Inside the Linxiao Hall, the atmosphere was heavy and oppressive.

The high dome seemed to be shrouded in a layer of mysterious mist, with giant stone pillars standing on both sides. The carved reliefs of auspicious beasts loomed in the dim light, as if silently watching everything in the hall.

The eunuch Chen Hai lowered his head and hurriedly walked into the Linxiao Hall.

His figure appeared particularly small in the vast hall, each step carrying a cautious wariness.

Striding quickly into the hall, he dared only to glance at Your Majesty seated on the Dragon Throne out of the corner of his eye.

With a thud, he knelt down and, with a slightly trembling voice, said, "Your Majesty, this servant Chen Hai has something to report."

Zheng Yi sat upright on the Dragon Throne, his expression grim and his gaze sharp as a torch.

He slightly squinted his eyes, looking at Chen Hai kneeling below, and said in a deep voice, "Speak."

Chen Hai took a deep breath, mustered his courage, and said, "Your Majesty, the zombies have been created..."

"Oh?"

Zheng Yi nodded slightly without speaking, only gesturing for Chen Hai to continue.

He had already secretly authorized this to Chen Liancang and hadn’t expected it to be completed in less than two months.

Not bad.

The bodies of those over a hundred cultivators, whether burned or buried, would be somewhat wasteful.

Since so, why not refine them into zombies and have them under control.

This could also be considered a way to recoup some interest from them.

Chen Hai continued, "Your Majesty, godfather Chen Liancang suffered serious injuries while carrying out this task, and his strength greatly diminished."

"He has informed this servant that he intends to retire and no longer involve himself in court affairs. This servant knows the gravity of this matter and has come especially to report."

Zheng Yi was silent for a moment before slowly speaking, "Chen Hai, since you know the importance of this matter, you must take it upon yourself."

"Elder Chen may be injured and retired, but this matter cannot be postponed. You must strive with all your heart to continue handling this for me."

Chen Liancang was seriously injured and his strength greatly diminished.

This was something he was also aware of.

The various holy medicines for healing in the secret vault were available for his use.

Unfortunately.

Chen Liancang was already quite old and practiced the "Netherworld Scripture," which severely damaged the body’s blood and lifespan.

His vitality had long decayed, and even with the nourishment of healing holy medicines, he could not recover to his peak state.

Now he still had some cultivation, but he could no longer engage in slaughter or even get injured.

The best method was to retire to a secluded place to enjoy his remaining years, slowly nurturing with gentle supplements.

In this way, he might live a few more years.

Chen Liancang wanted to retire behind the scenes and live out his years.

Now that he had sent Chen Hai to report this matter, it seemed he had already regarded Chen Hai as his heir.

After all.

Refining cultivator corpses into zombies was a grave secret.

If it were revealed, it would be nearly tantamount to being at odds with the entire Great Yu Cultivation Realm!

Because of this, he had to be extremely cautious.

Chen Hai hurriedly kowtowed, saying, "This servant obeys the decree and will not fail Your Majesty’s great trust."

"I am willing to brave fire and water for Your Majesty, no matter the cost!"

The Linxiao Hall fell silent again, with only Chen Hai’s slightly trembling figure seemingly narrating the heavy pressure behind this mysterious and dangerous mission.

"You may leave."

Zheng Yi said indifferently, "From now on, the Shadow Guard will be under your control."

"By the way, covertly monitor Elder Feng and the others for me."

"Understood...!"

...

Beimang Mountain, with its ridged and layered peaks shrouded in clouds and mist, was originally a tranquil and harmonious place.

However, at this moment, it was enveloped by a killing aura.

Foundation Establishment Cultivator Old Demon Feng led more than twenty loose cultivators, like a tempestuous dark cloud, slowly approaching the area where the Du Family resided in Beimang Mountain.

The Du Family had lived here for over a thousand years, every peak within a hundred miles was their territory.

In the deep mountains, clouds and mist pervaded the whole day, covering a large expanse of forest.

To prevent spiritual qi from leaking out, the Du Family had long set up numerous arrays outside the mountain gate to conceal their residence, all to avoid mortals from inadvertently entering.

Yet, many mortal woodcutters and hunters managed to venture deep into Beimang Mountain but got confused by the arrays and were eventually sent back out.

Moreover, there had always been legends of immortals in Beimang Mountain.

Mortals cannot reach it, but these Illusion Arrays couldn’t stop Elder Feng and other cultivators.

Besides...

Old Demon Feng was a Foundation Establishment Cultivator!

Old Demon Feng wore a black robe, his face stern, his eyes revealing endless ruthlessness and cruelty.

He carried one hand behind his back, walking on a breeze, exuding an infinite killing intent.

Behind him, more than twenty loose cultivators wore solemn expressions, though some showed excitement as they gazed at the fog-barricaded Du Family residence deep within Beimang Mountain.

A loose cultivator flew over with respect and said, "Elder Feng, the Du Family residence is just ahead."

"Mm."

Old Demon Feng nodded slightly, then a flash of murder gleamed in his eyes.

He recalled the slaughter at Celestial Longevity Mountain and the pressure from the young Emperor, sighing silently in his heart.

Then he raised a scroll of Holy Decree high, his voice reverberating like a great bell through the mountains: "By the mandate of the Emperor, it is decreed: Upon investigation, the Du clan harbors unruly intentions, commits acts of rebellion and treason. Such wicked deeds are intolerable by Heavenly principles and unforgivable by State laws. Considering the importance of the nation and the people’s safety, severe punishment must be administered."

"From this day forth, the Du clan is to be eradicated, all properties confiscated. All clan members, regardless of age, shall not be pardoned. Anyone found sheltering or concealing Du clan members will be treated as sharing the same crime."

"So decrees the Emperor!"

Old Demon Feng’s cold voice echoed through the forest, and under the resonance of his full Foundation Establishment Cultivator magical power, it immediately spread throughout entire Beimang Mountain.

Even the Du Family residence, covered by the array, heard Old Demon Feng’s merciless proclamation!