Wait a minute, where is my master?

"Boom!!!"

Just as the valley residents had stepped out of the formation, a colossal explosion suddenly erupted!

It didn't come from the valley, but from twenty miles away, where a new crater had formed on the ground.

The Demon Sect's Third Elder, Yan Meishan, had actually self-destructed!

Jin Xu's Spiritual Sense had been cloaking him from behind the whole time, fearing that those two from the Demon Sect would sneak away.

But he had not anticipated that not only did they not flee, one had actually vanished beforehand.

The young Taoist had just stealthily inspected her with his Spiritual Eyes and saw that there were no seeds in the woman's Sea of Consciousness and she was not an avatar, so...

"What exactly is being sold in this gourd?"

Jin Xu's eyes carried a hint of confusion as his hand unconsciously clasped Little Hong.

The still unconscious Age Chicken beside him showed no reaction at this time.

Next to him, Little White fanned himself while excitedly saying, "Temple Master, it seems like that woman committed suicide out of fear for her crimes!"

Just now, the young Taoist had informed the three ladies that this person was suspected to be the mastermind behind the Shangjing City explosion case, the one who had previously controlled Vice Commander Kui Lei and injured Little White.

Thus Shiqi let out such a cry of alarm.

"... Just keep fanning your fan."

If such a Demon Sect Elder could commit suicide out of fear for her crimes, there would be no evil people in this world.

That's what Jin Xu thought to himself.

"Yes, Temple Master!"

Shiqi paid no mind, turned his head to look at the direction of the explosion, and continued to diligently fan toward the valley.

The young Taoist made up his mind that regardless of what schemes the other party had in their gourd, once he returned to Xuanxu Temple, he would have to use the ink jade fishing rod to take a probe.

He was a man who kept his word; having promised to help Little White take revenge that day, he had to ensure the Demon Sect was annihilated.

If the fishing rod wasn't effective, should he buy some information from those Tingfeng Building Cultivators with the potential to be paparazzi?

Times had changed, and Jin Xu, now with a well at home, had already considered the idea of buying information.

...

Twenty miles away.

Not only did the young Taoist not know what the Demon Sect's Third Elder was planning, but Ye Wuyang didn't know either.

Though he had faced many shocks today, Yan Meishan's self-destruction had still taken him by surprise. Others might not know, but could the Four Elders be unaware?

The body that had just exploded was none other than Yan Meishan's own body, honed after many years of cultivation!

How could she have detonated herself so unhesitatingly?

Putting aside the fact that the people in the valley had escaped, it was also uncertain whether they could all make it out within eight hours.

Not to mention, when making the Heavenly Dao Oath just now, he had intentionally given the two of them three hours to escape.

Was it really necessary for the noble Third Elder of the Demon Sect to self-destruct?

Yan Meishan's decisiveness had plunged Ye Wuyang into deep self-doubt at this moment.

Not far from him, a Tingfeng Building Cultivator holding the broadcast magic formation hesitated for a moment before ultimately deciding to aim the formation at the young Taoist at the valley entrance.

He had grown tired of filming explosions.

Moreover, their Tingfeng Building's master had ordered them to film the young Taoist well and afterwards possibly send a Wind Catcher to interview him.

...

Across the Nine Provinces Realm at this time.

Cultivators in front of the broadcast formations had heard the explosion, but the screen showed nothing, and this background noise didn't catch their attention; their gaze was fixed on the valley displayed on the screen.

"Hey, hey, hey! They're coming out! They're coming out!"

A Cultivator from the Nine Provinces, who had bet on the young Taoist's success, saw people running out from the valley on their own and shouted excitedly in front of the formation.

"What are you shouting about? There're a hundred thousand people in that valley, and only a few have come out so far."

A Cultivator who had bet against the young Taoist's success retorted loudly.

"Hey, what do you think, how did the young Taoist do it? The bet said that the valley's formation can't be affected by the slightest bit of Spiritual Power or Spiritual Sense. How come the people came out just after he made a gesture and some light flashed in his hand!"

There were also purely curious Cultivators asking.

Conversations like this took place in front of all broadcast formations, most people were puzzled as to what methods Jin Xu had used.

It was so miraculous.

However, in the central square of Qingmu City.

There was a stout Cultivator with a band tied around his head and an ice chest strapped to his back.

After observing the young Taoist's actions, his eyes revealed a thoughtful look. However, it seemed he had no interest in clarifying the doubts of the onlookers. After lingering for a moment in front of the formation, he turned and walked away.

...

Outside Shangjing City, at the valley entrance.

Jin Xu, regaining his composure, watched wave after wave of Great Xia residents drawn out by the fragrance of Little Hong and silently estimated. With the current speed, it would take a little over seven hours for all hundred thousand valley dwellers to exit.

"There shouldn't be any mishap now."

The young Taoist stood silently, holding the Age Chicken, a zhang before the valley entrance.

Though uncertain if that so-called Heavenly Dao Oath had any effect on him, he was sure it would affect Xia Yunzhao, so it'd be better to win this wager.

Next to him, Yaoer and Little White continued to vigorously wave their ceremonial fans. Both being Nascent Soul Realm demons, such physical efforts were a breeze for them.

The Empress, Xia Yunzhao, was tirelessly using magic like the Sleeve Universe to transport the civilians out of the valley to receive medical treatment in the rear.

Like a hardworking little bee draped in a phoenix robe.

Twenty li away.

The civil and military officials who had followed, along with the guests and those experts in formations, no longer cared about their statuses. They were all busy treating the civilians sent by their Empress.

The treatment process was actually very simple, first using condensed spring water to clean the filth from their bodies, then using spells like the Heart Clarity Spell to awaken their spirits, and lastly giving them a bowl of diluted Healing Water made from Strengthening Pills to drink.

If someone was weak, they'd be given two bowls to drink.

Although the process was tedious, the difficulty wasn't high. With everyone working together and well-organized, the treatment proceeded in an orderly fashion.

However, during the process of treatment, the cultivators always felt there was something strange.

For example, at this moment, Formation Expert Mr. Feng finally couldn't hold back any longer.

He hesitatingly said to his old friend beside him, "Elder Liu, have you noticed that although these civilians are filthy and reek, there is still a strange sweet scent on them. Like... like... it makes one want to take a bite."

Next to him, Formation Expert Elder Liu also secretly nodded in agreement, affirming, "Exactly, exactly, if you hadn't mentioned it, Mr. Feng, I would have thought I was the only one feeling this. These civilians now remind me of a strange fruit from the Western Regions. Smells bad, but it makes you really want to eat it!"

"What strange fruit?"

Formation Expert Mr. Feng's curiosity was piqued.

"I remember, it's called something like Musk Cat Fruit. Last time a merchant from the Western Regions came to the Capital, he brought this kind of strange fruit."

Elder Liu covertly shared his fruit knowledge with his friend.

"Then..."

"Focus on treating the civilians! Don't get distracted!"

Just as Formation Expert Mr. Feng wanted to inquire more about the Musk Cat Fruit, Xia Xuanmin came over with his hands behind his back and interrupted the two, sternly speaking.

"Yes, Your Majesty Emperor Min!"

The two instantly resumed their dignified and wise Taoist looks and continued to treat the civilians sent by Xia Yunzhao to Shangjing City.

And they switched to communicating through transmitted messages.

Xia Xuanmin walked away, hands still clasped behind him. Before leaving, he dropped a line, "If you truly can't resist the strange scent, you can use the Wind Clearing Spell to blow it away; the smell will dissipate."

After speaking, he didn't wait for a reply from the two and continued to inspect other areas.

The odor on these hundred thousand civilians was indeed odd, and he was also worried someone might not resist and really take a bite, which would be hugely problematic.

...

In front of the valley.

Jin Xu had no idea that the civilians in the valley were all tainted with the Age Chicken's exotic scent, temporarily becoming human-shaped "durians."

Of course, even if he knew, he probably wouldn't care.

The little Taoist's most important task now was to keep a close watch on the remaining Demon Sect cultivator, lest he suddenly self-destruct as well.

...

Late at night.

Seven hours and a quarter had passed.

The betting period ended.

The winners were the Great Xia side.

At this moment, among the cultivators in various parts of the Nine Provinces who were watching in front of the broadcasting formation, some were joyful while others were sorrowful. Cultivators who bet on the little Taoist winning were naturally in a cheerful mood, while those who bet on his loss were cursing Ye Wuyang for his uselessness.

Stuff like Dog-shit Four Elders of the Demon Sect, touted genius of the Demon Sect for a millennium, and even Thousand-Eyed Demon Venerable. Now he should change his name to Four Hundred Thirty-five-Eyed Demon Venerable, right!

After all, separated by the broadcasting formation, the cultivators who lost money were unrestrainedly hurling insults at the Tribulation Crossing Realm Demon Sect Elder.

At this moment, Ye Wuyang, with a dejected face, was in front of Xia Yunzhao and others, passing instructions to his Demon Sect followers to withdraw from the two states effectively controlled by Great Xia.

The punishment of a Heavenly Dao's oath was something he as a low-level cultivator in the Tribulation Crossing Realm could not afford.

"All right, my Demon Sect disciples will fully withdraw from your Great Xia territory within seven days; do you want to inspect this Communication Jade Token?"

After sending out all the orders, the Four Elders looked at the Empress in front of him and the cultivators and commoners behind her and said resignedly.

Upon hearing this, Xia Yunzhao and the others turned to look at the little Taoist.

At this moment, everyone from Great Xia dynasty vaguely regarded Jin Xu, the "Imperial Uncle," as their leader.

"No need, you can go."

The little Taoist said softly, his eyes calm as if looking at a dead man.

Seeing Jin Xu's gaze, the Four Elders couldn't help but shudder; he was starting to understand how Yan Meishan felt.

However, since things had come to this point, Ye Wuyang was not going to back down.

Besides, he still had three hours of Heavenly Dao's oath protection on him.

So he didn't say anything more. With a forced smile, he didn't even dare to talk tough and turned to fly towards the horizon and escape.

Seeing the Demon Sect's Four Elders flying away, Yu Yaoer blinked curiously, "My lord, are we really just letting him go?"

The Little Fish Demon knew her master's personality all too well: cautious, vigilant, but also vindictive, and if she deemed you a friend, she would certainly assist you.

Thus, her question arose.

"Don't worry, he won't get away."

Jin Xu replied warmly to Yu Yaoer's question and turned to tell Xia Yunzhao and the others to lead people back first.

But as he turned around, whoa!

What's this?