The Lord of Void and Real-Chapter 1721 - 1717: Arrangements Made in Advance

"Tu Shanxue?"

Jiang Shentian, Master Yan, Lu Huaming, and Bai Xiaotian—all four of them had not encountered Tu Shanxue earlier. Hearing Shen Luo’s words, they looked visibly confused.

"She’s the daughter of the Lord of Qingqiu Kingdom, the one who appeared when the Lord of Qingqiu took their own life. Because of this, she harbors extreme hostility toward us. Now that she has appeared, it seems it’s to avenge her mother. Based on my observations just now, she appears to have undergone a Revert Ancestry process and seems to have inherited the power of the Fox Ancestor. Her strength now is worlds apart from before and certainly not someone to be underestimated," Shen Luo explained, taking the opportunity to brief everyone about the current situation of the Qingqiu Fox Clan.

"Revert Ancestry! No wonder those fox clan members turned into what they are. But the revival of the Fox Ancestor—that’s no small matter. Daoist Shen, are you sure about this?" Jiang Shentian’s expression changed as he asked urgently.

Everyone else, all elite students of their respective sects, had varying degrees of knowledge about the demon race’s Revert Ancestry phenomenon and glanced at Shen Luo.

"Though I’m not entirely certain, I’d say there’s a seventy to eighty percent chance," Shen Luo replied calmly.

"If that’s the case, then we’re in serious trouble. The Fox Ancestor was a Heavenly Venerable level ancient demon from ancient times—far beyond what we can contend with!" Jiang Shentian’s face darkened as he blurted.

"A Heavenly Venerable level demon!" The others gasped in shock.

The ordinary disciples nearby, upon hearing this, were visibly stricken with fear.

Shen Luo glanced reproachfully at Jiang Shentian. He had revealed the existence of the Fox Ancestor to promote a clearer understanding of the current crisis, but Jiang Shentian’s public outburst about its overwhelming strength was nothing short of demoralizing.

Realizing his error, Jiang Shentian quickly shut his mouth.

"Everyone, there’s no need to despair. Although the Fox Ancestor was a terrifying and powerful ancient monster, it had already fallen in ancient times. While I don’t know what methods the fox clan used to bring it back to life, its strength must have been severely diminished. Judging from my recent exchange with her, Tu Shanxue’s strength is, at most, at the Taiyi Late Stage. Hope is not entirely lost," Shen Luo coughed slightly and reassured them.

Hearing this, the fear on the ordinary disciples’ faces eased somewhat.

"This place—Qingqiu City—is not safe. Everyone, retreat back to the station for now," Seven Kills instructed.

"The station only has some basic defensive works—how useful could they possibly be? I know of a better place: Xiangyang Town," Lu Huaming, who had remained silent all this while, suddenly suggested with an almost cheeky grin.

The group found his suggestion peculiar and his demeanor even more so—how could Lu Huaming still find something to smile about in such a dire moment?

"Xiangyang Town? What would we do there?" Bai Xiaotian, however, seemed unsurprised by Lu Huaming’s suggestion and asked openly.

"There’s a military garrison stationed at Xiangyang Town, with quite a few experts among their ranks who can lend us aid. Furthermore, there’s an ancient array set up around the town. If activated properly, it could fend off the Qingqiu Fox Clan," Lu Huaming said with an unaffected smile.

As Shen Luo studied Lu Huaming, he recalled the latter’s unusual anger during his earlier clash with Su Xiao, and a thought seemed to occur to him.

"An array around Xiangyang Town? How come I’ve never heard of it?" Bai Xiaotian asked, stunned.

"It’s a secret array laid down years ago by Master Yuan. Of course, not even the stationed military at Xiangyang Town knows about it. I only found out because Master Yuan summoned me before I headed to Qingqiu Mountain. He entrusted me with all thirty-six array flags for this great formation and instructed me to only use them in the most critical moment—like now." Lu Huaming still showed no sign of concern.

Shen Luo felt a bit relieved upon hearing this. As expected, Yuan Tiangang had planned ahead.

Yuan Tiangang’s divination skills were peerless, his strategies far-reaching. Since he had arranged for this array, it was bound to serve great purpose.

With this thought, much of Shen Luo’s burden dissipated.

"Since Xiangyang Town has an array set up by Master Yuan, it’s trustworthy. Let’s head there immediately," he said decisively.

Shen Luo had rescued everyone present except for Nie Caizhu. Since he spoke, no one opposed the suggestion, and besides, there was no better alternative, so they all nodded in agreement.

The group departed at once and soon reached Xiangyang Town.

The military garrison at Xiangyang Town had already spotted their arrival; over a dozen Mahayana stage monks flew out to intercept them, led by a black-robed general.

The man appeared youthful, carried a broad-backed greatsword on his back, and was at the True Immortal Stage. However, he wore a white blindfold over his eyes, seemingly a blind man.

"What brings you all to Xiangyang Town so suddenly?" the black-robed general asked solemnly.

"General Pei Min, the situation at Qingqiu Mountain has become critical. The Qingqiu Fox Clan has undergone a collective Revert Ancestry phenomenon, enhancing their strength greatly, and even the Fox Ancestor has appeared. This power far exceeds what we can contend with, so we’ve come here seeking refuge and aid," Lu Huaming stepped forward, clearly acquainted with the general.

As he spoke, his eyes occasionally darted toward Qingqiu Mountain with a trace of dread in them.

Shen Luo, observing Lu Huaming closely the entire time, raised an eyebrow slightly, as if noticing another subtle change in Lu Huaming’s demeanor.

"A Revert Ancestry phenomenon! And the Fox Ancestor! But if that’s the case, the forces here at Xiangyang Town alone are far from sufficient to hold off the Qingqiu Fox Clan," the black-robed general said gravely, though he quickly regained his composure.

"The Qingqiu Fox Clan’s current power is indeed unmatched. On our own, it’s nearly impossible to fend them off. Fortunately, there’s an ancient defensive array secretly set up near Xiangyang Town by Master Yuan. With its protection, we might stand a chance," Lu Huaming said, though his body trembled slightly, and the fear on his face deepened further.

"A defensive array near Xiangyang Town? Why am I completely unaware of this?" The black-robed general hesitated and asked.

"I told you, it’s a secret installation. Of course, you wouldn’t know! Do you think Master Yuan needs your approval for his actions?" Lu Huaming’s body shook again as the fear on his face suddenly gave way to a burst of anger.

"I wouldn’t dare," the black-robed general immediately cupped his fists apologetically, his expression shifting.

"Lu Daoist, are you alright?" Jiang Shentian asked, unable to suppress his concern as he observed Lu Huaming’s strange behavior.

Everyone else noticed Lu Huaming’s unusual state and exchanged varied glances.

"I’m fine! The Qingqiu Fox Clan will soon be here. If we don’t activate the Six-Gate Golden Lock Array right away, we’ll all perish. Stop wasting time on petty matters!" Lu Huaming lashed out angrily again.

"What’s wrong with Lu Daoist? His emotions are fluctuating wildly. Could he have fallen into demonic possession?" Jiang Shentian speculated aloud, transmitting his thoughts to the others except for Lu Huaming and Pei Min.

"Brother Lu’s emotions may be volatile, but his breath remains steady. I don’t believe it’s demonic possession," Shen Luo transmitted in response.

"Ahem, there’s no need to worry, everyone. Lu Daoist hasn’t fallen into demonic possession. He’s using a special divine ability called the ’Seven Emotions Heart Sword,’ which disrupts his emotions," Bai Xiaotian explained in a cough, also transmitting his words.

"Seven Emotions Heart Sword? What kind of art is that?" Shen Luo, who specialized in sword-based divine powers, asked curiously.

"I don’t know the specifics, but I’ve heard it’s a sword technique that harnesses the power of the seven emotions. While using it, one cycles through joy, anger, sorrow, thought, grief, fear, and shock," Bai Xiaotian replied, shaking his head.

"Harnessing the seven emotions..." Shen Luo’s eyes glimmered with interest.