As Xu Jun spoke about the evil spirits, the atmosphere in the lobby grew tense. Fear and uncertainty were etched on the faces of most of the instructors present. Only a few older teachers and Gu Qingfeng managed to stay composed.
Gu Qingfeng asked, "Based on what you've said, Master, just how powerful are these evil spirits?"
"I'm not entirely sure," Xu Jun admitted, "but consider this: Qingjiang Prefecture was destroyed thirty years ago, and Xuanshui City followed fifteen years later. Both places were defended by powerful forces, likely including warriors of the Blood Refining Realm. Yet even they were wiped out by the evil spirits."
Xu Jun's words weighed heavily on Gu Qingfeng, as he realized that even Blood Refining Realm warriors may not be able to resist such a terrifying force.
He asked again, "What are your plans, Master?"
"We can't stay in Lin County any longer," Xu Jun declared. "Although the city is surrounded, there might still be a chance for us to escape. All of you here have reached the Skin Refining Realm, and Instructor Gu and I have perfected it. If we work together, we might be able to break through the blood mist and leave Lin County."
Xu Jun's plan was finally clear. His words caused the expressions of many instructors to shift, revealing their doubts. They weren't foolish. If Blood Refining Realm warriors couldn't handle these evil spirits, how could a group of Skin Refining Realm fighters possibly succeed?
Seeing their hesitation, Xu Jun added, "Not all evil spirits are as strong as those in Qingjiang Prefecture. Some are weaker. With our combined strength, we stand a chance. But if we delay, the situation will only grow more dangerous. The evil spirits haven't fully acted yet, but when they do, it'll be too late for any of us to escape."
This final statement shattered the remaining resolve of the instructors. The choice was stark—leave and face uncertain danger, or stay and be doomed.
Xu Jun then turned to Gu Qingfeng. "What do you think, Instructor Gu?"
Gu Qingfeng pondered for a moment before replying, "Master, as you've said, these evil spirits are beyond ordinary comprehension. But doesn't the government have measures in place to deal with them? What's the current situation with the authorities?"
His question caused a stir among the others. They had all momentarily forgotten about the existence of the government.
Lin County was still part of the Taixuan Dynasty, and surely the imperial court wouldn't leave the city to its fate.
Xu Jun sighed. "The court does have experts capable of handling evil spirits, but Lin County is a small, insignificant place. Such masters wouldn't reside here. With the blood mist sealing off the city, there's no way to send word for help. As for the local government's strength... I doubt they are capable of dealing with such a threat. By the time the news reaches the capital, Lin County will likely meet the same fate as Qingjiang Prefecture."
His grim assessment dashed the flicker of hope that had briefly sparked in the minds of the instructors.
Someone in the room asked, "When do you plan to make your move, Master?"
"We can't delay for long," Xu Jun answered seriously. "We'll prepare over the next three days. After that, we'll gather here at the martial arts hall and leave together. But remember—this plan must stay a secret. If too many people try to escape, it could attract the attention of the evil spirits and doom us all."
Xu Jun's intentions were clear. He wanted the majority of Lin County's residents to serve as a distraction while he and the instructors made their escape.
The other instructors, though uneasy, remained calm. For them, their own survival was paramount.
Gu Qingfeng frowned slightly but kept his thoughts to himself.
After leaving the Jinniu Martial Arts School, Gu Qingfeng noticed the growing panic among the townspeople. Everywhere he went, people were whispering about the ominous blood mist. Curious, Gu Qingfeng made his way to the city gates.
There, the blood mist loomed thickly just beyond the walls, emanating a cold, eerie presence. The ground was still stained with blood, though the bodies of the fallen had already been removed by government officials.
"Blood mist..." Gu Qingfeng muttered, taking a deep look at the ominous scene before him. He had no intention of venturing into the mist alone, knowing full well that the evil spirit likely lurked within.
As he walked back, Xu Jun's words echoed in his mind: Evil spirits are drawn to the life force of living beings.
Xu Jun's plan to escape with the instructors wasn't necessarily for their benefit. Gu Qingfeng now realized that the master's heart was cold and calculating.
"But no matter what Xu Jun plans, the important thing is my own strength," Gu Qingfeng thought. "Xu Jun may see me as just another Skin Refining fighter, but he doesn't know I've perfected two martial arts."
Most people struggled to perfect even one martial art, but Gu Qingfeng had mastered two.
He felt confident that Xu Jun, despite being the school's master, might not be stronger than him. Plus, with the Blood Refining Pills in his possession, Gu Qingfeng had a chance to break through to the Blood Refining Realm in the coming days, giving him an even better chance of escaping Lin County.
Upon returning home, Gu Qingfeng found his son, Gu Yang, practicing martial arts with dedication. The boy's passion for training was something that pleased Gu Qingfeng.
"Yang'er, trouble is coming to Lin County. In three days, you'll leave here with me," Gu Qingfeng told his son.
Gu Yang looked puzzled. "What kind of trouble, Father?"
"Don't ask too many questions. Just focus on your training for now," Gu Qingfeng replied, handing him a bottle of Qi and Blood Pills to assist in his practice.