Soul Emperor Martial God

Northern Mountain County, county, that is, Northern Mountain City.

Located at the very center of the entire county, it serves as the command center for the whole county.

The city is huge, more than ten times larger than Baiwu City and Mystic Breakthrough City.

Without a doubt, it is the largest city in Northern Mountain County.

Its economy is thriving, and the strength of its martial artists is formidable, far surpassing other cities.

Take, for example, the Demon Hunting Hall located here.

The person in charge is a Sub Hall Master.

The members of the Law Enforcement Team are at least Half-step Breaking Profound.

There are no fewer than 10 Mystic Breakthrough Realm Martial Artists of Captain Level, just on the surface.

Today, these 10 people are standing guard outside the Inner Hall of the Demon Hunting Hall, serious and solemn.

This is because today the Demon Hunting Hall has a distinguished guest.

At the same time, a Blood Blade Guard is also stationed outside.

From this, it is not difficult to guess who today's guest is.

Inside the Inner Hall of the Demon Hunting Hall.

An elder and a middle-aged man are discussing something.

The elder is the same person who exchanged the Demon Hunting Order for Xiao Yi in Baiwu City.

One of the most powerful figures in Northern Mountain County, the Sub Hall Master who oversees the nine Demon Hunting Halls of the county.

The middle-aged man sitting upright with an impressive aura and a commanding face.

Even just sitting quietly, the air of a superior being emanating from him can easily subdue others.

This person is the Northern Mountain County King.

At the same time, he is also a powerful martial artist capable of dominating a region.

The two most powerful figures in Northern Mountain County are currently discussing the Beast Tide that occurred half a month ago.

"Sub Hall Master, have you found out everything?" the Northern Mountain County King asked.

"Such a large-scale Beast Tide, even demon beasts with nine-layered power have emerged from their nests."

"This matter is definitely not simple."

The Sub Hall Master nodded and said, "I have examined the bodies of those demon beasts."

"As I suspected, there is an extremely malicious restraining magic on them."

"Clearly, it is the work of those people from the Black Demon Hall."

"Them again," the Northern Mountain County King slammed his hand on the table, his eyes icy.

"Lately, they have been increasingly active in Northern Mountain County."

"According to my Blood Blade Guards' investigation, there have been several cases of family rebellion and massive killings in the county."

"They cannot be disconnected from these incidents."

The Sub Hall Master spoke in a grave tone, "These days, they have indeed been going too far."

"Don't worry," the Northern Mountain County King shook his head with confidence.

"These rats that everyone spits on cannot stir up any significant trouble."

"I've already ordered a manhunt throughout the county."

"Northern Mountain County won't tolerate these scoundrels."

The Sub Hall Master nodded and said, "The real concern is Old Monster Yougu, an elder figure and an Earth Origin Realm Martial Artist, extremely dangerous."

The Northern Mountain County King's expression became stern, "Old Monster Yougu can only be dealt with by you and me."

"Forget them for the moment," continued the Northern Mountain County King.

"The most important thing right now is the pharmacy competition, which has kept us from attending to anything else for nearly half a month."

The Sub Hall Master said, "This pharmacy competition is organized by Medicine King Valley, with alchemists from all over the Flame Martial Kingdom participating."

"It is a major event for the entire Flame Martial Kingdom, naturally requiring careful attention."

The Northern Mountain County King spoke in a heavy voice, "There are thirty-six counties in the Flame Martial Kingdom, with every six forming one competition zone, making a total of six zones."

"Our Northern Mountain County, alas, has been chosen as one of the competition zones."

"Fairview County, Flying Cloud County, Black Jade County... the genius pharmacists from the surrounding Five Counties have all flocked here."

The Sub Hall Master chuckled, "Being chosen as a competition zone, the center of attention, is something others yearn for."

The Northern Mountain County King gave a bitter smile, "Being the center of attention, showcasing the prestige of Northern Mountain County, would indeed be fine."

"But now, us constantly losing, what good does that do?"

"Northern Mountain County is almost becoming the laughingstock of neighboring powers."

"We still have Ye Ming though, the esteemed disciple of the Third Elder of the Sky-splitting Sword Sect, he won't disappoint us," the Sub Hall Master said with a smile.

"That's true," the Northern Mountain County King's eyes brightened, "Considering the time, today's competition should have finished."

Just at this moment, a knocking sound came from the door.

"Come in," the Sub Hall Master said softly.

The door opened, and in came the Blood Blade Guard Commander Nie Rushan, along with Ye Ming.

However, Ye Ming's face was now a picture of dejection.

"Ye Ming, how did today's competition go?" the Northern Mountain County King asked eagerly.

Ye Ming clasped his hands together and said, "Ye Ming is incompetant and has failed to meet the expectations of you both."

"Lost?" the Northern Mountain County King asked with a frown.

Ye Ming fell silent.

Nie Rushan replied in a dry tone, "Reporting to the Commandery Prince, in today's competition, our competitors have suffered three consecutive defeats."

"Three consecutive defeats? Worthless," the Northern Mountain County King rose from his seat once again, slamming the table.

Ye Ming's complexion also looked rather unpleasant.

Several days ago, not long after Elder Yi and Lin Jin had left,

the Sky-splitting Sword Sect received a call for help from Northern Mountain City.

The request was for the Sword Sect to send an Alchemist disciple to participate in the alchemical competition in Northern Mountain City.

Subsequently, the Third Elder sent several senior disciples such as Ye Ming and Miao Qianhuo to attend.

However, the results of today's competition were predictable.

Ye Ming and the others were utterly defeated.

"Has that kid Purple Flame still not been found?" the Northern Mountain County King didn't even glance at Ye Ming but looked directly at the Sub Hall Master and asked.

The Sub Hall Master shook his head and said, "That kid has disappeared without a trace during this period, impossible to find."

"He didn't even show up for his promotion to the position of Chief Steward."

"I guess he might have already gone to some other county for experience."

"Ah," the Northern Mountain County King sighed, "why disappear at such a critical time."

Then, the Northern Mountain County King looked at Ye Ming and asked, "Ye Ming, doesn't your Sky-splitting Sword Sect have any other more capable disciples?"

Ye Ming was about to say something but then stopped himself.

"Stop stammering. If you have something to say, say it straight," urged the Northern Mountain County King impatiently.

Ye Ming hesitated for a moment before replying, "There is one."

"Who?" the Northern Mountain County King asked.

"My junior brother, Xiao Yi," Ye Ming said with a heavy voice. "The Master has praised him many times. His Alchemy Technique is far superior to mine."

"Only, he perished in the recent beast tide disaster."

"Dead?" the Northern Mountain County King said frustratedly. "Why did he have to die now instead of earlier or later?"

"Is your Sky-splitting Sword Sect really so useless?"

Ye Ming's face turned even more unsightly.

The Sub Hall Master beside him coughed twice and spoke solemnly, "Commandery Prince, your words are too harsh."

At this, the Northern Mountain County King realized the impropriety of his words.

Waving his hand to calm his anger, he said, "Sorry, I've been too provoked these days."

"Those other Commandery Princes, they barely stopped short of pointing at my nose and calling me useless."

"It is truly infuriating."

"If not for this competition ruling that only Alchemists under the age of 30 can participate, I would want to compete myself."

"Don't take it to heart, Ye Ming."

...

Elsewhere, in the Eighteen Cities of Eastern Desolate.

Xiao Yi had just stepped out of the Demon Beast Forest and headed straight for the Demon Hunting Hall.

Arriving at the Demon Hunting Hall, the Task Department staff were busy with their heads down.

They said habitually, "Here to hand over a task? Give me your Token."

Xiao Yi took out his Token indifferently.

The staff member took it, muttering to himself, "Hmm, Fourth Level Demon Hunter, Yi Xiao. The task you want to submit is..."

The staff member suddenly realized, "Yi... Yi Xiao, Deacon, no, Chief Steward."

"We've finally found you. I'll go notify the Chief Steward immediately."

The staff member walked briskly toward the Inner Hall.

In a short while, a Chief Steward came briskly.

"General Executor Yi Xiao." The Chief Steward saluted with the courtesy due to an equal.

"This way, please."

Xiao Yi frowned and followed the Chief Steward into the Inner Hall.

"I'm here to hand over a task and let's not bother with the formalities," Xiao Yi said as he took out a Qiankun Bag and released the body of the Black Robed Elder.

"There's no rush with the task submission, there's something more important right now..." the Chief Steward was about to say something else, but upon seeing the Black Robed Elder's body, he immediately fell silent.

"This... Is this Old Monster Yougu?" the Chief Steward exclaimed in surprise, hastily examining the body.

After a while, he said in astonishment, "It really is Old Monster Yougu."

"Old Monster Yougu?" Xiao Yi frowned, knowing only that it was a Black Demon Hall Elder.

"Yes," nodded the Chief Steward. "This is the number one wanted person by the Demon Hunting Hall. General Executor Yi Xiao, did you kill him?"

"Wait here, I will immediately notify the Sub Hall Master."

"Wait," Xiao Yi frowned. "I have urgent matters to attend to. I'll leave as soon as I submit the task and receive the reward."

He was thinking it would be best to return to the Sword Sect to report his safety after having been missing for so many days.

He was unaware that Elder Yi, Lin Jin, and the others had already left the Sword Sect.

"General Executor Yi Xiao, please don't rush," the Chief Steward replied. "We at the Demon Hunting Hall have a special Communication Spiritual Artifact. It will be quick to send a message."

With that, the Chief Steward left.

After a while, the Chief Steward returned and hurriedly said, "General Executor Yi Xiao, the Sub Hall Master has urgently summoned you to go to Northern Mountain City immediately."

...

...

First update, will be posted earlier tonight.