https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-223-Alchemical-Formula-and-Future-Plans/12989154/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-225-Earth-Demon-Plague-and-the-Missing-Pair/12989156/
Chapter 224: Winter's Unease
Chapter 224: Winter's Unease
Within the side hall, upon hearing Senior Zhenren Shangxuan's words, Su Chen's face revealed a hint of confusion.
"Lin Hai Manor and Yunyang Sect have always been on good terms. It's surprising that they would suspect Lin Hai Manor."
Su Chen was speechless.
Although he didn't need to prove anything to the elders and hall masters of Yunyang Sect, at the Imperial City gathering, he had already displayed considerable strength in front of others.
They suspected Lin Hai Manor of rebellion and didn't believe that he had some abilities.
Seeing Su Chen's expression, Senior Zhenren Shangxuan took a sip of clear tea and explained to Su Chen.
"Yunyang Sect's reaction was actually within expectations.
First, Situ Sanping and your draw in the competition was indeed unexpected.
He is a Sixth Stage Beginner practitioner.
I also know that you've reached the Seventh Stage Perfection, which is also surprising.
Naturally, others would find it even more unbelievable.
As expected, I thought you could only withstand a few moves from those Celestial Prodigies.
When they saw this result, they subconsciously denied its authenticity.
Secondly, you were once a disciple of Yunyang Sect.
If they acknowledge your true abilities, wouldn't it further prove that Yunyang Sect lacks foresight?
Grandmaster Taiwu would never admit your innate talent.
And most importantly, at our level and age, it's difficult to admit mistakes.
Sometimes, when we make mistakes, we think about how to cover them up.
The older we get, the more criticism our thick skin seems unable to withstand."
Senior Zhenren Shangxuan's words made sense, but in reality, Yunyang Sect's higher-ups weren't unwilling to admit their mistakes.
They still didn't think they were wrong.
After listening to Senior Zhenren Shangxuan's explanation, Su Chen couldn't fully understand this last point either.
After all, he had never grown old.
But he didn't care about Yunyang Sect's thoughts; as long as Tiangang City recognized and valued him, it was enough.
Whether Yunyang Sect looked up to him or not, it no longer had much influence on him.
"After the Imperial City gathering, Su Chen, you must be extra cautious in everything.
Many people harbor resentment towards you after that competition.
People from Lin Hai Manor, like Situ Sanping, are eager to compete with you again.
Moreover, you've raised your reputation this time.
Many believe that you have a name without real strength.
These people want to use your fame in Great Zhou.
Some vile individuals might even attempt sneak attacks to harm you, so you must be cautious."
Su Chen nodded, understanding these situations.
For fame and fortune, many would go to great lengths.
"Don't pay any attention to Yunyang Sect's challenges or competitions.
If you lose to them, your reputation will suffer.
Winning against them won't bring you any benefits either.
And to win against you, they might resort to sinister schemes."
After these words, Senior Elder Shangxuan and Su Chen began discussing the situation at the frontline.
Winter had arrived, and the frontline had already started requesting citizens' help in constructing fortifications.
As they talked, Senior Zhenren Shangxuan took Su Chen with him to the Tiangang City frontline.
The wilderness faced by Tiangang City was entirely different in terrain and features from Yunyang Sect's eastern wilderness.
Basically, there were no dangerous terrains that could be utilized.
In the plains region, to block the demons, fortifications were a necessary choice.
However, there was one advantage.
This frontline advancement would bring forth a vast expanse of fertile land.
Unlike Yunyang Sect's frontline, many lands were too barren and rugged.
Ordinary citizens wouldn't dare to cultivate these fields.
Around the time of a shichen, an elder and a junior arrived at the front line.
After enlisting the help of the citizens to construct fortifications, the progress of the entire project was visibly accelerating.
"The Sect has arranged for disciples to stand guard on the front line."
Although it was winter, most demons were hiding deep in the wilderness, but one couldn't be sure if some foolish beasts might launch a surprise attack."
Senior Zhenren Shangxuan frowned, constantly thinking about these situations, and he was still somewhat worried.
The fortifications weren't complete yet, and if demons really launched a sneak attack, no one knew how many people would get injured.
The citizens hadn't cultivated martial arts, and even a lesser demon was enough to cause significant harm.
If such a situation occurred, it was unlikely that citizens would be willing to come and work on the fortifications again.
The slightly better news was after the winter snowfall.
Demon tracks became more visible in the snow.
Previously, only excellent scouts could detect demon traces.
Now, anyone with eyes could do it.
Su Chen and Senior Zhenren Shangxuan walked along the outer perimeter.
As they walked, Su Chen scanned the surroundings for any demon traces.
[Demon Hunter Expert] With the activation of Heaven Destiny, it was even easier to spot demon traces in the snow.
After walking a full circle, Senior Zhenren Shangxuan's frown deepened slightly.
"What's the situation? Are there any traces of demonic beasts?"
After several successful verifications, Senior Zhenren Shangxuan had great faith in Su Chen's ability to deal with demons.
His trust in Su Chen even exceeded his own.
"There are indeed some demon traces, and they're even planning a sneak attack.
But the impact isn't significant.
They're just lesser demons, and these beasts are preparing for a night attack.
But we'll withdraw before dusk.
Their night attacks won't pose much of a threat to us.
However, it's best to add more guards and set up some traps and obstacles as well."
Hearing Su Chen's words and considering the situation he observed, Senior Zhenren Shangxuan felt somewhat reassured.
"Although it's winter, my mind hasn't been at ease recently.
The Yunyang Sect has been facing troubles since winter.
I've been anxious that our front line might encounter similar situations."
Upon hearing this, Su Chen's expression turned slightly serious.
"Didn't the beast tide in Yunyang Sect subside? Could it be that the previous measures didn't completely calm the tide?"
After providing support to the Yunyang Sect's front line, Su Chen personally ventured into the wilderness to investigate.
There, he clearly saw that demons were no longer gathering.
Could it be that his judgment was wrong?
The elder beside him, Senior Zhenren Shangxuan, shook his head slightly.
"It's not the beast tide issue. According to the news from Fourth Elder, it seems that Yunyang Sect has encountered the Earth Demon Plague."
The Earth Demon Plague is caused by Earth Demons.
They launch sneak attacks under the command of Earth Demons.
At the right moment, even the Earth Demons might take action themselves.
"Although it's winter, according to the information we've received.
Yunyang Sect's front line is still facing difficulties.
With Earth Demons causing trouble, we can't deal with it using ordinary methods.
Moreover, the demons are learning to cover their tracks under the Earth Demons' command.
The snow seems to have lost its effectiveness, and there are other deceptive measures as well."
(End of Chapter)
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