Chapter 867: Chapter 457: Desolate Northern Territory (Part 2) Yao Qing noticed Gu Sheng’s dejection and encouraged, "Gu Sheng, don’t lose heart. Although the Northern Territory is desolate, its resources are very important to our Shaking Light Sacred Land." "What resources, mineral sources?" Gu Sheng asked. "That’s right. A mineral source the size of a fist can nearly elevate you by one realm." Yao Qing nodded and said. Gu Sheng listened to Yao Qing’s words but said nothing more. After all, this was the place he had insisted on coming to before. Now that he was really here, it was a bit late for regrets. Moreover, the Ji family from the Southern Domain was still searching for him everywhere, so it was more appropriate to hide here for now. Afterward, Yao Qing led everyone toward their destination. They traversed the icy plains and several barren mountains of the Northern Territory, eventually reaching the Taichu Ancient Mine. The air here was filled with a mysterious aura, as if every stone was telling ancient legends. When they arrived at the Taichu Ancient Mine, they saw that the Qing Yi Elder and several other elders from the Shaking Light Sacred Land were already there waiting. Their figures at the entrance of the ancient mine appeared especially solemn. The Qing Yi Elder saw that Yao Qing and Gu Sheng had safely brought everyone there and smiled with relief. However, after smiling, he suddenly realized the numbers had decreased and hurriedly asked, "Yao Qing, the number of disciples isn’t right, and the number of villagers has also decreased; what happened?" "Elder, we encountered a giant serpent in the dark river, so..." Yao Qing explained somewhat speechlessly. "A giant serpent?" The Qing Yi Elder slightly furrowed his brow, then stepped forward and said to Yao Qing, "Yao Qing, you’ve worked hard. Being able to lead everyone safely here under the threat of a giant serpent proves your strength." Yao Qing respectfully replied, "Elder, you’re too kind. This was the result of everyone’s efforts, especially Xiao Sheng and Xiao Long." The Qing Yi Elder looked at Gu Sheng and Xiao Long, "Hmm, I have confidence in both of you too." "Clang clang clang!" Suddenly, the sky was overcast with dark clouds, and gusts of eerie wind blew from afar. Dust flew in large amounts, as if a sandstorm had arrived. "Elder... why is the wind so strong?" Yao Qing squinted her eyes and called out in surprise. Her hair and clothes were flapping loudly in the wind, almost blowing her away. The Qing Yi Elder’s brows were tightly knit, staring at the dark clouds in the sky. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦 "This wind is strange, not like a natural phenomenon; more like someone is doing it intentionally." The Qing Yi Elder shouted loudly, and his voice was almost blown away by the wind. As soon as he finished speaking, the wind suddenly stopped. The dust gradually settled, and everyone’s vision became clearer. They were shocked to see dozens of robust men riding wild beasts standing in the sky. Each of these men had well-built muscles and fierce eyes, one look and it was clear they were not to be trifled with. The leading man wore chain mail and held a sky-piercing halberd, presenting a striking figure. His appearance immediately startled the villagers. They exchanged glances, evidently frightened by the sudden scene. The Qing Yi Elder was also a bit surprised but quickly calmed down. After all, as a Supreme Elder, it would be disgraceful to the Shaking Light Sacred Land to become nervous over a situation like this. "Elder, who is that guy?" Yao Qing pointed at the lead man in the sky and asked. The Qing Yi Elder’s gaze locked tightly on the leading man, then he slowly said, "That leading guy is Jiang Yi from the Jiang family, one of the thirteen great bandits of the Northern Territory, infamous for being ruthless and cunning." The battle flags billowed, shaking people’s hearts. Jiang Yi rode his wild beast, looking down at the group with the Qing Yi Elder. "Qing Yi old man, why are people from your Shaking Light Sacred Land on my turf?" His voice was like thunder, shaking everyone’s eardrums painfully. "Hmph!" The Qing Yi Elder snorted coldly, his voice equally loud, "Jiang Yi, this area belongs to the Shaking Light Sacred Land, not to bandits like you. Leave quickly, or don’t blame me for being rude." "Hahaha..." Jiang Yi laughed, his eyes revealing contempt, "Qing Yi old man, do you think you’re still the elder who once dominated the Northern Territory? Now you’re just an old fox, still trying to lecture me?" The Qing Yi Elder’s face darkened, knowing that reasoning with someone like Jiang Yi was useless; they only acknowledged strength. He took a deep breath and said solemnly, "If that’s the case, let’s see the truth with our hands." The two exchanged words briefly and immediately started fighting. The Qing Yi Elder’s figure flashed, charging towards Jiang Yi. A longsword appeared in his hand without anyone noticing, the sword light flickering, pointing straight at Jiang Yi’s heart. Jiang Yi was not to be outdone, brandishing his sky-piercing halberd with great momentum. "Clang clang clang!" The longsword and sky-piercing halberd clashed, producing clear rings of metal hitting metal. As their divine power swelled, the surrounding air was distorted by their strength. Meanwhile, other Shaking Light practitioners and Jiang Yi’s subordinates also engaged in fierce battles. Yao Qing wielded her longsword, divine power flowing across the blade. Gu Sheng, whose Wheel Sea was sealed, stood on the side, watching the commotion with other villagers. Thus, this confrontation lasted for a full hour. "Eight Spirits Barbaric Force!" Suddenly, Jiang Yi roared. At that moment, Jiang Yi’s body suddenly emitted a bright light. At the same time, his body seemed to transform into a wild bull dozens of meters high, charging directly at the Qing Yi Elder. The Qing Yi Elder’s expression slightly changed, recognizing the technique Jiang Yi used as the legendary Eight Spirits Barbaric Force. It was an extremely domineering martial technique, said to summon the power of eight wild beasts when mastered fully. Its power was unstoppable and indestructible. "Everyone be careful, this Eight Spirits Barbaric Force is formidable!" The Qing Yi Elder loudly warned everyone. Simultaneously, his body rapidly retreated, attempting to evade Jiang Yi’s strike. "Moo!" Jiang Yi’s bull form charged fiercely. "Boom boom boom!" With every step the bull took, the ground trembled. Its speed was extremely fast, almost instantly reaching the Qing Yi Elder’s face. The Qing Yi Elder knew that if he took this hit directly, his sea of suffering might be shattered, so he could only barely dodge. "Boom!" A loud explosion. Jiang Yi’s bull form struck directly at the spot where the Qing Yi Elder had just stood. The ground there was hit into a pit several meters deep. The flying dust was chilling. "Elder!" Yao Qing exclaimed. He wanted to help, but the Qing Yi Elder waved him off. "Don’t come over, this Eight Spirits Barbaric Force is too domineering, you are no match for it." The Qing Yi Elder shouted loudly. Just like that, after several rounds, although the Qing Yi Elder relied on his rich combat experience and superb movement technique to dodge Jiang Yi’s attacks, he was clearly struggling. Jiang Yi noticed the Qing Yi Elder’s fatigue and began to feel triumphant. "Elder! Today is your death day!" Jiang Yi’s bull form charged again. He intended to use the Eight Spirits Barbaric Force to kill the Qing Yi Elder in one fell swoop. "Meet your end!" Jiang Yi shouted loudly, his body once again emitting a dazzling light. The bull’s phantom grew more substantial, as if truly about to crush the Qing Yi Elder into dust. "Buzz..." At this critical moment, suddenly, a horn sound came from afar. The sound was deep, with an indescribable majesty. Jiang Yi’s body suddenly shook, and he immediately retracted his Eight Spirits Barbaric Force. Consequently, the bull’s phantom also dissipated. "Of all times, it had to blow now!" Jiang Yi’s eyes showed discontent, then he ordered his men, "Retreat!" Upon Jiang Yi’s command, his subordinates, who were fighting hard, immediately stopped their actions and retreated to the side. "Qing Yi Elder, I’ll let you live this time; we’ll meet again next time!" After speaking, Jiang Yi and his men roared away. "Whew..." The Qing Yi Elder saw this, and heaved a sigh of relief.