Wei Zhirou explained that these special nodes would likely persist for several years. They intended to search for and map them one by one, leaving behind topographic maps for the locals to prevent anyone from accidentally entering dangerous areas in the future.
Cao Long spoke up, "If you discover areas where white mist billows and five-colored clouds shine in all directions, do not approach under any circumstances. Such places are extremely dangerous. Anyone who can provide clues about such sites will be heavily rewarded with an advanced Qi cultivation manual."
At those words, many people's breathing grew heavy. Manuals of that level were far beyond their reach—distant, elusive. Who wouldn't yearn for one?
Some began to realize that the nobles from Chixia City weren't simply here to temper themselves. There was a more important reason. The unusual phenomenon in the mountains involved secrets unknown to the local inhabitants.
Still, the rebirthers from the villages remained calm. Even if there were hidden truths, so what? Those dangerous areas were not places they could step into anyway.
Moreover, regardless of the nobles' true intentions, the fact remained that they would be sweeping through the mountains, helping to eliminate threats from strange creatures. That alone was enough.
Cao Long informed everyone that Chixia City's high-ranking leaders would soon hold one final negotiation with the mysterious beings deep within the mountains. This time, the meeting would take place outside the mountains, and a result was expected soon.
The rebirthers from the various villages murmured and discussed. Though they had lived in the area, they had only heard scattered legends about high-level beings. To them, the depths of the mountains represented mystery, the unknown, and fear, filled with awe-inspiring mist.
"Will we be able to see the negotiation take place outside the mountains?"
The speaker was a young boy from one of the three squads. His face still held a hint of youth, unafraid like a newborn calf facing a tiger. He wanted to know what these top-tier beings from the mountain depths looked like.
The three squads had been quiet, but now there was a stir. They were all quite young, with strong curiosity and a desire for exploration.
Cao Long stood a full head taller than most, his imposing physique exuding pressure. He cast them a faint glance, and they immediately fell silent. He did not rebuke them, simply nodded and replied, "There might be a chance."
Immediately, the area was abuzz with chatter. Even Qin Ming couldn't stay calm anymore. Other than the accidental glimpse of the "moon worm," he had no knowledge of other top-tier beings. He also wanted to seize the chance to witness them for himself.
Wei Zhirou, tall and elegant, stood upon a mossy stone. Her snow-white fox-fur coat fluttered in the breeze, giving her a graceful, otherworldly air. She shared another piece of news.
"The situation is more delicate than you might realize. The current chaos in the mountains isn't just due to magnetic field disruptions. Another group of high-level beings has migrated here from afar, with families in tow. They're trying to seize part of the mountain's resources."
At her words, everyone's expressions changed. Wei Zhirou continued, "Because of these newcomers, many dangerous species have been forced out, pressured to expand into the outer regions of the mountains, squeezing into the space where humans live."
Xu Yueping asked, "So, you mean the outer regions of the mountain, which had just started to calm down, will become extremely dangerous again?"
"It's nothing serious. Who allowed them to expand in the first place? We'll just push them back. Our mountain sweep is precisely to deal with this," Mu Qing said. Though his voice had a neutral tone, his words were domineering.
The rebirthers from the villages all quietly sighed in relief. The figure entirely cloaked in black had somehow lifted their spirits.
Mu Qing raised his voice, "They've intruded into places they never should have set foot in, forgetting the pain of the past. So, we'll wake them up—forcefully—and remind them that the rule of the two-legged beast folk over this land has never waned."
At first, the crowd's blood surged with excitement, their morale soaring. Even though the phrase "two-legged beast folk" sounded odd to them, they only felt a slight sense of discomfort. But when Mu Qing, still rousing the crowd with passion, moved slightly and a fluffy golden tail swayed from beneath her black cloak, many people instantly froze.
What is this species?!
"Mu Qing," Cao Long reminded him calmly.
Wei Zhirou said, "Mu Qing is human."
The three squads behind them remained composed, as if they already knew about Mu Qing's condition. Qin Ming was deep in thought, staring ahead repeatedly.
Old Liu murmured, "Perhaps he chose a divine path... Whether he's still human or not, and what state he's in now, is hard to say."
This was the second unique path Qin Ming had seen, following Cao Long's Gigantic Spirit route.
Cao Long said, "Now, we must select suitable companions to join us in sweeping the mountains. They'll act as our guides in the wild, but rest assured, safety will be guaranteed."
He emphasized that there was no coercion. If anyone didn't wish to participate, they were free to leave now. At the same time, Cao Long, Wei Zhirou, and Mu Qing once again clarified that the rewards for mountain sweeping were generous—spiritual materials, advanced Qi cultivation manuals, and more. They wouldn't be stingy.
The rebirthers on-site had already made their choice by coming here, so no one left. Qin Ming naturally followed the crowd, not doing anything to stand out.
Wei Zhirou smiled at Cao Long and Mu Qing. To the crowd, her smile was radiant and sweet, with a refined charm. She waved the name roster in her hand, clearly wishing to be the first to make her selection.
"One person per round, you go first," Cao Long said, letting her pick first. Mu Qing had no objection.
Wei Zhirou nodded with a smile, saying, "Then I won't be polite. Our Wei family is very eager to recruit youths with golden foundations."
"Who isn't?" Mu Qing replied, then leaned over to whisper with Cao Long, the two discussing who would choose next.
Wei Zhirou looked at the roster, her brows slightly furrowed, clearly facing some difficulty in choosing. In the end, she called out two names in a row, "Who is Zhou Wubing? And who is Qin Ming?"
"You can only pick one at a time," Mu Qing reminded her.
Wei Zhirou smiled, "I know. I just want to take a look."
Zhou Wubing stepped forward. He was half a head taller than most, his body solid and powerful. That wasn't his original name. As a child, he had been sickly and weak, so his parents renamed him "Zhou Wubing" (lit. "Zhou No Illness"). It wasn't until a distant relative returned that he was cured and reborn during his prime age.
Qin Ming was surprised. Er Bingzi had completely changed. He used to be pale and thin, his yellowish hair like wild grass in autumn. Now, his black hair was thick and glossy, and his energy and spirit were vibrant.
Qin Ming also stepped forward, calmly standing there, slightly taller than Zhou Wubing.
"Both have golden foundations... I want to invite them both," Wei Zhirou said with a bright smile.
Zhou Wubing was no longer the same person. Though dazzled for a moment by the noble young woman's radiant smile, he quickly regained composure. At that moment, a young man emerged from the forest and quickly approached Wei Zhirou, whispering in her ear.
Only then did the crowd realize that the representatives from the three great families weren't just the youthful squads; there were others, too.
"Zhou Wubing used to be chronically ill, yet after his rebirth, his strength has been steadily increasing... and he was taught by Xu Kong?" Wei Zhirou was surprised. After speaking quietly with the youth, she looked up, her beautiful eyes turning to Zhou Wubing with a smile as she beckoned him. He was her choice.