Chapter 7: Shenjiabao

The Overlord's troops, he indeed found himself among the Overlord's soldiers! Lin Xiao could not articulate the feelings within him; he merely sat dumbfounded on a sack of grain, staring blankly at the bloodied soldiers in front of him.

Do doctors have the hearts of parents? Lin Xiao looked at Xue Wu with mockery and said coldly: "You saved them, and then went on to kill?"

The urgent sound of the gong echoed from the city walls, and the sentinels on the battlements shouted loudly: "Bandit attack, bandit attack! Everyone, hurry up, bandit attack!"

Xue Wu blinked his eyes and suddenly drew a machete, placing it against Lin Xiao's neck. Xue Wu said calmly: "You, the Lin family, have been passed down for thirty-six generations without a single branch!"

On the city wall of the small town to the right of the main road, the city lord trembled as if he were a sieve, yet he managed to stand firm. He raised his voice, quivering and hoarse like a duck being hung up, and shouted loudly: "Your Excellency, the Overlord, our town is small and our wealth is meager, and we have no martial arts experts. Please, I implore you, do not breach our city!"

The tyrant relentlessly advanced, moving forward, crazily plundering the wealth of the people, amassing a fortune. As the wealth he 'collected' along the way increased, the smile on Ling Batian's face grew ever brighter, continuously accumulating treasures, which was his greatest obsession. It was purely a personal obsession, purely.

Perhaps the bright moon in the sky, even if it can see everything in the world, is still unable to provide Lin Xiao with even a hint of guidance

The road ahead is uncertain, and Lin Xiao does not know where his future path lies

With a loud shout, the 8,000 elite soldiers simultaneously halted their steps, as if a rushing river had suddenly entered a frozen state, transitioning from extreme motion to complete stillness, yet it was so natural and harmonious, as if it were a creation of nature. The officials and soldiers standing on the city wall were all dumbfounded; what a terrifying army this was

A good man should kill; with bloodied hands, he gazes down, startling even the gods and spirits

The burly man grinned and chuckled a few times, then nodded at Lin Xiao and said: "I am Blood Five, the fifth of the Eighteen Blood-Killing Guards of the Overlord. You can call me Brother Five. Is that family tree yours? Damn, thirty-six generations have been passed down one by one, tsk tsk, it’s not easy that in your generation there are finally two brothers, but now, only you are left! Your Lin family really has it tough!"

Suddenly, Lin Xiao's mind flashed with the face of Lin Shan. Lin Xiao gritted his teeth tightly and exclaimed angrily: "I will cure it!"

The rugged-faced Ling Batian had a shrewd glimmer in his eyes that was completely incongruous with his appearance. He sneered and said: "A piece of poisonous land created inadvertently can force the twelve experts of the Jimo Sect, who are on the verge of forming their elixirs, to sever their own arms? Hmph, that is the deadly poison of cultivators, not something that common folk can produce."

A burly man clad in blood-red armor rode up beside Lin Xiao and casually shoved a small package into his hand. The man boisterously said: "Kid, this is your package. All the gold and silver inside has been confiscated. From now on, the Overlord's Army will be your home, and you need not save any private funds."

With a thud, the barely standing lord of the city suddenly sat down on the ground, trembling all over as he looked at Ling Batian, nearly fainting like his colleague across the way. The figure proposed by Ling Batian was indeed an astronomical sum for their two small cities. However, it was evidently impossible not to pay. The tyrant Ling Batian was known far and wide for his insatiable greed for money; if his demands were not met, his eight thousand tyrant soldiers could easily breach these two small cities in no time at all. The figure proposed by Ling Batian was indeed an astronomical sum for their two small cities. However, it was evidently impossible not to pay. The tyrant Ling Batian was known far and wide for his insatiable greed for money; if his demands were not met, his eight thousand tyrant soldiers could easily breach these two small cities in no time at all

A fierce wind rose up in the flat land, snapping the flagpole atop Shenjiabao Castle, which then fluttered down from the battlements, producing a dull, resounding noise

The eight thousand elite soldiers let out an excited roar, each one cracking their knuckles and adjusting their armor, brandishing their weapons as they swiftly advanced towards the Shen family fortress. Their formation appeared chaotic at first glance, but upon closer observation, it became evident that these elite soldiers had actually arranged themselves into an extremely profound and complex formation. The eight thousand men moved as a single entity, like a mountain collapsing, surging forward with an unstoppable momentum. Their formation appeared chaotic at first glance, but upon closer observation, it became evident that these elite soldiers had actually arranged themselves into an extremely profound and complex formation. The eight thousand men moved as a single entity, like a mountain collapsing, surging forward with an unstoppable momentum

Lin Xiao's medical methods were highly effective; all the injured warriors survived, even those whose abdomens had been split open, exposing their internal organs, were saved by Lin Xiao's emergency treatment. However, all the warriors treated by Lin Xiao lay on the ground nearby, screaming in agony. They felt as if they could die at any moment, and the wounds that had been treated seemed to hurt a hundred times more than when they were first injured. Yet, all the warriors treated by Lin Xiao lay on the ground nearby, screaming in agony. They felt as if they could die at any moment, and the wounds that had been treated seemed to hurt a hundred times more than when they were first injured

With a series of "thwacks," more than a dozen of the fierce soldiers were caught off guard and struck by the steel arrows that shot forth. The powerful force of the crossbow caused the arrows to pierce through their bodies, embedding deeply into the ground. Streams of blood gushed from these soldiers, rendering them immediately incapacitated as they fell to the ground in frustration, wildly hacking at the earth with their machetes, sending countless sparks flying.

Blood Five approached Ling Batian and lowered his voice to report: "Boss, that kid has nothing bothersome on him. That poisonous land, it seems that they at the Rejuvenation Hall unknowingly planted some herbs, which resulted in this. This kid is purely a novice, he is so scared that he has been rendered dumb, there is nothing noteworthy about him."

Sitting upright on a sack of grain, the night breeze gently brushed against his cheeks, and a cool mist sprayed onto his face. Lin Xiao suddenly felt a strange emotion welling up within him. He did not yet understand what this emotion, which caused a pain in his heart, was. It was not until much later that he realized this emotion was, in fact, loneliness

Lin Xiao tightly embraced the package, staring blankly at the strong man in the picture book.

With a cold snort, two beams of blood light shot out from Ling Batian's eyes, extending nearly three inches. The blood light flashed and disappeared in an instant. Ling Batian said淡淡ly: "Keep an eye on that kid. Well, even if he doesn't have anything particularly important on him, he would still make a decent military doctor. At the very least, our Bawang troops are not like those Black Blade bandits, who would be more than happy to see their men suffer heavy casualties to fuel their dark magic. What we need are seasoned warriors, not those filthy undead."

Several crossbows on the city wall were quickly drawn back, and dozens of pure steel arrows, each six feet long and as thick as a thumb, were fitted onto the bowstrings. With the sound of a command, dozens of steel arrows shot through the air in a chaotic barrage

Ling Batian Ceqi caught up from behind, continuously encouraging his soldiers, telling them that the target was just ahead on the hillside less than twenty miles away. As he passed by the supply cart, Ling Batian suddenly saw Lin Xiao sitting cross-legged on the cart. The pale blue moonlight fell upon Lin Xiao, who was dressed in a green robe, illuminating his picturesque features that were filled with a trace of loneliness and solitude that should not belong to someone of his age. A few strands of disheveled hair danced gently in the night breeze behind his head, and an ethereal aura of elegance surged forth, causing Ling Batian to momentarily catch his breath. The pale blue moonlight fell upon Lin Xiao, who was dressed in a green robe, illuminating his picturesque features that were filled with a trace of loneliness and solitude that should not belong to someone of his age. A few strands of disheveled hair danced gently in the night breeze behind his head, and an ethereal aura of elegance surged forth, causing Ling Batian to momentarily catch his breath.

In less than a quarter of an hour, the gates of the two cities swung wide open, and a procession of horsemen emerged from each, bearing heavy tributes of wealth to be presented to Ling Batian.

The Silent Demon Gate! Hmph, this time we, the Blood Kill Demon Sect, will certainly give you a proper warning! A sinister smile flashed across Ling Batian's face

Many years later, Ling Batian regarded the events of that night as the greatest boast of his life. He told everyone he knew that, in fact, on that night, he had already realized that Lin Xiao was destined to be no ordinary person. Therefore, when Lin Xiao fled with others to save his life, he generously spared Lin Xiao, leaving him with a small chance of survival

The matter concerning Lin Xiao has arisen, and a large pile of medications has been thrown before him. Injured soldiers are continuously being brought in, and Xue Wuxiao stands beside him with a smile, saying calmly: "Doctor Lin, we now rely on you for everything. The injuries of the brothers are severe, and as the saying goes, a healer has the heart of a parent. You wouldn't turn a blind eye to their suffering, would you?"

Xue Wu felt a twitching at the corners of his eyes and mouth. If it weren't for the increasingly strong and loud cries of the injured soldiers, he would have been unable to restrain himself from taking action against Lin Xiao. In fact, there were still a few doctors accompanying the troops, but when it came to treating others, how could it be so tragic?

"Yes!" Blood Five responded in a respectful tone and slowly rode away.

"No matter what! In any case, just keep him locked up in the Bawang prison. Be careful to send someone to keep an eye on him; he must not die, and he must not escape either." Ling Batian furrowed his brows and muttered softly, "I always feel that things are not this simple. That bastard Wutian Lingzhu, hum, he must have hidden something from me regarding Tushu. I should have just killed him with a single strike when I had the chance."

Lin Xiao tightened his grip on the Dan Ling, raised his head, and gazed at the bright moon hanging high in the sky, suddenly letting out a deep sigh

Xue Wu anxiously said: "But, Boss, when that kid was unconscious, we searched him thoroughly, and he had nothing bothersome on him. His internal martial arts cultivation is just ordinary martial techniques, nothing unusual. The secret chamber has been dismantled by the brothers, and there was nothing strange found. This kid really seems to have nothing of value on him."

For dozens of miles around, the landscape is a flat expanse of sandy stone, with a great river winding its way from north to south. A solitary mountain stands proudly on this small plain, exuding a formidable presence in all directions. A large castle, occupying a vast area, towers on the mountainside, with a winding horse path leading directly from the foot of the mountain to the castle gate.

In the Great Yuan Kingdom, the city lord's decree states that if a city is breached during the tenure of the city lord, the entire family shall be enslaved

The overwhelming killing intent of eight thousand battle-hardened soldiers coalesced into a faint blood-red aura, surging towards the city walls of Shenjiabao like a demonic dragon

However, the addition from Xue Yi provided the best explanation for Lin Xiao. Xue Yi shouted loudly: "Brothers, we have plundered the Shen Family Fortress, feast on meat and drink from large bowls! The first team to break into the fortress will earn the right to learn the third level of the 'Blood Killing Demon Technique'! Brothers, kill! Break the Shen Family Fortress, kill!"

Lin Xiao sat atop the high grain cart, coldly observing like a tireless warrior, traveling day and night. He did not know where these people were headed or what they intended to do; none of this concerned him. He merely kept recalling every word that Lin Shan had entrusted to him.

The soldiers of the tyrant have encountered difficulties due to their injuries. A healer possesses the heart of a parent; thus, Lin Xiao, the military doctor who was forcibly abducted, must be a stepfather or a stepmother! He applied the most irritating medications to the wounds of these soldiers, used the most brutal methods to stitch their injuries, exerted the greatest force to tighten their bandages, and then forced them to drink the most bitter concoction, which he deliberately brewed using several types of extremely bitter herbs that exceed the limits of what an ordinary person can endure.

On the left side of the main road, the lord of the small town rolled his eyes, fainting in shock at the sudden halt of the tyrant's horse.

Father!" Lin Xiao suddenly embraced the small package and wept bitterly. The face of Lin Shan flashed before his eyes repeatedly; since he could remember, Lin Shan's kind and clear face had supported everything for Lin Xiao. However, that beloved face was completely destroyed by the force known as the Silent Demon Sect! At this moment, he even missed the detestable Hua Wuniang and Lin Yao immensely. At the very least, with their presence, Lin Xiao would not feel like he was all alone. He even missed the detestable Hua Wuniang and Lin Yao immensely. At the very least, with their presence, Lin Xiao would not feel like he was all alone.

This statement had just struck the deepest wound in Lin Xiao's heart. He gasped a few times, looking angrily at Xue Wu. Xue Wu, indifferent, continued to emit that unbearable 'kekeke' laughter. Lin Xiao gritted his teeth, and after a long while, he barely managed to suppress the anger and sadness within him, lowering his voice to ask: "The Huguo City, really?"

The city wall stands five zhang high, with a layer of bronze paste smeared in the brick seams, giving an impression of being unassailable. The heavy city gate is adorned with spikes about a foot long, glimmering with a cold, bluish light under the moonlight. A squad of proud sentinels, holding sharp blades, patrols back and forth along the city wall. Between the battlements, there are even several crossbows that undoubtedly belong to prohibited items.

On two small citadels, the lord, the guards, and a group of officials of various ranks stood in a daze. Their bodies trembled violently as they watched the tyrant's soldiers swiftly pass by the edge of the citadel in terror

On the city wall, a flagpole was raised high, and on a large flag with a black background and red edges, a huge character '沈' was printed in golden ink

"Dead as a doornail, not a single mouse left!" Blood Five said loudly, "Under the Four-Phase Soul Locking Array of the Silent Demon Sect, not even a mosquito can escape, let alone a living person. Therefore, you are now the last root of your family. If you don't want to die, just obediently serve as our Bawangzu's military doctor. We will not treat you poorly. When you are two years older, we will find you a beautiful woman, so you can have a bunch of children to continue the Lin family line! Hahaha!"

Lin Xiao woke up at this moment. He had been thrown onto a cart carrying supplies, with soft grains beneath him, which, despite the jolting, felt somewhat comfortable. Lying on his back, Lin Xiao opened his eyes and stared blankly at the sky. After a long while, he suddenly realized his situation, and in fright, he exclaimed and scrambled to his feet, standing atop a high stack of grain. In front of him was a long line of soldiers in blood-red uniforms, and behind him was also a long line of soldiers in blood-red uniforms. On both sides of the main road, in the barren land, he could still see cavalry in blood-red uniforms rushing back and forth.

Eight thousand warriors clad in blood-red garments surged like a river of blood, parading grandly along the thoroughfare between two cities. All the warriors and bandits, brimming with pride, extended their right hands, lightly flicking the blood-colored helmets atop their heads, producing a synchronized 'clap' sound. Their songs were filled with a murderous intent, the soaring melodies seemingly shattering the clouds in the sky. A pale sun, devoid of any color, hung in the sky, numbly scattering sunlight in a haphazard manner.

The Danling placed in the inner pocket continuously releases strands of cool air that nourish his body. It is precisely because of this cool, gentle, and vibrant aura that Lin Xiao has managed to endure these past few days despite his exhaustion. Lin Xiao is acutely aware that someone else has touched the Danling, as the originally ethereal blue glow has now turned withered and dull, resembling a piece of black, decayed wood that appears utterly unremarkable. Were it not for the extraordinary aura emanating from it, Lin Xiao would not dare to believe that this is the Danling entrusted to him by Lin Shan.

Riding atop a tall steed as red as burning coals, Ling Batian suddenly shouted, "Stop!"

The general continued to gallop forward urgently, covering another twenty miles, when a great mountain appeared ahead.

"Is it one hundred thousand or eighty thousand in gold and silver?" Ling Batian's expression changed. He tightened his grip on the trident blade and said in a strange voice, "So, even if it’s not the Third Prince's request, I will still take this fortress. Brothers, charge! Damn it, let’s capture the Shen Family Fortress, and I will reward each of you with two taels—no, one tael—no, five qian of private silver as a bonus!"

Ultimately, the current Lin Xiao is merely a boy of about fifteen or sixteen years old

With a slap on the mount's head, Xue Wu laughed maniacally and rode away. Lin Xiao sat dazed on a sack of grain, his mind swirling with the unfamiliar terms "Silent Demon Sect" and "Four Aspects Soul Locking Formation." He still did not understand what these two terms represented, but he knew that in his life, he had already acquired the first mission he must undertake: the annihilation of the Silent Demon Sect

Ling Batian glanced at the city lord and waved his hand, saying: "I will not besiege the city. Each of you cities shall offer five hundred taels of gold, five thousand taels of silver, and five million copper coins, and I will take my men and leave!"

The scale of this castle is comparable to that of a small town, yet the specifications of its walls are undoubtedly at the level of a provincial city.

What constitutes the responsibility of safeguarding the nation and ensuring the tranquility of its territory? At this moment, the various officials atop the city walls are not even considering such thoughts. They would rather burn incense and pray to the heavens for this group of ruthless bandits to quickly pass through. As for mobilizing the garrison within the city to eliminate the tyrannical soldiers? They wouldn't even dare to entertain such an idea in their dreams.

"Wow! What a magnificent aura!" Ling Batian gently stroked his large beard and said in a strange tone, "It seems that the guard of Feiyun Pass has quite a lucrative position; otherwise, how could such a large fortress be built? Tsk tsk, Xue Yi, think about it, if we were to capture this fortress, how much gold and silver could we obtain?"

Lin Xiao, sitting upright on the grain cart, looked at Ling Batian in astonishment. How could such a stingy bandit leader possibly lead a formidable force as fierce as wolves and tigers?

A burly man in blood armor, closely following Ling Batian, chuckled ominously: "Boss, looking at the scale of this fortress, if there aren't at least 100,000 or 80,000 pieces of gold and silver inside, it would truly be an insult to us brothers"

Pity these two small lords who, in order to gather this enormous sum, have already emptied their storerooms. On the carriage, one can even see the silver-inlaid chamber pots, all of which have been sent to meet the required amount. The warriors, however, do not mind; like Ling Batian, they will not refuse anything that is yellow gold, white silver, or shiny copper coins.

The brief interlude lasted no more than fifteen minutes, and the chariot continued to roll forward relentlessly.