Chapter 76: The Seven Days of Annihilation (Part 5)
Although the first battle was successful, this didn't mean they could relax.
Qiu Mo and Lin Zhiwen were just two insignificant Foundation Establishment stage members under the Lin family's command, hardly considered the main force in this wave of attacks.
From the beginning, Cen Qingyou had no intention of directly confronting the Lin family's forces.
The majority of the Cen family were of the Foundation Building and the Golden Core stage. In fact, the head of the family, Cen Xiangnan, was at the Core Formation stage. However, unlike the Cen family, the Lin family had many descendants. Not to mention, they were in alliance with the rebellious demon army. The Cen family still didn't understand the true situation. The main battlefield was at Shichun Hall. It was impossible for them to turn the tide of the battle with just a few cultivators at the Qi Refinement and Foundation Building stages.
But if they could win, it meant that their plan was possible!
Retreat when the enemy advances, harass the enemy when they stay, attack the enemy when they are tired, pursue the enemy when they retreat. Everyone had a spirited belief, unwavering in their commitment to the party's policies. The dawn of victory was just ahead!
The first day of the extermination.
The leg Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and the leg Jueyin Liver Meridian were successfully cultivated. Qiu Mo and Lin Zhiwen were killed, and their Qi Refinement cultivation reached the sixth level breakthrough.
The second day of the extermination.
They encountered Lin Shiliu and Lin Wu, and managed to defeat Lin Shiliu. When Lin Wu saw Qiao Wan, his expression was like he had seen a ghost, and he ran away, saying "Oh shoot!"
The Qi Refinement cultivation reached the seventh level breakthrough.
The third day of the extermination.
Something went wrong. That day, the counterattack team was discovered by the patrolling disciples.
Qiao Wan and Cen Qingyou were also brought to Shichun Hall.
Shortly after the previous wave of attacks ended, it was time for a ceasefire and rest.
The Lin family came unexpectedly, and they made an alliance with the rebel forces. In these days, the Cen family was mostly on the defensive, and Cen Xiangnan was busy and overwhelmed. When he saw Cen Qingyou , he was furious.
"Do you really think that doing these things can change the course of the war?!"
Days of fighting almost depleted his energy and spirit.
Furthermore, the reinforcements did not arrive the next day.
Cen Xiangnan closed his eyes in despair.
He was exhausted and couldn't even gather the strength to scold his own son.
"At least I did something," Cen Qingyou lifted his eyes, with a clear and confident gaze, "Father, at least I did something."
"The reinforcements won't come. If we keep waiting, keep defending, it will undoubtedly lead to our destruction!"
The statement clearly pointed out the recent struggles of Cen Xiangnan. Shaken, he looked at the boy in front of him with unfamiliar eyes.
Despite being gentle, the young boy's determination and sharpness couldn't be suppressed.
Cen Qingyou argued based on reason.
Cen Xiangnan was at a loss for words.
Time had smoothed out his edges, once upon a time he dared to fight and take risks, but things changed after he inherited the Cen family. He carried the lives of countless people on his shoulders and he no longer dared to fight or take risks.
Or perhaps, from the very beginning, he was weak, only able to defend without making progress. But without progress, one can only retreat. Just guarding this ancestral legacy, how long could he really hold on?
Cen Xiangnan flopped onto the chair, waved his hand, and told his son to leave.
After spending about half a cup of tea in the inner room, a person came out and called some people from their own side, called "Four Spirits," and temporarily entrusted them to Cen Qingyou, a man. They were specially instructed to engage in guerrilla warfare and not let the Lin family catch them. Shichun Hall's main battle was not something they could get involved in.
As for Qiao Wan and a few others, they were responsible for cleaning up the surroundings and dealing with a few small troublemakers.
Their role was probably similar to being assistants.
No one believed they could really accomplish anything, not even Cen Xiangnan.
However, letting them give it a try couldn't hurt.
When the people from "Four Spirits" arrived, there were a few unexpected individuals that surprised Qiao Wan and Xiao Boyang.
There was a girl with a face like a pear blossom and two dimples on her cheeks. She was Mu Xiaoxiao. By her side was Feng Wangyan, who had a beautiful appearance but a cold expression. And then there was Pei Chunzheng, dressed in a robe, with picturesque eyebrows and eyes.
Looking at the people in the room, Mu Xiaoxiao felt a bit nervous, but she gathered her courage and smiled: "The situation at the mansion is critical, and we came to ask Mrs. Cen for help with the poison. It's only right that we lend a hand and help."
Cen Qingyou responded with great politeness: "Thank you, Taoist Friend Mu, Taoist Friend Pei, and Taoist Friend Feng, for being willing to lend a hand at this time."
Mu Xiaoxiao quickly waved her hand: "There's no need for us to intervene. Just let Mr. Cen give the order."
Regardless, with the addition to the counterattack squad, Cen Qingyou had more manpower at his disposal.
As soon as the "Four Spirits" arrived, Cen Qingyou didn't immediately deploy them for battle.
"The Lin family knows a lot about the Cen mansion."
Everyone gathered around the table, listening to the young man calmly express his thoughts. Although they all held cups of tea, no one had the leisure to take a sip.
Cen Qingyou said, "The Lin family has brought in monsters, and we know very little about them. We have suffered terrible defeats in our attacks, and it seems that there is a reason for this."
The young boy bit his lip.
Everyone in the room looked serious.
After all, who could have imagined that the Lin family would ally with the rebel monsters and try to destroy the Cen family?
"Attacking without a plan is not a good idea."
Qiao Wan asked, "So, what do you suggest?"
"I think we should take some members from the 'Four Spirits' and continue our investigation with our taoist friend," Cen Qingyou took a pen and started writing and drawing on a piece of paper, "At least, we need to find out more about the enemy."
Cen Qingyou glanced at Pei Chunzheng , "As for our taoist friend Pei, he will work with taoist friend Xiao."
Even if it means weakening our forces, we must prioritize tactical reconnaissance and gather information about the enemy. This is Cen Qingyou's current plan.
And, of course, everyone in the room needs to agree to it.
After considering for a while, they all agreed.
And so, the battle began once again.
Cen Qingyou, Xiao Boyang, and Xiu Quan were busy every day, like spinning tops. They were concerned that Mu Xiaoxiao had not yet recovered from the cold and heat toxins, so they stayed behind with the others to prepare for logistics.
Jiaojiao, a young girl, was gentle and had a radiant smile. Whenever the disciples of the Four Spirits returned from battle with injuries, they felt healed when they saw her smile.
Compared to the sweet and tender girl, another maid who always fought alongside them seemed a bit unpleasant.
Cen Qingyou arranged for Pei Chunzheng and Xiao Boyang to join Qiao Wan and another group of Four Spirits disciples.
The Four Spirits disciples were at least at the Foundation Building and Golden Core stages, so it was somewhat frustrating to take orders from a girl at the Qi Refining stage.
But soon, the older brothers of the Four Spirits noticed that something was amiss.
That evening, Qiao Wan went to Mrs. Cen's place to fix her lung and colon, then quickly returned to the group of Four Spirits disciples. They sneaked and hid in the bushes, preparing to ambush a small team coming to support Shichun Hall.
The Four Spirits disciples in the bushes turned and questioned, "Xin Yi, are you ready?"
"Don't worry, if the fight scares you, come to us. We'll protect you. We promise not to laugh at you."
Grateful for the support from the Four Spirits group, Qiao Wan decided to stay silent for now and focused on the movement outside.
As soon as someone approached, she leaped out of the bushes and quickly dealt with one of them, shutting the mouths of the other Four Spirits disciples with her actions.
Meanwhile, under the guidance of a servant at the eighth level of Qi cultivation, the Four Spirits disciples launched a series of interception, encirclement, and secret assassinations with various tactics!
At the same time, Qiao Wan broke through to the eighth level of Qi cultivation!
On the fourth day, the Four Spirits launched a counterattack and intercepted a group of people from the Lin family.
Leading the team was a serious-looking girl named Lin Ershier. She was wearing a tight black suit that showed off her slim figure. With a cold gaze, she looked at the few individuals who had foolishly jumped out.
"Seeking death!" she exclaimed, and both groups charged towards each other.
As the Four Spirits fought against the Lin family team, Qiao Wan swung her iron hammer. After a few moves, she tightly wrapped her chain around Lin Ershier's limbs.
Qiao Wan, without leaving any part unnoticed, secured the chain around Lin Ershier. The young girl's face turned red with anger.
Qiao Wan effortlessly swung her other iron hammer and struck it down.
Bang! The world fell silent.
Qiao Wan dragged Lin Ershier back to the room.
Contrary to what Qiao Wan and her companions had imagined, the Lin family had many successors and didn't care about just one. Even if Lin Ershier was captured, the news from the Lin family wouldn't matter much - they would easily kill her.
Betrayed by her family, Lin Ershier showed great resilience and refused to surrender, despite the hardships she faced.
The fifth day of annihilation.
The Yangming Stomach Meridian and the Taichong Spleen Meridian were replenished.
In front of them, an old man stroked his beard and raised his hand, summoning countless soul-catching flags. "Let me have a battle with you little fellows!"
The iron hammer spun and shattered all the soul-catching flags in an instant!
Reaching the ninth level of Qi cultivation, she made a breakthrough!
Within five days, Qiao Wan witnessed a rapid increase in her spiritual power, advancing quickly. The disciples of the Four Spirits couldn't help but admire the unimpressive young maid with great respect.
Their attitude towards Qiao Wan took a complete turn.
Though not as skilled in healing as Miss Mu, there were plenty of pretty and delicate young girls. But what good is it to be just good-looking?
When it comes to going into battle, being able to trust the other person with your life and save the lives of your brothers is what matters!
This little maid in the backyard is no ordinary girl, she's like a fierce deity!
This cruel advanced way, it's not something an ordinary person can do, right?
...
No one believed that Qiao Wan and her few companions could accomplish anything.
But, the repeated victories surprised everyone!
One victory may not mean much, but the second, the third, they always managed to regain control!
No one knew when or where the counterattack team would strike, and no one knew who they would target.
They also made the Lin family live in fear, afraid of becoming the next target.
Qiao Wan shared the news of their victory with Gui Qi and asked her to relay it to the others in the mansion.
Everyone trapped in the mansion became excited, and their morale improved after days of low spirits.
Even if it was just a small fight, as long as they could win, it meant there was still hope.
Yes, as long as they could win, it meant there was still hope!
It is said that the one in charge is Cen Qingyou, the Second Young Master of the Cen family. His most loyal maid is like a sharp sword in his hands.
This sword has just started to show its power and will surely make a way by killing, leaving a path of blood and conquering the sky!
On the sixth day of the annihilation, something unexpected happened.
While the Cen family made some moves, the Lin family was not to be underestimated. With little effort, they figured out the mysterious aspects of this matter.
It is said that the Cen residence also hides a secret group, led by a young lady, specializing in ambushes, interceptions, and assassinations. They know how to pick their targets and quickly retreat. They lurk in the darkness, waiting for the next strike!
As for that female warrior, she defeats gods and Buddhas on her journey. With each battle, she becomes stronger, treating the disciples of the Lin family like mere brush monsters.
Can they endure this?
This time, the Lin family found out where the ambush of the counterattack team was in advance, and arranged a monster beforehand.
The monster was about five or six meters long, breathing out flames. Wherever it went, the ground immediately turned into scorched earth.
With little effort, Qiao Wan and the other "Four Spirits" were running around in the flames.
"Run! Run fast!!"
"Dodge!" yelled a disciple of the Four Spirits, avoiding a fireball that fell from the sky. "Damn it! This is a fourth-level monster!"
A fourth-level monster is equivalent to a cultivator in the Golden Core stage!
Monsters don't cultivate like humans. A fourth-level monster is enough to give them a run for their money!
Amidst the sea of fire, Qiao Wan was covered in ashes, her gaze cold and sharp. She raised her hand and shouted, "Kill!"
They could only kill!
Everyone gritted their teeth, wielding their weapons and charging forward, determined to take down this monster together!
Even if someone was hit by a fireball, it didn't matter. They would still push forward, not stopping until they took a bite out of this monster.
Many ants can bite an elephant, let alone a person.
Among them, only Qiao Wan could cover herself with a layer of armor, barely resisting the fire attack.
Soon, the disciples of the Four Spirits began to protect Qiao Wan.
After days of fighting, even if they initially looked down on this qi cultivation stage girl, they have now formed a deep bond of revolutionary friendship.
In order to protect this girl and charge forward, the disciples of the Four Spirits were burned and injured, but they didn't forget to turn around and shout with flushed faces and thick necks, "Xin Yi, come on!"
The fire licked the armor, and Qiao Wan, wrapped inside, could feel the heat just like a roast chicken.
The armor peeled off bit by bit and then closed up again.
"Come to me!"
"Jump here! Jump on my shoulder!"
A flash of golden light quickly flew by.
Qiao Wan leaped out on the human ladder made up of the flesh and blood of the Four Spirits' disciples, stomping her feet, swinging her heavy hammer, and breaking through the sea of fire.
The heavy hammer carried endless fury!
Bang--
The monster fell, and Qiao Wan also fell down.
As they were about to fall into the sea of fire, the disciples of the Four Spirits rushed forward to catch them and carried them to the nearby open space.
Qiao Wan's whole body was burned and she struggled to open her eyes, asking, "Am I dead?"
"Yes, dead! Dead!!" The brothers of the Four Spirits replied in a hurry.
Then, they watched helplessly as the girl lying on the ground was surrounded by a surge of spiritual energy.
One of the brothers of the Four Spirits widened his eyes and said, "Isn't this?"
"This can work?!" exclaimed another.
Seeing this familiar scene, the brothers of the Four Spirits exchanged glances, shocked.
Her fragile body couldn't withstand the turbulent spiritual power any longer.
Qiao Wan moved her fingertips slightly, tilted her head, and fell unconscious.
She progressed from the Qi cultivation stage to the Foundation Building stage under the watchful eyes of the disciples of the Four Spirits!
This time, the counterattack team suffered heavy casualties.
But in the end, when Qiao Wan regained consciousness, they managed to drag back the corpse of the fourth-level monster.
As soon as they brought it back to the room, Qiao Wan saw Feng Wangyan and Mu Xiaoxiao at the door.
When Mu Xiaoxiao saw Qiao Wan, who was in tattered clothes, and the disciples of the Four Spirits, she was shocked and quickly went to greet them.
"Why are you so badly hurt?" The little girl blinked her eyes and almost shed a tear.
Seeing the little girl kneeling down to help tend to the injured, Feng Wangyan's eyes narrowed. He swept his gaze, as if feeling a bit dissatisfied. Seeing the pitiful state in front of him, he sneered, "This is a fire-type monster?"
"Just a mere fire-type monster, and it has made itself so miserable."
Dressed in fiery red clothes with flowing black hair, he looked down at the seemingly lifeless Four Spirits disciple on the ground.
A bunch of useless people.
Qiao Wan remembered the Four Spirits disciple under Feng Wangyan's feet.
He was from the "White Tiger" squad, known as Baihu Shiyi.
It was him who carried her on his shoulder, leaping out of the sea of fire and hitting the monster's head.
A long time ago, maybe in middle school, she probably liked the handsome male lead who held the female protagonist in the palm of his hand and didn't treat anyone else as a person. She liked the male lead who would kill anyone who hurt the female protagonist.
But things are different now.
These past few days, they have been fighting side by side.
They both want to survive, but they also wish... for someone else to live for them.
She clearly sees it.
Qiao Wan closed her eyes, a surge of nameless anger rising in her heart.
She can't help but think that the man in front of her.
Totally deserves a beating.
Just as the other Four Spirits disciples glared at him in anger, a pink arrow shot out.
In an instant, golden light soared and fell.
In that moment.
Everything around became quiet.
A deafening silence.
Like a hundred-pound iron hammer, it forcefully smashed into the man's chest!
This strike, with all its strength behind it, pushed him back several steps. Feng Wangyan's expression changed dramatically, his chest boiling with blood, almost spitting out a mouthful of blood on the spot.
In the next moment, the collar was forcefully pulled up.
Looking up, he met a pair of cold, icy black eyes.
It was Feng Wangyan who was stunned instead.
Those angry eyes made him think of someone.
Zhou Yan's disciple.
That waste who was lying on the ground like a dead dog, blood constantly pouring from his mouth and nose, trying to replace Xiaoxiao's position.
But now, Qiao Wan grabbed the man's collar and lifted it high, with the "Four Spirits" brothers standing behind her, who fought their way to this point.
With just one command, everyone present would immediately rush forward and fight this phoenix.
"Get lost," Qiao Wan said, looking down. "You have no right to say these things."
This sentence undoubtedly added fuel to the fire. In a fit of rage, Feng Wangyan couldn't contain himself any longer. A bloody taste suddenly filled his mouth, and in the blink of an eye, unable to hold back, he was stricken with his injuries and spat out blood.
