boyutpedia Chapter 82: Planning the Seven Star Pass
Chapter 82: Planning the Seven Star Pass
As September approaches, the autumn atmosphere in Qingzhou Prefecture is already so strong that it cannot be dispelled.
The council hall of the Demon Suppression Division, "Mingli Hall," was already wide open before dawn that day. The copper nails on the heavy vermilion doors gleamed with a cold luster in the morning light. The threshold was over a foot high, requiring one to lift the hem of their robe to step over, separating the inside from the outside into two completely different worlds.
At this moment, a few people were scattered throughout the hall. At the head of the left, Liu Xiong, dressed in a brand-new dark green embroidered python robe, with silver thread detailing cloud patterns at the hem, made his face appear even whiter. His three long strands of beard were neatly trimmed. He sat upright in his chair, hands resting on his knees, his back ramrod straight. A familiar, gentle, and reserved smile played on his lips. His gaze was lowered, fixed on the smooth, mirror-like gold brick on the floor before him, as if studying its intricate patterns, or perhaps contemplating something of utmost importance. However, the smile didn't truly reach his eyes. Beneath that warm exterior, his eyes were as deep as an ancient well, occasionally flashing with a cold glint so swiftly it was almost imperceptible.
Seated on the right were several deputy constables and senior inspectors. Zheng Tong, the deputy constable in charge of criminal cases, had a gaunt face as if carved by a knife. At this moment, his eyes were closed, and his thin fingers rested on the armrest of the armchair, the fingertips tapping lightly, producing a very faint "tap-tap" sound that could be clearly heard in the excessively quiet hall. The others, some with solemn expressions and others with their eyes downcast, waited quietly for the person in charge to arrive.
Lin Yan sat on the right, in the middle position. Today, he too wore the indigo official robes of an inspector, a leather belt around his waist, his posture upright as a pine tree. Many days of rest and focused cultivation had softened the sharpness in his brows, born of repeated battles, making it more restrained and profound, like an ancient sword concealed in its sheath, its brilliance hidden, yet possessing a calm and unwavering demeanor. His gaze calmly swept over everyone in the hall, briefly lingering on Liu Xiong's smiling face, before he lowered his eyes, as if entering a meditative state.
On both sides of the hall, officials and clerks in various robes stood solemnly like the wings of geese, all holding their breath. The huge hall was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. The only sounds were the barely audible hissing of the incense smoke rising straight up from the incense burner, and the faint whistling of the autumn wind blowing through the bare branches in the distant courtyard.
"The Lord in charge has arrived!"
A drawn-out, drawn-out greeting abruptly broke the stillness. The brocade curtain at the side door fluttered slightly, and two black-armored guards entered, their steps heavy as mountains, standing on either side of the main seat. Immediately, Zhou Yan's lean and upright figure entered the hall unhurriedly. Today, he wore only a slightly worn dark blue robe, tied at the waist with a matching silk sash, adorned with no other ornaments, yet possessing a calm and dignified air that seemed to isolate him from the bustling autumn light outside the window and the somber atmosphere within the hall.
"Greetings, Your Excellency!" Everyone in the hall, whether sitting or standing, rose in unison, bowed, and their robes fluttered, creating a soft rustling sound.
Zhou Yan nodded slightly, walked steadily to the head seat, and sat down. "Sit down, everyone." His voice was not loud, but clear and resonant, carrying the unquestionable calmness unique to those who had long held a high position.
Everyone sat down as instructed, but their backs straightened up a bit, and their eyes were all focused on the person above them.
Zhou Yan's gaze slowly swept across the hall below, finally landing on Liu Xiong's face, and he said, "Today, if any of you have any important matters to discuss, please report them one by one."
Upon hearing this, Liu Xiong immediately stood up, bowed respectfully to Zhou Yan, and said in a clear and earnest voice, "Reporting to the Lord, I do have an important matter to report, concerning the safety of the western border of Qingzhou Prefecture."
"speak."
Liu Xiong straightened up, his gaze sweeping over everyone, his face bearing just the right amount of solemnity: "As all my colleagues know, more than two hundred li west of Qingzhou Prefecture lies the vast and desolate Mangcang Mountain Range, stretching for thousands of miles. Deep within the mountain range lies a perilous place called 'Seven Star Pass.' This place has a strange and treacherous terrain, perpetually shrouded in miasma and with chaotic spiritual energy. Since ancient times, it has been a haven for ferocious monsters, and ordinary cultivators and hunters dare not approach it lightly."
He paused, and seeing that everyone was listening intently, he continued, "However, according to the 'Strange Tales of Qingzhou Prefecture' and the generations-old tales of some mountain people and hunters, although Qixing Pass is dangerous, there is a strange thing inside. Every sixty years, on the night of the full moon in that year, 'spiritual milk' will seep from the tip of a stalagmite in a naturally formed stalactite cave deep within the pass. This 'spiritual milk' is said to be a miraculous object created by heaven and earth, containing very pure spiritual energy, which is of great benefit to cultivators in their practice, healing, and even the refining of certain elixirs."
A few murmurs rose from inside the hall, clearly indicating that many had heard of the legend. Deputy Commander Zheng Tong kept his eyes closed, but his fingers stopped tapping.
Liu Xiong's tone shifted, becoming serious: "Now, exactly sixty years have passed since the last Jiazi year. In about thirty days, it will be the full moon night of the next Jiazi year. According to reports from my spies stationed around Mangcang Mountain, since half a month ago, the spiritual energy around Qixing'ao has been fluctuating abnormally, far more active and chaotic than usual. Even more concerning, we can clearly sense more than one powerful demonic beast moving and converging towards Qixing'ao from deeper within Mangcang Mountain! Their auras are at least at the mid-stage of the Tongxuan realm, and may even be at the late stage or peak!"
He emphasized his words, his gaze sweeping over Lin Yan before turning to Zhou Yan: "Not only that, three days ago, in a mountain village closest to Qixing'ao, several herb farmers who went into the mountains to gather medicinal herbs were attacked by an unknown monster on the outskirts of the pass. Two were seriously injured, and one managed to escape, but was so frightened that he was delirious, repeatedly muttering phrases like 'so many red eyes,' 'black wind,' and 'a stench that fills the air.' Clearly, the monster's antics have begun to threaten the area!"
The atmosphere in the hall instantly froze. Demonic beasts at the mid-to-late stage of the Profound Realm are beyond the capabilities of ordinary small teams. If multiple beasts were to gather, it would indeed be a significant hidden danger.
Seizing the opportunity, Liu Xiong bowed to Zhou Yan again: "My lord, the reason for the unusual gathering of demonic beasts in Seven Star Valley is still unknown, but it is very likely related to the upcoming Jiazi year full moon and the secretion of 'spiritual milk.' Demonic beasts are most sensitive to spiritual objects of heaven and earth, and must be attracted by them. However, the gathering of demonic beasts is causing disturbances and harming the people, and this trend must not be allowed to continue! It is our duty as the Demon Suppression Division to investigate the matter thoroughly, eliminate the scourge of demonic beasts, and bring peace to the region. At the same time..."
He paused briefly, a perfectly balanced expression of public-spiritedness and expectation appearing on his face: "That 'spiritual milk' is also a rare commodity. If we could seize this opportunity to obtain some, it would be of great benefit, whether for rewarding meritorious soldiers or replenishing the treasury. I believe we should send capable men to Qixing'ao to investigate, firstly to eliminate local threats, and secondly, to try and obtain the 'spiritual milk'."
Zhou Yan listened calmly, his fingers tapping lightly twice on the smooth rosewood desk, producing a soft "tap-tap" sound, as if weighing the pros and cons. After a moment, he slowly spoke: "Commander Liu's concerns are quite valid. The strange movements of the demonic beasts endanger the people, and an investigation is indeed necessary. As for the 'spiritual milk'... if it can truly be obtained, it would certainly be a good thing. I wonder, Commander Liu, who do you think should be sent?"
Liu Xiong was secretly delighted, but his expression became even more respectful. His gaze casually swept over Lin Yan's direction, and he said in a deep voice, "Seven Star Pass is extremely dangerous. Ordinary soldiers would likely be sent to their deaths. We need a bold, meticulous, highly skilled, and adaptable officer to lead the team. I believe that Inspector Lin Yan, who led the team to wipe out the evil cultivators of Black Wind Ravine before the New Year, is the most suitable candidate. Moreover, the squad led by Inspector Lin has been tempered by the battle of Black Wind Ravine, and their combat strength and teamwork are excellent, which is sufficient to handle the dangers of Seven Star Pass."
He praised Lin Yan highly, giving a plausible and convincing reason that no one could find fault with. In an instant, all eyes in the hall were on Lin Yan.
Zhou Yan also looked at Lin Yan, his eyes calm, and asked in a gentle tone, "Lin Yan, Chief Liu has recommended you to go to Qixing'ao to investigate. What do you think?"
Lin Yan had already risen, and upon hearing this, he clasped his hands in a salute, his face expressionless, his voice steady and clear: "Your Excellency, Commander Liu is too kind. Investigating local supernatural phenomena and eliminating threats is my duty. Since there have been unusual occurrences at Qixing'ao, endangering the mountain people, it is only right that I go to investigate. However…"
He paused briefly, then turned his gaze to Liu Xiong, his expression a perfectly measured mix of inquiry and respect: "Seven Star Pass is infamous, and it's also home to a gathering of mid-to-late stage Transcendent Realm demonic beasts. With only my small team, I fear we are ill-equipped. Commander Liu, your cultivation is profound and your experience rich. If you could personally lead the team, or offer assistance and guidance, our chances of success would greatly increase, and we could ensure a thorough investigation, thus upholding the dignity of our Demon Suppression Division."
This was a flawless statement. It acknowledged the mission, highlighted the risks, and subtly implicated Liu Xiong. "You recommended me, didn't you? Why don't you come along too? With a 'highly skilled and experienced' captain overseeing things, wouldn't that be safer?"
Liu Xiong sneered inwardly, but a pleased expression appeared on his face, as if this was exactly what he wanted. He cupped his hands to Zhou Yan and said, "Inspector Lin's considerations are thorough. As the head constable, it is my duty to assist in the investigation. Since Inspector Lin has this need, I am willing to dispatch an elite team from my unit to accompany Inspector Lin to Qixing'ao. We will support each other from both sides, and we must find out the root of the disturbance, eliminate the monster threat, and do our best to obtain the 'Spiritual Milk'!"
His quick and decisive agreement, and even his offer to send elite troops to assist him, made some people in the hall who were unaware of the inside story nod in approval, thinking that Commander Liu was indeed loyal to the country and willing to take on responsibilities.
Zhou Yan gave Liu Xiong a deep look, then glanced at the calm Lin Yan. After a moment's thought, he nodded and said, "In that case, Lin Yan will lead the expedition, with Liu Xiong as his assistant. Each will lead their elite troops and prepare within twenty days to scout Qixing'ao. Exercise extreme caution, prioritizing ascertaining the situation and ensuring safety. If the situation becomes untenable, retreat is the best course of action; do not recklessly take risks. As for the 'spiritual milk,' do your best."
"Your humble servant obeys!" Lin Yan and Liu Xiong replied in unison.
As Liu Xiong bowed to accept the order, a barely perceptible glint of cruelty and triumph flashed deep in his eyes. Cooperation? Of course, "cooperation" was necessary. He had already meticulously selected twenty absolutely loyal and ruthless assassins, each possessing strength ranging from the late stage of Body Tempering to the early stage of Profound Realm, and equipped with superior armor and some…special items.
Just last night, he secretly met with a reclusive pharmacist. The man brought a peculiar drug called "Boiling Blood Powder." This drug is colorless and odorless, and when ground into an extremely fine powder, it is almost undetectable. Once inhaled by a demonic beast, it rapidly amplifies its blood and qi, amplifying its ferocity and rage, causing it to enter a state of indiscriminate, frenzied attack. Furthermore, it becomes more sensitive to the aura of its own kind, easily triggering a chain reaction of rage and slaughter. Even more remarkably, after the drug's effects wear off, it leaves almost no trace within the demonic beast's body, only being attributed to stimulation by "spiritual milk" or some other special spiritual energy.
At that time, he only needs to secretly scatter the "Boiling Blood Powder" near the retreat route of Lin Yan's team after they have gone deep into Qixing'ao. Those monsters that are already restless because of the struggle for "spiritual milk" will go completely crazy and drown Lin Yan and his team, along with the possible "spiritual milk" cave, in the blood sea of the beast tide!
He and his "elite" troops would naturally be "appropriately" "blocked" outside the pass by the raging monsters, unable to rescue them even if they "fought to the death," and could only "heartbrokenly" watch their comrades perish, finally "helplessly" withdrawing their report. Everything would be flawless.
The meeting continued for a while, discussing some other trivial matters, and then it adjourned.
The group filed out. Liu Xiong and Lin Yan met at the entrance. Liu Xiong, with a warm smile on his face, patted Lin Yan on the shoulder and said earnestly, "Brother Lin, this trip to Qixing'ao is extremely dangerous. Please be fully prepared. If you need any assistance, just ask. With our combined efforts, we will surely succeed."
Lin Yanyi responded with a calm smile and cupped his hands, saying, "With Captain Liu's assistance, I feel much more at ease. I will need your guidance at that time."
Their eyes met briefly in mid-air before they turned and went their separate ways.