are truly ferocious—no manners at all. Their physiques are terrifying, especially these past two days—far beyond what I expected."

Ji You finished speaking and coughed twice.

From the first barbarian he killed after crossing the border to this one, he'd slain five. Though yesterday's and today's were strongest, the first three weren't weak.

It's said barbarians' divine strength and physique are innate—meaning even their weakest fighters surpass most humans.

Already this dangerous just inside—perhaps that's why only Rongdao cultivators are allowed.

Damn, they're too fierce. We need more pay.

Jiang Yan smiled inwardly as she saw Ji You lost in thought over the barbarians' strength.

Even Rongdao cultivators found their physiques terrifying—how much worse for a Tongxuan like him?

Ji You then bowed and took his leave, finding a corner to sit and recover.

Only now did they notice his hairpin was cracked, his robe torn open, his whole body seeming exhausted—even seated, he coughed continuously, his chest trembling faintly, far from Jiang Chenfeng's effortless grace.

Seeing this, Yan Qiu Bai and Jiang Yan exchanged glances.

Ever since the first decision to clear patrols, Ji You had been sent out every night, always returning with a corpse.

After all, the early ones were merely Lower Soldiers—equivalent to early Tongxuan—nothing for him.

But he returned far slower than others—perhaps due to his true strength gap.

And recently, Ji You's return time grew noticeably slower; from his disheveled appearance, he must have fought desperately—some even suspected he'd suffered hidden injuries, but no one dared say it.

With his strength, he's already reached his limit by now.

Yan Qiu Bai snapped out of his thoughts and glanced at Jiang Yan: "We still have more than half the journey to the Snow Region. If we encounter a barbarian of the General Realm, he won't be able to return alive like he did this time."

Jiang Yan turned to look at Yan Qiu Bai: "This is still the best-case scenario—at least the two from the Heavenly Book Academy might still have a chance to save him, since they're from the same sect."

"Is there a worse scenario?"

"That's if the barbarians discover us but we fail to clean them all up—or let one escape—and they summon more, stronger barbarian forces. Then everyone will have to rush to protect the envoy team and let them flee first."

Jiang Yan looked at Ji You, seated cross-legged beneath the tree: "With our Fusion Dao cultivation base, even if we're wounded holding the rear, we can still retreat safely. But him—a Cultivation of the Profound Realm? He'll die for sure."

After a moment's thought, Yan Qiu Bai's crimson lips parted: "Jiang Yan, you say if we face just one, the two from the Heavenly Book Academy will save him. I doubt it."

"Hm?"

"They sent a Cultivation of the Profound Realm here—clearly to send him to die."

Yan Qiu Bai walked toward the right: "I'll go call my senior brothers to handle the corpses and erase the traces."

Jiang Yan spoke up: "Sink them into the swamp?"

"Yes. It's the fastest way."

Yan Qiu Bai swayed her slender waist, then summoned Gong Shu Qiu, Xie Chenyu, and the others.

They were the ones left behind—not only to watch for any movement nearby, but also to dispose of corpses for those out fighting. It was a reasonable division of labor.

Gong Shu Qiu and Xie Chenyu dragged all the slain barbarians to the swamp's edge and sank them one by one. Mud bubbles rose briefly, then vanished without a trace.

Meanwhile, Yan Qiu Bai dragged the corpse Ji You had brought back to the swamp's edge. She carefully examined the inscriptions on its armor and confirmed it was indeed a senior soldier.

The Northern Garrison's intelligence stated that senior soldiers typically matched the Cultivation of the Profound Realm.

A few, due to exceptionally strong innate talents, could barely rival the early stage of the Fusion Dao Realm.

Yan Qiu Bai now had enough experience to judge by hair texture and color—this barbarian did not possess an enhanced innate talent.

So this barbarian's strength was likely that of a Cultivation of the Profound Realm, upper stage.

It seems rumors can't always be trusted…

Under the night sky, Yan Qiu Bai muttered softly.

Senior Gong Shu said Ji You once killed eighteen Cultivations of the Profound Realm in a single night, and even crossed realms to slay a Fusion Dao with his sword. It sounded truly formidable.

But now it seemed the Fusion Dao cultivators from those immortal villas, hardened by years of cultivation, weren't true Fusion Dao. Ji You himself was merely at the upper stage of the Cultivation of the Profound Realm.

Upper, middle, and lower stages were sub-levels within the same realm—not crossing realms—so a Cultivation of the Profound Realm, middle stage defeating an upper stage was nothing unusual.

Yan Qiu Bai dragged the corpse toward the mud swamp, preparing to sink it—but as her gaze swept over it again, her brow furrowed slightly.

"Qiu Bai, finished yet?"

"Sister Yan, come take a look."

Jiang Yan stepped forward: "What is it?"

Yan Qiu Bai's crimson lips pressed together as she pointed at the corpse: "This is the body Ji You brought back."

Jiang Yan glanced down: "By the fur color, it's clearly not one with an exceptional innate talent—just a Cultivation of the Profound Realm, upper stage. It seems Chen Feng was right: those immortal villa Fusion Dao cultivators aren't real Fusion Dao. No wonder Ji You killed him."

"I want you to look at the wounds. Have you noticed there are no sword cuts on this corpse?"

"?"

Jiang Yan froze, then looked again at the corpse.

She knew Ji You used a sword—he'd worn seven swords on his back when he left the mountain, drawing plenty of attention.

Barbarian bodies were immensely tough, far beyond human capability. Even a Fusion Dao cultivator needed effort to pierce their defenses. So she assumed Ji You had slain him with his strongest sword technique.

But the corpse, as Yan Qiu Bai said, showed no sword wounds at all.

Whether stabbed or slashed, there should have been blood seeping out. With fur covering the body, any wound would have been obvious—yet they saw none.

The only blood was dried, oozing from the eyes, ears, mouth, and nose.

Yan Qiu Bai's earlier suspicion stemmed precisely from this anomaly.

"Blood from eyes, ears, mouth, nose—could it be poison?"

Jiang Yan pondered, then shook her head: "I've never heard of poison effective against barbarians. Otherwise, the Northern Garrison wouldn't have struggled so long."

As she murmured, she noticed Yan Qiu Bai staring fixedly at the barbarian scout's chest. Before she could ask, Yan Qiu Bai drew her sword and pried open the clothing—then froze.

The barbarian's chest had caved in into a deep crater. A closer look revealed the unmistakable imprint of a fist driving through.

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(End of chapter)