These dozen or so experts are not the same as ordinary Cold Resistance Level; they are the backbone forces of each town. On any other day, losing just one would be considered a major loss. To lose so many at once like this is unprecedented.

"The power of that Vajra Master is truly terrifying. If it weren't for Uncle's intervention, we would most likely have perished in Qinghe Village as well. The most hateful thing is, despite the Nine Towns suffering such heavy losses, we still haven't gathered a single piece of specific information about Dajue Temple, and moreover..."

At this point, Xiahou Qin's tone became tense, and he turned to look westward, his face full of worry.

Up to now, Uncle Xiahou Zhang has yet to return.

Before fleeing Qinghe Village, Xiahou Qin personally witnessed the encounter between Xiahou Zhang and the Vajra Master. It was clear that Uncle Xiahou Zhang was not a match for the Vajra Master.

Still not returning, could it be...

"Impossible, absolutely impossible! Uncle's strength is unparalleled, even if he couldn't defeat that Vajra Master, escaping should pose no problem. Yes, yes..."

Xiahou Qin could only comfort himself this way, continuing to wait.

Hoo......

Another ten minutes or so passed, and suddenly the sound of wind came from the west.

Xiahou Qin quickly turned his head to look toward the west and saw a figure swiftly approaching the main building, his face instantly bursting with intense joy.

But this joy did not last long and was soon replaced by worry.

"Uncle, how are you?"

The person who flew in from outside the door was indeed Xiahou Zhang.

However, Xiahou Zhang's condition was terrible at this moment.

His complexion was as pale as paper, his breath chaotic, and his golden brocade robe was in tatters. After flying into the main hall of the building, he couldn't even stand steadily and had to use a sword for support to sit on the main seat.

"Cough, cough... cough... *cough*..."

After sitting on the main seat, he coughed up several mouthfuls of fresh blood.

A large piece of silver-white bone was protruding from his left shoulder, and his left arm was nearly connected only by tattered skin and flesh, hanging feebly downward, as if a little force could tear down the entire arm.

Xiahou Qin had never seen his uncle in such a wretched state before, and even when going forward to assist him he appeared somewhat at a loss, his inner composure clearly in disarray.

"What are you panicking for over a little injury? As long as I'm alive, it's fine!"

Seeing his nephew's panic and unseemly behavior, Xiahou Zhang clearly disapproved, first scolding him in a deep voice, and then, taking out a golden Dan Medicine from his bosom and swallowing it, he closed his eyes to meditate briefly before opening them to look at Xiahou Qin, asking in a deep voice: "Of the nineteen who went to spy on Dajue Temple, has anyone returned?"

Being scolded by his uncle, Xiahou Qin's emotions gradually calmed down, and he quickly shook his head in response: "Not a single one has returned."

Upon hearing this answer, Xiahou Zhang's face showed no sign of surprise, clearly having anticipated it.

"That Vajra Master from Dajue Temple possesses strength at least above seven juns, with an exceptionally powerful physique. Throughout the Nine Towns, there is likely not a handful capable of matching him in single combat. With his prowess, the other four masters being of equal rank must have similar strength, possibly even more. Xiahou Gu and the others didn't die in vain..."

At this point, Xiahou Zhang paused, showing a hint of anger, and continued: "It's exasperating to have lost nineteen lives without obtaining any useful information. We still know nothing about Dajue Temple's situation, the characteristics of those four masters, or what they have been doing with the children taken over the past seven years. It was only for naught that many lives were lost. Had I known, I might as well have gone to spy on Dajue Temple myself instead."

"Uncle, you mustn't!"

Upon hearing this, Xiahou Qin's expression immediately tightened with anxiety, afraid that his uncle, Xiahou Zhang, would impulsively go to spy on Dajue Temple himself. He quickly voiced his objection and continued earnestly: "That Dajue Temple must be related to the Deceitful Monster; Uncle cannot recklessly endanger himself without understanding the enemy. As long as Uncle is around, even if Jiangxia were to lose more Cold Resistance Level warriors, it would be worth it!"

The strongest trait of the Deceitful Monster has never been its power but its mysterious and unpredictable means. Without understanding, even a Xianyang Level master could easily fall prey.

This operation was designed in such a way to ensure Xiahou Zhang's safety. If Xiahou Zhang were to go spy on Dajue Temple himself and something were to happen, Jiangxia Town would suffer a major blow to its vitality.

The reason why the Nine Towns can maintain their current relative balance is fundamentally because the number of Xianyang Level experts in each town is similar. To lose one without reason would be unimaginable.

Muyin Town is a bloody example of this.

Three years ago, when news of the Muyin Town Lord Murong Ding's death was silently leaked, the Eight Towns immediately changed their stance toward Muyin Town. Besides the various oppressions and suppressions, Wuchuan even directly dispatched troops to occupy Muyin's territory. If it weren't for the combined pressure from the other seven towns, at least half of Muyin's territory would have been lost.

Xiahou Qin did not want Jiangxia to follow in Muyin Town's footsteps.

Xiahou Zhang, being over a hundred years old, naturally understood this truth. He did not refute after hearing his nephew's advice, instead showing a trace of hatred on his face: "Those dogs from the Seven Towns rely on their distance from Dajue Temple and are unwilling to contribute, only wanting to sit back and reap rewards. They won't even send a single person. If there were a few more Xianyang Level experts to go with me, there'd be no need for such diversion tactics. Now, I've ended up with a crippled arm, dammit..."

Upon hearing these words, Xiahou Qin's expression also grew somber, but he then thought of something and said fiercely: "We've suffered heavy losses, but the Seven Towns are no better. They thought they were clever, secretly sending so many to infiltrate Qinghe Village, and now they've all died at once. It's impossible for them to send anyone to infiltrate Qinghe Village again in the future..."

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