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The three immediately sprang into action, using West Mang Mountain as the center and radiating out to all surrounding human fortresses, intimidating and cajoling, convincing and reprimanding—fortunately, no one raised objections; the prestige that Quanzhen Patrol had accumulated over hundreds and thousands of years in this area was still effective.
The villagers scattered across the mountains and fields during daylight, not sparing any tree branch or shrub, loading everything onto ox carts to bring back. Along with the already existing stockpile, these were the essential materials for defending the fortress, effective barriers against Soul Ghosts and demons, especially against Soul Ghosts. When the flames on the wall linked together, soul creatures below Tongxuan couldn't get through.
After three days of busyness, Hou Niao was ready to set off. Before leaving, he warned the other two,
