**Ding-a-ling-ling, Ding-a-ling-ling…**

The camel bells, their sound a faint ripple in the grey, hazy sky, brought a fleeting touch of “life,” yet were swiftly swallowed by the boundless mist. Nothing seemed to have changed, and yet, change had indeed occurred.

Have you ever seen the camels of the border wilderness?

Or perhaps…

Wuduona?

In the language of the grasslands, it signifies “tenacious.” Of course, within the complex linguistic system of the grasslands, a melange of divine tongues and primal tribal dialects, “tenacious” is only conveyed when appended to a specific noun.

When used in isolation, it becomes a proper noun, referring solely to this particular breed of camel—

They are silent, their eyes a steadfast brown.

Devoid of fur.

Their hide is black, wrinkled, and rough, akin to tanned leather. Warriors patrolling the border wilderness often hone their blades upon it.

Within their towering humps, vast stores of food and water are held – sometimes, desperate warriors will cleave them open for sustenance. Yet, food and water are secondary; the most crucial element is the life-soul force they contain.

Human cultivators rely on life-soul stones to combat the pervasive resistance and erosion within the desert. The Wuduona have no such need. They generate their own life-soul force to defy the desert’s harshness, a testament to their belonging to the human race rather than the demon race.

Beings of the demon race know no fear of this “dryness”; they are, in essence, part of it. All life activities of demonic entities, intertwined with their environment, forge this very “dryness.”

Ordinary warhorses are largely unqualified to traverse the line of life and death and enter the border wilderness. Even potent demon steeds require the power of life-soul stones to resist the environment.

The “Wuduona” are the most common beasts of burden here.

For millennia, they have carried the human race, pushing ever deeper into the border wilderness. They have served as war chariots, as sustenance, as armor, and as companions.

More ancient than even the most ancient yellow ox.

Unless absolutely necessary, no one is willing to raise a hand against a Wuduona.

To cleave open a camel’s hump, for many warriors, signifies the final, desperate moment. This act is known in the grasslands as “Yi Che,” literally describing the action of using a knife to cut open a camel’s hump, but carrying the meaning of “self-destruction.” It is a somewhat glorious act; ignoble suicides cannot be expressed as “Yi Che.”

The day Jiang Wang arrived in the border wilderness was, they said, just after a rain. There was a scent of rust in the air. Jiang Wang deeply doubted that the rain here fell as mere water; he suspected it fell as knives.

Yu Wen Duo told him, “Almost.”

Jiang Wang inquired further about the nature of the rain here.

Yu Wen Duo simply replied, “You’ll know when it rains.”

From then on, Jiang Wang waited for the rain.

A team of several dozen Wuduona, accompanied by nearly a thousand pastoral country warriors, emerged from the grey, hazy mist. That winding, elongated formation, a faint outline, stretched back through history.

The border wilderness was a place Jiang Wang had always yearned to visit, not merely because it was where Zhao Ru Cheng had fought with his life.

Including the border wilderness, including Yu Yuan, including Yin Xian Lin, including the Gate of Ten Thousand Demons… all the places where the human race confronted peril, he wished to see, to experience, to feel.

Extraordinary power, extraordinary courage, extraordinary responsibility.

This was his profound, simple understanding of cultivators.

And this is why he was always more tolerant towards ordinary folk than towards cultivators. It was not solely because cultivators possessed greater destructive potential, but rather because, “Those who hold power bear responsibility.”

And this understanding was first instilled in him by Zuo Guang Lie.

The border wilderness is the vanguard of the human race and the demon race. Zhao Ru Cheng fought here, and Zuo Guang Lie also fought here.

The armies of Jing and Mu, heavily garrisoned along the line of life and death, have, over the long years, repeatedly launched charges against the demon tide.

Upon this land, how many heroic sons and daughters, how many epic tales of heroes, how many poignant, sorrowful ballads are etched?

Having come to the grasslands, how could he not come to the border wilderness?

To remember history, and to look to the future.

At this moment, Jiang Wang stood on this side of the line of life and death, witnessing the return of such a team of “demon hunters.”

On one side, the grassland stretched like a boundless sea; on the other, grey sand extended everywhere.

Life and death, vitality and desolation, separated by such a clear line between heaven and earth.

This feeling was one of profound desolation, and yet, at the heart of that desolation, a flicker of ancient warmth was rekindled.

This line of life and death is the boundary drawn by the human race for this corner of the world. It is the mark etched into this cruel realm by generations of human warriors, with their iron will and steel blades.

The line of life and death is a place of ceaseless combat, of perpetually flowing fresh blood.

Beyond the line of life and death lies endless fertile soil, home to billions of human beings.

And what lies beyond the line of life and death?

That place where countless brave souls are interred, the depths of the endless quicksand, the passage connecting to the Myriad Worlds’ Barren Mother—where is it? What form does it take?

Jiang Wang stood with his hand on his sword. Even with his Qianyang Fire Eyes, he could not see the end.

Yu Wen Duo chatted boisterously with the returning demon hunters about their harvests. Jiang Wang maintained a respectful distance, listening quietly, his posture conveying his deference.

The strikes launched by the armies of Jing and Mu into the depths of the desert never ceased. On one hand, they needed to slay a multitude of Yin Demons and stockpile life-soul stones to amass war resources for future confrontations with the demon tide. On the other hand, these uninterrupted demon-hunting operations also effectively reduced the intensity of the demon tide.

However, demons are not pigs and dogs to be slaughtered at will. Demon hunters often had to pay a price far exceeding that of the demons.

There is a well-known question in the grasslands—

Why is the grassland on this side of the line of life and death as green as a carpet?

And everyone knows the answer.

Because too many people have spilled their hot blood for it.

Even in eras of extreme divine right, this was a question that this vast grassland, never touched by divine light, always pondered.

“Are you truly set on going in?” After exchanging intelligence about the nearby area with the demon hunter team, Yu Wen Duo returned and asked.

Jiang Wang simply smiled.

“Alright.” Yu Wen Duo shrugged his shoulders. “I’ll just be a burden.”

“Don’t speak of yourself like that,” Jiang Wang comforted him. “You’re just a little weak.”

Yu Wen Duo: ?

Jiang Wang gazed at the grey haze, as if seeing the faint shadow of a grey vulture. He said casually, “Don’t make it so somber. So many people can enter the border wilderness; what problem could I possibly have?”

Yu Wen Duo said, “Demon hunting is a very dangerous undertaking, especially when acting alone… I know saying this is useless, but I still need to say something. Just in case Ru Cheng emerges from his seclusion and seeks trouble with me.”

Jiang Wang turned his head to look at him and chuckled, “Should I also write a disclaimer for you, stating that I entered the border wilderness entirely voluntarily, with no connection to you whatsoever, and that you already attempted to dissuade me?”

Yu Wen Duo produced paper and a writing brush. “That would be even better.”

Jiang Wang genuinely wrote him a disclaimer, stating that he willingly ventured into the depths of the border wilderness and that it had no bearing on anyone else.

It wasn’t entirely a joke.

If something were to happen to him, such a disclaimer would prevent it from affecting the relationship between Qi and Mu.

And being able to write such a disclaimer was sufficient proof that his journey was not a sudden whim, but that he had a clear understanding of the dangers of the border wilderness.

Yu Wen Duo said, “Actually, you didn’t need to come. No one would blame you. You were originally on an envoy mission; your responsibility doesn’t lie here. I know you have a great reputation overseas, and you’ve already slain many sea creatures in the Realm of Illusions.”

“Just consider it a form of cultivation,” Jiang Wang simply stated.

Yu Wen Duo pondered for a moment, then added, “The army here at the line of life and death has its own defenses and cannot be easily mobilized. But I will guard this place and coordinate a reserve force. If any accident occurs, remember to flee back, and I will support you immediately.”

“Then I thank you.”

“Do you still need any assistance? Yun Hall Under has granted me considerable authority.”

“Give me a map, a pouch of life-soul stones, and a black camel,” Jiang Wang said simply. “Before the succession ceremony begins, I will return.”

Compared to “Wuduona,” Jiang Wang was more accustomed to calling it a black camel.

After all, for someone of West Border origin and East Domain residence, the grasslands’ language lacked direct meaning.

At the line of life and death, Yu Wen Duo saw Jiang Wang off.

Watching one person and one camel move further and further away, slowly vanishing into the grey haze, like a touch of worldly brilliance being swallowed by gloom—it was just as he had seen off Zhao Ru Cheng during the time they guarded the line of life and death together.

He had expected the Marquis of Wu An of Da Qi to speak of things like the great justice of the human race and so on. He was also very willing to believe such words, at least when spoken by someone like Jiang Wang; they wouldn’t sound so insincere.

But Jiang Wang said nothing, merely calling it “cultivation.”

Yu Wen Duo, on the other hand, felt that cultivation was a more meaningful endeavor. Slaying villains is good, serving the country is good, guarding the human race is good—none of these are achieved through mere shouting. Those who are full of benevolence and morality, constantly speaking of the world’s common people, constantly demanding self-reflection from others… what have they themselves truly done for this world?

Walking forward with feet firmly planted on the ground, possessing enough power, one naturally gains the qualification to realize their ideals.

He too needed to cultivate diligently.

No longer would he go to the Divine Grace Temple.

Yu Wen Duo reconsidered for a moment, then altered his resolve slightly—

At least for five days, he wouldn’t go.

As for after five days?

After five days, he would definitely be back in the royal court. Then they would see!

**Ding-a-ling-ling, Ding-a-ling-ling…**

Jiang Wang rode on the camel’s back, swaying as he journeyed deeper into the desert.

One person, one sword, one camel, a green shirt traversing a great distance—it was indeed quite a dashing sight, were it not for the endless swirling sand and flying stones ahead.

Not far from the line of life and death, the feeling was barely perceptible. Now, having traveled this far, the sensation of being resisted and repelled by the entire world was incredibly pronounced.

The present world belongs to the human race; this is already an undisputed fact. But here, it seemed not quite so accurate.

To say the border wilderness is the demon realm is not impossible.

Or perhaps, it is a part of the Myriad Worlds’ Barren Mother invading the present world?

Jiang Wang was still somewhat lacking in knowledge regarding this aspect. After all, it involved the fundamental principles of the world, knowledge he was previously fundamentally unqualified to access.

Now, he could feel a kind of “dryness,” an intangible power constantly eroding his flesh and divine soul.

Even with his golden body and jade marrow, even with his divine soul power condensed into spiritual sense, he was still shaken by this “dryness.”

Fortunately, all of it was resolved by the life-soul stones he carried.

Jiang Wang mused that a rule-level exchange existed here, but for his current self, comprehending such rules was still quite distant, and thus he could not see clearly.

He had a sufficient quantity of life-soul stones. In order not to miss the viewing ceremony, he only planned to remain in the desert for five days, while Yu Wen Duo had prepared enough for a month’s consumption.

The Wuduona, walking slowly on the sandy ground, appeared to feel no pressure, moving with ease.

Over the long years, it had evolved a body and soul perfectly adapted to this land.

Indeed, all life in the world possesses its tenacious aspects.

Delicate small grasses can grow in stone cracks. Within this desert permeated by death, there are also sand scorpions hidden underground—one brazenly burrowed out, intending to attack the Wuduona, only to be eradicated by a flick of Jiang Wang’s finger.

Thinking of this, Jiang Wang couldn’t help but ponder—if there were no life-soul stones, no extraordinary cultivators, if merely ordinary people lived here, would they, after widespread death, finally also naturally develop some kind of evolution?

Just as the aquatic races adapted to the vast sea, gradually undergoing changes. The sea races of today have completely transformed into another race.

Of course, no one dared conduct such an experiment.

Thump, thump, thump, thump.

A monstrous creature with sturdy ox hooves for a lower body, a pair of skinny chicken claws attached to its upper body, topped by an illusory human male head, and a bulging abdomen, charged from a distance.

Its ox hooves striking the sand ground unexpectedly sounded like an exciting drumbeat.

Its mouth emitted a piercing shriek, which was pulled intermittent by the wind and sand.

Jiang Wang gazed at it in silence.

The Wuduona he rode was also very calm, continuing its slow forward progress. The black camel Yu Wen Duo had procured from the army was clearly well-traveled.

Jiang Wang was not unfamiliar with the monster before him; he had seen one like it as early as the bottom of the Qing Jiang River.

Yin Demons possessed no fixed form, manifesting in thousands of bizarre appearances. To see two exactly alike was considered a kind of fate.

At that time, seeing this monster had instilled a kind of instinctive fear in him. Now, seeing it again, his instinctive emotions were reduced to mere disgust.

Unrelated to courage, this was a leap in life essence.

Or perhaps… before the descent of gods, the life essence of the human race was weaker than that of demons?

This kind of judgment, this kind of knowledge, brought confusion to Jiang Wang.

Of course, it would not affect his fighting.

The Yin Demon’s body was real and tangible, yet its head was illusory and uncertain.

This head sometimes appeared human, sometimes bestial, strange and varied, lacking nothing.

At this moment, it seemed starved for days, running crazily towards him, kicking up sand and dust.

And as it drew near, it suddenly stiffened.

It shrieked in pain, but was fundamentally unable to emit a sound.

Then, starting from its ox hooves, flames ignited little by little. The flames spread not quickly, but as time passed, they gradually enveloped its entire body. Through a slow process, they finally burned it clean.

Only a wrinkled, human-shaped head remained, falling onto the sand ground.

The flames rolled once more, and this head also vanished.

The reason for using Samadhi True Fire, rather than other means, was naturally to supplement his knowledge. Demon hunting is a long-term endeavor. To kill quickly and effectively, one must first understand “demons”—their constitution, their life forms, every part of their bodies…

Jiang Wang silently felt the flames, not uttering a word.

A Yin Demon with deer antlers topping its head suddenly burrowed out from underground, its probing claws slashing towards the black camel’s hooves—

*Crack.*

Both claws were severed.

Subsequently, its entire body fragmented, leaving only a deer-antlered beast head.

Sword light appeared and vanished in an instant.

Jiang Wang casually beckoned, bringing the Yin Demon’s head before him. He examined it carefully for a while, then tossed it into the cloth bag hanging on the side of the black camel.

As his footprints deepened, Yin Demons appeared with increasing frequency.

At first, they attacked singly, later in groups of three to five, then ten or more, then dozens… At most, nearly two hundred Yin Demons once surrounded him simultaneously.

In the desert environment, the perception of human cultivators was severely suppressed. Jiang Wang only realized his situation when he was trapped within the encirclement.

Of course, several hundred ants still could not encircle and kill a human.

Jiang Wang employed sword methods, Taoist arts, and divine abilities, trying them without cease—he obliterated many, but the number of Yin Demon heads in his cloth bag still grew.

His understanding of “demons” also deepened.

The more he understood, the more confusion arose.

And no matter how deep he ventured, or how he hunted, no sound of a Yin Demon’s shriek would spread. He also experimented with controlling sound power under the special rules of the border wilderness.

The fighting never ceased; cultivation never paused for a moment.

The black camel continued its slow forward movement, its hoof prints tracing a long line.

The people of today, on an ancient road.

Last year’s wind and sand, next year’s wind and sand.

People are not old people, yet people are also like old people.

For a very long time, along this path, there was only: Ding-a-ling-ling, Ding-a-ling-ling…

The sound was melodious, not lonely.

Because at the end of that wind and sand, there were countless… responses echoing across time and space.