After a long while, Ling Feng withdrew all the silver needles. Their tips had turned completely black.
Clearly, the Blood Spirit Corpses were saturated with a unique and potent toxin—one that couldn't be purged, continuously transforming them until they became neither human nor demon.
Seeing Ling Feng retract the needles, Jin Weide, Sun Gongming, and the others crowded around anxiously.
Ling Feng's brows knitted tightly. "I have some ideas, but the poison in their bodies is too peculiar. From what I can tell, they've had part of their soul essence source drained by some evil dao magical treasure. This toxin has penetrated their very souls, making it incredibly hard to remove."
His expression was grave. In truth, if not for the Classic Formula of Ten-thousand Poisons—given to him by Su Dongling, the Empire's Top Poison Master (and father of his beautiful mentor, Su Qingxuan)—he might not have been able to diagnose it at all.
"T-this..." Jin Weide's face paled. "A toxin that infects the soul? What kind of poison is this? In all my years of practice, I've never heard of such a thing!"
"Young friend Ling, does this mean the Blood Spirit Corpses are beyond saving?" Sun Gongming sighed. "If so, I'll coordinate with the other fifteen cities' garrisons and petition the Northwestern Army's commander to burn them all."
Though he hated the idea of condemning millions to death, if there was truly no cure, wasting time here was pointless.
"No, General, don't act rashly. There is a way."
Ling Feng's sharp brows relaxed slightly. "If I can identify the toxic flowers the Blood God Cult used to brew this poison, I can still save those not too deeply afflicted. As for those whose organs are already corroded... not even the gods could bring them back."
Technically, Ling Feng could use the Vermilion-Eyed Ice Silkworm to absorb the toxin. But this poison was too bizarre—the silkworm's effectiveness would be limited at best.
Besides, he only had one silkworm. Expecting it to detoxify millions of people individually was absurd.
Sun Gongming pondered for a moment before fixing Ling Feng with a stare. "So, young friend, you're saying we need to send people into Yanbao City to search the Blood God Cult's stronghold and find the poison's formula?"
"Just the primary toxic flowers will suffice." Ling Feng rubbed his nose. "And there's no need to trouble your men. My companions and I will handle this."
Sun Gongming refused outright. "Young friend Ling, you're our only hope for an antidote. I won't let you take such risks! Rest assured, the Northwestern Army fears no death. We'll retrieve what you need, whatever the cost!"
"He's right, young friend." Jin Weide chimed in urgently. "Our duty as physicians is to heal. Leave the fighting to them."
He couldn't bear the thought of losing such a prodigious Divine Imperial Physician—it would be a devastating blow to the medical world.
"I appreciate your concern, General Sun and Physician Jin. But my mind is made up."
Ling Feng smiled faintly. "To be honest, half the reason we're here is for training. Sitting idle in camp wouldn't count as experience, would it?"
Sun Gongming's frown deepened. "Yanbao City is overrun with Blood Spirit Corpses—some even at the Spiritual Element Realm! Young friend, you can train anywhere, but you only have one life!"
"Haha, if they're not even Spiritual Element Realm, what's the point of calling it training?"
Jiang Xiaofan laughed heartily. "Don't worry, General Sun. My big brother is ridiculously strong!"
Sun Gongming scrutinized Jiang Xiaofan, his eyelids twitching. The boy's vitality was monstrous—like a humanoid beast.
Every inch of his muscles seemed to contain explosive power. Even Sun Gongming, an eighth-level Spiritual Element Realm expert, felt a chill down his spine.
If this monstrous youth called Ling Feng "big brother," how terrifying must he be?
No wonder—the Northwestern Army was stationed in the remote Western Wilderness. It wasn't surprising they hadn't heard of Ling Feng.
"I don't do suicidal stunts." Ling Feng chuckled. "General Sun, trust me. It's still early—we'll be back by sunset."
"Fine." Sun Gongming took a deep breath. "But the city is too dangerous. At least let my vice-general lead a squad to assist you."
"No need." Ling Feng shook his head. "We're a sword team, General. Our coordination is seamless. More people would just get in the way."
His real concern was the Five Elements Heavenly Palace. If things went south, he could stash his teammates inside—but outsiders would complicate things.
Saving them or not would become a messy dilemma.
"I see." Sun Gongming sighed. "Then I'll await your triumphant return."
"One more thing!" Physician Jin interjected urgently. "Young friend Ling, after dark, the Blood Spirit Corpses become far more aggressive. Whether you find the formula or not, return before nightfall!"
With a nod, Ling Feng wasted no more time. With Jiang Xiaofan, Tuoba Yan, and the others, he strode into Yanbao City under the watchful eyes of Sun Gongming and his men.
"Sigh... I just hope they don't come back as Blood Spirit Corpses."
Sun Gongming turned to his vice-general. "Commander Wang, station some Spiritual Element Realm experts at the gates. The moment they return, provide backup!"
The instant they entered, a horde of frenzied Blood Spirit Corpses charged, eyes glowing crimson, as if intent on devouring all living things.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
A barrage of arrows rained down from above, pinning the first wave to the ground—a stark display of military firepower.
"Seems General Sun still doesn't have much faith in us."
Ling Feng smirked, retrieving a vial of pills from his storage spirit ring. "These are potent antidotes. Take one every half-hour to neutralize most toxins."
No one dared take chances, promptly swallowing a pill each. Under the cover of arrows, they soon reached Yanbao City's main road.
With their team's combat prowess, infiltrating the Blood God Cult's stronghold shouldn't be too difficult.