Chapter 48: Out on Stage

The sixteen-eyed monster’s gaze likewise followed the Soul-Calming Banner, its head even tilted slightly, watching with intense focus. After waving the white banner for only a short while, Baishan and Qingshui, the two young and strong attendants, were already drenched in sweat. However, the sixteen-eyed monster ceased its movements; its inherent ferocity and suspicion replaced by bewilderment. The Soul-Summoning Banner before it overshadowed other vital energies, emitting a pleasant fluctuation. Yet, focusing too intensely on this banner consumed a significant amount of its soul power, further clouding its already unquiet mind. This item affected it much like a tranquilizer affects humans.

After a moment, the sixteen-eyed monster even scratched the back of its head in a remarkably human-like gesture, then slowly turned and walked away. When it finally transformed into black smoke and ascended into the sky with the main group, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Baishan and Qingshui also put away the Soul-Calming Banner, sat down on the spot, and focused on regulating their breathing, heedless of the sweat pouring down their foreheads. Even that brief period of waving the banner had resulted in a double exhaustion of both physical and mental energy.

At this point, the vengeful spirits emerging from the well were massive, fewer in number, and maintained a certain distance from each other, unlike the previous spirits that had crowded together without any sense of personal space. In fact, a small group of vengeful spirits often followed closely behind them, appearing like attendants. Seeing this, He Lingchuan understood that these entities held higher power and status among the vengeful spirits. Just like with humans, those with prominence and status never lack followers.

Fortunately, they weren't as perceptive as the sixteen-eyed monster, or perhaps they simply had no intention of looking down, and thus ascended into the sky surrounded by the throng of spirits. Once they had all departed, the well became quiet, with no new vengeful spirits emerging. At this moment, the light from the Illusory Barrier also began to wane, making it clear that Sun Fuping's assertion about its short duration was not an excuse.

Taking advantage of this lull, Nian Songyu whispered to Sun Fuping, "It looks like they've all gone." Sun Fuping, striving for caution, shook his head and indicated, "Let's wait a little longer."

While they remained safe and could converse normally, outside Dragoncoil City, fierce winds were sweeping the ground, sending sand and stones flying, leaving no peaceful inch of land. The Soul-Dispelling Powder was still active; everyone clearly witnessed a pillar of tens of thousands of vengeful spirits erupting halfway to the sky, then scattering like a spray. Every sesame-sized black speck was a single vengeful spirit, and these specks filled the sky, carried by the strong winds towards every corner of the Dragoncoil Desert.

The Sandstorm Season had begun. This was the first time anyone had clearly witnessed its genesis. In just half a day, the Sandstorm Season would sweep across the entire Dragoncoil Desert, covering the sky for many long months to come. Upon seeing this, the entire team silently lowered their heads.

He Lingchuan turned his head and saw the solemn expression on He Chunhua's face. Although it was only a few days until September, and regular travelers of Red Cliff Road understood the unpredictable temperament of the Dragoncoil Desert, usually taking precautions early, Sun Fuping's premature initiation of the Sandstorm Season undoubtedly led to many casualties. Not to mention, any post stations that hadn't had time to evacuate would certainly be wiped out. However, they had only learned of Sun Fuping's plan after entering Dragoncoil City, and his position was far superior to theirs, making defiance impossible. Fearing the elder might be under too much psychological burden, he quietly asked, "Father, are you alright?"

"Hmm," He Chunhua replied instinctively, lost in thought as he gazed at the well. "Protect me. The real danger is probably just beginning."

"Oh, alright."

For a while, no new vengeful spirits appeared from the well. The group sought instructions from the Imperial Advisor. While they all stood watching, Sun Fuping wasn't idle; he had already picked up a tree branch and was drawing an array on the ground. The array was large, encircling everyone, and the drawing process didn't appear complicated. Despite the seemingly simple lines, He Chunhua found it increasingly intriguing and couldn't help but ask, "Imperial Advisor, is this a summoning array?"

"Yes, it is, just in case," Sun Fuping replied. Feeling they had waited long enough, he stopped his work. "Alright, since nothing else is coming out of the well, we'll prepare to..." Before he could finish, the calm pool water abruptly exploded again without warning, and another cluster of vengeful spirits emerged. It was, strikingly, another army of deceased spirits. Among them were infantry wielding swords and shields, and cavalry riding horses with spears raised. The moment they appeared, they brought with them an overwhelming aura of murderous intent!

Even from several yards away, He Lingchuan felt a chill run down his spine, raising goosebumps. They too emitted wails of grief and indignation, and their eyes were filled with hatred, yet observers felt there was something different about them. They didn't appear any stronger or more robust than other warrior spirits; in fact, many soldiers looked noticeably thinner. Some soldiers' quivers held arrows with multicolored fletching, seemingly made from random feathers; some cavalrymen carried newly-sharpened ash spears, still rough with splinters and not yet smoothed. Most soldiers wore old, patched armor, bearing the unique dusty aura of aged items. The plates varied in color and size, clearly repaired repeatedly, perhaps even pieced together from different sets.

Yet their eyes were as tough and cruel as a pack of mountain wolves. Even the thinnest among them ran with an unstoppable, fearless resolve. The people of Blackwater City, directly facing this army, almost immediately lowered their heads and closed their eyes, not daring to meet their gaze. The sharp edge honed by countless trials was something even Blackwater City's army, which had repelled enemies many times, and the fierce desert bandits who risked their lives, dared not confront directly.

These vengeful spirits were truly different from the ones before. He Lingchuan secretly clenched his fists. These must be the Great Wind Army, right? Sure enough, a flag-bearer appeared, confirming his suspicion. This vengeful spirit rode a reddish-brown horse, holding high a large banner. On its bright red surface was a single, boldly written character: “钟” (Zhong).

He Lingchuan recalled that his own team also carried a flag with the character "Zhong," and a mix of emotions swelled in his chest. His team carried the "Zhong" flag for protection and peace, while these warriors carried theirs to march into battle and slay their enemies. This was the genuine Great Wind Army, the legendary force. He could hear the heavy breathing of those beside him; clearly, everyone present was deeply stirred. He Lingchuan, even more so, instinctively widened his eyes, eager to catch a glimpse of those two legendary figures.

He had already spotted several generals in the ranks of the warrior spirits, leading him to wonder if Zhong Shengguang or General Hong would also emerge from the well. Unfortunately, despite his efforts, he couldn't find his targets among the vast procession. Just then, Sun Fuping urgently exclaimed, "The barrier can't hold much longer!" Nian Songyu and the others were greatly startled. Looking back at the Illusory Barrier, it indeed appeared precarious, its earthen-yellow light flickering on and off, much like the temperamental hanging lamp in the attic He Lingchuan once rented. He Lingchuan cried out, "Can't it last a little longer?" It was the Great Wind Army appearing now! Regardless of whether they were alive or dead, they were equally ferocious killers.