Ren Baqian opened his eyes, looked outside the window at the dazzling white sky for a moment, and muttered, "The time has come . "

The final day of the 30 day period had arrived .

There were no more pract.i.tioners coming from the south these last few days .

Either they were h.e.l.l-bent on rebelling or they were blocked at the w.a.n.g Estuary and Ghost Ridge and were unable to make it over .

Whatever the reason, their fate had been decided .

No one would be spared .

The pract.i.tioners from the south that were Man Wheel level and above would be decimated .

All the sects and their members would be annihilated .

"I really do not want to kill so many people . The blood will flow like rivers while the river water will be dyed red right in front of me . However, this is karma . You reap what you sow, you have chosen the road, and it has ended . What I can do is send you on your way," Ren Baqian muttered to himself .

Ren Baqian was in his official uniform as he walked out of his house in a serious mood and the humid morning air hit him in the face .

The air in Jiangbei City today was quite damp . In the past, it was quite noisy at this time, but it was quiet this time around .

The ambience in the whole of Jiangbei City was full of murderous spirit .

Even the mosquitoes seemed to feel this murderous spirit .

When Ren Baqian arrived in front of the empress's room . Xi Wanya, Zong Shen, Gong Zheng, and others were already standing there .

Ren Baqian greeted them with cupped hands and stood across from Xi Wanya .

Some soft voices came from her room, but the empress didn't come out even after a long time .

"All women in the world, even the empress with her peerless beauty, will dress up before going out . Regardless of whether one is beautiful or ugly, it's their nature . " Ren Baqian smiled at Xi Wanya .

Xi Wanya's face turned black immediately .

He dared to say these words that they didn't dare to hear!

Thump! An object flew out of the window and landed on top of Xi Wanya's head .

Xi Wanya could have dodged, but he let it hit him and adopted the expression of an injured innocent bystander .

Zong Shen and Gong Zheng didn't even flinch and pretended not to see anything .

Ren Baqian grinned, stopped talking, and felt the empress's feelings for him as she has never thrown anything at him before . Although there was no need to doubt her feelings, he still felt warm and fuzzy . It was especially nice to experience the warmth flowing through his heart just before a great war .

After a moment, the door was opened from inside and revealed the empress, who stood there with her red dress swaying in the wind .

"Your Majesty, the agreed upon 30 day period has arrived," announced Ren Baqian as he cupped his hands .

Xi Wanya cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, the Protectorate of the South is ready to suppress the rebellion . "

"Your Majesty, the winged cavalry is ready to follow your vision and wipe out anyone who dares to oppose you," Gong Zheng added .

"Army, set out!" the empress ordered coldly .

"Yes!"

A moment later, the mournful sound of an animal horn sounded three times in the city .

Following this, the two barracks in the north and south of the city opened their doors . Many soldiers filed out of the barracks, crossed the main city road, and exited through the southern city gate .

On this morning, only heavy footsteps that seemed to pierce the hearts of everyone in Jiangbei City, as well as the clashes of clanging weapons, were heard .

Throughout Jiangbei City, everyone was behind their windows and stared through the gaps to see the army that was leaving the city .

"Take her with you . " Ren Baqian pa.s.sed by the courtyard where w.a.n.g Baobao was staying and pointed it out to a guard .

"Get someone to find Xing Ruo . Also, wake Lin Qiaole up . She will have grey hair if she continues to sleep," Ren Baqian ordered .

Not a moment later, the little monk, Xing Ruo, appeared in front of Ren Baqian .

"Arhat!" Xing Ruo looked serene and put his palms together .

Ren Baqian sized him up and noticed that after less than half a month, Xing Ruo looked more mature .

He had previously received some news from the people that secretly protected Xing Ruo .

Initially, he thought that it would be difficult for Xing Ruo to convince people because of his age . Furthermore, Buddhism had never appeared in this place, so the people here had no knowledge of Buddhism .

Due to the recently experienced chaos and the conquest of the city by the aboriginals, the citizens were full of fear and uncertain about the future . Under such circ.u.mstances, Xing Ruo managed to attract some citizens .

It was a small number, only about a few dozen .

However, it was a big step forward for Xing Ruo .

Considering his age, it was a big achievement for him to attract a few dozen people to learn about Buddhism .

"We are going to set out soon . Do you want to follow us?" Ren Baqian asked casually .

Xing Ruo shook his head said softly, "No, the citizens here also need the blessing of the dharma . "

"You will have to depend on yourself in the future," Ren Baqian said .

Xing Ruo nodded slightly . Then, he raised his head with a pitiful look and asked, "Can Arhat offer alms?"

"What does a little monk need money for?" Ren Baqian was angered by this change . He previously saw Xing Ruo as a role model, but now, he had become a s.h.i.+fty-eyed thief . Had he learned the art of changing faces?

"We have to find people to carve a statue of Buddha . Otherwise, these people will neither know what Buddha looks like nor who they are wors.h.i.+pping!" Xing Ruo said frankly . "I have even painted a portrait of Buddha!"

He took out a piece of paper from his bosom while he was speaking .

Ren Baqian glanced at the painting and thought to himself, Not bad . If they carve the statue according to this painting, they would have an even harder time knowing who they are wors.h.i.+pping . "

After he got someone to give the money to Xing Ruo, Xing Ruo happily went to find someone to carve the statue of Buddha .

After Ren Baqian left, Xing Ruo was truly left alone to promote Buddhism here, but he never seemed to think about it . Ren Baqian didn't see any trace of worry on his face .

Ren Baqian called for the two guards who had been following and protecting Xing Ruo the whole time .

"There is no need to protect him covertly in the future—just shave your head and convert to Buddhism," Ren Baqian told the two of them .

"Huh?" The two were stunned .

"If people find trouble with Xing Ruo or the other way round, the two of you will have to handle it in the future . I will inform your sect about this mission . You can go back after Xing Ruo has settled down here for a few years . You can join the Rearguard Commandery at that time . Just inform me and I will arrange some duties for you," Ren Baqian said without giving them a chance to refuse .

After that, he picked up a knife from the side and personally shaved their heads bald .

The heads of the two newly minted monks were dripping with blood .

They gritted their teeth due to the pain but didn't dare to resist .

"Go," Ren Baqian said .

The two lowered their heads and withdrew . Fortunately, Ren Baqian had promised to arrange some positions in the Rearguard Commandery for them after their mission, so they felt some hope .

After making these arrangements, Ren Baqian walked out of the door and saw Lin Qiaole leaning against the wall . She was yawning, and her body was reeking of the smell of mildew .

The guard in the house had already packed her things .

"Where's Her Majesty?" Ren Baqian asked .

"She has already left . "

"Set off!" Ren Baqian commanded .

There were a few people waiting for him by the roadside when he came out of the residence .

The 200 plus members of the Rearguard Commandery that had been staying in the city followed Ren Baqian willingly and also set out .

Not far away, Zuo Cheng and Qingyun Sword were standing on a rooftop with people from the hidden village . They signalled Ren Baqian by nodding their heads and then a few dozen people departed by jumping from roof to roof .

These people didn't belong to the Rearguard Commandery, yet they wouldn't be far from Ren Baqian . In some cases, they would even follow his orders . They were considered as a special group of people .

The remaining sect pract.i.tioners heaved a sigh of relief after Ren Baqian left . During these past few days, they didn't even dare to breathe too deeply .

The aboriginals had finally left and seemed to have forgotten about them .

They were hoping that Ren Baqian would forget about them forever .

Just as they were feeling relieved, an order arrived .

"All the pract.i.tioners from the different sects are to follow the army and set out . You must all arrive before the evening . Those who disobey will be beheaded! The families of members of the Rearguard Commandery can remain here . "

Ren Baqian opened his eyes, looked outside the window at the dazzling white sky for a moment, and muttered, The time has come . The final day of the 30 day period had arrived . There were no more pract.i.tioners coming from the south these last few days . Either they were h.e.l.l-bent on rebelling or they were blocked at the w.a.n.g Estuary and Ghost Ridge and were unable to make it over . Whatever the reason, their fate had been decided . No one would be spared . The pract.i.tioners from the south that were Man Wheel level and above would be decimated . All the sects and their members would be annihilated . I really do not want to kill so many people . The blood will flow like rivers while the river water will be dyed red right in front of me . However, this is karma . You reap what you sow, you have chosen the road, and it has ended . What I can do is send you on your way, Ren Baqian muttered to himself . Ren Baqian was in his official uniform as he walked out of his house in a serious mood and the humid morning air hit him in the face . The air in Jiangbei City today was quite damp . In the past, it was quite noisy at this time, but it was quiet this time around . The ambience in the whole of Jiangbei City was full of murderous spirit . Even the mosquitoes seemed to feel this murderous spirit . When Ren Baqian arrived in front of the empresss room . Xi Wanya, Zong Shen, Gong Zheng, and others were already standing there . Ren Baqian greeted them with cupped hands and stood across from Xi Wanya . Some soft voices came from her room, but the empress didnt come out even after a long time . All women in the world, even the empress with her peerless beauty, will dress up before going out . Regardless of whether one is beautiful or ugly, its their nature . Ren Baqian smiled at Xi Wanya . Xi Wanyas face turned black immediately . He dared to say these words that they didnt dare to hear! Thump! An object flew out of the window and landed on top of Xi Wanyas head . Xi Wanya could have dodged, but he let it hit him and adopted the expression of an injured innocent bystander . Zong Shen and Gong Zheng didnt even flinch and pretended not to see anything . Ren Baqian grinned, stopped talking, and felt the empresss feelings for him as she has never thrown anything at him before . Although there was no need to doubt her feelings, he still felt warm and fuzzy . It was especially nice to experience the warmth flowing through his heart just before a great war . After a moment, the door was opened from inside and revealed the empress, who stood there with her red dress swaying in the wind . Your Majesty, the agreed upon 30 day period has arrived, announced Ren Baqian as he cupped his hands . Xi Wanya cupped his hands and said, Your Majesty, the Protectorate of the South is ready to suppress the rebellion . . Your Majesty, the winged cavalry is ready to follow your vision and wipe out anyone who dares to oppose you, Gong Zheng added . Army, set out! the empress ordered coldly . Yes! A moment later, the mournful sound of an animal horn sounded three times in the city . Following this, the two barracks in the north and south of the city opened their doors . Many soldiers filed out of the barracks, crossed the main city road, and exited through the southern city gate . On this morning, only heavy footsteps that seemed to pierce the hearts of everyone in Jiangbei City, as well as the clashes of clanging weapons, were heard . Throughout Jiangbei City, everyone was behind their windows and stared through the gaps to see the army that was leaving the city . Take her with you . Ren Baqian pa.s.sed by the courtyard where w.a.n.g Baobao was staying and pointed it out to a guard . Get someone to find Xing Ruo . Also, wake Lin Qiaole up . She will have grey hair if she continues to sleep, Ren Baqian ordered . Not a moment later, the little monk, Xing Ruo, appeared in front of Ren Baqian . Arhat! Xing Ruo looked serene and put his palms together . Ren Baqian sized him up and noticed that after less than half a month, Xing Ruo looked more mature . He had previously received some news from the people that secretly protected Xing Ruo . Initially, he thought that it would be difficult for Xing Ruo to convince people because of his age . Furthermore, Buddhism had never appeared in this place, so the people here had no knowledge of Buddhism . Due to the recently experienced chaos and the conquest of the city by the aboriginals, the citizens were full of fear and uncertain about the future . Under such circ.u.mstances, Xing Ruo managed to attract some citizens . It was a small number, only about a few dozen . However, it was a big step forward for Xing Ruo . Considering his age, it was a big achievement for him to attract a few dozen people to learn about Buddhism . We are going to set out soon . Do you want to follow us? Ren Baqian asked casually . Xing Ruo shook his head said softly, No, the citizens here also need the blessing of the dharma . You will have to depend on yourself in the future, Ren Baqian said . Xing Ruo nodded slightly . Then, he raised his head with a pitiful look and asked, Can Arhat offer alms? What does a little monk need money for? Ren Baqian was angered by this change . He previously saw Xing Ruo as a role model, but now, he had become a s.h.i.+fty-eyed thief . Had he learned the art of changing faces? We have to find people to carve a statue of Buddha . Otherwise, these people will neither know what Buddha looks like nor who they are wors.h.i.+pping! Xing Ruo said frankly . I have even painted a portrait of Buddha! He took out a piece of paper from his bosom while he was speaking . Ren Baqian glanced at the painting and thought to himself, Not bad . If they carve the statue according to this painting, they would have an even harder time knowing who they are wors.h.i.+pping . After he got someone to give the money to Xing Ruo, Xing Ruo happily went to find someone to carve the statue of Buddha . After Ren Baqian left, Xing Ruo was truly left alone to promote Buddhism here, but he never seemed to think about it . Ren Baqian didnt see any trace of worry on his face . Ren Baqian called for the two guards who had been following and protecting Xing Ruo the whole time . There is no need to protect him covertly in the future—just shave your head and convert to Buddhism, Ren Baqian told the two of them . Huh? The two were stunned . If people find trouble with Xing Ruo or the other way round, the two of you will have to handle it in the future . I will inform your sect about this mission . You can go back after Xing Ruo has settled down here for a few years . You can join the Rearguard Commandery at that time . Just inform me and I will arrange some duties for you, Ren Baqian said without giving them a chance to refuse . After that, he picked up a knife from the side and personally shaved their heads bald . The heads of the two newly minted monks were dripping with blood . They gritted their teeth due to the pain but didnt dare to resist . Go, Ren Baqian said . The two lowered their heads and withdrew . Fortunately, Ren Baqian had promised to arrange some positions in the Rearguard Commandery for them after their mission, so they felt some hope . After making these arrangements, Ren Baqian walked out of the door and saw Lin Qiaole leaning against the wall . She was yawning, and her body was reeking of the smell of mildew . The guard in the house had already packed her things . Wheres Her Majesty? Ren Baqian asked . She has already left . Set off! Ren Baqian commanded . There were a few people waiting for him by the roadside when he came out of the residence . The 200 plus members of the Rearguard Commandery that had been staying in the city followed Ren Baqian willingly and also set out . Not far away, Zuo Cheng and Qingyun Sword were standing on a rooftop with people from the hidden village . They signalled Ren Baqian by nodding their heads and then a few dozen people departed by jumping from roof to roof . These people didnt belong to the Rearguard Commandery, yet they wouldnt be far from Ren Baqian . In some cases, they would even follow his orders . They were considered as a special group of people . The remaining sect pract.i.tioners heaved a sigh of relief after Ren Baqian left . During these past few days, they didnt even dare to breathe too deeply . The aboriginals had finally left and seemed to have forgotten about them . They were hoping that Ren Baqian would forget about them forever . Just as they were feeling relieved, an order arrived . All the pract.i.tioners from the different sects are to follow the army and set out . You must all arrive before the evening . Those who disobey will be beheaded! The families of members of the Rearguard Commandery can remain here .