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Chapter 61: Allocating task
As for the more critical task of eradicating the sand monster nests, the four forces dispatched only secondary forces not because they didn't attach enough importance to it, but based on the actual situation.
Experienced cultivators skilled in searching for sand monster nests had already determined that the sand monster colony this time originated from three different nests. Sand monster nests were always well-hidden and challenging to pinpoint accurately.
Despite multiple efforts by these cultivators, they could only identify the general locations of the sand monster nests. Several areas that might potentially contain sand monster nests were marked on the map.
Thus, the four forces separately summoned vassal forces, hoping to quickly determine the exact locations of the sand monster nests through the strategy of a massive number of people searching together and then eradicate them.
Twin Success Valley summoned vassal forces to search one of those regions.
After briefing everyone on the general situation, Xiao Shenqiang formed a hand seal, and a massive sand table appeared in the sky. The sand table displayed the terrain and topography of an area spanning hundreds of li (over a hundred kilometers).
The sand table was detailed, clearly showing various intricate details.
"Pay close attention and memorize everything on this sand table. Remember it firmly in your minds," Xiao Shenqiang ordered solemnly.
Cultivators had far better memory than ordinary people, and many of them had the ability to recall things at a glance. Including Meng Zhang, the cultivators below focused and quickly memorized the details.
After a while, when Xiao Shenqiang felt everyone had memorized the information sufficiently, he began to assign tasks.
Each force was given an area to search based on the number and strength of the cultivators they sent. Since the sand monster nests were buried deep underground, the only way to find them was to use a cumbersome method, searching each suspicious area inch by inch.
"Anyone who first discovers a sand monster nest will have their force exempted from three years of offerings," Xiao Shenqiang set a reward.
A large portion of the income earned by all vassal forces under Twin Success Valley's command was annually dedicated as offerings to Twin Success Valley. Three years' worth of offerings exempted was a considerable amount of spirit stones, which held great appeal to every vassal force.
"Anyone who dares to retreat or hesitate during the search will be executed without mercy," Xiao Shenqiang continued, not only offering rewards but also enforcing consequences.
His round face lost all its smiles, and he appeared stern and resolute.
"If you don't search every grain of sand in the desert to find the sand monster nest, you will all pay double offerings to us this year."
As he spoke, Xiao Shenqiang's expression turned somewhat bitter and malicious.
Shan Ying, who had been silent with a dark expression on his face, suddenly interjected, "If anyone dares to deceive and overlook a sand monster nest in their assigned area, their entire family will be executed without mercy."
Despite the pitiful cries of the crowd below, Shan Ying waved his hand and dispersed them.
"Why are you still standing around? Move quickly! Today is the first day," Xiao Shenqiang urged as he glanced at the sky, which was about to darken. The solemn expression on everyone's face intensified.
No matter how lamentable they felt or harbored any hidden discontent, all of them had no thoughts or power to resist Twin Success Valley.
The crowd quickly dispersed, and the cultivators began to leave the main camp in groups.
Most of the forces in the main camp, except for a few like the Zhao Family, had various mounts. Among them were formidable demonic beast mounts, even stronger than the Wind Chasing Horses. Meng Zhang and his companions rode Wind Chasing Horses, quickly leaving the main camp far behind.
Taiyi Sect only had three cultivators, and their strength wasn't impressive. Twin Success Valley arranged a small search area for them, not out of kindness but to avoid complications.
The longer the sand monster nests existed, the greater the potential threat they posed. When Meng Zhang and his companions arrived at their destination, night had fallen, adding to the difficulty of searching for the sand monster nests.
Ignoring the darkness, they dismounted their Wind Chasing Horses and began the meticulous search.
The vast and flat desert offered no cover, and the sand monster nests would not be on the surface. The nests were buried deep underground, impossible to detect from the surface.
To search for the sand monster nests, cultivators generally used the Earth Escape Spell to delve underground and search. Even for Refining Qi Late stage cultivators, not all of them could use the Earth Escape Spell. For those unable to use it, they could use Earth Escape Spell talismans. And if they lacked even those, they had no choice but to dig the ground honestly. To complete the search within the time limit assigned by Twin Success Valley would be an incredibly difficult task.
All the cultivators from the vassal forces began to work tirelessly.
Although the Zhao Family cultivators were the first to arrive at the destination with the use of their flying boat, they couldn't search the underground from the boat. One by one, the Zhao Family cultivators jumped down and began using the Earth Escape Spell to burrow underground, carefully searching every inch of the area.
After all the cultivators from the vassal forces began their actions, many Twin Success Valley cultivators also left the main camp. Although the main forces of Twin Success Valley were sent to confront the sand monster colony, they had also arranged a significant number of disciples to search for the sand monster nests. The disciples were tasked with searching the areas that were most likely to contain the sand monster nests. Compared to the mixed vassal forces, Twin Success Valley naturally trusted their own disciples more.
Shan Ying, a Foundation Building stage cultivator, remained in the main camp, ready to provide support in any direction upon receiving the news.
Meng Zhang examined the area assigned to Taiyi Sect and realized that searching this designated area within the allotted time would be an incredibly challenging task.
However, no matter how difficult it might be, the tasks assigned by Twin Success Valley had to be completed on time.
None of the three had the ability to use the Earth Escape Spell, but fortunately, Meng Zhang had prepared numerous Earth Escape talismans.
In Meng Zhang's view, if a sand monster nest existed underground, no matter how deep it was buried, it must have left a passage for the sand monsters to enter and exit. These passages would be close to the surface, making it easier for the sand monsters to move in and out.
Unfortunately, Meng Zhang's Deception Breaking Eye could see through illusions, but it couldn't penetrate deep underground. If the exits and entrances of the passages weren't close by, he wouldn't be able to see them if they were buried too deeply.
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