Goodbye, Cage

Xu Xi no longer hid the truth.

He unveiled the shocking reality of Great Qian to everyone.

The simple civilians, while initially shocked by the horrific revelation, eventually succumbed to a numb acceptance.

Driving out "criminals" to the borders.

Having long since grown accustomed to the cruelty of demons.

They had once witnessed their friends or even family members fall victim to the sharp teeth of demons.

The impoverished people clearly understood the dangers of the Ten Thousand Mountains; it was a living hell, an inescapable domain created by heaven and earth.

Yet——

Brother Xi promised to lead them out of the Ten Thousand Mountains.

And so, as Brother Xi said, people picked up their hoes and forks once more, forming a vast, endless human tide, following Xu Xi beyond the borders.

Only a few newly recruited members of the Qiu Huo Army hesitated, staying behind.

They didn’t know Xu Xi well and dared not venture into the Ten Thousand Mountains, for its fearsome reputation was too great.

"Sir, those people don’t even trust you! How despicable,"

"That’s normal, Yingxue."

The crowd surged forward like an unceasing tide, extending as far as the eye could see, resembling a long, dark dragon.

At the head of the dragon were Xu Xi and Wu Yingxue.

The girl clenched her small fists, indignantly voicing her anger toward those who stayed behind.

Xu Xi smiled calmly.

"I’m not omnipotent. It’s only natural that not everyone will believe me."

"Moreover, this breakout is indeed dangerous."

"Their fear is understandable."

Xu Xi glanced behind him, where countless feet followed in his footsteps. The earth beneath had been trampled flat, now solid and hard.

Among them were patched cloth shoes and hand-woven straw sandals.

In all honesty.

The truly strange ones were these fearless civilians who resolutely followed Xu Xi.

At just one word from Xu Xi, they acted without doubt, disregarding all else.

Why is this?

Xu Xi knew the answer, Wu Yingxue knew, everyone knew.

It was because they had all turned into fools.

Big fools infected by Xu Xi.

…

"Boom!" "Boom!" "Boom, Boom!"

Soldiers of the Qiu Huo Army stood guard outside, armed with blades and armor, protecting the weak and elderly within.

As the strongest force, Xu Xi led the way forward, constantly advancing.

His role was also to clear the path.

The long line of people moved slowly, crossing territories and passing through checkpoints.

Once refugees from the borders to Great Qian, they now returned to the desolate frontier, following that thin yet warm silhouette.

They walked.

For a long, long time.

The presence of the Supreme Hegemon Skill allowed almost everyone to possess a level of qi and blood cultivation, significantly accelerating their march.

After many years, Xu Xi once again saw the mountain range that pierced the sky like thousands of blades, stretching endlessly toward the horizon.

Dark and mysterious, towering into the clouds.

Its peaks merged with the sea of clouds, connecting heaven and earth, forming an inescapable prison for mortals.

"The Ten Thousand Mountains…"

"This time, we probably won’t be coming back."

"If we succeed, there will be a wider world ahead. If we fail, we’ll die along the way."

Xu Xi looked up slightly.

Amidst the overlapping mountains, jagged peaks protruded like scales menacingly embedded into the earth.

Then, Xu Xi turned back, gazing at the border ahead, recalling the first year of his simulations when he stumbled into Qingniu Town.

He still vividly remembered the familiar faces swallowed by the demon tide.

"This world… truly sucks…"

Farewell, prison!

Great Qian was now witnessing uprisings everywhere, drawing all of Emperor of Great Qian’s attention.

Even the Ten Thousand Mountains in summer lacked truly supreme demons.

Thus——

This was the time to escape!

"From now on, I’ll take charge of the vanguard. My job is to clear the demons we encounter first."

"Yingxue, you’ll guard the flanks, preventing any demons from breaking in and harming the elderly and children."

"Got it, Sir!"

"Niu, you’ll be in charge of the rear, responsible for vigilance and cleanup."

"Aye, Xu Gang. No problem."

Time had made Niu appear even more straightforward.

He scratched his rough head, revealing a toothy grin: "Ma told me before she passed that all I gotta do is listen to Xu Gang, so I’ll definitely do that."

Aunt Zhang had passed away last year.

Not from starvation.

Nor killed by external threats.

She died peacefully in her sleep.

The physician’s diagnosis indicated that her root had been destroyed by a lifetime of hardship and that the demon flesh consumed to stave off starvation had corroded her life force.

Although after Xu Xi led them into Great Qian, life gradually improved.

The past had already taken its toll.

Ultimately, that loving mother, who often made stuffed rice balls, had left Niu forever.

…

【You lead the Qiu Huo Army into the Ten Thousand Mountains】

【Your overwhelming presence and rising qi and blood roused countless demons, who roared in excitement】

【They came in hordes, covering the sky, their numbers blocking out the sun, casting sinister shadows on the ground】

【They emerged from the forests, their eyes full of murderous intent, devoid of reason, driven only by thirst for blood】

【You gathered power, your fist striking forth with the might of heaven and earth and, smashing through numerous demons, you cleared a broad path as the crowd followed it forward】

【The demons were numerous, but your followers weren’t few】

【Soldiers brandished their spears and greatswords】

【Farmers wielded their hoes and pitchforks】

【Years of unified combat and your deliberate training created an impenetrable stronghold that repelled wave after wave of demon attacks】

【You made a solid start, achieved compound killer progress, and overcome the barrier offensive】

…

【You knew the journey would be difficult, so you prepared extensively】

【High-powered equipment for killing demons sat ed strategically along the way】

【Your defenses anticipated pursuit from the rear, from Great Qian】

【The Emperor of Great Qian’s elusiveness and peculiarity led you to suspect he wouldn’t idly watch you flee】

【…Several days passed】

【The Qiu Huo Army encountered increasingly powerful demons and gradually, demons equivalent to early-stage Grandmasters began to surge】

【Causalities experienced an inevitable upward trend】

【You exhausted yourself clearing the path, combating demons every night】

【Your fist blows rumbled like deep chasms, your dao cuts could cleave mountains】

【Your qi and blood enveloped the tranquil horizon, drawing the universe into unity】

【Despite this, in the maelstrom of demon assaults, you couldn’t protect everyone】

【Still, your preparations were quite thorough】

【Without you, casualties in the Qiu Huo Army likely would’ve surged several folds】

【Yet, gazing at those who had fallen, your chest couldn’t subside】

【You collected your heart energizes to form an ultimate sharp knife energy and slashed once more towards the dual mountains】

【Desperate to break free from the Ten Thousand Mountains and save more lives】