Outside, it was an icy and snowy world, while inside the hall, the heat was oppressive, the crackling of charcoal fire filled the air with a smoky scent.
The grand hall’s doors were closed, and inside, there were only four people.
Pei Yanhu sat at the head seat in the hall, with the three who came from Enlightenment Mountain seated on one side below, strangely, Gongsun Yang was not among them.
"May I ask the distinguished names of the three?" Pei Yanhu pondered a moment before speaking.
"Mountain Man Yangshan of Enlightenment Mountain!"
"Ling Yunzi of Yunxiao Peak!"
"These are my Master and Teacher, I am Zhao Quanzhen, greetings to Commander Pei!"
The three from Enlightenment Mountain sat on one side in order, Yangshan, Ling Yunzi, Zhao Quanzhen.
Pei Yanhu, being of Dao Fruit Second Layer, naturally sensed the extraordinary aura of the three; the two elders had restrained auras, undoubtedly well-versed in Martial Arts, yet even the young man in front, with a lion-like presence, exuded an aura that made him wary, and his energy was stirring, likely on the brink of a breakthrough.
However, despite their remarkable presence, they were quite courteous, naturally invoking a sense of goodwill.
Pei Yanhu’s tiger eyes narrowed slightly, his palm resting on the armrest, his body straight as a peak, his expression serious, "Enlightenment Mountain is indeed a Xian Mountain Blessed Land, rich in talents and spiritual energy. Two Martial Arts seniors and their outstanding student have come here to discuss an important matter; Pei wishes to ask what it is."
Pei Yanhu invited the three to sit down, and after understanding their origins, without much small talk or formalities, proceeded directly to the main topic.
As he spoke, his gaze slowly fell on Zhao Quanzhen among the three, and his tiger eyes opened slightly, "I heard from my subordinates that a few days ago, you unveiled a proclamation regarding the investigation of the Demon Transmission Arrays in the front-line fallen prefectures!"
Pei Yanhu had some suspicions about the purpose of their visit, and there was a hint of expectation and urgency in his tone.
As the Main General, leading the Chuanzhong Pass front-line fortress, he carried a heavy burden; he needed to stabilize army morale and could not show any impatience or worry normally, but he felt a heavy concern about the current situation and was extremely worried about Chen Yuan’s safety.
This trusted and beloved general had unknowingly become a vital pillar in the hearts of the front-line soldiers! If anything were to happen, the southern defensive line would collapse!
Facing the emotion implied in Pei Yanhu’s words, Zhao Quanzhen’s face became solemn, he cupped his fists toward Pei Yanhu.
"Indeed, as Commander Pei might have guessed, my Teacher and Master and I came precisely for this matter."
"After unveiling the proclamation, I discussed with my Teacher and Master about going to Zhen Nan Prefecture to investigate. Upon infiltration, we discovered that the Devil Race occupying the city had protected the Transmission Array with a defensive big formation and heavily guarded it outside."
"After observing for two days, we found that this Transmission Array would transport a new batch of Demon Soldiers every night at three quarters past midnight. At that moment, the defensive big formation would open, and I, along with my Teacher and Master, planned to break in during this time."
"My Teacher and Master created chaos outside and lured the three Great Demons guarding the big formation away, allowing me to slip inside amidst the commotion..."
Zhao Quanzhen narrated the general course of events, pausing as he reached this point and then reaching into his bosom.
His action immediately heightened Pei Yanhu’s attention, his tiger eyes fixed tightly on Zhao Quanzhen’s moves.
Very soon, Zhao Quanzhen took out an item from his bosom, a fist-sized blue crystal orb with flickering arcs of lightning within.
It was the Image Capturing Pearl Zhao Quanzhen had risked his life to protect!
It recorded everything he saw and heard after sneaking into the big formation!
As this Image Capturing Pearl was taken out, Zhao Quanzhen’s voice also rang out, "This is the Image Capturing Pearl. At the time, amidst the chaos, I placed several inside to record details regarding the Transmission Array. Unfortunately, a Great Demon hidden inside uncovered my disguise, forcing me to flee hurriedly, leaving only this one behind!"
Speaking these words with great seriousness and a touch of regret, Zhao Quanzhen gently tossed the blue crystal orb towards Pei Yanhu, saying, "Commander Pei, see if it’s of any use. It’s a pity we couldn’t destroy that formation to stop the Devil Race from continually sending reinforcements."
He spoke these words with sincerity and regret.
Hastily catching the Image Capturing Pearl, Pei Yanhu’s hand slightly trembled upon hearing the latter words, a strange glint fleeting in his eyes before they settled into a serious expression. He channeled True Qi into the hand holding the Image Capturing Pearl, white light surged, threads of True Qi entered the orb.
Once the threads of white True Qi touched the flickering blue arcs inside, the arcs sparked sharply, and images began to play within the orb, accompanied by sounds.
Chaotic demonic shadows, a heavenly white jade-like giant tree, and atop the tree, a radiant white pillar resembling a celestial river...
After ten or so breaths, the scene abruptly ended with a heart-thumping shout.
Slowly retracting his True Qi, Pei Yanhu lifted his gaze with a heavy expression, then stood up, suspending the crystal orb in the air, before earnestly cupping his hands towards the master and disciples from Enlightenment Mountain,
"For venturing into the Demon Cave, risking great dangers for our Mountain-cutting Army and the people of Shu, I thank you!"
"A substantial reward shall follow afterwards!"
He promised seriously.
Although he knew that with the background and strength of these three, they were not driven simply by the so-called drop of Great Demon Blood.
Seeing the Commanding Officer stationed at Chuanzhong Pass handle things so earnestly, the otherwise silent Master Yangshan spoke up, "It’s nothing!"
"With demons rampant, this is what we cultivators ought to do! Besides, without your Mountain-cutting Army, my fellow brothers and nephew might have returned in defeat too!"