In the boundless azure sky, a sudden whooshing sound broke through, followed by several black figures swiftly approaching. In the blink of an eye, they appeared on a verdant peak, treading upon the void. “Young Pavilion Master, ahead is the territory of the Yan Alliance. At our current pace, we should reach the Xuan Huang Sky Ravine by dusk.” The white-robed elder, after landing on the peak, glanced around and then spoke respectfully to Xiao Yan at his side.
Xiao Yan nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the group, and couldn’t help but smile. This formidable lineup, though not extremely powerful in the Central Continent, was more than enough to make the ground tremble on this Northwest Continent.
“According to the latest intelligence gathered, the Lion Secret Sect, along with some from the Soul Hall and other strong individuals coerced or enticed into their ranks, boasts over thirty Dou Zun level experts. On the contrary, the Yan Alliance has only about ten. The disparity in numbers between the two sides is staggering,” the white-robed elder continued after a brief pause.
“Thirty-plus Dou Zun experts…” Xiao Yan interlaced his fingers gently, deep in thought. Though the quality of fighters on the Northwest Continent could not match the Central Continent, it was still considerable. After all, this was a vast land, and the Soul Hall had the means to attract many strong warriors. Therefore, Xiao Yan was not surprised by the Lion Secret Sect’s formidable army. As for the Yan Alliance, when he left, the strongest in the alliance was the four-to-five-star Battle Sect, Cai Lin. With her years of cultivation, she must have reached the Dou Zun level. Given her lineage as a Heaven Devouring Python and her natural talent, such rapid progress was expected.
Yet, no matter how strong Cai Lin was, she was just one person. It was already quite surprising that the Yan Alliance could muster ten Dou Zun-level experts. Such strength would be considered top-notch even in the Central Continent, indicating how rapidly the Yan Alliance had developed.
“How many of the Lion Secret Sect’s experts are above the six-star Dou Zun level?” Xiao Yan hesitated for a moment before asking. Within the Dou Zun rank, every level difference was significant. If facing opponents merely at the one-star Dou Zun level, even ten would not pose a significant threat to him.
“The Lion Secret Sect should have eight experts above the six-star Dou Zun level. Among them, four have reached the eight-star Dou Zun. However, it’s unclear if the Soul Hall has any stronger hidden assets,” the white-robed elder pondered.
“Mm, thank you, Elder Xia,” Xiao Yan nodded slightly.
“Young Pavilion Master, don’t mention it.”
“Let’s go, increase our speed; we aim to reach the Xuan Huang Sky Ravine by dusk.” Xiao Yan exhaled softly, waved his hand, and gently tapped the ground. The space in front of him rippled, and his figure dissipated slowly. The large group behind him, undaunted, began to race forward.
Rumbling thunder echoed as thick, dark clouds covered the Xuan Huang Sky Ravine. Amidst the low, continuous rumbling, the black fog around the Xuan Huang Fortress gradually receded, revealing countless figures spreading out to the horizon. The deafening sounds of battle emanated from the army, causing the entire mountain range to tremble.
On the hundreds-of-feet-high fortress, the soldiers of the Yan Alliance looked grimly at the sea of enemies. Over the years, the Yan Alliance had encountered many foes during its expansion, but none as overwhelming as this. Everyone took a deep, collective breath, their gazes eventually converging on the central position on the wall where a graceful figure stood. She wore tight-fitting red armor, barely concealing her captivating curves. Even in this tense moment, her beautiful and resolute face showed no weakness.
Over the years, this mesmerizing woman led the Yan Alliance beyond the borders of the Jia Ma Empire, becoming one of the few major forces on the Northwest Continent. The Jia Ma Empire, once a relatively weak state, now secured a place in the continent. In the hearts of many Yan Alliance elites, no one could replace her, not even the founder, Xiao Yan.
“Finally, the battle begins,” Cai Lin narrowed her eyes, watching the retreating black fog. She gripped her sword, her lips tightly pursed, and her face radiating a cold, decisive air.
“Cai Lin, if we can’t hold, take Xiao Xiao and leave,” Xiao Ding, seated in a wheelchair, said softly, his gaze fixed on the distant fog.
“Of course, I can’t let anything happen to my brother’s child,” Xiao Li, with a grim expression, agreed.
But Cai Lin shook her head, looking at a little girl dressed in white beside her. About four or five years old, the girl’s delicate features were adorable, with a seven-colored snake mark on her forehead. Her big, dark eyes, filled with lively charm, made one lose track of time.
Looking at the girl, Cai Lin’s usually cold eyes softened. She crouched down, gently embracing the girl who, sensing the atmosphere, remained silent. “Mother, don’t be afraid. Uncle said Father will come back,” the girl said in a clear, crisp voice.
Cai Lin’s lips curved slightly, and she looked at Little Healer Immortal, “Will he really come?”
“Entering the Heavenly Tomb takes about half a year. By now, he should be out of the Ancient World. If he goes to Starfall Pavilion, Elder Pharmacist will inform him. Knowing his nature, he’ll rush here as fast as he can,” Little Healer Immortal nodded.
Cai Lin blinked, stroking the girl’s head, and turned to Little Healer Immortal, “If the fortress falls, take Xiao Xiao away. If anything happens to her, I’ll never forgive Xiao Yan, even if it costs me my life!”
Little Healer Immortal was taken aback but nodded silently, knowing Cai Lin’s resolute nature well.
“Sigh, Cai Lin, you’ve done too much for the Yan Alliance and the Xiao Family. If we weather this storm, I’ll make sure Xiao Yan marries you officially,” Xiao Ding sighed.
“Indeed, Big Brother. If that boy returns, we must settle this,” Xiao Li nodded firmly.
“Let’s first deal with the immediate problem,” Cai Lin placed Xiao Xiao down, her mind drifting to a young man in black. Biting her lip, her eyes filled with complex emotions. Each Queen of the Snake People, if truly in love, remains forever loyal, even in death. Thus, Cai Lin knew she would never forget that one person, his image deeply etched in her memory.
As Cai Lin stood up, a loud drumbeat echoed from the distant fog. Figures emerged, floating in the sky, exuding powerful auras.
A burly middle-aged man, wielding a golden greatsword, grinned fiercely, his eyes blazing. “Haha, Medusa, have you decided? Will you surrender to the Lion Secret Sect, or shall we exterminate your Yan Alliance, leaving none alive?”
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