ragginovel Chapter 2458 Wind Thief
Chapter 2458 Wind Thief
Chapter 2458 Wind Thief
“Brother Mingyue, we have an agreement that we will part ways after I send you to the Valley of Desolation.”
Qin Sang was still thinking about things when he heard the old monkey leading the group rambling on and on. He laughed and said, "Fellow Daoist, please rest assured, I will not cause you any trouble."
The old monkey muttered something under his breath. If it weren't for the girl's soft pleading and the generous reward Qin Sang offered, he wouldn't have been willing to bring this stranger along.
Over the years, he has seen people enter Fengmo for various purposes, including those who have provoked powerful enemies and seek refuge there. Getting involved with these people often means big trouble.
"Keep your eyes peeled! Anyone who's careless and attracts the bandits, I'll skin them alive first!"
The old monkey's sharp words and stern expression made the herb gatherers uneasy.
Qin Sang followed behind, listening to the conversations of the herb gatherers, as they gradually ventured deeper into the desert.
Amidst the endless yellow sand.
They moved forward at a leisurely pace, stopping every so often to check for any traces left behind.
Although the traces of the ravages of the wind disaster would soon be erased, Old Monkey remained very cautious, just in case, to lure the wind bandits from the windy desert over.
The Wind Bandits are evil cultivators active in the Wind Desert. For various reasons, these evil cultivators travel in groups to plunder and pillage in the Wind Desert. They are cruel, bloodthirsty, and infamous. The Wind Bandits come and go like the wind, impossible to eradicate completely. In the eyes of many demon cultivators, they are more terrifying than the Wind Desert itself.
"Wind Thief..."
Qin Sang seemed to be deep in thought, listening to the old monkey in front of him patiently instructing the 'newcomer' on how to survive in the desert and how to avoid danger. He also gained a lot from the experience.
Suddenly, the old monkey waved his hand to stop the group from moving forward.
Qin Sang looked closely and saw through the sandstorm to a giant yellow whirlwind in front of her.
This is the eye of the storm, but it is far more visible in the desert than in the outside world.
"It's the eye of the storm!"
Old Monkey looked serious and warned in a low voice, "Don't mistake them for the eye of the storm outside! Never venture into the eye of the storm in the desert; it's best to stay far away."
As he spoke, Old Monkey led everyone on a detour. Qin Sang secretly observed the eye of the storm. It wasn't obvious elsewhere, but now it was clear that the Xun wind had undergone an unknown change in the desert.
Perhaps this is one of the reasons why the forbidden area was formed.
"Are the supernatural powers of the Zhaofeng Clan greatly diminished here, or do they thrive even more?"
Qin Sang silently followed the herb gatherer, bypassing the eye of the storm, but gradually frowned.
After traveling for a while, the group stopped in a desert. The old monkey circled around a spot a few times, then, with his fingers forming a sword shape, he dug out a magical flower from deep within the yellow sand.
The gray spirit flower, with needle-like petals, exudes a chilling aura.
"impossible!"
"How come I didn't notice there was a beggar-ticks here?"
Amidst cheers, the two herb gatherers who were entering the Wind Desert for the first time couldn't help but exclaim in surprise. They had just been diligently scanning the area with their divine senses several times, but they hadn't found this spiritual flower. It should be noted that the Ghost Needle Orchid is not the kind of spiritual flower that naturally possesses the ability to conceal itself.
The old monkey stroked his beard, a hint of smugness in his eyes, and said, "That's because the wind and desert will affect your spiritual senses. Although it won't prevent you from releasing your divine sense, it might cloud your perception and create all sorts of illusions. If you rely too much on your divine sense, you're not far from death. Therefore, when searching for spiritual herbs, it's best to start with their properties. Look here..."
Pointing to the ground, the old monkey patiently instructed the 'newcomer,' winning everyone's heartfelt admiration.
Qin Sang sighed softly. The situation deep in the Wind Desert must be even more serious. With spiritual senses failing, finding the origin of the Qilin would only be more difficult.
The old monkey was very experienced and had made plans before entering. Occasionally it was forced to deviate from the course, but it would quickly get back on track.
Along the way, Qin Sang witnessed various celestial phenomena and dangers in the desert, and gradually a plan formed in her mind.
A month later.
After a long journey, they arrived at the foot of a rocky mountain.
Ahead, the mountains stretched endlessly, each composed of hard bluestone, worn smooth by wind and sand like mounds of grave.
Beyond the mountains, one can see that this green stone mountain is actually divided into two mountain ranges, left and right.
Between the two mountain ranges lies a winding valley, from which strange winds emanate, sounding like mournful cries. The valley is shrouded in a gray haze, completely out of place with its surroundings, clearly indicating that it is not a benevolent place.
"We've arrived at the Valley of Desolation."
Old Maohou glanced at Qin Sang behind him, his wariness lessening somewhat. Qin Sang had been behaving herself the whole way and hadn't caused them any trouble.
The Valley of Desolation is home to some very special medicinal herbs, which are extremely valuable, but due to the nature of the Valley of Desolation, it is not always accessible.
The old monkey stood at the entrance of the valley for a while, then took out a treasure and entered the valley alone. A short while later, he emerged with a joyful expression, exclaiming, "This time we can go in!"
The demons were overjoyed upon hearing this, made their preparations, and filed in one after another.
Not long after they entered, two phantom figures suddenly appeared at the valley entrance. One of them had a slightly hunched back and a large, bulbous nose. He sniffed hard and chuckled, "Finally caught up. We just went in. Tell the boss we still made it! Too bad we're not easy prey."
“When you’re starving, something to eat is good to fill your stomach. But if you’re really hungry, you need to have strong teeth to catch a really fat sheep,” his companion said casually.
He grinned, revealing a pair of long fangs. "We may not be good at anything else, but these steel teeth are tough enough!"
Meanwhile, the demons of the Desolate Valley did not notice that Qin Sang, who was at the very back, revealed a smile and thought to herself, "They've finally arrived."
After searching for a while in the Valley of Desolation, the herb gatherers were lucky and returned with a full load, all beaming with joy.
But the moment they stepped out of the Valley of Desolation, their smiles froze on their faces.
"Wind Thief! Retreat!"
The old monkey roared, and three silver rays flew out of the wooden box on his back—three spirit swords.
'Swish! Swish! Swish!'
Old Mao Hou's swordsmanship was superb; his spirit sword transformed into countless imposing sword shadows.
At the same time, the old monkey's body swelled up, transforming into a white ape several meters tall. Its robust body and bulging muscles displayed the power of this physical form.
'Whoosh! Whoosh!'
The two attacks that came straight at them were forced back by the white ape's two punches. The other herb gatherers also realized that the situation was critical, so they all transformed into their beast forms and fought back while retreating.
Just then, they heard a cold laugh and suddenly felt a huge tremor in the Valley of Desolation behind them. A giant stele fell from the sky and blocked the entrance to the valley. A cloaked figure stood on top of the stele.
Sensing the gazes directed from beneath the cloaks, the herb gatherers were shaken and panicked.
Old Mao Hou's face turned ashen, his murderous gaze fixed on Qin Sang. "You're a spy for the Wind Bandits!"
The herb gatherers around him were all seasoned veterans, except for Qin Sang, who was a complete stranger. Old Monkey was filled with regret; he should never have been tempted by the offer.
Qin Sang walked out, instantly attracting everyone's attention. Despite the chaotic battle just now, he was spotless.
"It is indeed a leaked secret, but I am not a spy for the Wind Bandits," Qin Sang said with a smile, but in his heart he was thinking that this group of Wind Bandits was a bit weak.
The bandit leader on the giant monument felt uneasy. His gaze under his cloak was filled with suspicion and uncertainty. Then he saw a horrifying scene: his men were falling to the ground one by one, but it was impossible to tell who had done it.
'boom! '
The cloaked figure fell straight to the ground.
Only Qin Sang and the herb gatherer remained standing on the battlefield. The old monkey stared with its huge eyes, its anger turning into fear.
"It's time to part ways. Thanks for leading the way," Qin Sang walked to the old monkey's side, looked up at the huge creature, and patted its leg. "Keep this a secret when you get back."
The old monkey shuddered and quickly transformed back into human form. "Don't worry, senior, I swear I will keep this a secret!"
"Go."
Qin Sang waved his hand and walked towards the bandit leader.
After much deliberation, Qin Sang realized that he still didn't have enough manpower around him, so he decided to recruit some wind bandits who were familiar with the wind desert. He used herb gatherers as bait to lure in a group of wind bandits, but unfortunately, none of them were Void Refinement experts and they were not of much use.
However, these herb gatherers were not very strong, so it was understandable that they attracted this group of bandits.
This group of wind bandits is just the beginning; Qin Sang intends to use them to infiltrate the Wind Desert.
Beneath the cloak was a fair-skinned young man with a pair of purplish-gold demonic eyes; he was a purplish-gold eagle demon.
"Where are your heads?" Qin Sang asked.
The arrogance in the eyes of the Purple-Gold Eagle Demon had been completely shattered. It could not muster the slightest thought of resisting Qin Sang. Its lips moved slightly, and it said tremblingly, "This...this junior is the leader."
Upon further inquiry, Qin Sang learned that the bandits in the Wind Desert did not have a strict organization; they often formed spontaneously and moved like the wind.
True powerhouses have lofty ambitions and wouldn't choose to be wind pirates. Anyone with connections wouldn't be content to be confined to this godforsaken place. They're all forced into becoming wind pirates because they can't survive outside and have no choice but to hide in the barren desert.
Legends also circulate in the Wind Desert about super strong individuals becoming Wind Thieves, but their whereabouts are even more elusive, and unless you are lucky enough to stumble upon them, it is very difficult to find them intentionally.
"Do you know the whereabouts of any other groups of wind pirates?"
After asking them questions, Qin Sang released the restraints on them, saying, "From now on, you'll work for me!"
The Purple-Gold Eagle Demon stared blankly at Qin Sang's back. Was this person also going to become a Wind Thief?
Qin Sang was short of manpower, so he took in everyone regardless of their cultivation level. These bandits, who were already prepared to die for their profession, were seeing a glimmer of hope in having found a powerful patron. Therefore, Qin Sang didn't need to promise them any conditions; they all rushed to submit.
After collecting the other bandits into the altar, Qin Sang kept the Purple-Gold Eagle Demon by her side and went to find the next group of bandits.
The bandits are connected, but they are exceptionally vigilant. Even with Qin Sang's personal intervention, one group of bandits still noticed and escaped beforehand.
After a series of victories, within two months Qin Sang had amassed a considerable force around him, all of whom became his demon soldiers. Unfortunately, he wasn't cultivating the Battle Altar, so these demon soldiers could only practice battle formations and couldn't assist Qin Sang in his cultivation.
During the process of subduing the sand bandits, Qin Sang also obtained a clue.
……
"Unexpectedly, there is a hidden paradise in the desert!"
Two figures walked silently into the underground cavern; it was Qin Sang and Xiao Yue.
Their footsteps were silent, listening to the sound of dripping water echoing in the empty cave.
Xiaoyue surveyed the cave and nodded, saying, "This is a place where the earth's veins and the Xun wind converge. It was created by chance and can be described as a treasure land of nature, a quiet oasis amidst the hustle and bustle!"
“Hehe, you’re right, it is indeed a rare gem, but unfortunately it’s already taken,” Qin Sang paused, “You go ahead and meet that person.”
Xiaoyue cupped his hands and stepped into the depths of the cave.
Qin Sang stood there, remembering that this cave had been accidentally discovered by a bandit long ago, but he hadn't dared to enter because he had found some unusual traces. He had then forgotten about it until he saw Qin Sang.
Judging from all the signs, this is very likely the dojo of a demon king!
Xiaoyue's figure gradually disappeared into the darkness.
A moment later, Qin Sang raised an eyebrow, and then several angry shouts came from inside, causing the cave to shake violently.
The battle between the two sides was extremely fierce.
Qin Sang was somewhat surprised. He knew Xiao Yue's strength and had high hopes for him, so he had always given him enough respect and tried to win him over.
Unexpectedly, Xiaoyue failed to defeat the opponent directly.
"It seems I'll have another great general by my side," Qin Sang thought with delight, summoning the Heaven-Binding Golden Lock and the Earth-Imprisoning Divine Ring.
As soon as the virtual domain unfolded, Qin Sang let out a soft exclamation, and golden light instantly seeped into the ground.
'boom! '
Xiaoyue suddenly rushed out, shouting urgently, "Immortal, something's wrong! That fellow is cunning..."
Before the words were finished, the ground exploded, and a figure was enveloped in golden light. The person trapped in the void was a gaunt old man, less than two feet tall, with a large head and small body, bowlegs, a bald head, and a sparse beard under his chin. His appearance was unbearable to look at.
Trapped in the void, the old man was at his wit's end. He closed his eyes, sighed deeply, and gave a bitter smile: "I had long expected this day to come..."
Qin Sang sized up the old man and asked, "Fellow Daoist, have you misunderstood something?"
The old man was startled, opened his eyes, and carefully examined Qin Sang. "You...you're not..."
"Although I don't know who you are referring to, it shouldn't be me," Qin Sang said.
The old man immediately flew into a rage, "Since you have nothing to do with them, why did you break into my cave to arrest me?"
"I have come to uphold justice on behalf of Heaven. Fellow Daoist, you have colluded with the Wind Thieves and taken many lives. Have you ever thought about the consequences?"
Qin Sang's upright demeanor drew Xiao Yue's attention.
The old man was stunned; he could hardly believe it.
Qin Sang wasn't wrong about him. The old man had hidden himself in the Wind Desert and had no soldiers under his command, so he remotely controlled two groups of Wind Bandits. Although he never showed himself, and the Wind Bandits didn't even know where he was hiding, he was indeed the real mastermind behind it all.
"I admit defeat. Do with me as you please!" the old man said dejectedly.
"You still don't know your Dharma name, friend?"
"Dixing Gong!"
“Earthwalker,” Qin Sang nodded, not minding whether it was an alias or not, “Fellow Daoist’s earth-遁 (earth-遁 is a type of magic/escaping technique) is indeed remarkable. I have a suggestion…”
Upon hearing this, Di Xinggong's brows furrowed deeply. "I am too weak and was captured alive by you two. I have no regrets even if I die. But if you want me to submit willingly, you must grant me one condition... Only by avenging this grudge can you resolve my obsession..."
"Revenge?" Qin Sang frowned. "Your enemies, fellow Daoist, wouldn't be the Suanni and Zhaofeng, would they?"
Di Xinggong shook his head, "Don't worry, this old man knows when to advance and when to retreat."
After a moment's hesitation, Qin Sang nodded, "Okay, I agree, but not now!"
"This old man greets Your Majesty!"
The Earth-Walking Lord prostrated himself in worship.
Having recruited another powerful general, the foundation was laid, and the appointed time was fast approaching. Qin Sang left Di Xinggong and Xiaoyue behind and returned to keep the appointment.