Has something happened in the Qinling Mountains?
Upon hearing the War God’s words, the expressions of those present turned serious.
It must be understood that the Qinling Mountains are the dividing line between north and south, and this place is one of the dragon veins of Chinese civilisation, steeped in mystery.
“What happened in the Qinling Mountains?” Elder Tang asked gravely.
The War God replied, “Many people have died in the Qinling Mountains, including several warriors from our Hades Hall who perished there.”
“Oh?” Elder Tang raised an eyebrow. “Tell me more.”
The War God explained, “Here’s what happened. A wealthy businessman was illegally building a villa in the Qinling Mountains. Workers accidentally uncovered a cave entrance on a cliff, and toxic mist emerged, killing all thirty-something workers on the spot.”
“This matter was reported to the relevant authorities, who sent teams to investigate, but many of them died as well.”
“Out of options, the matter was escalated through the ranks and eventually reached me.”
“I sent a five-man team to investigate. Despite taking thorough protective measures, they perished as soon as they reached the cave entrance.”
“That cave is extremely eerie. We don’t know what’s inside, but no matter what precautions are taken, whether it’s hazmat suits, gas masks, or other methods, nothing can protect against the toxic gas.”
“This situation is very strange, and with locals spreading rumours of a devil’s curse, it’s causing widespread panic.”
“Elder Tang, I came to discuss this with you, hoping to ask Ye Qiu to investigate the Qinling Mountains.”
“I didn’t expect Ye Qiu to be here already, so I won’t need to call him. So, how about it? Will you make a trip to the Qinling Mountains?”
The War God looked at Ye Qiu with a smile.
Ye Qiu had come to the capital to handle some matters, which were mostly resolved, and he planned to return to Jiangzhou tomorrow. He hadn’t expected this issue to arise.
Initially, he was reluctant to go, but thinking of the many deaths and the potential for more if the issue wasn’t resolved, he agreed.
“Alright, I’ll go take a look at the Qinling Mountains!”
Seeing Ye Qiu agree, the War God was delighted. “I knew you wouldn’t stand by idly.”
Elder Tang said, “Long Eyebrow, you’re the world’s greatest diviner. Could you cast a divination to see what’s happening in the Qinling Mountains?”
“Very well.” Master Long Eyebrow took out three copper coins, performed a ritual, and said solemnly, “An omen of great danger.”
That’s settled!
Ye Qiu quietly breathed a sigh of relief.
Elder Tang and the War God’s expressions grew heavy. They exchanged a glance, and Elder Tang said, “Long Eyebrow, please make a trip to the Qinling Mountains as well, to assist Ye Qiu with this matter.”
“This poor Taoist is too busy,” Master Long Eyebrow refused outright.
Elder Tang said, “Long Eyebrow, if you help resolve this matter, I’ll immediately provide the final payment. How about that?”
“Elder Tang, you’re not deceiving this poor Taoist, are you?” Master Long Eyebrow asked sceptically.
Elder Tang said earnestly, “A gentleman does not jest.”
“Deal.” Master Long Eyebrow agreed immediately.
Elder Tang’s eyes flickered, and he thought to himself, Long Eyebrow agreed so readily, could there be a problem?
Never mind, even if there is an issue, that money is meant for Dragon Tiger Mountain anyway.
With that thought, Elder Tang smiled and said, “Ye Qiu, Long Eyebrow, the Qinling matter is in your hands. You must investigate thoroughly.”
Master Long Eyebrow grinned and said, “Rest assured, Elder Tang. With this poor Taoist on the case, we’ll get to the bottom of the Qinling matter.”
Elder Tang turned to Ye Qiu, “Before you head to the cultivation world, give me a call. If I’m free, I’ll come to Jiangzhou to see you off.”
“Thank you, Elder Tang,” Ye Qiu said gratefully.
“Alright, go handle your tasks!” Elder Tang waved his hand.
Ye Qiu and Master Long Eyebrow followed the War God out of Elder Tang’s residence. Ye Qiu asked, “Is the Qinling matter urgent?”
The War God replied, “Not particularly urgent. I’ve already ordered the area to be sealed off, so there should be no immediate danger. Why, do you have other matters to attend to?”
“In that case, let’s head to the Hades Hall base first!” Ye Qiu said. “I’ll help you enhance your cultivation and push you across the threshold into immortality.”
The War God was thrilled at this. He was just one step away from entering the realm of immortal cultivation but hadn’t made the breakthrough despite much effort.
“Let’s go!”
The War God, invigorated, led Ye Qiu and Master Long Eyebrow to the Hades Hall base.
When Ye Qiu entered the War God’s office, he noticed a military dog squatting at the door, its tongue hanging out.
“Old man, play with it for a bit.”
With that, Ye Qiu entered the office and closed the door.
“Tch, not letting this poor Taoist inside, as if I care!”
Master Long Eyebrow scoffed, noticing the military dog staring at him with its tongue out. He said irritably, “What are you looking at?”
“Woof!” The dog barked, as if saying, “What’s it to you?”
“Keep staring, I dare you!”
“Woof!” The dog barked again, as if responding, “Try me!”
Master Long Eyebrow, instead of getting angry, was amused. “In all my years wandering the world, this is the first time I’ve met a dog with as much personality as you. I like it. Come, let’s have a chat.”
With that, Master Long Eyebrow sat down beside the dog, then suddenly felt something was off.
“Damn, if I’m calling you my brother, what does that make me?”
…
Inside the office.
Ye Qiu stood behind the War God, who had his eyes closed, his body covered in a dense array of golden needles.
Then, Ye Qiu placed his left palm on the War God’s head, continuously channelling powerful energy into his body.
Soon, white steam began rising from the War God’s head.
After a while, Ye Qiu took out three thousand-year-old spiritual herbs and had the War God consume them.
Half an hour later.
Ye Qiu withdrew the golden needles, and the War God’s aura had noticeably strengthened.
A moment later.
The War God opened his eyes, a divine light flashing in them, and stood up, saying, “Ye Qiu, thank you.”
“No need to thank me,” Ye Qiu said. “Your strength has greatly improved. You just need to find the right moment to pass the heavenly tribulation, and you’ll become a Foundation Establishment cultivator.”
“War God, I’ve handed Dragon Gate over to Cao Qingcheng, with instructions to act justly and not violate the law. Please keep an eye on them.”
“After I head to the cultivation world, please look after my family and friends as well.”
The War God smiled and agreed, “Rest assured, after you leave, I’ll arrange for people to protect your family and friends discreetly.”
“Ye Qiu, I don’t know much about the cultivation world, but it must be a dangerous place. You must take care of yourself.”
“When you and Wushuang return, we’ll share a drink and catch up.”
“Alright.” Ye Qiu nodded with a smile.
The War God said apologetically, “It’s a bit embarrassing to ask for your help right before you leave.”
Ye Qiu replied, “You’re too kind. I’m a warrior, this is my duty.”
The War God said, “I won’t keep you any longer. Head to the Qinling Mountains. A private jet is ready, and Tang Fei will meet you there.”
“Yes, sir!”
Ye Qiu saluted, then left the Hades Hall base with Master Long Eyebrow, heading to the Qinling Mountains through the night.
