Chapter 346: Chapter 66: The Moon Fox falls into a deep slumber, the Supreme rides an ox into the dream.

“Erosion?”

Zhou Heng was taken aback upon hearing this and frowned, “How so?”

After the battle of Tianyang, to defend against Evil Gods and ward off Demon Entities, the royal families of the three kingdoms took the lead, establishing the Zhou Tian Boundary Officer based on the Zhou Tian Star Charts.

However, the royal families of the three kingdoms each had their contradictions, and it was naturally difficult to work together in unity. Conveniently, the Zhou Tian Star Charts were divided into three enclosures and twenty-eight mansions, so the Zhou Tian Boundary Officer was also split into three parts.

The Zhao Family of Da Qi, as the former royal family of the Central Dynasty, occupied the central part of the world, controlling the Ziwei enclosure and the Azure Dragon’s seven mansions. The Tang Family of Southern Jin managed the Taiwei enclosure and the Vermilion Bird’s seven mansions; while the Ji Family of Bei Zhou managed the Tian Market enclosure, the Xuanwu’s seven mansions, and the White Tiger’s seven mansions.

Although the number of star positions occupied by the three Zhou Tian Boundary Officers differed, over the past three thousand years, the number of Star Officers that appeared was roughly equal, their strengths similar, with little overall difference, and they coexisted peacefully with barely any struggle.

After all, the original intention of this organization’s establishment was to resist sinister evil spirits, and they ought to work together in unity.

Therefore, Zhou Heng was somewhat taken aback when he suddenly heard from a member of the Fifth Emperors’ Inner Circle that there were signs that Southern Jin’s Zhou Tian Boundary Officer was eroding their side.

“Although the Zhou Tian Star Charts are commonly referred to as the three enclosures and twenty-eight mansions, there are far more stars in the sky than these, and so it is with the star images on the chart, which you are aware of,” explained the member of the Fifth Emperors’ Inner Circle.

The Fifth Emperors’ Inner Circle continued, “The three Boundary Officers have divided the celestial stars into three major regions. In the boundary areas between each other, there actually exists a large number of scattered stars.”

“It used to be that the boundaries between the regions were very clear, with no encroachment on each other. However, recently, when I looked at the star region charts, I discovered that Southern Jin’s region had inexplicably advanced by three star domains.”

“Through the boundaries of the regions, they have quietly eroded three star domains?” Zhou Heng looked up, as within the Hall of Solving Worry, one could directly view the Zhou Tian Star Charts.

Upon looking, he indeed noticed that three star domains that once belonged to Da Qi’s region had dimmed, which meant that they now fell under the adjacent region of Southern Jin.

“Such changes are certainly not unintentional,” declared the member of the Fifth Emperors’ Inner Circle gravely. “Recently, there have been frequent movements in Southern Jin, as you are well aware, Lord of the Stars. It is possible that their Zhou Tian Boundary Officer is not unaffected.”

“The star positions of Taiwei were originally the supporting officials for the Ziwei enclosure. By doing this…” Zhou Heng’s eyes narrowed slightly, and he said with a light chuckle, “Do they intend to rebel?”

The star positions of the Ziwei enclosure are largely named after imperial royalty and nobility, whereas those of the Taiwei enclosure are mainly civil servants and officials, and the Tian Market enclosure primarily consists of commoners and merchants from the marketplace.

If the Taiwei truly intended to erode the region of the Ziwei enclosure, calling it a rebellion would not be wrong.

“Whether they’re rebelling or not, I’m not sure, but they seem to be impatient.” The member of the Fifth Emperors’ Inner Circle knew that Zhou Heng was joking about rebellion and did not take it seriously, “They might be afraid of you, Lord of the Stars.”

“Afraid of me?” Zhou Heng asked in return, although he already understood what the member of the Fifth Emperors’ Inner Circle meant, saying, “Could it be they fear that I will rise in power as the Ziwei Master, gather the Zhou Tian Star Charts, and unite the three officers into one?”

“It’s possible, as for the specifics, we still do not know right now,” said the member of the Fifth Emperors’ Inner Circle. “I have reported this matter to the Azure Dragon and received approval to issue a task to investigate the situation of Southern Jin’s Boundary Officer.”

“Who went?” Zhou Heng suddenly felt a twinge in his heart and guessed, “Was it Beidou?”

“Correct.” The member of the Fifth Emperors’ Inner Circle gently nodded and said, “She has always been diligent. The task came with ample rewards, as soon as it was issued, she took it up.”

So, she went to Southern Jin not just to keep an appointment but also to investigate Southern Jin’s Boundary Officer, probably because back at Taihua Mount, it was impossible to shield others’ perceptions, so she did not explain the situation at that time.

Zhou Heng understood in his heart and then said, “In a few days’ time, I might also need to make a trip to Southern Jin.”

“Southern Jin is dangerous, please be very careful, Lord of the Stars,” the member of the Fifth Emperors’ Inner Circle said with a deep sense of concern upon hearing this. “Please remember not to use the star position masks under the Southern Jin sky, otherwise it would be as conspicuous as a bright lamp in the night.”

“Rest assured, I am not a rash person,” Zhou Heng smiled and then inquired, “Senior, regarding the task for the Sect Fifth Rank Demon Entities, have you found it?”

“It has already been found. You can directly access it through the mask,” said the member of the Fifth Emperors’ Inner Circle.

“Thank you,” Zhou Heng nodded in acknowledgment.

…

“Task location: Ansui Prefecture, Xiangzhou.

“Task description: Prefecture chief Zhang Qiu reported the situation, claiming that many people in the prefecture and its subordinate towns have fallen into a deep, unawakening sleep, with the number reaching ten thousand. It is suspected that Demon Entities might be invading through dreams. Half a month ago, a Sect Fifth Rank Star Officer, Xin Su, was dispatched, but there has been no response to date.

“Mission objective: investigate whether it is indeed demon entities causing mischief, and ascertain the whereabouts of Xin Su.

“Mission warning: demon entities are dangerous and are especially skilled at attacking the spirit. Without the corresponding secret techniques, it is best to wear a treasured amulet that defends against spiritual attacks.

“Mission base reward: five hundred merit points.

“Mission extra reward: one thousand merit points for killing the demon entities, one thousand merit points if Xin Su is found alive.”

…

As for Xin Su, Zhou Heng was not familiar with her, having only seen her at gatherings of the Zhou Tian Boundary Officers and knowing her to be a lithe and exquisite woman.

They merely nodded to each other when they met.

However, she was after all a Sect Fifth Rank high-ranking expert, who had been sent to investigate the occurrences in Ansui Prefecture and, disturbingly, had not sent any messages back since.

This was an indication that the situation there was far from simple.

If it was really related to demon entities, then the strength of these creatures was likely to be far from ordinary.

…

Yangzhou is a northern prefecture in Da Qi, and Ansui Prefecture is even further north.

This area has a colder climate, with numerous hills, and less contact with the outside world, naturally making it less prosperous. The population isn’t large, with the combined population of the prefectural city and subordinate towns totaling no more than three hundred thousand.

Now, with over ten thousand people fallen into a deep, unending sleep, the entire Ansui Prefecture was thrown into chaos.

Every household had someone who had succumbed to this sleep.

Zhang Qiu, the prefectural chief, was burning with anxiety. But with his Secret Sixth Rank strength, he was completely helpless in this situation and utterly powerless; his only option was to report to the Zhou Tian Boundary Officers for reinforcement.

Half a month ago, a noble Star Officer from the Zhou Tian Boundary Officers named “Xin Yuehu” arrived, like a celestial being descending to earth, almost making all beings worship her.

She set up a prohibited formation in the center of the prefectural city and, with her divine soul leaving her body, entered the dreams of the slumbering victims in an attempt to wake them up, but she too had not awakened since.

Had it not been for the persistence of her vital signs under the detection of divine sense, people would have thought this expert to have perished.

Zhang Qiu, in complete desperation, had no choice but to continue asking for help from the Zhou Tian Boundary Officers.

Recently, he finally received a response, saying that a stronger expert would soon come to clear the evil affliction from Ansui Prefecture.

This allowed Zhang Qiu to breathe a sigh of relief, but he dared not relax too much.

After all, Xin Yuehu was still sitting within the central city’s taboo formation. The trouble this time was massive, and even an expert from the Zhou Tian Boundary Officers might not be able to manage it.

On the third day of the seventh month, close to dusk.

Zhang Qiu was still anxiously waiting, the slanting sunset elongating his shadow.

The master of Ansui Prefecture couldn’t stop pacing back and forth in the courtyard of the city government, not resting for a moment, his heart in a tumult.

Over the past three days, almost a thousand more people had fallen into a sleep they couldn’t wake from.

The number was still increasing, and the rate was accelerating!

“If this continues, perhaps all the people in Ansui Prefecture will have succumbed to this sleep to death!” Zhang Qiu sighed in despair. He truly felt hopeless, confronted with this bizarre situation with no solutions, despite his True Gang Realm cultivation.

This was a scenario he had never encountered in his ten years of ruling here. In the past, even if there were evil creatures or ghosts, they always left traces, and even if he couldn’t kill them, there was a chance to repel them.

But what about now?

People are falling into sleep without reason, never to wake—what is this?

Is this a demon entity?

How should one confront it?

“Lord Prefect, you seem quite disheartened?”

A clear voice suddenly came through, and then a figure descended from the sky, gracefully landing in the courtyard of the Ansui Prefecture yamen.

“Who?” Zhang Qiu’s heart skipped a beat as he swiftly turned around, only to see that someone had managed to arrive at the prefectural yamen undetected by his senses. This could only be a Fifth Rank Sect Master.

As he turned, he saw a man dressed in a purple robe, majestic and dignified, wearing the Emperor’s Mask. He exuded a sense of unparalleled nobility and loftiness just by standing there.

“Ziwei Emperor!” Zhang Qiu immediately recognized the identity that the mask represented, his heart leaping with joy, “You must be the Ziwei Emperor from the Zhou Tian Boundary Officer, right?”

——The response he had received from the Zhou Tian Boundary Officer earlier had mentioned the identity of the Star Officer who would be coming.

“Correct,” Zhou Heng nodded slightly, smiling, “Is Xin Yuehu in the city center?”

“Yes,” Zhang Qiu regained his composure a bit and was about to explain the situation when he suddenly realized Zhou Heng’s level of cultivation, and he couldn’t help but be slightly taken aback.

Secret Six Rank?

This Ziwei Emperor is only at the Secret Six Rank in cultivation?

The previous Sect Fifth Rank Xin Yuehu had been helpless against the recent changes and was even in uncertain peril. Why would the Zhou Tian Boundary Officer send another individual with only Secret Six Rank?

What could someone of the Secret Six Rank do?

Zhang Qiu felt a surge of anger welling up inside him, almost ready to burst due to the frustration that had built over recent times.

However, having been an official for many years, he was skilled at hiding his genuine emotions and did not directly show his discontent.

At the same time, reflecting on the extraordinary ability of concealment demonstrated merely moments ago by this Ziwei Emperor, and the implications of that title, his heart couldn’t help but foster some hope.

Perhaps this Ziwei Emperor really had a way to resolve the abnormality this time?

Still, that Secret Six Rank cultivation level ultimately made it difficult for him to feel fully assured.

“Lord Xin Su is in the central forbidden formation,” Zhang Qiu composed himself and spoke, “Even such a powerful Sect Fifth Rank expert, despite all her preparatory efforts, was unable to succeed. You must have a special method for coming this time, right?”

He was probing for Zhou Heng’s approach.

“Indeed,” Zhou Heng said with a smile.

He had already seen through Zhang Qiu’s thoughts, but he was not angered.

In the end, Zhang Qiu was also concerned about the wellbeing of his subjects, and Zhou Heng’s own position as a Secret Six Rank certainly wasn’t convincingly reassuring. Everything would be self-explanatory after the matter was resolved.

There was no need for further words.

…

The sun had set, and dusk had come to an end.

Dark clouds obscured the moon, with only speckles of starlight adorning the night sky; Zhou Heng and Zhang Qiu, under the cover of darkness, arrived in the center of the Ansui Prefectural city.

There, crimson flames burned bright and fierce, illuminating the night sky.

The flames formed one intricate talisman after another, interweaving with each other to form an extremely complex formation, containing an array of diverse effects.

With just one look, Zhou Heng discerned functionalities such as Dust Avoidance, Exorcism, Defence, Isolation, Qi Nourishment, and Spirit Cultivation.

It was indeed an extremely profound formation.

Even another Fifth Rank Sect Master would find it challenging and perhaps even fail to break the defense of this formation.

With such a formation in place, even if Xin Su’s Divine Soul and Dharma Phase were absent, it could still protect her physical body from harm.

“It seems that she has already made preparations for a lengthy battle,” Zhou Heng assessed, and then said, “Lord Zhang, please guard the law, for I will enter the dream to slay the demon.”

“Ah?” Zhang Qiu was momentarily stunned, as if unable to process the information, and asked in confusion, “No need for any preparations?”

He vividly remembered that before Xin Su had set up the prohibitive formation, she had made many preparations.

Firstly, she had gathered numerous Spiritual Materials, painted a variety of intricate Talismans, and then arranged an enigmatically powerful Formation before she truly began.

Now, hearing the Ziwei Emperor’s intent, it seemed as though he meant to directly kill the enemy?

Wasn’t that too rash?

“No special preparations are necessary,” Zhou Heng smiled and sat down cross-legged outside the formation, lightly pushing his hairpin.

A stream of clear Qi burst out from his Heavenly Gate, gliding unobstructed into the forbidden formation laid down by Xin Su.

Then, it entered Xin Su’s body and connected with the depths of her spirit.

The Qi transformed into an old man riding a green ox, following her Divine Sense into her dream.

A wisp of Divine Soul entered the dream!

…

Dreams are often filled with bizarre and fantastic elements that would never occur in reality.

Sometimes, the same entity might appear with completely inconsistent portrayals that lack any logic, and the connections between events and characters are usually fragmented and disjointed.

Dreams, both illusory and real, are unfathomable.

To enter a dream with one’s Divine Soul is to enter someone else’s bizarre reality while maintaining a clear state of mind.

If one’s will isn’t strong enough or they’re not sufficiently lucid, they might immerse themselves in someone else’s dream, unable to extricate themselves.

Zhou Heng suspected that Xin Su had encountered a similar situation.

Therefore, his first action was to enter Xin Su’s dream to investigate the state of her dream, and then through her dream, to explore the dreams of the other ten thousand people.

As Zhou Heng’s wisp of Divine Soul, now an old man riding a green ox, passed through layers of “fog,” he found himself on the outskirts of a small mountain village.

However, the village was in flames, with people running about, crying out in despair. People fell and were consumed by the flames every moment, turning into charred bodies.

At the entrance of the village stood a girl of about seven or eight, shivering as she faced the burning village.

Zhou Heng sensed a familiar aura from the girl and was about to approach on his green ox—

but the girl suddenly turned around; her face was devoid of features, as smooth as a sheet of paper, horrifying to behold. She began to step forward slowly.

One step!

One step!

She slowly approached Zhou Heng.

Suddenly, a voice that seemed to emanate from a ghost asked from the void.

“Did you start the fire?!”