Chapter 004: The Stone Mill

Taking a deep breath, Kong Ning stood up, walked in front of the lean chestnut horse, and directly pulled the reins to mount it. Thus, riding the lean chestnut horse and carrying the simple knife at his waist, he left the riverbank

This pitch-black jar can devour and refine beings with spiritual energy within, nourishing the emptiness in return

Therefore, Shi Yong demonstrated great enthusiasm

Kong Ning's expression was one of shock and bewilderment. The events that had transpired over this day and night had completely overturned his previous understanding.

In this era devoid of technological creations and electricity, the mill serves as an essential facility for the livelihood of the people. The entire city's populace relies on the mill for their sustenance each year

Every year, there are some missing person cases in Shanlan County, but if the family members of the individuals involved do not report the case to the authorities, the authorities are reluctant to intervene—unless there is a profit to be gained

Finally, we arrived at the stone mill located in the corner of the northern part of the city

The small county town under the blazing sun seems to be shrouded in a faint layer of bluish mist. As far as the eye can see, the entire county town is enveloped in this strange blue haze

The seemingly peaceful and tranquil ancient world conceals such terrifying dangers

In the small town of Shanlan County, there are surprisingly many demons lurking, no wonder there are so many inexplicable missing person cases every year

At this time, it is nearing noon, and the scorching sun is relentless, causing people to stay indoors to seek relief from the heat. The area around the stone mill is empty and silent, with no one to be seen in the narrow alley.

He just arrived, and then Shi Yong suddenly appeared... ? ... Shi Yong, is he the monster hidden in the mill?

Kong Ning's heart is somewhat cold

Devouring and Refining

Even the smallest stone mill in the city often requires a wait of one or two days during the peak season before it is one's turn

Upon reaching this point, the ethereal white smoke that guided Kong Ning along the path vanished. However, since the stone mill had already been located, Kong Ning did not rush to approach it

Boom

Crossing while sitting on a thin, jujube-yellow horse, under the blazing sun, Kong Ning continuously weaves through the streets and alleys of the county town. The further he walks, the more remote and cool the roads become

That wisp of white smoke vanished within this small stone mill

Are there not more monsters in the county town than just Su Yan, the scorpion spirit? Are there monsters everywhere?

However, devouring other beings and nurturing Kong Ning... This sinister jar, which initially killed Kong Ning, now paradoxically allows Kong Ning to see a glimmer of hope for survival

In addition to devouring and refining, this jar can also be used to seek out targets. By infusing it with true energy from within, it can locate all nearby targets that are weaker than Kong Ning.

In a state of shock, Kong Ning's mind suddenly jolted, pulling him out of that strange and mysterious condition

Previously, Kong Ning did not take the matter of Shi Yong's sister's disappearance to heart, but now it seems that it may be related to a monster

Apart from the demoness in the household, it seems that there are indeed other supernatural beings present in the county town, and their numbers appear to be quite considerable, to the extent that a demonic aura permeates throughout the county town

The Shipan Mill, located by the banks of the Wangjiang River in the northern part of Shanlan County, is the smallest water mill in the city. The operators are a family of three, consisting of the mill owner Shi Yong and his wife, as well as Shi Yong's brother, Shi Gui

Staring with wide eyes at the floating jar in the dantian, Kong Ning's first reaction was to smash the object.

However, if one could rely on this peculiar jar in the dantian, the situation might be different

However, the truth about Shanlan County, which has been unveiled before him, is indeed terrifyingly dangerous

In the vision of Kong Ning, a faint wisp of white smoke is drifting at this moment. This ribbon-like smoke winds endlessly, continuously extending into the county town, guiding Kong Ning towards his objective.

This pitch-black jar has already established a certain connection with Kong Ning. After frowning and sensing it for a moment, Kong Ning inexplicably understood the purpose of this object

However, at this moment, apart from looking back at the past, it seems there are no other choices.

After utilizing the seeking ability of the black jar, he truly found a suitable target... Although he had no knowledge of what kind of demon or monster awaited at the end of the faint white smoke's guidance

Where have all the deities and cultivators gone? What about those legendary figures from the mystical sects who coexisted with demons and monsters? Why is it that in this place, where so many demons are causing trouble, there is no one to manage them? Or is it because Shanlan County is located in a remote area, lacking the protection of the mystical sects, that it has become a den of chaos for demons?

In the small mountainous county of Shanlan, how can there be a pervasive aura of malevolence everywhere? How is this possible?

It was none other than the master of the stone mill, Shi Yong

Its method of devouring is quite simple; it suffices for Kong Ning to kill the target

What on earth is happening in this world

Kong Ning, who has never left Shanlan County and has not witnessed the truths of the world, is unable to comprehend the state of this world

Kong Ning, standing under the tree, felt somewhat at a loss for words. In the small county town of Shanlan County, where could one find beings infused with spiritual energy?

Dressed in a constable's uniform, Kong Ning commanded respect in Shanlan County. This uniform was a symbol of privilege, not to mention that Kong Ning, still young, was assigned a horse and held in high regard by the county magistrate.

However, at this moment, Kong Ning could not feel happy at all

However, Kong Ning has doubts about whether there are still monsters in the county town

Kong Ning felt a slight stir in her heart

He was initially killed by this sinister object

Is this jar... so sinister?

Upon witnessing this scene, Kong Ning halted the horse and did not approach recklessly

However, it is not the peak season now, and there is not a single figure to be seen outside the desolate and quiet stone mill. Only the enormous waterwheel slowly turns in the flow of the river.

Because he encountered an enemy

Upon witnessing such a situation, Kong Ning's pupils slightly constricted

The green mist that wafts through this county town represents the malevolent aura of monsters

Upon realizing this, Kong Ning's expression showed a hint of astonishment

Fortunately, he now has opportunities for resistance...

This appears to be quite normal

Only beings with spiritual energy within their bodies ... ? ... Does this refer to monsters? Or perhaps cultivators?

The black canister has located the target

As a mere mortal, he indeed cannot compete with the monsters in his home

But immediately afterward, he realized that something was amiss

After taking a deep breath, he poured all the true energy from his dantian into the pitch-black jar. Soon, waves of ethereal and formless energy began to emanate from the center of the empty tranquility, spreading out in all directions.

Originally, this family had a younger sister, but the girl went missing last year

Although the eerie blue smoke that had been drifting in the view completely vanished, the county town under the blazing sun returned to its usual appearance. However, the horrifying scene witnessed in the state of searching made Kong Ning fully aware of the perilous nature of the county town in which he found himself

In the silence of the empty mind, thoughts turned in a hundred directions, contemplating what to do next. At that moment, footsteps sounded behind, and a middle-aged man with a face full of stubble and a muscular bare torso walked in from a side alley, carrying a small bag of wheat in his hand

The things in the realm of emptiness have also undergone changes

Upon seeing Kong Ning riding a chestnut horse standing here, Shi Yong was momentarily taken aback, then smiled and said: "Master Ning, long time no see, what brings you here?"

Meeting an old friend in a foreign land is one of the three great joys in life

Kong Ning, riding a jujube-yellow horse, quietly gazes at the stone mill under the blazing sun