Beiliang County was located in the northwest region of the empire. Even at full speed, it would take about ten days to travel from the imperial capital along the official road.
Even if they managed to reach Beiliang County in ten days, there was no guarantee of Jiang Xiaofan's family's safety. By then, the murderous villain would likely have left Beiliang County already.
After some discussion, Gu Tengfeng, the captain of the demon-slaying squad, decided to take a shortcut through the Tianwei Mountain range and head directly northwest. This route would allow them to reach Beiliang County within three days.
However, venturing deep into the mountains meant entering the territory of powerful demonic beasts. Although the shortcut was faster, it came with significant risks.
Jiang Xiaofan, nearly driven mad with worry, could not afford to wait ten days. He unhesitatingly chose the shortcut through the Tianwei Mountain range.
The others understood Jiang Xiaofan's anxiety and agreed to take the risk to reach Beiliang County as quickly as possible.
Soon, Gu Tengfeng handed the demon-slaying mission scroll to the mission hall. The staff at the mission hall were somewhat surprised by the sudden appearance of the demon-slaying scroll, but since it bore the director's seal, there was no doubt about its authenticity.
Ling Feng also took some time to inform Yan Cangtian that he had taken on a demon-slaying mission and would not be available for a while.
Meanwhile, Lin Xian'er and Yun Yiyi prepared thoroughly. Half an hour later, everyone gathered at the gate of Tianwei Academy.
The demon-slaying mission officially began!
Under Gu Tengfeng's leadership, the group carefully avoided high-tier demonic beasts to prevent wasting time on unnecessary battles.
The first day passed without incident. They had exited the Tianwei Mountain range and entered a swamp filled with miasma.
This swamp, known as the God-Burying Swamp, was an extremely dangerous place.
Rumor had it that over thirty percent of the cultivators who ventured into this area never returned.
Once trapped in the miasma-filled mire, even a master like Gu Tengfeng might face certain death.
Therefore, Gu Tengfeng had initially been reluctant to take this shortcut.
He wasn't too concerned about himself or Ling Feng, but Jiang Xiaofan and the others seemed like burdens in such a perilous situation.
However, having made the decision, Gu Tengfeng resolved not to turn back and pressed forward resolutely.
"Everyone, stay close to me and be careful. One wrong step and you'll fall into the swamp. The poison in the swamp is deadly, and there are also terrifying demonic beasts lurking within. You must not be careless."
Gu Tengfeng took out a sheepskin scroll from his storage spirit ring, carefully spreading it open. Pointing to the black-marked spots on the scroll, he said solemnly, "These places are dangerous zones in this area. There are fifth-tier and even sixth-tier demonic beasts roaming around here, so avoid these areas at all costs."
"Mhmm." Everyone nodded quickly, while Lin Xian'er silently thanked her teacher for appointing Gu Tengfeng as the captain.
Ling Feng activated his Boundless Vision, remaining vigilant of everything around them. The demonic beasts hiding in the swamp were adept at concealing their presence, rendering spiritual consciousness ineffective. Only the Boundless Vision could be completely reliable.
Just then, the sound of a fight reached them from ahead.
It was a hunting team of three men and one woman who had encountered a Ghost-Eyed Crocodile lurking in the swamp.
One male member was already in danger, and the situation for the other members was also grim.