Chapter 633 - 211: Traces of the Demon Sect

But just then, the rhythmic sound of marching footsteps approached as a squad of armored officials brandishing weapons stormed onto Zhuangyuan Street.

The leading Official shouted an order, and they began searching the shops one by one. Pedestrians scrambled to get out of the way, and the once-bustling street instantly descended into chaos.

Yang Jing didn’t find this strange. ’In these chaotic times, the government often conducts searches for rebels and bandits or tracks down dangerous criminals. Any sort of disturbance is possible.’

However, the officials’ search ruined their mood for strolling. Sun Ningxiang lost all interest in continuing to shop, so the two of them headed down the street toward the South City Gate, planning to take the carriage arranged by the Lin Family back to the Xuanzhen Sect on Fushan Island.

On their way to the South City Gate, Yang Jing noticed officials standing on their tiptoes along the street, pasting up yellowed notices on the walls and memorial arches.

The acrid smell of paste drifted on the evening breeze, drawing many passersby to stop, watch, and whisper amongst themselves.

He strained to listen. In the fragmented snippets of conversation, words like "Demon Sect," "remnants," and "appeared" kept coming up, startling him.

As far as he knew, the Demon Sect was reviled throughout Jintai Prefecture, like a rat scurrying across the street. For decades, it had been suppressed by the combined forces of the five major sects, the government, and all the great families and smaller sects in the city. Its influence had been almost completely uprooted, and it had nearly vanished from the prefecture’s territory.

’How could signs of the Demon Sect be popping up again now?’

The thought that the Demon Sect might be making a comeback in Jintai Prefecture made Yang Jing’s heart clench. The air around him unconsciously grew heavy, and he was instantly on high alert. His gaze, sharp as a hawk’s, swept across the surrounding streets, alleys, and corners, searching for anything out of the ordinary.

His current strength was top-tier among the younger generation, and throughout Jintai Prefecture, he was considered a formidable expert. But when it came to the Demon Sect, he still felt as if he were facing a monumental foe.

Decades ago, the Demon Sect had single-handedly fought against the combined siege of all powers, big and small, in Jintai Prefecture. Even though its strength was now greatly diminished, its remaining forces were by no means ordinary. The ruthlessness and bizarre methods of its experts were far beyond what any ordinary Martial Artist could handle.

Even with all the confidence Yang Jing had in his own talent and strength, he didn’t dare be the least bit careless when facing the Demon Sect.

He knew full well that if he had to face a top expert from the Demon Sect, his current cultivation would be nowhere near enough to defend himself. His life would be in grave danger.

Walking onward with vigilance, they soon arrived at the South City Gate.

The heavy city gate was shut tight. The guards on the gatehouse held long spears, their gazes sweeping solemnly over the area below. In the open space beside the gate, the familiar Lin Mansion carriage was parked.

A jet-black compartment, wheels carved with cloud patterns, and a flag bearing the "Lin" character fluttering gently in the evening breeze—it was the very same spacious carriage that had brought them to the Prefecture City.

The driver, seated on the carriage’s shaft, saw Yang Jing and Sun Ningxiang approaching. He immediately leaped down, hurried over, and bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Young Master Yang, Miss Sun."

Yang Jing smiled and nodded, his voice warm. "Thank you for waiting. I appreciate your hard work."

The driver waved his hands dismissively. "You are too kind, Young Master. This is merely my duty."

As he spoke, he turned, pulled open the carriage door, and set down a stepping stool to help them board.

Yang Jing helped Sun Ningxiang into the carriage first, then got in himself.

The carriage was lined with soft brocade cushions, and a small stove sat in the corner, filling the space with a cozy warmth that was a stark contrast to the cold night outside.

After sitting down, Yang Jing’s mind was still reeling with thoughts of the Demon Sect’s revival. His heart could not find peace.

He knew very well that if the Demon Sect truly made a comeback in Jintai Prefecture, it would unleash a storm of blood and violence. It would also have a tremendous impact on him personally.

His Martial Dao cultivation was currently progressing smoothly, without any bottlenecks. As long as he was given enough time to cultivate diligently, he could continuously break through and reach an extremely high realm.

But once Jintai Prefecture fell into chaos and conflict erupted again between the five major sects and the Demon Sect, his plans for diligent cultivation would inevitably be disrupted.

What worried him even more was that his family and friends were still in Yuhe County. If the chaos were to reach Yuhe, he, being far away at the Xuanzhen Sect, would be completely unable to protect them in time.

At that moment, an unprecedented sense of urgency washed over Yang Jing. He desperately wanted to increase his strength. He wanted to become powerful enough to protect himself in these chaotic times, to protect his family and friends, to protect everyone he wished to keep safe.

He turned his head to look at Sun Ningxiang beside him. She was gently opening a small jewelry box. Inside, a plain gold bracelet lay quietly, glowing with a soft luster in the dim light of the carriage.

Her fingertips gently caressed the bracelet. The corners of her mouth turned up slightly, and her eyes filled with tenderness. She seemed lost in thought as she gazed at it, so much so that even the swaying of the carriage didn’t disturb her.

Seeing her like this, Yang Jing’s sense of urgency grew even stronger. He silently vowed to get stronger as quickly as possible and never allow anyone to harm her.

A short while later, the driver cracked his whip, urging the horses on. The carriage slowly began to move, the sound of its rumbling wheels echoing in the night. It passed through the South City Gate and headed southeast along the main road toward Fushan Island.

....

「The next morning.」

Day was just breaking, and the morning mist had yet to scatter. A crisp chill still lingered in the mountain forests of Fushan Island when Yang Jing rose. After washing up, he went out into his courtyard.

He was dressed in black training clothes, his posture as straight as a pine. Standing in the center of the small courtyard, he took a deep breath, and the aura around him instantly condensed.

Then, he slowly raised his hands and began to practice the Mountain-Breaking Seal.

He clenched both fists and slowly raised his arms. The Inner Qi in his body surged like a mighty river, flowing along his meridians and gathering in his fists. Every punch he threw carried a heavy, profound force.

The force of his fists whistled through the air, making the plants in the courtyard rustle. Even the morning mist was scattered by the force of his strikes.

His movements were steady and powerful. The initiation, the strike, the withdrawal—every motion was executed with utmost precision, without a hint of sluggishness.

He threw a punch, the force roaring like thunder with the power to split mountains. The air, compressed by his fist’s might, let out a WHOOSH as it tore apart. The force of the blow was so great it even left faint marks on the bluestone tiles of the courtyard floor.

Immersed in his cultivation, his Inner Qi circulated continuously as he practiced the moves of the Mountain-Breaking Seal over and over. He went from slow to fast, his movements growing ever more proficient until afterimages of his fists filled the air, enveloping the entire courtyard in a sharp, cutting wind.

After returning from the Prefecture City last night, he had first escorted Senior Sister Ning Xiang back to Yunxi Peak. Then, upon returning to his own courtyard, he had immediately thrown himself into his cultivation, not resting until midnight.

Even so, he was full of energy now, showing no signs of fatigue.

An hour later, Yang Jing withdrew his fists and stood still. The Inner Qi in his body slowly returned to his Dantian. Fine beads of sweat dotted his temples, but his eyes were bright and his breathing was steady.

Just then, a soft knock came from the courtyard’s wooden gate, followed by a respectful voice.

Yang Jing walked over and opened the gate. Outside stood a disciple in gray servant attire, holding a food box. It was the servant disciple from the kitchens responsible for delivering meals.

Seeing Yang Jing open the gate, the servant disciple hurriedly bowed. "Senior Brother Yang, your breakfast is here."

Yang Jing nodded, took the food box, thanked the disciple, and closed the gate.

He placed the food box on the stone table and opened it. Inside was the usual: Rare Exotic Beast Meat and a dish of green vegetables. It wasn’t a lavish meal, but it was enough to replenish the energy he expended during cultivation.

He quickly ate his breakfast, cleaned up the dishes, and immediately headed toward the Xuanzhen Sect’s training room area.

After seeing the government’s notice about the Demon Sect in Jintai Prefecture City yesterday, his sense of urgency had intensified. He didn’t want to waste a single moment and was eager to throw himself back into his cultivation. He wanted to get stronger, faster, and possess enough power to survive in these chaotic times.

To protect himself.

To protect all those close to him.

’If the Demon Sect is truly making a comeback, I hope it takes its time,’ Yang Jing thought. ’Just give me a few more years.’