The two men were utterly astonished as three young cultivators clad in guard armor strode toward them.
Simultaneously, the villagers surged forward, brandishing shovels, rakes, wooden clubs, brooms, and other implements, surrounding them in the blink of an eye.
Just as the pair attempted to employ Evasion Arts, they felt their feet sink into mud, immobilized. Glancing down, their scalps prickled with dread. Who would lay such a concealed array along the field ridges?
The farmers, now alert and fierce as a pack of wolves, bore no resemblance to their earlier idle and carefree demeanor.
The lead young cultivator spoke gently, "Where do you hail from, fellow Daoists? Have you registered in Tiancheng?"
The two from Huawel Sect, unaccustomed to being besieged by mortals, felt their pride wounded. One retorted angrily, "We are Rogue Cultivators who came to settle in Thousand Canals. Is this how you treat guests here?"
"Rogue Cultivators seeking to settle in Thousand Canals must first register in Tiancheng. Have you done so?"
The Huawel Sect spies declared righteously, "We were on our way there when you blocked us!"
An elderly man among the villagers shouted, "Immortal Official, don't listen to their lies! I spoke with them this morning—they couldn't even name the date of the Harvest Festival. How could they be here to settle?"
A woman added coldly, "Since Thousand Canals gained independence, there have been no Golden Statues. You two came asking about divine idols—do you suspect our village of secretly worshiping? Where's your proof? You can't slander us without evidence!"
The crowd chorused indignantly, "Our village would never hide forbidden objects!"
The young cultivator muttered, "But on our way here, I clearly saw you preparing incense offerings."
His female companion, unsurprised, whispered a reminder, "In matters like these, it's best to turn a blind eye. Don't ask—if you do, the answer will always be 'no, absolutely not.'"
The Huawel Sect pair listened in bewilderment, utterly perplexed—
So, was there worship or not?
In other territories, failure to make timely offerings at the God Temple would incur severe punishment.
What was the situation in Thousand Canals?
A child's voice piped up last, "They're looking for the Immortal Official's Golden Statue! Yesterday when I was herding cattle, they tried to bribe me with malt candy to take them to it!"
Trying to deceive a child too?
Zhou Xiaoyun smirked coldly, pulling out a immobilization Talisman and ropes. "Tie them up!"
The two struggled and cried out in pain, swiftly bound as tightly as pigs awaiting slaughter, inwardly lamenting:
"Disaster! We underestimated these country bumpkins!"
Huawel Sect had dispatched two Immortal Officials from other counties as spies, assuming their long residence among mortals would grant them insight and competence.
Yet the pair had presumed rural folk to be foolish, cowardly, and illiterate.
Who could have foreseen such unity, meticulous coordination, and even a six-year-old's sharp-witted vigilance?
Seeing no escape, they hastily changed their tune, shouting, "We are envoys sent by Huawel Sect to negotiate! I am Immortal Official Zhao from Baolin County, cousin of Peak Lord Zhao!"
"And I am Immortal Official Liu from Yanshan County! Even at war, envoys are not harmed—you cannot treat us this way!"
Zhou Xiaoyun frowned slightly. "Huawel Sect wants to negotiate with us? Envoys who arrive without formal notice, thinking they can come and go as they please—what do you take Thousand Canals for? Take them to the God Temple!"The old village chief rubbed his hands together as he stepped forward: "With these two fools here, this year's 'Honorary New Village' award should be ours, right? Perhaps at the next Harvest Festival, King Song himself will receive us in person!"
The villagers responded enthusiastically, the atmosphere growing lively.
How many steps are there to capturing a sneaky foreign spy?
Three steps.
First, identify the target without acting rashly. Upon discovering the enemy, remain in position and keep them steady to avoid alerting them and needlessly sacrificing lives.
Second, report to the guard without delay. While the enemy is off guard, immediately summon the guards to prevent them from escaping or causing trouble.
Third, unite to capture the foreign thieves. Once the guard immortals arrive, cooperate bravely and strike together to seize the enemy in one move.
The "Thousand Canals Bandit Capture Manual," compiled by Ji Bianxiu, was richly illustrated, simple to understand, and widely circulated.
Villages regularly organized study sessions, and the people of Thousand Canals memorized it by heart, lamenting only the lack of practical opportunities.
Immortal Officials Liu and Zhao listened to the farmers discussing how to catch thieves, their faces flushing red with anger.
How could such a thing happen in the world? How dare mortals show such disrespect to cultivators?
And these were not wealthy nobles from Huawel City but a group of ordinary farmers.
Not only had they been reported by farmers, but they were also being treated as rewards, hoisted onto a cart like pigs.
"Thanks to these two, there's hope for the Honorary New Village this year!"
"Goodness, they're so heavy—what have they been eating to weigh this much?"
Immortal Official Zhao, enraged by the remarks, couldn't hold back a curse: "Song Qianji is already dead! Don't you know that the immortals our Huawel Sect sent to Blood River Valley have slain him? What Harvest Festival are you still dreaming of?! As soon as the war begins, Thousand Canals will immediately become sect territory!"
The fields fell silent abruptly, the lively atmosphere freezing over. Only the hot summer wind rustled through the leaves.
The old village chief shouted hoarsely in fury: "You're lying!"
Hatred ignited in countless eyes, spreading like wildfire. Countless angry fists rained down like a storm.
Immortal Official Liu, seeing the situation turn dire, wished he could kick his foolish companion to death: "Why say that? Do you want to die?... Hey, everyone, don't hit us! Do you know who I am? Mortals harming cultivators will face divine retribution!"
The villagers brandished their hoes, their shouts shaking the sky: "We don't believe you—"
The two men completely broke down: "Huawel Sect will not spare you!"
"We're not afraid—"
After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Zhou Xiaoyun cleared her throat lightly, stopping the group beating:
"Enough. Hand them over to us to be taken back to the God Temple for detailed interrogation. Everyone, disperse now. Don't believe rumors, and don't delay this afternoon's farm work."
The two were thrown into the prison cell. After repeated interrogations, they were bruised and battered, their spirits broken, all former arrogance gone.
The God Temple prison was protected by formations, and the guards patrolling and delivering meals were mostly well-trained mortals armed with firearms.
At first, they were overjoyed, attempting to bribe the guards with Spirit Stones, then appealing to reason and emotion, trying to persuade them to help them escape and return to Huawel Sect together. Instead, the mortal guards took turns lecturing them:
"That Hua Wei Zhenren you mentioned—even if he's truly powerful, is he really more powerful than King Song? What does that have to do with us?""There is only one path for cultivators to earn respect in Thousand Canals—they must contribute to this land. Our Minister of Agriculture Liu the Carpenter is a mortal, yet he crafts Curved Shaft Plows, improves looms, promotes four-season greenhouses, and his woodworking skills are unparalleled in Thousand Canals. Our Minister of Works designs bridges, paves roads, and manufactures firearms; our Minister of Education is erudite and advocates teaching without discrimination, so everyone respects them."
"The seed field in Tiancheng is personally tended by King Song. When encountering unfamiliar farming tasks, he consults agricultural experts himself. If even King Song acts this way, how dare other cultivators behave arrogantly?"
"Can your so-called 'Number One Huawel Sect of Western Sky Continent' do the same?"
After repeated failures and warnings to behave, the two abandoned their schemes and sighed together.
"Who would have thought Thousand Canals' people think this way? Mortals no longer revere cultivators. Without coming here, one could never imagine such social customs."
"We thought reclaiming Thousand Canals after Song Qianji's death would be as easy as crushing ants. Like driving an elephant to trample ants—it wouldn't even need to stomp, just a breath could blow them away."
"But now it seems like ants can kill an elephant when united. Look—the ant colony stands united, while the elephant's four legs disobey commands, each with its own agenda."
"Brother, we might not win this battle. King Song of Thousand Canals is truly terrifying."
...
New lotus sprouts emerged in the water vats of Song Courtyard, their jade-green leaves standing gracefully.
A plump yellow cat squeezed past pink hydrangeas blooming by the wall, finding the deepest shade under a flower trellis to nap, emitting soft purrs.
One dream awakened to find summer already deep.
The group gathered in the flower-filled Song Courtyard to analyze the situation, their expressions varied.
Meng Heze kept his head lowered while polishing his sword, occasionally responding to show he was listening.
Wei Zhenyu watered flowers with a sprinkling can, seemingly distracted.
Ji Chen claimed to have learned interrogation from Song Qianji, so the two spies were left to his handling—and he indeed proved worthy:
"According to those two, Huawel Sect will launch their first attack in three days, using a giant Cloud Ship to break through Thousand Canals' defensive formation from the sky.
"Huawel Sect will give half of Thousand Canals' currently operational Spirit Stone Mine to the Zhao Family, as payment for Old Ancestor Zhao's assistance. Old Ancestor Zhao absorbed Thousand Canals' Spirit Qi years ago to reach half-step Transformation Stage and has been in closed-door cultivation since. He's likely one step away from full Transformation Stage—not an easy opponent."
"After victory, rewards will be distributed based on merit. Any clan or sect that contributes in this battle will get turns occupying Thousand Canals Prefecture. That's why these groups are sharpening their blades eagerly."
"Taking turns occupying?" Zhou Xiaoyun fumed. "Our Thousand Canals has never attacked or plundered others, yet we're still surrounded by jackals and wolves."
Meng Heze said, "Thousand Canals Prefecture doesn't need to do anything. Its mere existence keeps people awake at night."
Ji Xing sprawled across the cool stone table, worrying: "What was Thousand Canals like when we first arrived? Like a rotten fruit even dogs wouldn't eat. And now? It's become a sizzling plate of grilled lamb chops—what predator wouldn't want to snatch a bite?" She suddenly swallowed and forgot her worries. "How about grilled lamb chops for dinner?"
Zhou Xiaoyun patted her head. "Eat up. It's not like our family can't afford it."Ji Chen muttered, "Didn't you just have lunch? What kind of cultivator only thinks about food all day..."
Ji Xing raised her fist: "What did you just say? I didn't hear you clearly!"
Ji Chen quickly covered his head: "I was wrong, I was wrong!"
"With all the chaotic rumors flying around outside—some people crying all day, others talking about avenging Song Xian Guan, and outsider Rogue Cultivators rushing to leave Thousand Canals—should we keep the news of Song Xian Guan's danger a secret?" Xu Kanshan asked.
"Concealing the news will only make people restless and spread more rumors," Wei Zhenyu suddenly spoke up. "Leave this matter to me. I'll inform everyone."
Meng Heze let out a long "oh": "You were silent for so long, I thought you were just here to watch the spectacle. I never expected that after wandering for half his life, Wei Wang returns still as the Chief Steward of Thousand Canals."
Wei Zhenyu lifted his eyelids: "After returning from the training, your words have become quite sharp."
"Likewise, I suppose."
Since seeing the Three Lives Stone, the three had made rapid progress in their cultivation, breaking through one barrier after another.
The cultivation methods practiced, the secret manuals studied, the insights gained, and the combat experience from the illusionary world—all remained vividly clear in their memories.
But they never spoke of what they had actually experienced.
Meng Heze and Wei Zhenyu initially tried to mock each other, but after realizing it was a case of "injuring the enemy a thousand at the cost of eight hundred of your own," they tacitly ceased their mutual attacks.
After Song Qianji went missing, Wei Zhenyu brought a team of Northern Desert elites to station in Thousand Canals, publicly announcing that he was the former Wei Ping. He received an enthusiastic welcome from the people of Thousand Canal Bazaar.
Chief Steward Wei had personally established Thousand Canal Bazaar, and his approachable image was deeply rooted in people's hearts. Even after three years away, the people of Thousand Canals still remembered him.
...
Before dawn, the streets were empty, with only a waning crescent moon hanging in the dark blue sky.
Meng Heze and Wei Ping rode two majestic Iron Beasts toward Tiancheng Square to meet up with Ji Chen, who had been repairing the formation overnight.
The Iron Beasts had grown as tall as the houses along the road, moving with the imposing presence of elephants, stirring up clouds of dust with each step.
Originally bred as war mounts—thick-skinned, sharp-toothed, fierce and battle-hardened—they had been kept as pets in the bamboo forest since Thousand Canals saw no conflicts and never attacked other prefectures. This was their first time out on the streets.
The two beasts were clearly excited and restless, but sensing the heavy mood of their riders, they dared not cause any commotion.
"Have you prepared your speech?" Meng Heze asked.
"More or less," Wei Zhenyu replied, not wanting to sound too confident, especially since Song Qianji often said he only "knew a little."
Song Qianji, again Song Qianji. Even now, thinking of this person made Wei Zhenyu's heart race with fear.
After the secret realm collapsed, they had rushed in recklessly, only to find the lake dried up, the forest reduced to charcoal...
For a moment, all hope seemed lost, as if their lives were over.
Yet, in the center of the dead, silent ruins, a pale purple flower bloomed.
That potato flower was unharmed, full of vitality.
It had clearly been carefully transplanted into the soil and nurtured with Spirit Qi after the disaster struck.
This was a signal only those familiar with Song Qianji and Song Courtyard could understand.
—"I'm still alive."
"Though we don't know where he is now," Wei Zhenyu said, "he entrusted Thousand Canals to us because he believes in us. We must believe in him too."
Meng Heze was somewhat surprised: "Are you comforting me?"
After a moment's thought, he understood—Wei Zhenyu might appear confident today, but he was under great pressure and inwardly uncertain.
Thousand-Ditch Prefecture was fundamentally agricultural, with farmers making up the largest population. In terms of the total number of cultivators and their cultivation levels, it was far inferior to the Huawel Sect alliance.The only resource available was the people's hearts.
Wei Zhenyu took a deep breath, letting the cool pre-dawn air fill his lungs: "Many hands make light work. With united efforts, we will surely overcome this crisis."
Meng Heze said, "If he doesn't return, I will fight for Thousand Canals until my dying breath."
Wei Zhenyu sneered, "I won't. I'll just farm his land! Pick his flowers! Ride his mount! Giddy up!"
The Iron Beast raised its head and roared, its four paws pounding the ground as it charged away.
...
The morning sun rose, casting brilliant golden light.
Above the city walls of Tiancheng, golden wheat ear flags fluttered, while twelve great drums thundered across the sky.
This was the first time Thousand Canals had beaten the war drums throughout the entire city, aside from the Harvest Festival.
In the cool morning breeze, tens of thousands gathered anxiously in Tiancheng Square, as if fearing some terrible event.
The Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Works, and Minister of Education stood solemnly in formal attire before the God Temple gates.
The city guard stood ready in full armor, weapons in hand.
Two black-and-white, divine and mighty Iron Beasts leaped onto the high steps.
The rumors that had circulated for days were finally confirmed as Wei Zhenyu's voice carried through the formation to distant places:
"I have gathered everyone here today to announce important news. Our Song King has been ambushed and harmed by villains, and his current condition remains unknown—"
He went straight to the point. The entire city fell into stunned silence.
Wei Ping recounted calmly: "When he first arrived here, he toppled the temples and shattered all the Golden Statues; he drove out the corrupt gentry, abolished heavy taxes, and freed people from exploitation; then he traveled throughout Thousand Canals, personally reclaiming wasteland. Later, he channeled flowing water from Hongfu County, opening the first canal. It was also he who communicated with heaven and earth, bringing the first rainfall after three years of severe drought!"
Memories of those difficult times resurfaced before their eyes, and faint sobs began to rise from the crowd:
"Immortal Official Song, Song King, don't abandon us—"
"I don't believe it! We make offerings every day—the Song King cannot die young!"
"Now in Thousand Canals, we have water and fields, bridges and roads, schools and libraries. Every family has food to eat, every household has clothes to wear, and everyone has books to read. No one can oppress us anymore!"
As Wei Zhenyu spoke, cries and shouts merged into a tidal wave of sound that soared to the heavens.
Meng Heze nudged Ji Chen: "Wei Zhenyu really knows how to stir people up."
Ji Chen was busy wiping Ji Xing's tears.
"Though the Song King's fate is unknown, I believe he is still alive and will return! But our enemies seek to take advantage of this opportunity to invade our homeland. They have strong soldiers and sturdy horses, they come with overwhelming force—they are cultivators with supernatural powers—"
The cries gradually subsided. Countless eyes now blazed with fury.
Wei Zhenyu's voice suddenly sharpened, like a sword unsheathing: "But we, the people of Thousand Canals, are unyielding. We fear no hardship, we dare to challenge heaven itself! We can split mountains when we climb, dig rivers when we bend! We possess the most fertile farmland in all the world, the longest bridge, the most extensive canal network, the finest metallurgy, and the most powerful firearms. These were not bestowed upon us by anyone—we created them with our own hands!"
"Our homes are here, our fields are here. Now, the enemy comes to seize our land, destroy our homes, and force us back to the days of bowing and scraping, starving and kneeling like dogs—will we allow this—"
The sea of people surged, their voices stopping the clouds, their rage spreading like wildfire: "We will not allow it!"“Yes, we will never agree. For our descendants to remain human, for our refusal to bow to the God Temple in this lifetime, we must unite as one to defeat the invaders! Whether they are cultivators, immortals, demons, or monsters—whoever tries to seize our homeland, we will fight them to the last drop of blood!”
The crowd raised their fists, their roars shaking the heavens: “Fight to the last drop of blood!”
“Clang!” Wei Zhenyu drew his longsword!
The blade pointed toward the rising sun, blazing with dazzling radiance.
“First generation of unyielding people of Thousand Canals, your deeds shall be carved upon the monument of honor. Your children and grandchildren shall thrive in a better homeland. Future generations will forever remember this battle, taking pride in you for all eternity—”
The soul-stirring impact and boiling, steam-like fervor moved even cultivators to tears.
An invisible force enveloped Thousand Canals.
Meng Heze unsheathed his sword, pointing it toward the sky: “We, disciples of Song Courtyard, have cultivated to this day, all indebted to Senior Brother Song’s grace and righteousness. Now that he has fallen victim to vile schemes, should we not take up arms for vengeance?!”
“To battle! To battle!”
“Defend Thousand Canals, defend the Song King!”
The storm, centered on the Heavenly City, spread rapidly, sweeping across the entire Thousand-Ditch Prefecture.
When the first wave of Huawel Sect’s assault came under cover of night, aiming to catch Thousand Canals off guard, they found it fully prepared and impregnable.
Thousand Canals stood united as one, every citizen a soldier!
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