Qin Changsheng didn't head directly to Beihai County. Instead, he went to the market to buy a low-level defensive formation and some everyday items before setting off for Beihai County.
Just as he stepped out of the Heavenly Sword Sect's gate, Qin Changsheng leaped onto his sword.
A flash of azure light, and his longsword carried him straight into the sky, piercing the heavens and speeding towards Beihai County.
His swordsmanship was masterful; his sword flew with lightning speed, the mountains, rivers, and dense forests rushing past like a revolving lantern. Only the whistling wind and the soft hum of his sword cutting through the air filled his ears.
After just over two hours, Qin Changsheng arrived outside Beihai County.
He sheathed his sword and landed firmly outside the city gate of Beihai County. Gazing at the familiar yet slightly unfamiliar gate, a sense of感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a feeling of mixed emotions, often including nostalgia or reflection) welled up within him.
Several years ago, Hu Nan, in his avatar form, had also visited Beihai County.
His avatar endured wind and rain, dodging demonic beasts, and traversing a long and arduous journey, taking nearly two months to barely reach the place.
Now, however, he arrived effortlessly in just two hours—the difference in their journeys was like heaven and earth.
Summoning his thoughts, Qin Changsheng reached into his storage bag and retrieved the wooden mission token.
These Heavenly Sword Sect mission tokens could only be activated upon reaching a specific mission location.
Qin Changsheng exerted a slight force, infusing a wisp of spiritual energy. The token instantly glowed faintly, and the detailed mission information slowly appeared, clearly displayed before his eyes.
However, the instant he saw the mission details, the calm on Qin Changsheng's face vanished, his expression changed slightly, and a clear look of astonishment and seriousness flashed in his eyes.
The mission order stated that he needed to investigate and eliminate a Qi Refining Stage 3 demonic beast ravaging Beihai County, and the area where this beast appeared and wreaked havoc was none other than the western suburbs of Beihai County!
Seeing the words "western suburbs of Beihai County," Qin Changsheng's heart skipped a beat.
Because Qin Changsheng's home was in the western suburbs.
He had visited there a few years ago.
He never imagined that his mission to Beihai County, originally intended to secretly place the Rebirth Stone, would lead to his hometown.
The Qi Refining Stage 3 demonic beast, though not powerful enough to be of much concern to him now, could have dire consequences if it harmed his neighbors in the western suburbs or destroyed his home.
Qin Changsheng quickly composed himself and headed towards the western suburbs.
Soon, the core area of the western suburbs came into view, and the scene before him made Qin Changsheng's expression darken.
Dozens of people were stumbling and fleeing into the distance, their cries, shouts, and footsteps mingling in a chaotic cacophony.
Some slipped and fell, only to be immediately helped up by those fleeing behind, too afraid to linger as if pursued by a raging flood.
Qin Changsheng looked up, his gaze piercing through the fleeing crowd, instantly spotting the source of the chaos.
In an open area not far away, a massive wild boar was rampaging, its body covered in thick, dark bristles, its tusks bared.
This wild boar was several times larger than a typical domestic pig, its limbs thick and powerful. Each charge snapped trees and collapsed earthen walls, causing the ground to tremble slightly and leaving deep hoofprints.
It chased after the fleeing civilians, killing several of them.
"Help!"
"A monster!"
"Woo woof woof..."
Watching the civilians scatter, Qin Changsheng's eyes turned cold.
"You beast, how dare you!" Qin Changsheng raised his hand and waved it lightly. His spiritual energy surged instantly, a wisp of pure fire-elemental spiritual energy condensing in his hand, instantly transforming into a massive fireball.
The fireball, engulfed in raging flames and radiating scorching heat, hurtled towards the head of the wild boar monster with a whistling sound.
His attack was swift and decisive, without the slightest hesitation. With just a wisp of spiritual energy, he condensed a power sufficient to crush a Qi Refining Stage 3 demonic beast.
The wild boar demonic beast, engrossed in its frenzy, was completely unaware of the impending danger, continuing its rampage.
In the blink of an eye, the massive fireball arrived, striking the wild boar demonic beast precisely on the head with a deafening boom. Flames instantly engulfed its entire body, scorching its dark mane and skin with a sizzling sound, accompanied by the wild boar demonic beast's piercing screams.
The screams lasted only a moment before completely dissipating.
The Qi Refining Stage 3 wild boar demonic beast, under the attack of a Foundation Establishment cultivator, had no power to resist. Its massive body was gradually consumed by the flames, turning into a handful of black ash in the blink of an eye, scattering with the wind, leaving only a pungent, burnt smell in the air.
The chaotic escape abruptly ceased. All the people stopped in their tracks, slowly turning around to watch the dissipating flames, then to look at Qin Changsheng standing calmly a short distance away. The fear on their faces gradually faded, replaced by disbelief, shock, and boundless gratitude.
They never imagined that the demonic beast that had driven them to despair and left them helpless would be so easily slain by this young cultivator with a single, casual strike.
After a moment of silence, the people knelt down, repeatedly kowtowing to Qin Changsheng, their voices choked with emotion, yet utterly respectful.
"Thank you, Immortal Master! Thank you, Immortal Master, for saving our lives!"
"Immortal Master, spare our lives! Immortal Master, have mercy!"
They kowtowed, tears streaming down their faces, their expressions filled with the relief of surviving a calamity and their profound reverence for Qin Changsheng.
Qin Changsheng looked at the kneeling people before him, feeling no pride, only a sense that this was his duty.
He gently raised his hand and waved, his tone gentle yet carrying an undeniable authority: "Fellow villagers, there's no need for such formality. Please rise. Slaying the demonic beast and protecting this area is my duty. You should leave here immediately and find a safe place to take refuge. Do not linger here any longer."
Upon hearing this, the people rose and bowed again to Qin Changsheng, expressing their deepest gratitude. They then hurried away, but this time their steps were no longer hurried, and they were whispering amongst themselves.
They also glanced at Qin Changsheng from time to time.
As the people gradually disappeared into the distance, a figure emerged from the remaining crowd.
The man was a middle-aged man dressed in brocade robes, carrying a knife on his back. Although there was no fluctuation of spiritual energy around him, he possessed a composed demeanor, clearly not an ordinary person.
He strode up to Qin Changsheng, slightly cupped his hands in greeting, and asked respectfully in a humble tone, "Immortal Master, please wait. If I may be so bold as to ask, have you come to the western suburbs to look for someone?"
Qin Changsheng looked up at him before asking, "Who are you?"
He could tell this man was no ordinary person; his bearing was extraordinary, and the fact that he approached alone after the crowd had dispersed suggested he had a significant background.
Upon hearing this, the man in brocade robes quickly bowed again and said, "Reporting to the Immortal Master, I am Lin Xiao of the Jingfeng Escort Agency in Beihai County, currently the Chief Escort."
"Hearing that a demonic beast was rampaging in the western suburbs, harming the people, I personally led my men here, intending to lure away this wild boar-like beast. Unexpectedly, the Immortal Master acted first, ridding the people of this scourge. I am deeply impressed."
As Lin Xiao spoke, his gaze fell upon the pile of ashes of the wild boar-like beast not far away, his face full of admiration.
He had grown up in Beihai County since childhood and had led the Jingfeng Escort Agency for many years. Although he had learned some martial arts, he had no effective way to deal with demonic beasts.
They could only lure the beasts into deserted valleys.
But unexpectedly, Qin Changsheng had killed the beast with a single fireball spell.
After a pause, Lin Xiao added, "Immortal Master, I noticed that after you arrived in the western suburbs, besides slaying the demonic beasts, you were constantly looking around, your expression carrying a hint of searching. Therefore, I dare to guess that you may have come here to look for someone."
He was meticulous; during the chaos of the fleeing people and the rampage of the demonic beasts, he had secretly observed Qin Changsheng's actions and realized that he hadn't come simply to kill the beasts.
Qin Changsheng nodded slightly upon hearing this, not denying it: "Indeed, I came to the western suburbs this time to search for someone."
Seeing Qin Changsheng's admission, a knowing glint flashed in Lin Xiao's eyes, and he quickly said, "Rest assured, Immortal Master! I have been operating the Jingfeng Escort Agency in Beihai County for many years, with extensive connections and influence throughout the county. Whether in the city streets or the suburban villages, as long as Immortal Master can tell me the name and appearance of the person I am looking for, I will do my utmost to assist, sending people everywhere to search, and I will definitely help Immortal Master find the person you are looking for!"
His proactive assistance stemmed from two reasons: firstly, gratitude for Qin Changsheng's slaying of the demonic beast and saving the people of the western suburbs; and secondly, a desire to use this opportunity to befriend a cultivator like Qin Changsheng.
Although the Jingfeng Escort Agency held a position in Beihai County, it was insignificant in the Great Wei Dynasty. If he could establish a relationship with Qin Changsheng, the agency would have more security in its future operations.