Edited by Aelryinth

The Luling Rift Valley was extremely long. It was cool and moist within. Most Winged Patrol Beasts preferred to roost on certain special trees or in their nests along the cliffs. The Winged Patrol Beasts with a higher status claimed the greater heights, displaying their strength and status.

The group managed to escape the Winged Patrol Beasts' pursuit temporarily by entering the Luling Rift Valley. The rift valley had a few species that preferred to stay away from sunlight, but would promptly feast on any Winged Patrol Beasts that dared to enter there.

The Wind of Sorrow was a lot weaker after they entered the rift valley, but the Violet Imperial Battalion did not dare to waste any time, knowing that their time was limited. They quickly followed the path through the valley.

The rift valley was a low point in the mountains, where the water from the mountain streams and the underground springs eventually gathered. The group could see rapid currents flowing through the meandering rift valley like mystical white serpents.

There were plenty of rocks jutting above the currents. Everyone in the group possessed a certain level of cultivation, so they were able to leap between the rocks to advance through the rift valley. Zhang Xiaohou seemed very familiar with the place, and was jumping between the rocks like a nimble monkey. He would occasionally sprint along the walls on either side, too.

Having Zhang Xiaohou around saved a lot of trouble for the group. He had been in the military for many years, and his scouting skills were outstanding. He deftly lured the cunning demon creatures hiding in the surroundings and blocking the group's path away, ensuring the others a smooth journey.

Zhang Xiaohou was able to deal with the creatures in the rift valley easily. The group was not bothered by a single demon creature, even after traveling for a few kilometers in the rift valley.

"General Zhang is indeed familiar with the Qinling Mountains. If we can maintain this pace, we should be able to reach Mount Baiba in no time!" Advisor Xu complimented him.

Li Dexin immediately glared at Advisor Xu after hearing those words. It was obvious what he was trying to say.

Advisor Xu smiled, not daring to say a further word.

---

The atmosphere was not as tense while Zhang Xiaohou was leading the group.

In comparison, everyone was on edge when Li Dexin was leading the group. They were on the verge of losing their minds after being tortured by the Winged Patrol Beasts. However, they were now traveling through the rift valley leisurely, as if they were on a scenic tour.

The rift valley did have some demon creatures, but Zhang Xiaohou managed to deal with them by himself. The group only needed to eliminate those they could not avoid.

Zhang Xiaohou was extremely familiar with the habits of the creatures in the Qinling Mountains. The number of demon creatures was simply too high, so they could not afford to use destructive spells that might cause a huge scene until they had confirmed that there were no other demon creatures nearby. If they were foolish, the demon creatures would pursue them relentlessly, just like the Winged Patrol Beasts had previously!

"I feel like Zhang Xiaohou is a lot more like a soldier, compared to those people from the Violet Imperial Battalion. You can tell how experienced and well-trained he is from his actions," Bai Hongfei murmured.

Bai Hongfei had been out in the wild for quite some time, so he knew where Zhang Xiaohou had gotten his experience and his skills from.

"He's a major general after all! Speaking of which, he did a hell of a job when we were taking on the Black Vatican in Beijiang!" Zhao Manyan spoke up.

"Beijiang? The Black Vatican?" Bai Hongfei was startled, and his eyes glittered.

Bai Hongfei had gone to Beijiang about six months ago. He had heard rumors about the incident that took place in Beijiang from some older Mages, but was unaware of the details. The information about the incident was kept confidential, so not many people knew exactly what had happened.

To Bai Hongfei's surprise, Zhao Manyan and Zhang Xiaohou were involved in it, and it sounded like they had played an important role, too!

The older Mages had profusely complimented the people who had helped defend Beijiang from the invasion of the demon creatures...

Mo Fan glared at Zhao Manyan.

Zhao Manyan opened his mouth, and was about to say something, but he eventually decided against it.

He had the urge to spill everything. It was such an epic scene and battle! They were up against the Great Pyramid of Giza, but they were told to keep it a secret. He could not even brag about it to others!

"Teacher, I've already devoted myself to Fanxue Mountain. I heard about the incident in Beijiang, but I've only managed to learn bits and pieces..." Bai Hongfei was eager to learn the truth.

"Speaking of which, Zhang Xiaohou was promoted to major general because of his achievements in Beijiang, too… Why is everyone else getting the benefits when it was us that risked our lives by going into the Pyramid? Shouldn't the government at least reward us with a badge or a title?" Zhao Manyan grumbled with a sigh.

"Pyramid? Is it true that the Pyramid was there!?" Bai Hongfei was excited, staring right into Zhao Manyan's eyes.

Mo Fan realized that Zhao Manyan was unable to keep his mouth shut. However, he simply let him be, since Bai Hongfei was not an outsider. However, Mo Fan could not help but remind Zhao Manyan, knowing his personality, "You better filter out the details that aren't suitable for children."

"Of course, I understand!" Zhao Manyan nodded. He knew he could not afford to tell the others about the Ancient King and Mo Fan's Demon Element.

The journey was quite safe, so Zhao Manyan had plenty of time to explain how they had gone from chasing a member of the Black Vatican and tracking down a Red Cardinal to fending off the army of Underworld creatures at the ancient pass. He vividly told them how they protected the Magic Fire Beacons from the Black Vatican on the Great Wall.

In addition to Bai Hongfei, Apas and Yu Shishi were listening too, since they had never heard this tale before. Zhao Manyan was an expert storyteller. They were fascinated by the tale!

Zhao Manyan let out a relieved sigh after noticing the look in their eyes, "Oh my… I feel a lot better now!"

"Why do I feel like you've heard that story from somewhere else!?" Yu Shishi twisted her lips. She subconsciously looked at Mo Fan. She was struggling to believe that Mo Fan was such a righteous person. Not only did he look licentious on the surface, he was utterly vile and shameless on the inside, too!

"If I was lying, I will not be able to erect for the rest of my life!" Zhao Manyan swore the deadliest oath possible!

"Teacher, you are truly my idol, I admire you so much! I knew it since the very first time we met! I strongly believe that following you around is going to give me a bright future. I wasn't wrong!" Bai Hongfei exclaimed to Mo Fan.

"Piss off! Did you forget how smug you were when I was helping you with your graduation?" Mo Fan cursed him back soundly.