At every location they reached, the magnetic field experts began their slaughter immediately.
The sturdy fortifications of the Japanese invaders twisted and collapsed under invisible forces, turning into heaps of scrap metal. Dense webs of suppressive fire were pathetically fragile before them; bullets were decomposed and vaporized before even touching their bodies. The advanced weaponry that the occupying garrisons took such pride in were nothing more than toys in the face of the absolute power of the magnetic field experts. Japanese defensive works were leveled in an instant, and those who resisted were torn to shreds by violent electrical currents and magnetic fields.
"It's the immortals! The immortals from the light screen!"
"The seniors of the Magnetic Field Sect have come to save us!"
Countless commoners, either ravaged by the fires of war or forcibly conscripted, witnessed this miracle with their own eyes. Their emotions shifted from initial terror to disbelief, and finally to wild joy and tearful relief. Many recognized the familiar figures from the light screen and knelt on the ground, kowtowing toward the flashing lightning, regarding them as saviors descended from the heavens.
The rescued commoners wept uncontrollably as a long-lost hope was rekindled in their hearts. Some local anti-Japanese guerrilla forces that had survived in occupied territories, or scattered remnants of defeated armies, saw their morale soar to unprecedented heights after witnessing the thunderous methods of the Magnetic Field Sect.
"Dammit! This is how you truly kill invaders!"
"Brothers, follow the immortals and let's give 'em hell!"
Some daring commanders tried to approach these 'immortals,' not necessarily hoping for guidance, but simply desiring to fight alongside them, even if only to cheer from the sidelines. But the magnetic field experts came and went like the wind. Usually, by the time the soldiers arrived, the battle had already ended, leaving behind only a messy battlefield and newly freed citizens.
Within a few short days, major Japanese strongpoints across North and East China were uprooted. The efficiency of the slaughter was so high and the methods so ruthless that the high-ranking Japanese officials felt more than just rage; they felt a primal, unprecedented fear. A massive influx of communications from the front lines reached their capital in Kyoto, and the content was eerily consistent: Encountered incomprehensible attack. Troops unable to resist. Requesting instructions. Requesting reinforcements.
A few days later, Ian gathered everyone once again.
By now, the murderous aura on the magnetic field experts was even heavier, but their spirits were exceptionally high. It was clear that the recent Purification Action had been extremely satisfying for them.
"Brother Ian, where to next? Is it time to hit the big cities?" Zhang Chulan remained the most active as always.
Ian's expression, however, was not as relaxed as before. Instead, it carried a hint of solemnity.
"The next target: Jinling."
Everyone froze at the words.
Jinling was a core heavy stronghold that the Japanese invaders had managed for many years; its defensive strength was far beyond any of the previous outposts.
"Brother Ian, the invaders in Jinling are a tough nut to crack, aren't they?" Wang Ye stroked his chin, rarely taking the initiative to speak.
"Tough nuts are better; it's a good chance to test our newly sharpened teeth." A strange smile appeared on Ian's face. "Besides, we aren't going to Jinling just to kill invaders."
"We are also going to perform a special 'commemoration'."
As he spoke, the massive light screen covering the nation lit up once more. This time, the scene in the screen was not a violent battlefield, but a desolate patch of land located outside the city of Jinling.
On that land, Ian's figure appeared out of thin air. In his hand, he held a banner that looked ordinary, even somewhat tattered. The flag was a dull, dark color, and the pole was made of simple wood.
Countless commoners and outcasts watching the screen were confused.
"Fellow countrymen across the nation." Ian's voice carried through the light screen, clearly reaching everyone's ears. This time, his voice was heavy with gravity.
"Beneath the soil of this land, and especially within the city of Jinling before us, lie too many of our compatriots murdered by those beasts."
"Their resentment reaches the heavens. Their souls cannot find peace; they linger, unwilling to disperse."
"Today, I, Ian, shall demand justice for them and give them an answer."
He raised the banner high.
"This banner is called the Ten Thousand Soul Banner. It can ferry the souls of the dead and carry their essence."
Ian began to chant under his breath. A mysterious and profound power, laden with infinite sorrow, slowly emanated from the tattered banner. He suddenly thrust the Ten Thousand Soul Banner into the ground at his feet!
Boom—!
It felt as if something invisible had been triggered. In that instant, everyone watching the screen seemed to hear countless shrill, indignant, and unwilling roars rising from beneath that desolate land!
Visible to the naked eye, wisps and strands of thick, black mist rose from every crack in the soil. The black mist twisted and struggled, but eventually, as if drawn by a magnet, they scrambled to pour into the Ten Thousand Soul Banner planted in the ground.
The perspective of the light screen zoomed in. People could even faintly see blurred, agonizing human faces within the churning black mist. As countless souls poured in, the originally dilapidated banner began to change. The dull fabric gradually lit up with a faint glimmer. Then, the light grew stronger and brighter!
Finally, the entire banner erupted in a piercing, dazzling golden light! Within that golden light, upon the surface of the banner, it seemed as if countless tiny figures were flickering, roaring, and shouting! A tragic, vigorous, and supremely majestic aura emanated from the banner, filling the entire world.
"This is not ten thousand souls, but the gathered will of ten thousand people. It shall be called the 'Human Emperor Banner'!" Ian's voice rang out again, carrying an unprecedented solemnity.
Across the land of China, in front of the light screens.
Countless commoners were first stunned into silence. Then, as they thought of their own relatives, friends, and compatriots who had died under the Japanese butchery, and as they felt the infinite sorrow and unyielding will radiating from the Human Emperor Banner, a boundless wave of grief and rage flooded their hearts.
"Father! Mother! Do you see this?!"
"Damned invaders! Blood must be paid for with blood!"
Countless people knelt before the screens, wailing loudly. They prayed that the wronged souls would find rest and hoped that the murderous villains would receive the harshest punishment.
Inside Jinling, at the headquarters of the Japanese Kwantung Army.
They too saw the earth-shaking phenomenon outside the city and Ian's god-like silhouette on the screen. A fear akin to the apocalypse weighed on the hearts of the Japanese high command.
"What is that? What is that thing?!"
"Is it Chinese sorcery? Or has their god descended?"
"Quick! Send troops to investigate! Stop him! He must be stopped!"
However, their orders seemed so pale and powerless at this moment. Outside the city, Ian slowly pulled up the golden, radiant Human Emperor Banner. He gripped the pole, the golden flag snapping in the wind behind him, the shadows of the people roaring upon it. He pointed toward the Japanese invaders in Jinling from afar, his murderous intent absolute.
"No orders needed! Free movement! Today, blood for blood!"