Chapter 113: The Spirit-Mysterious Deer King, Storm Clouds Gather!

Chapter 113: The Spirit-Mysterious Deer King, Storm Clouds Gather!



The battle at Fuxian Lake ended swiftly.

From the time Su Zimo and Qin Zheng arrived at the scene to the moment Qin Zheng boldly took action, the snake demon was swiftly subdued.

The entire process took only a brief moment.

When Xu Qingling suddenly woke up and spat out blood containing potent toxins, her aura returned to normal.

Only then did the four of them embark on the journey back to Linyuan City.

Along the way, all four of them remained silent.

Even the usually chatty Master Apprentice Brother was uncharacteristically quiet.

Qin Zheng immersed his mind in the Merit Scroll, studying its contents and contemplating his next cultivation path.

Master Apprentice Brother Su Zimo and Fu Yu, on the other hand, were still immersed in the awe of Qin Zheng's earlier display of overwhelming power as he effortlessly slew the Snake Lord.

They also felt a strong sense of pressure from this new Direct Disciple of the Commander-in-Chief.

As for Xu Qingling, her face was calm, but whenever no one was paying attention, she would secretly observe Qin Zheng.

After waking up, Fu Yu immediately informed her of what had transpired.

She felt conflicted about the fact that she had just shed her Junior Apprentice Sister identity, only to be rescued by her Junior Apprentice Brother.

If that was the case, she couldn't assert her status as his Senior Apprentice Sister in front of him! The thought made Xu Qingling's delicate brows furrow slightly, and she felt a bit depressed.

"What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Fu Yu noticed her expression and asked with concern.

Xu Qingling shook her head calmly, concealing the slight turmoil in her heart.

It was a close call; her thoughts almost got exposed.

Fu Yu nodded gently, then seemed to think of something. His gaze swept over Xu Qingling and then Qin Zheng, and he smiled faintly without saying more.

Nothing else happened on the journey, and as they drew closer to Linyuan City, the number of monsters decreased, making the trip safer.

When the four of them returned to Linyuan City, the sun had already set, leaving the sky ablaze with fiery red hues.

"Honorable guests, the Commander-in-Chief is waiting for you at the Inner Courtyard's Martial Training Ground."

As they reached the Commander's Residence, several Military Commanders approached and respectfully took their horses, while one of them spoke politely.

Su Zimo nodded and led the way, entering the Inner Courtyard once again, heading towards the same Martial Training Ground they had visited earlier that morning.

When they arrived, there were already two figures in the Inner Courtyard's Martial Training Ground, one large and one small.

Qin Zheng's keen senses noticed that the aura of Tyrant Xiang Qingyu had become significantly stronger compared to earlier that morning.

The person across from them also seemed to sense Qin Zheng's group's arrival, and as Qin Zheng's gaze met his, the other's gaze locked with his in mid-air.

"Junior Apprentice Brother."

Xiang Qingyu nodded lightly and greeted him.

"Senior Apprentice Brother."

Qin Zheng nodded in response, his voice devoid of emotion, as if all grudges had been completely dissolved by the Draconic Spirit Orb.

When Xu Qingling saw the other figure in a plain white outfit, she hurriedly approached and said pitifully, "Senior Apprentice Sister Sun, I almost didn't make it back!"

Although the snake venom had been neutralized, she was extremely weak after a night of intense battle, and her face was pale.

Her words carried a genuine sense of misery.

"Don't talk, take this pill first."

Sun Zhi Lan stopped Xu Qingling from continuing her pitiful display and took out a mutton fat jade bottle. She poured out a pill and placed it in Xu Qingling's mouth.

After taking the pill, Xu Qingling's complexion visibly improved, regaining its rosiness at a noticeable pace.

Although she didn't fully recover to her normal state, she looked much better than her previous pale appearance.

"Thank you, Senior Apprentice Sister!"

Xu Qingling immediately hugged Sun Zhi Lan's hand and spoke in a soft voice.

At this moment, she resembled an ordinary little girl, a far cry from the fierce and murderous aura she had during her confrontation with the Great Demon at Fuxian Lake.

With the arrival of Qin Zheng and the others, all six Direct Disciples of the Commander-in-Chief were now gathered.

Soon after, the Commander-in-Chief, dressed in a blue robe, appeared from a distance.

He seemed to be strolling leisurely, but with each step, he covered an astonishing distance.

In just a few strides, he reached the group.

His light-footed techniques had reached an otherworldly level!

His gaze fell upon Qin Zheng first, and he nodded, saying, "Decisive and clean fighting style, well done!"

Another compliment.

In just a short day, Qin Zheng had received two compliments from the number one martial artist in Qingzhou.

He could only cup his fists respectfully and say, "Master, your praise is undeserved."

"After that, Wei Wujiji's gaze swept over the six people present, and he spoke again, 'An urgent report came from Yongyuan Prefecture, there's a Demon Sage Realm demon on the move, and we need to go and investigate.'

These words caused a slight raise of eyebrows among those present.

Fu Yu spoke up, 'If I remember correctly, Yongyuan Prefecture is under the jurisdiction of the Geng Word Camp, right?'

Su Zimo nodded and said, 'Yes, it's the territory of the Geng Word Camp. The Azure Phoenix Sword Sect, which caused trouble last time, is also located there.'

'However, the Grand Master of the Azure Phoenix Sword Sect was killed by the Lingming Deer King when he went to hunt it down.'

'With the loss of a Grand Master in the prefecture, their strength has significantly weakened. Which demon has dared to set its sights on Yongyuan Prefecture?'

Su Zimo looked curiously at General Wei Wujiji.

'It's indeed the Lingming Deer King.'

Sun Zhi Lan took over the conversation. Being in the Inner Courtyard most of the time, she was usually the first to receive news.

'This demon is quite amusing. After killing Zhang Ruyan, it disguised itself as him and returned to the Azure Phoenix Sword Sect.'

'It's truly stupid beyond belief!'

Sun Zhi Lan chuckled lightly, speaking with a hint of helplessness.

'With such a move, do they think the demon slayers are blind? Su Zimo frowned slightly and continued the conversation, 'The Lingming Deer King is also a Demon Sage Realm demon. To have reached this level, its intelligence is no less than that of humans. It shouldn't be so foolish.'

'There must be some hidden circumstances behind this!'

After saying this, he looked at General Wei Wujiji.

Perhaps only this person knows the real situation.

Qin Zheng silently observed the discussion, not making a sound.

But as everyone turned their gaze to the General, he followed suit, looking at the number one martial artist of Qingzhou.

Wei Wujiji paused for a moment before speaking, 'After the deer demon disguised itself as Zhang Ruyan and entered the Azure Phoenix Sword Sect, its behavior and mannerisms were identical to Zhang Ruyan's.'

'If not for the confirmation from the Geng Word Camp that Zhang Ruyan had been killed, even they might not have been sure if the Zhang Ruyan they saw was real or fake.'

'Since it involves a Demon Sage Realm demon, the Geng Word Camp can't act recklessly. So, who among you will go and investigate the situation first?'

At this, the direct disciples present looked at each other.

Sun Zhi Lan was skilled in Qihuang Medicine and not in combat, so she certainly wouldn't go.

The first disciple, Su Zimo, and the second disciple, Xiang Qingyu, needed to constantly confront the Four-Armed Ape King, so they couldn't leave either.

If the General went to suppress the Dragon Sovereign, and the Four-Armed Ape King had no one to hold it back, Linyuan City would be in great danger.

Among the remaining disciples, only the fourth disciple, Fu Yu, the fifth disciple, Xu Qingling, and the newly accepted third disciple, Qin Zheng, were available.

'I'll go.'

At that moment, Qin Zheng spoke up, breaking the silence.

Demons were like food to him, especially Demon Sage Realm demons, which were rare and hard to find.

Now that one had appeared, he certainly wouldn't let this opportunity pass!

As he spoke, the others turned to look at him.

Although Qin Zheng hadn't yet reached the Grand Master Realm, his strength had long been recognized by everyone.

The Snake Sovereign had been crushed and killed, and the deer demon that had infiltrated the Azure Phoenix Sword Sect wasn't much stronger than the Snake Sovereign.

If Qin Zheng went, there wouldn't be much danger.

Perhaps the battle at Fuxian Lake had left too deep an impression on Su Zimo and the others.

Hearing Qin Zheng take the initiative to handle this matter, they felt the issue had been resolved even before he set out.

Upon hearing Qin Zheng, General Wei Wujiji looked at him and said after a moment's thought, 'You've just joined the sect, and you should spend some time cultivating in the Inner Courtyard.'

'But your strength is indeed sufficient to handle this alone. Since that's the case, you can go.'

Qin Zheng nodded, without a trace of complaint in his heart.

Only by continuously slaying demons could he quickly accumulate merit and improve faster.

Especially after obtaining the Nine-Turn Golden Body Technique.

Improving in this martial art would not only enhance his strength but also help in opening the Life Chakra Wheel and advancing his cultivation realm.

If not for the lack of merit, he might have advanced to the Grand Master Realm overnight with the support of this martial art.

With this thought, Qin Zheng had already made up his mind.

After going to Yongyuan Prefecture and slaying the Demon Sage Realm demon, he would also clear out the remaining demons in the prefecture!

This way, he could accumulate more merit and use it to improve.

These thoughts flashed through Qin Zheng's mind, and he became even more eager.

Regardless of his inner thoughts, he maintained a calm demeanor, showing no sign of his true feelings.

"Zimo, you've chosen three deputy commanders. Let them accompany Qin Zheng on the journey."

Wei Wuji thought for a moment and turned to Su Zimo, speaking up.

Su Zimo nodded in agreement.

"Alright, there's no need to rush this. That demon deer hasn't caused any trouble yet, so we can depart tomorrow morning."

Wei Wuji added, and after giving some instructions to the others, he left with his hands behind his back.

Qin Zheng wasn't very familiar with the group, so after a brief greeting, he also took his leave.

As his figure disappeared from the Inner Courtyard's training ground...

Among the remaining direct disciples, Fu Yu couldn't help but exclaim, "This junior disciple is truly a blessing from the heavens for Qingzhou!"

The Great Jin was plagued by rampant demon infestations, and Qingzhou, located on the outskirts of the empire, faced even greater dangers.

The sudden emergence of a powerful talent like Qin Zheng seemed like a stroke of divine intervention.

"With a clear heart and self-awareness, we are not inferior!"

Xiang Qingyu suddenly spoke up and then turned to leave, leaving behind only a tall and sturdy silhouette.

Time passed.

The next day.

Early in the morning, Qin Zheng stepped out of the small courtyard.

At that moment, in front of the courtyard, Su Zimo arrived with three men dressed in dark robes.

"Senior Apprentice Brother."

As they approached, Qin Zheng spoke first.

Su Zimo nodded and then took out a set of clothing and a token, handing them to Qin Zheng.

"When we're near Linyuan City, we can wear whatever we like, but once we leave here, we must put on the Commander's Direct Disciple's attire to signify our status."

He explained, then turned to look behind him and continued, "These three are all Master Realm martial artists from the Outer Courtyard. They will be your deputy commanders, assisting you in your journey to Yong'an Prefecture to eliminate demons."

Qin Zheng took the clothing and token, glancing at the three deputy commanders.

Their gazes were determined, and their auras were steady—indeed, they were genuine Master Realm martial artists.

As Qin Zheng's gaze swept over the three deputy commanders, they all clenched their fists in unison and respectfully addressed him, "Commander Qin!"

Within Linyuan City, the Commander's disciples without official positions were collectively referred to as 'Commander'.

Qin Zheng nodded and then took the Direct Disciple's attire, returning to his room in the courtyard to change.

When he reappeared before the group, he wore a black robe with golden patterns, accentuating his naturally cold and powerful demeanor.

He exuded a commanding presence, giving off an overwhelming sense of pressure.

"Well done! Truly worthy of being my junior disciple!"

Su Zimo immediately applauded.

Qin Zheng chuckled, shaking his head, and then spoke, "Then I shall depart."

"The horses are ready in the Outer Courtyard. Be careful."

Su Zimo nodded and said.

Qin Zheng acknowledged and then left with the three deputy commanders.

"Commander Qin!"

As they exited the Outer Courtyard, several patrol officers were already there, holding the reins of their horses.

Qin Zheng nodded, then mounted his horse.

The three deputy commanders did the same, their eyes fixed on the front.

"Giddyap!"

With a low shout, the four demon horses charged out swiftly.

With the endurance and strength of the demon horses, they could reach Yong'an Prefecture at top speed.

As the four horses disappeared from the Outer Courtyard, the remaining patrol officers continued to stare in the direction where the young figure had left, their eyes fixed.

"As far as I know, our Commander Qin is younger than Commander Xu, barely seventeen years old."

Someone spoke up, filled with awe.

This statement prompted others to chime in, "What's even more terrifying is that when Commander Qin wrestled with Commander Xiang, he had the upper hand!"

"Not only that! There's also the new Demon Sage Beast that appeared in Fuxian Lake. Commander Qin beheaded it with just two slashes!"

"It's said that the Azure Scaled Fish King was so scared that it immediately hid in the depths of the lake, not daring to show its face, fearing that Commander Qin might deal with it too!"

"Commander Qin's future prospects might surpass even those of the other Commanders!"

"Be cautious with your words!"

---

Yong'an Prefecture.

Azure Phoenix Sword Sect.

After Zhang Ruyan finished handling the sect's affairs, he calmly returned to his residence.

Squeak~

As he pushed open the door, a scene of blood-red greeted him.

A man was tied to a pillar, his body wrapped in thorns, his skin torn, and blood covering him.

Most terrifying of all were the two strange deer horns growing from his chest and abdomen, emitting a crimson glow as they seemed to absorb the man's essence.

This man was none other than Shi Xinhan, the Master Realm expert from the Geng Word Camp who had previously besieged Zhang Ruyan!

---

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end