The Pursuit of the Great Qian's "Human Immortal"

【Fifteenth day after leaving Great Qian】

Many figures in the Qiuhuo Army have fallen along the path, yet those who survive continue to march forward, following in your footsteps, chasing that dream of a future.

【You punch in silence】

【You have killed countless demons, and your persistence in slaying demons brings tangible improvement】

【You have become adept at exploiting the weaknesses of demons, and an invisible power bolsters your damage against them】

【Twentieth day after leaving Great Qian】

【The Qiuhuo Army moves incredibly fast, yet also incredibly slow】

【Compared to ordinary mortals, the Qiuhuo Army is undoubtedly swift】

【Compared to innate martial practitioners, the Qiuhuo Army is undeniably slow】

【To accommodate the elderly and children in the group, you repeatedly throw punches to shield them from demon attacks, earning immense gratitude from all】

【Twenty-fourth day after leaving Great Qian】

【You suddenly turn back, feeling a sense of dread from the rear of the group】

【It has nothing to do with Niu or others; what you sense is the oppressive hum echoing from the distant Great Qian, triggering your martial instincts】

"Is it the Emperor of Great Qian?"

"No, it could also be the so-called Human Immortal."

"Such a fierce sense of crisis... so, they’ve finally noticed the Qiuhuo Army's departure."

Xu Xi pauses.

His gaze turns back, seemingly piercing through layers of mountainous valleys to witness everything in the capital of Great Qian.

There are the massacred rebels scattered across the land.

The collapsed and ruined remnants of cities.

And the wrathful Emperor of Great Qian, seething at the escape of the Qiuhuo Army.

"We need to pick up the pace," Xu Xi retracted his gaze, continuing to push his inner bodily energy to its limits, opening safer paths at an increased speed.

The current breakout, just dealing with the demons of the Ten Thousand Mountains, is already exhausting enough.

If the pursuit from Great Qian were to join the encirclement.

Even if the Qiuhuo Army could break out of the mountains, very few would survive in the end.

……

【Thirtieth day after leaving Great Qian】

【Under your leadership, the Qiuhuo Army has traveled a great distance】

【Blades are broken, armor is tattered, hoes are shattered one after another, pitchforks are broken again and again】

【You fight until exhaustion, drenched in the filthy blood of various demons】

【Wu Yingxue worries about your physical condition and suggests leading the way, but you decline her offer】

As you venture deeper, the demons of the Ten Thousand Mountains grow increasingly terrifying, with many major demons reaching the second realm of innate cultivation, equivalent to the maiden's realm.

Such opponents, combined with an unending tide of demons, are beyond what the girl can handle alone.

【On the same day, you sense that your hidden trap, meant to mislead the pursuers from Great Qian, has been triggered】

【You hope this will divert their pursuit and grant you and the Qiuhuo Army more time to break through】

【Now that the trap has been sprung, it means the pursuers have arrived, and a fierce sense of crisis surges within you, compelling you to push your bodily energy even further】

……

For a martial practitioner.

Combat is an exhilarating experience.

Whether you are introverted or timid.

The continual stimulation of inner energy rarely allows martial practitioners to remain calm, preferring leisurely pursuits like writing or painting.

Only combat, the sheer, brutal impact of fists on flesh, satisfies the deepest cravings of martial practitioners.

However.

No matter how much you enjoy combat or the thrill of life-and-death battles, when such encounters occur thousands upon thousands of times, even the most fervent martial heart cools.

Xu Xi has fought for too long.

He clears the path while battling demons.

His fists shatter countless grotesque heads, the blood and flesh spewing forth again and again, emphasizing Xu Xi's growing urgency.

The pursuers from Great Qian are closing in.

It could even be a demon equal to the Martial Dao Human Immortal.

The thought alone fuels Xu Xi’s relentless punches, forcing the path open with everything he has.

Only at night does he take a brief respite.

"Sir, I’ve boiled some hot soup for you."

As night falls.

The stars and moon are hidden by thick forest canopies.

Clusters of campfires form earthly stars, illuminating the land while comforting the frightened hearts of the civilians.

Wu Yingxue steps out from the side, still wearing her red and white martial attire, holding a bowl of meat soup, which she timidly hands to Xu Xi.

"Thank you, Yingxue."

Xu Xi takes the hot soup and takes a small sip.

The soup is simple.

A bit of bran, a pinch of salt, hot water, and some chopped demon jerky.

Though bland and oddly unappetizing, given the current situation, Xu Xi feels fortunate to have such a meal.

"Sir, how does it taste?" Wu Yingxue asks with anticipation.

"I think it's quite good," Xu Xi offers a diplomatic response.

The girl hears this and smiles contentedly.

She brings over another bowl of soup, sitting beside Xu Xi, sipping alongside him, savoring this rare moment of rest.

Wu Yingxue’s legs are restless, swaying back and forth as she sits.

Her skin, as white as polished jade.

Her movements, as light as swaying willow branches.

As she sips her soup, the girl happily engages Xu Xi in conversation, as if she has an endless stream of words to share.

But her growing fatigue becomes visible, and soon her eyelids grow heavy, falling asleep without a sound.

Xu Xi gently supports the girl's back.

"You silly girl."

Seeing the girl's exhausted expression, Xu Xi can’t help but feel a mix of affection and concern.

He can tell that Wu Yingxue is worried about him, but seeing her own fatigue makes him question her reliability.

Xu Xi gently lays the girl down, ensuring she has a comfortable sleeping environment.

He then rises and walks among the campfires, checking for any possible vulnerabilities.

When civilians spot Xu Xi, they greet him with profound respect, often addressing him as "Brother Xi."

"Niu?"

As he walks.

Xu Xi reaches the rear of the column, where he spots Niu sitting alone, seemingly on guard or lost in thought.

Niu hurriedly stands up as Xu Xi approaches.

"It's alright, Niu, sit down."

Xu Xi motions with his hand.

Sitting beside the honest hanzi.

"What were you thinking about earlier, so intently," Xu Xi asks Niu.

"Oh, it's nothing really..."

The dark-skinned hanzi, normally forthright, now appears shy and hesitant: "I was just thinking, Brother Xu, you always say that eating is for survival..."

"Yes, that's what I always say. Is there a problem?"

"I was wondering, if eating is for survival, then what is living for?"

Xu Xi is astonished.

This is extraordinary.

Niu is beginning to contemplate philosophical questions about life.

Xu Xi laughs heartily, "So, Niu, have you figured out what living is for?"

The hanzi becomes even more embarrassed: "I just want to eat, lots and lots of food. But I wonder if that's wrong somehow."

Xu Xi shakes his head.

He looks out at the dark expanse of the Ten Thousand Mountains, where even the starlight is devoured by the shadows.

And he voices his support for Niu's thoughts:

"That's enough, Niu."

"If it makes you happy, that’s your purpose in life."

Is... is that so?

Just being happy is enough...

Niu lowers his gaze, staring at his calloused palms, as if he has come to understand something profound.