Chapter 295: The Third Person of Frost North's Gale

Chapter 295: The Third Person of Frost North's Gale

High in the sky, a figure rode upon the heavenly firmament, swiftly flying away and passing through the clouds at an incredible speed.

Mu Ran Yan had pushed her speed to its limits, and her eyes held a hint of urgency. On her way back from Liu Chan's group, she received another distress call, this time from Frost North County. As she had anticipated, the county government office, where Chen Mu was stationed, was under attack.

What worried her the most was that the distress signal from Frost North County lasted only a brief moment before it abruptly stopped. She had no idea of the extent of the demon's rampage in Frost North County, and the worst-case scenario was that all the Seven Mysteries Sect disciples stationed within the county government might have been slaughtered by the demons of the Celestial Demon Sect.

Faster!

Even faster!

Mu Ran Yan's figure tore through the sky, pushing the limits of her Heavenly Firmament Realm. She wanted to reach Frost North County as soon as possible, and after an unknown period of high-speed flight, she finally arrived at the location of the county's city.

Even from her high vantage point, Mu Ran Yan could see that one corner of the eastern wall of Frost North County had collapsed, leaving clear traces of destruction. This tightened her nerves.

However, as she turned her gaze to the entire county government office, she saw that it was eerily calm, with no signs of battle. Only a faint trace of demonic energy lingered in the air, and nothing else seemed amiss.

"So, I'm still too late..."

Mu Ran Yan's eyes darkened, and it seemed the battle had already ended. She had failed to arrive in time once again.

As she scanned the city, she immediately spotted the courtyard where Chen Mu had resided, now completely destroyed. The walls and buildings lay in ruins, and cracks ran through the ground, evidence of a fierce battle.

At that moment, she could see some figures cleaning up the rubble.

Mu Ran Yan looked further into the distance, and after confirming that there was no trace of the Celestial Demon Sect's demonic energy, she descended from the sky, landing in front of the county office without concealing her aura. Her profound pressure spread out.

Several Seven Mysteries Sect disciples nearby immediately noticed her, and they all looked up at her.

"Protector Mu," some called out.

"Senior Sister Mu Ran!" others exclaimed.

A mix of greetings echoed.

Mu Ran Yan directed her gaze downward and asked in a deep voice, "Did demons invade the county government? What are the casualties? Have the demons retreated? How is Little Brother Chen?"

The string of questions left the group of Seven Mysteries Sect disciples below momentarily stunned, unsure how to respond.

But just then, several Seven Mysteries Sect clerks carrying a body caught Mu Ran Yan's attention. She focused on the body, and a flash of surprise crossed her eyes, "Is that... White Feather Demon Sovereign Xian Yu Chen?"

The body was stained with a color that had nothing to do with white feathers, but Mu Ran Yan had met the White Feather Demon Sovereign before and recognized him instantly. She was momentarily astonished.

White Feather Demon Sovereign Xian Yu Chen was one of the three great Demon Sovereigns in Frost Province, and his ability to escape was unparalleled. Even the renowned Ice Absolute Palace had no means to capture him. After all, the ability to fly through the air was not something every grandmaster possessed; at the very least, one had to be a master of the Gusting Wind Concept to achieve flight, but even then, the speed was often slow.

Only by cultivating the Heavenly Firmament Realm, like Mu Ran Yan, could one borrow the power of the firmament to fly swiftly. Her speed in the air was comparable to running on the ground, but even so, it was still challenging to deal with Xian Yu Chen.

As far as she knew, Xian Yu Chen had even taken action in front of Shi Zhenyong, but this powerful grandmaster had been unable to do anything. Xian Yu Chen maintained a safe distance in the air, and his brief pauses were not enough to catch up.

It was for this reason that Feng Hongsheng had brought the Divine Peach Sword, to deter Xian Yu Chen from acting recklessly.

And now, this renowned White Feather Demon Sovereign had met his end in Frost North County.

"Xian Yu Chen is dead..."

Mu Ran Yan's eyes hardened, and her first thought was that Shi Zhenyong had arrived with the Divine Peach Sword and slain this Seventh Rank Venerable. But soon, she noticed that the wounds on the demon's body were not caused by the Divine Peach Sword.

Instead, within the gaping hole in his chest, there lingered a vast presence of the Heaven-Earth Wheel Seal.

This was the work of the Heaven-Earth Wheel Seal!

In the current Frost North County government office, only one person cultivated the Heaven-Earth Wheel Seal—Chen Mu.

Little Brother Chen had used the Heaven-Earth Wheel Seal to slay Xian Yu Chen?

Mu Ran Yan was astonished, and her eyes revealed a hint of disbelief.

Xian Yu Chen was no ordinary demon; he was a Demon Sovereign of the Celestial Demon Sect, renowned for his ability to fly and evade, even leaving Shi Zhenyong helpless. His personal strength was far superior to that of Si Shu Shu, the Frost Soul Blade user. In terms of ranking, he was among the top ten or close to the top ten on the Gale Wind Rankings.

"Senior Sister Mu Ran," a familiar voice called out, and Chen Mu appeared not far away, walking towards her.

Mu Ran Yan turned and saw Chen Mu, also surprised, "Little Brother Chen, are you...?"

Chen Mu asked, "They couldn't harm me with their petty tricks. How is it on your side?"

Mu Ran Yan was still in a state of shock, filled with doubts, but she replied instinctively, "The Celestial Demon Sect gathered a group to besiege Protector Liu, trapping but not killing him, to lure me over. By the time I arrived, the demons had already retreated."

"Is that so..."

Chen Mu nodded slightly, "As long as you're safe, Senior Sister Mu Ran."

After speaking, he picked up Xian Yu Chen's body and walked towards another courtyard.

Mu Ran Yan was still dazed, and when she snapped back to her senses, she saw Zhao Zhenchuan approaching from the distance, greeting her, "Protector Mu, I've just returned to the county government. I heard that the demons were cunning this time, luring you away. But with Little Brother Chen's current strength, even the combined might of the Celestial Demon Sect's three Demon Sovereigns..."

Zhao Zhenchuan had heard that Chen Mu had become another true disciple of Spirit Profound Peak, the fourth disciple of Qin Meng Jun. He had thought that Spirit Profound Peak had finally gained an exceptional disciple, but he never imagined that in just over a year, Chen Mu's strength would surge so rapidly, surpassing him in such a short time.

In the world of martial arts, the path of Heaven and Earth, known as the QIan Kun Dao, is revered as the ultimate martial path. Yet, no matter how powerful one becomes, there are limits to what a single person can achieve. Chen Mu, even without mastering the QIan Kun Domain, has already surpassed the top three on the Feng Yun Rankings, a feat that would be unprecedented even in the past thousand years.

In the eyes of the world, Chen Mu's strength is unparalleled. Even Mu Ran Yan, who has trained in the QIan Tian Domain, knows that she is not his match, and the three Demon Sovereigns of the Tian Yao Men would likely fall to Chen Mu's might.

Mu Ran Yan is in awe of Chen Mu's power, a strength that has surpassed her own. Even among the top masters of the QIan Kun Dao, only a few, like Shi Zhenyong and Feng Hongsheng, could match Chen Mu's prowess. In the Six Viscera Realm, across the entire Han Bei Eleven States, only the top three on the Feng Yun Rankings could potentially possess such strength.

Chen Mu, at this moment, has reached a height that qualifies him for the top three on the Feng Yun Rankings!

"The QIan Kun Dao, the strongest martial path in the world, can it truly be this powerful?" Mu Ran Yan is also in awe.

While the QIan Kun martial path is renowned for its strength, there should be a limit to its power. Chen Mu, without having cultivated the QIan Kun Domain, has already surpassed the top three on the rankings. Even among the legendary masters of the past who have mastered the QIan Kun Dao, none could match Chen Mu's level.

Mu Ran Yan, at her level, understands that while the QIan Kun martial path is strong, its true potential lies in the practitioner. Just as she, a master of the QIan Tian Domain, would not be a match for Qin Meng Jun in a battle of domains alone, the same martial path can produce varying levels of strength among its practitioners.

To cultivate the QIan Kun Dao is an achievement for the select few.

Chen Mu, at his current level, has not yet mastered a domain, but he is already near the top three on the Feng Yun Rankings. Undoubtedly, among the generations of QIan Kun Dao martial artists, Chen Mu stands as one of the most exceptional.

To reach such heights in his thirties and create a Three-Foot Forbidden Realm is a remarkable feat. Mu Ran Yan, at this moment, believes that even if Chen Mu were to be afflicted by demonic energy, he might still be able to cultivate the QIan Kun Mastery in the future.

A talent like Chen Mu is like the stars in the sky, momentarily obscured by clouds but ultimately shining brightly upon the world.

"Regardless, after today, the Feng Yun Rankings will have to make room for a fourth name alongside the top three."

Mu Ran Yan shook her head.

The gap between the top three and the rest on the Feng Yun Rankings is vast. The top three are in a league of their own, while the fourth to tenth places are considered a different tier.

However, Chen Mu, with his own strength, has surpassed the current fourth place and reached a level worthy of the top three.

……

Yu County.

Inner City.

The demon chaos in Bingzhou has not affected the order in Yu County, as the two places are far apart. In the inner city, the officials and nobles continue their daily lives of feasting and entertainment, listening to music in the pleasure districts, and discussing the affairs of the martial world in the teahouses.

Since the Yu Lin Army departed for Lang County, the various powers in Yu County have been paying close attention to the Bingzhou war. Even though Bingzhou and Yu County are distant, the outcome of the Bingzhou chaos will still impact the layout of Yu State.

"I heard that Bingzhou's Frost County has been almost completely cleared out. The demons of Tian Yao Men and the remnants of Tian Shi Men are fleeing in fear, without any resistance. The upper echelons have firmly taken control of Frost County, and I wonder if they will incorporate it into their governance in the future."

In a teahouse.

On the second floor, two figures sit opposite each other. One of them, with white hair at his temples, speaks up. He is a well-known figure in the inner city, easily recognizable by the common folk—Miao Baoyi, the Deputy Chief of the Inner City Defense Bureau.

Miao Baoyi, who has served as the Deputy Chief of the Nine Streets Defense Bureau, has now been promoted to the Deputy Chief of the Inner City Defense Bureau. Although Chen Mu did not specifically request this, Miao Baoyi is well aware that he owes his position to Chen Mu's influence, as he is merely a martial artist who has perfected his flesh cultivation.

Among the Deputy Chiefs of the Inner City Districts, all are at the Yi Jin Realm or above, with some even surpassing the initial stages of Yi Jin. Their strength and background far surpass Miao Baoyi's.

Miao Baoyi is content with his position, as he has moved his family to the inner city and has close ties with the Yu family.

After a few more years of service,

he can retire and enjoy his old age.

"Incorporating Frost County into their governance won't be that easy. Bing Jue Palace won't easily give up a county, especially with the Tian Yao Men and Tian Shi Men being formidable forces. I believe there will be further resistance."

Across from Min Bao Yi sat Xu Feng, an older man who had once been a magistrate in Wutong.

Xu Feng had retired early, passing on his position to Chen Mu, with whom he wasn't particularly close. However, Xu Feng had served the Yu family for half his life, and during their heyday, he finally got the opportunity to move into the inner city.

He and Min Bao Yi had worked together for many years, and they shared a certain camaraderie. They often met for tea and to discuss matters, but every time they mentioned Chen Mu, they couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. Who could have imagined that a once-disgraced low-level officer would rise to such heights, becoming the esteemed Jade Province Inspector General and a prominent figure in the war against Ice Province? He was now an unreachable figure.

"Indeed, although the Celestial Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect have been retreating, we've hardly heard any news of the three Venerables of the Celestial Demon Sect making any moves in Frost Province for quite some time. They must be plotting something."

"The Celestial Demon Sect's Venerables are not to be taken lightly. I hope Chen Mu will be cautious in his actions."

Xu Feng sighed as he spoke.

The high-ranking figures who had entered Ice Province, be they elders or defenders, didn't concern Xu Feng and Min Bao Yi much. Their only concern was Chen Mu's situation.

The Yu family's current prosperity in Yu County was all thanks to Chen Mu. These two, as subordinates of the Yu family, could now enjoy their retirement in the inner city, all because of Chen Mu. One's rise or fall was tied to the other's.

However, they were no longer in the position they had been years ago when Chen Mu was still a magistrate. Back then, they could influence matters around Chen Mu. Now, they could only listen to intelligence from afar, not knowing its authenticity.

Ice Province was a dangerous place, where even the Ice Absolute Palace had lost a Grand Master Elder. Despite Chen Mu's acknowledged strength, nearing the top ten of the Gale Wind Rankings, he wasn't particularly prominent in a place filled with crises and Grand Masters.

"He's always been prudent and won't take unnecessary risks. Let's put our minds at ease... Though I haven't heard from him in a long while, either." Min Bao Yi took a sip of tea and turned to look out the window.

Although he was a deputy magistrate in the inner city, a position of considerable power, Yu County was far from Ice Province, and his status wasn't that high. Moreover, he wasn't under the Inspection Bureau, so he only had limited access to intelligence.

Over the past few months, he had heard rumors like 'Zuo Qian Qiu fought a Celestial Demon Sect Venerable,' but news about Chen Mu was scarce. His current position made it difficult to access such high-level intelligence. The only information Min Bao Yi had was that Chen Mu seemed to be stationed in Cold North County in Frost Province.

However, as Min Bao Yi and Xu Feng were talking, a commotion suddenly erupted outside.

They paused their conversation and, after listening carefully, realized the noise was coming from the bookstore across from the teahouse. Soon, they understood the situation from the chaotic voices.

"Huh? Has the Gale Wind Rankings been updated early? It hasn't been two years yet, has it?" Min Bao Yi asked in surprise.

Everyone knew that the Cold Northern Path Gale Wind Rankings, unlike the New Talent Register, were only updated once every three years. But the commotion outside suggested otherwise, even though it had been less than two years since the last update.

Amid the noise, they heard phrases like 'Is this a fake book?' Xu Feng and Min Bao Yi exchanged glances, both understanding that if the Gale Wind Rankings had been updated, it couldn't be fake. Who would dare offend the many experts of the Gale Wind Rankings and the Horizon Pavilion by forging a new list? Such an act would be pointless.

"That's strange. I recall the Gale Wind Rankings haven't been updated early for many years. What's the reason this time?" Xu Feng also expressed his curiosity.

"Let's take a look."

Min Bao Yi smiled and, without hesitation, went downstairs and returned to the private room with a new copy of the Gale Wind Rankings book.

On the first page, as expected, was the unchanged top-ranked Hua Yun Sheng, the Free Wanderer, with no surprises in his biography. It only added a brief description of his encounter with a Grand Master half a year ago, which ended in a mutual retreat.

Turning to the second page, there was no change; it was still the Yin Yang Demoness, Xia Yu Eo, the early true disciple of the Harmony Joy Sect, the only one in the Cold Northern Path to have mastered the Yin-Yang Domain in the Six Viscera Realm. There were even fewer changes in her description, almost none.

But when Min Bao Yi turned to the third page, his hand paused.

...

'Heaven-Earth Saber' Chen Mu.

Former true disciple of the Seven Mysteries Sect and Defender of Spirit Profound Peak, fourth disciple of Qin Meng Jun.

History: Chen Mu, who rose from the bottom as a lowly officer in Yu County, served in various official positions...

... Later, after defeating the true disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect, Gu Hong, he was exceptionally accepted into the Seven Mysteries Sect as a disciple of Spirit Profound Peak. He studied under Qin Meng Jun, cultivated the Heavenly Firmament Realm, and supported Sha Prefecture, slaying countless demons. Subsequently, he cultivated the Heaven-Earth Concept, defeated the true disciple and leader of the Heavenly Sword Sect, Zuo Qian Qiu, on Cloud Mist Heavenly Peak, and topped the New Talent Register, entering the Gale Wind Rankings at 20th place.

After returning to the Seven Mysteries Sect, he broke through to the Six Viscera Realm and then returned to Yu County, where he killed the Defender of the Heaven-Earth Wheel Seal Sect, Nie Yu, in the Huang Lin Mountain Range. Later, he was ambushed by the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion, and in his attempt to save his wife, he was invaded by demonic energy. He then joined forces with Yan Jing Qing to attack the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion's stronghold, using the Heaven-Earth Wheel Seal to kill the Frost Soul Saber, Si Tu Shu, and exterminate the defenders and clerks of the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion, shocking the four directions.

After a year of seclusion, he accompanied the Seven Mysteries Sect to Frost Province in Ice Prefecture, stationed in Cold North County. He was attacked by the Thousand-Face Demon Sovereign, Sang Hui, the White Feather Demon Sovereign, Xian Yu Chen, and the Four-Armed Demon Sovereign, Li Shi Mo, but having reached the pinnacle of martial arts, he cultivated the sixth layer of the Heaven-Earth Wheel Seal, creating the 'Three-Foot Forbidden Realm.' With his own strength, he killed the Thousand-Face Demon Sovereign and the Four-Armed Demon Sovereign, and finally, in mid-air, he killed the White Feather Demon Sovereign, Xian Yu Chen. Thus, the three major Demon Sovereigns of the Celestial Demon Sect were all eliminated by his hand.

His strength is likely comparable to that of Hua Yun Sheng and Xia Yu Eo. He is the greatest martial artist of the Cold Northern Path's eleven provinces, surpassing all Heaven-Earth martial artists of past generations.

After assessment,

He is ranked third in the Cold North County Gale Wind Rankings!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end