The moment Tang Xiao Qi arrived at the northwestern border stronghold—Black Stone Fortress—and had not yet had time to carefully observe that border pass subtly shrouded in demonic energy and atmosphere, the Alliance's appointment appointing him "Chief Patrol Demon Envoy" and granting temporary decision-making authority had already arrived, along with a jade token representing extremely high authority—the "Patrol Demon Order."
The directive clearly required him to quickly organize an elite demonic suppression squad to deeply enter the demonic disaster area and execute elimination and reconnaissance missions. Time was urgent, demonic situation like fire, Xiao Qi did not hesitate and immediately began this matter.
He deeply understood that what they faced this time was not ordinary demonic creatures but more threatening existences spawned by the sealed demonic entity using new methods. Ordinary sect teams or Alliance regular battle teams probably could not handle that strange new demonic energy. What he needed was a truly elite squad, each with their own strengths, and whom he could trust.
He did not loudly recruit. Instead, he first used his relationship network, sending several urgent messaging talismans.
The first flew to the Breaking Shadow Alliance. This organization composed of cultivators once persecuted by the Shadow Snake Pavilion held deep hatred for demonic cultivators and had rich experience dealing with dark forces. He directly messaged a Golden Core early-stage elder in the alliance renowned for tracking and concealment, named "Shadow."
The second went to the Xuanji Holy Land. Although Mu Xue was consolidating her Nascent Soul late-stage realm and might not be able to come personally, Xiao Qi believed the holy land would certainly not sit idle. He requested the holy land dispatch an elite disciple skilled in ice and formation sealing to assist. Ice techniques often had miraculous effects in restricting demonic creatures' movements and purifying demonic energy environments.
The third was sent to the East Sea Dragon Palace. Crown Prince Ao Qin had deep friendship with him. Dragon clan's water techniques not only had enormous power but their vast dragon aura also had considerable restraining effect on demonic creatures. He requested Ao Qin dispatch an able general, preferably a dragon clan warrior skilled in assault and frontal confrontation.
While waiting for these old acquaintances' responses, Xiao Qi did not completely rely on external forces. Holding the Patrol Demon Order, he directly entered Black Stone Fortress's Alliance station, reviewing all recently arrived and registered cultivator information, especially those with special abilities or rich experience fighting demonic creatures, including rogue cultivators and small teams.
His spiritual consciousness was like the finest sieve, quickly filtering through massive information. Soon, several names caught his attention.
A wandering monk from the Northern Wastes' Cold Hardship Temple, self-named "Hui Ren." According to records, he was not from a famous temple, but his cultivated Buddhism was and domineering. He was especially skilled in wandering souls and suppressing evil filth, having once independently purified a small ancient battlefield ruin, having considerable means against yin evil energy. Xiao Qi personally visited. Outside a simple monk's quarters, he felt that pure and Buddhist power fluctuation. Different from Master Hui Ming's, it leaned more toward. After conversation, Monk Hui Ren learned it was for demonic suppression and without hesitation nodded agreement, saying "Subduing demons and eliminating monsters is Buddhist duty."
Another was a taciturn young female cultivator named "Jing Wuxin." She came from a border small clan making their living by hunting demon beasts and exploring ruins. Records noted she possessed a rare talent—the "Breaking Illusion Spiritual Pupils," able to see through many illusions and disguises, extremely sensitive to energy traces. She was a top tracking and reconnaissance talent. When Xiao Qi found her, she was quietly polishing a strangely shaped bone blade in the station's corner. When Xiao Qi stated his purpose and identity, displaying the Patrol Demon Order, Jing Wuxin raised those clear yet seeming to eyes, simply nodded, one word: "Okay."
Additionally, Xiao Qi selected two experienced Alliance veterans. One was a Golden Core early-stage formation master skilled in earth techniques and defensive formations named "Shi Yi," able to quickly construct temporary fortresses and lines in complex environments. The other was a medical cultivator proficient in various detoxification, healing, and negative state removal named "Su Zhi," though only at Foundation Establishment peak cultivation, but her medical skills were exquisite, having experience handling injuries caused by demonic energy erosion. She was an indispensable logistics guarantee for the team.
Just as Xiao Qi initially finalized candidates, his invited reinforcements also arrived one after another.
The Breaking Shadow Alliance's "Shadow" elder arrived first. His thin figure, his aura barely perceptible, as if able to merge into shadows at any time, respectfully bowed: "Shadow, following the's orders, awaiting True Lord Tang's commands."
Next, a sword light descended. From the Xuanji Holy Land came a cold-faced young man bearing a sword on his back, his aura, actually at Golden Core middle-stage. He cupped his hands toward Xiao Qi, his voice like cold ice: "Xuanji Holy Land, Ling Shuang, following the Saint's orders, came to assist True Lord in demonic suppression." Though not explicitly stated, Xiao Qi could feel this person was definitely extremely trusted by Mu Xue. Their strength was not to be underestimated.
Finally, accompanied by dragon roars and abundant water vapor, a tall figure covered with fine blue dragon scales arrived on clouds, his voice like a great bell: "East Sea Dragon Palace, Patrol Sea General Ao Zhan, following the Crown Prince's orders, specially came to assist True Lord Tang! Any commands,!" His aura, clearly also at Golden Core middle-stage, and obviously a skilled in battlefield conquest.
, a elite demonic suppression squad initially took shape.
Core members included:
Chief Patrol Demon Envoy: Tang Xiao Qi (Golden Core early-stage, Azure Lotus Purification Origin, core combat power and commander).
Breaking Shadow Alliance representative: Shadow (Golden Core early-stage, tracking, concealment, intelligence).
Xuanji Holy Land representative: Ling Shuang (Golden Core middle-stage, assault, ice control, formation support).
East Sea Dragon Palace representative: Ao Zhan (Golden Core middle-stage, frontal assault, water techniques, dragon might intimidation).
Northern Wastes monk: Hui Ren (Golden Core early-stage, Buddhist, evil suppression, spiritual protection).
Border hunter: Jing Wuxin (Foundation Establishment peak, tracking reconnaissance, Breaking Illusion Spiritual Pupils).
Alliance formation master: Shi Yi (Golden Core early-stage, defensive works, formation arrangement).
Alliance medical cultivator: Su Zhi (Foundation Establishment peak, healing detoxification, state removal).
This squad covered aspects of assault, control, defense, support, reconnaissance, treatment, and more. Members were all top figures in their respective fields, and most possessed special means or rich experience against yin evil demonic creatures. More importantly, core members all had connection with Xiao Qi or were directly invited by him, ensuring basic trust and.