Chapter 801: Repaying Kindness

Ten days later.

After using the smoke purification method to neutralize the last traces of Blood Corpse Poison in Fengyuan City, Ling Feng had finally put an end to the Blood God Cult ordeal.

Over these ten days, Ling Feng had traveled to a different city each day. Fortunately, although Jin Weide's talent was limited, he had still managed to learn the technique and even personally led a "smoke purification array" to cleanse a lightly affected town.

His purification skills were far inferior to Ling Feng's, but they met the minimum standard.

In addition, Ling Feng had discovered two physicians with considerable talent. After brief instruction, their results surpassed even Jin Weide's. However, their cultivation levels were lacking, and despite only handling smaller cities, they collapsed from exhaustion afterward, needing three full days to recover.

As for Ling Feng, repeating this process for eleven straight days had made the difference in physical endurance abundantly clear.

"Finally... it's over."

Ling Feng descended from the sky. Today marked the eleventh time he had deployed the "smoke purification array," and by now, it was practically second nature to him—no challenge whatsoever.

On the city walls, Sun Gongming and his entire garrison knelt in reverence.

Had it not been for Ling Feng's intervention, the sixteen northwestern cities and their millions of inhabitants would have been reduced to ashes. The soldiers stationed here might have wasted months in futile efforts, only to be slaughtered by the Blood Sword Heavenly Lord and his Blood Spirit Corpses.

The credit for averting this disaster belonged overwhelmingly to Ling Feng.

"General Sun, General Wu, what is the meaning of this? I was merely carrying out my duty."

Ling Feng hurried forward to support Sun Gongming, his gaze sweeping over the thousands of soldiers kneeling in unison below. The sheer scale of the scene was truly imposing.

"Brother Feng, just accept it. You've more than earned this," Ye Nanfeng said with a faint smile.

"That's right, Ling Feng," Gu Tengfeng added, patting Ling Feng's shoulder. "Every soldier here is a man of iron will. If you refuse their gratitude, it'll weigh on their hearts forever."

As the scion of a military family, Gu Tengfeng understood these men better than most.

"Very well."

Ling Feng smiled wryly. He had simply acted according to his conscience, never seeking recognition.

Sun Gongming bowed three times before rising, his expression solemn. "Young Hero Ling, I received word yesterday from the commander-in-chief. Your deeds merit an official commendation at the Northwestern Army headquarters. However, considering your need to return to Tianwei Academy, the commander-in-chief has dispatched a general to deliver your rewards directly to Xiling City."

"Very well." Ling Feng nodded. They still needed to use Xiling City's teleportation array to return to Tianwei Academy.

"Shall we depart for Xiling City, then?"

Sun Gongming spoke with utmost respect, now fully aware of Ling Feng's true status—personally appointed by His Majesty as General Weiyuan.

Though Ling Feng's rank as Commander of the Palace Guards was technically a step below Sun Gongming's, his achievements spoke for themselves. Once he graduated from Tianwei Academy, if he chose to join the Northwestern Army, it would only be a matter of time before he claimed one of its top three positions!

"Alright, I won't take part in the remaining cleanup. As for the remaining Moonshadow Silken Herb[1], make sure to give it to the Blood Spirit Corpses that have undergone deeper transformation. That way, we can guarantee absolute success."

Ling Feng gave General Wu, the commander of Fengyuan City, his final instructions before setting off with his comrades from the East Court's Sword Team. Together with the squad led by Sun Gongming, they departed for Xiling City!

"Brother Feng is becoming more and more impressive—not just in terms of strength, but even his demeanor is completely different from before," Ye Nanfeng murmured to Lin Mochen and the others as he watched Ling Feng's back.

"He's starting to look more like a true general marshal," Lin Mochen chuckled.

"

Mhmm,

that's exactly what I meant." Ye Nanfeng nodded seriously, and the other members of the East Court's Sword Team secretly agreed.

Even Li Bufan, despite his immense pride, unknowingly found himself beginning to admire Ling Feng.

Ling Feng was a born leader. Just by being around him, people couldn't help but be drawn in. Gradually, they started to respect him, trust him, and even rely on him.

"Sticking with Brother Feng is great and all, except... all the beautiful women instantly fall for him. The rest of us don't stand a chance!" Yu Sixian muttered under his breath.

"You know what? That actually makes sense!" Ye Nanfeng immediately nodded in agreement. "Look at Qianxue and Tuoba—just because they don't say anything, doesn't mean they aren't—"

Before he could finish, he suddenly felt two sharp, murderous gazes pierce through him. The words caught in his throat, and he awkwardly chuckled, deciding it was best to say no more.

Women... best not to mess with them. Best not to mess with them!

Just as Ling Feng and his group descended from the city wall, preparing to leave Fengyuan City, they were met with a dense crowd blocking the road ahead.

Hundreds of people stood there, dressed in simple clothing. Most of them had little to no cultivation, with the strongest barely reaching the Qi Formation Realm. They all appeared to be ordinary civilians.

"What's going on? Could it be that the Blood Corpse Poison wasn't completely eradicated? Or has the Blood Sword Heavenly Lord sent more Blood Spirit Corpses to cause trouble?" Sun Gongming's expression changed as he saw the crowd blocking the road. He quickly ordered the soldiers to stay on guard—but Ling Feng stopped him.

"They're not Blood Spirit Corpses."

Ling Feng shook his head, stepping forward until he stood before an elderly man with white hair. In a calm yet firm voice, he asked, "Elder, what brings you all here?"

"I'm from Luoma Town. We've come to find our savior—Lord Ling Feng."

The old man's voice trembled as he spoke.

Beside him, a rugged-looking man added in a loud voice, "After we came to our senses, the city guards told us that it was a young lord named Ling Feng who saved us. He drove away those damned cultists from the Blood God Cult! We may be poor, but we still have our dignity. We have to personally thank our benefactor and give him three kowtows!"

"That's right! We of Houtu City are not ungrateful—we must properly honor our savior!"

"I am Xiang Shen from Yanbao City. Where is Mr. Ling? I wish to offer him all the gold and treasures from my home!"

"And me! My father said if I can't find Lord Ling, I shouldn't even bother going back. If I do, he'll break my legs!"

"..."

People from various cities and towns had heard that Ling Feng would be in Fengyuan City today, purging the Blood Corpse Poison from the populace. Wanting to express their gratitude, they had traveled a long and arduous journey to see him.

Even though these ordinary folk had little to offer Ling Feng, their sincerity was deeply touching.

At the very least, all the effort he had put in this time had not been in vain.

1. The translation of the fragrance/herb 月影绮罗香 has been finalized as Moonshadow Silken Herb for consistency. ☜