Chapter 00045: The Appearance
# The Appearance
Chapter 45
Novel: After the Immortals Disappeared
Chapter 45: The Appearance
The sixteen-eyed monster's eyes followed the Soul-Calming Banner intently, its head tilting slightly as it watched with unusual focus.
After waving the white banner for a while, the two robust attendants, Bai Shan and Qing Shui, were already drenched in sweat.
However, the sixteen-eyed monster had stopped moving, its previous ferocity and suspicion replaced by confusion.
The Soul-Calming Banner before it seemed to overshadow all other life, emitting a soothing aura that pleased the creature.
Yet, focusing too much on the banner drained its spiritual energy, further clouding its already muddled mind.
The banner's effect on the monster was akin to a sedative for humans.
After a while, the sixteen-eyed monster even scratched the back of its head in a surprisingly human-like gesture before turning and slowly walking away.
Watching it transform into a wisp of black smoke and ascend with the rest of the spirits, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Bai Shan and Qing Shui quickly stowed the Soul-Calming Banner and sat down to catch their breath, ignoring the sweat pouring down their foreheads.
Just that brief moment of waving the banner had left them both physically and mentally exhausted.
By now, the spirits emerging from the well were massive and fewer in number, each maintaining a certain distance from the others.
Unlike the earlier chaotic swarm of spirits, these seemed more orderly, with small groups of spirits trailing behind them like attendants.
Seeing this, He Lingchuan realized that these spirits held higher status and power among the restless souls, much like how influential humans were always surrounded by followers.
Fortunately, these spirits weren't as perceptive as the sixteen-eyed monster, or perhaps they simply had no interest in looking downward.
They ascended into the sky, surrounded by their entourage.
Once they were gone, the well fell silent, and no new spirits emerged.
At the same time, the light of the Illusory Barrier began to dim, confirming Sun Fuping's earlier claim that its effects were short-lived.
Seizing the moment, Nian Songyu whispered to Sun Fuping, "It seems they've all left."
Sun Fuping, ever cautious, shook his head and signaled to wait a little longer.
While they remained safe and able to converse calmly, outside Panlong City, a fierce sandstorm had already begun to rage, with no corner of the desert left untouched.
The effects of the Soul-Dispersing Powder were still active, and everyone could clearly see the massive column of spirits shooting into the sky before scattering like a burst of fireworks.
Each tiny black dot in the sky was a restless soul, and these dots filled the heavens, riding the wind to every corner of the Panlong Desert.
The Sandstorm Season had begun.
This was the first time anyone had witnessed its birth.
In just half a day, the Sandstorm Season would engulf the entire Panlong Desert, shrouding it in darkness for months to come.
Seeing this, the entire team bowed their heads in silence.
He Lingchuan glanced sideways and noticed the gravity on He Chunhua's face.
Although it was only a few days until September, and most travelers familiar with the Red Cliff Road knew to avoid the unpredictable temper of the Panlong Desert, Sun Fuping's premature triggering of the Sandstorm Season would undoubtedly claim many lives.
At the very least, the caravans and outposts that hadn't yet evacuated would be wiped out.
But they had only learned of Sun Fuping's plan after entering Panlong City, and his rank far surpassed theirs.
How could they oppose him? Worried that his father was carrying too heavy a burden, He Lingchuan quietly asked, "Father, are you alright?"
"Hmm," He Chunhua replied absentmindedly, still staring at the well.
"Protect me. The real danger is likely just beginning."
"Alright."
For a while, no new spirits emerged from the well.
The group looked to the State Preceptor for guidance.
While everyone else stood and watched, Sun Fuping had already picked up a branch and begun drawing a formation on the ground.
The formation was large, encircling everyone, and though the lines seemed simple, He Chunhua found them increasingly fascinating.
Unable to contain his curiosity, he asked, "State Preceptor, is this a summoning formation?"
"Yes, just a precaution," Sun Fuping replied, finally stopping his work.
"Alright, since nothing else is coming out of the well, we should prepare—"
Before he could finish, the calm waters of the well suddenly erupted once more, and another swarm of spirits surged forth.
This time, it was an army of restless souls.
The army consisted of infantry wielding swords and shields, and cavalry brandishing spears on horseback.
The moment they appeared, an overwhelming aura of killing intent filled the air.
Even from several meters away, He Lingchuan felt a chill run down his spine, his skin prickling with goosebumps.
Like the previous spirits, these souls were filled with grief and hatred, but there was something distinctly different about them.
They didn't appear stronger or more formidable than the earlier spirits; in fact, many of the soldiers looked emaciated.
Some had quivers filled with arrows fletched with mismatched feathers, while others carried spears made from freshly cut wood, still rough and splintered.
Most of the soldiers wore old, patchwork armor, its plates mismatched in color and size, clearly repaired and re-repaired over time.
Yet, their eyes burned with the same fierce determination and cruelty as a pack of wolves.
Even the weakest among them charged forward with an unyielding, fearless spirit.
The people of Blackwater City, who happened to be facing this army, immediately lowered their heads and closed their eyes, unable to meet their gaze.
The sharp, battle-hardened aura radiating from these spirits was something even the seasoned soldiers of Blackwater City and the hardened desert bandits couldn't withstand.
These restless souls were truly different from any they had encountered before.
He Lingchuan clenched his fists tightly.
Could these be the legendary Great Wind Army?
His thoughts were confirmed when a standard-bearer appeared among the spirits.
Riding a chestnut horse, the spirit held aloft a large banner with a single, bold character written in flowing calligraphy: "Zhong!"
He Lingchuan's heart churned with mixed emotions as he recalled that their own team also carried a banner with the character "Zhong."
But while their banner was meant to ward off misfortune and ensure safety, this one was borne into battle.
This was the true Great Wind Army, a legendary force.
He could hear the heavy breathing of those around him, their excitement palpable.
He Lingchuan himself couldn't help but widen his eyes, eager to catch a glimpse of the two legendary figures he had heard so much about.
He scanned the ranks of the spirits, spotting several commanders.
Did this mean that Zhong Shengguang or the Red General would also emerge from the well?
Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, he couldn't find them among the vast army.
Just then, Sun Fuping urgently called out, "The barrier can't hold any longer!"
Nian Songyu and the others were startled.
Looking up, they saw that the Illusory Barrier was indeed on the verge of collapse, its yellowish light flickering like a faulty lantern in He Lingchuan's old rented attic.
He Lingchuan couldn't help but exclaim, "Can't it hold on a little longer?"
After all, the Great Wind Army had just appeared! Whether in life or death, they were just as fearsome in battle.
(End of Chapter)