Chapter 151: The Venomous Hand

This elite force was equipped with the finest armaments, even though it was only a battalion in size. They had more than ten war machines and several self-propelled heavy cannons. All the infantry were transported in armored personnel carriers.

Accompanying this force were two floating battleships. Though they were just the lowest-grade gunboats, they were still active warships, far superior to the old and worn-out sky vessels commonly seen on the Eternal Night Continent.

Their marching speed was exceptionally fast; the scouts outside Black Current City had not yet managed to send an alarm when the watchmen on the city walls already spotted them.

A Darkflame sentry suddenly cried out in alarm, as the banner of the Nan Gong family appeared so glaringly in his telescope.

About a kilometer away from Black Current City, the force halted and formed a combat formation. Several self-propelled heavy cannons dropped their supports, raising their barrels, aiming directly at the city.

The sentry, while calling for someone to report to the officers, moved his telescope to observe the formation, and suddenly saw a flash from one of the cannon muzzles. The sentry’s face turned ashen with shock, then he was engulfed by a deafening boom and a cloud of smoke.

To the onlookers, those self-propelled heavy cannons fired in unison, with streaks of fire shooting towards the top of the Black Current City wall, then exploding mid-air with pinpoint accuracy.

What was supposed to be a ceremonial bombardment took a sudden turn. The section of the wall below the explosions began to vibrate violently, then split open, along with a watchtower that slowly crumbled. A few warriors on top were thrown out, screaming in agony as they fell into the city, while the rest were buried under the collapsing rubble.

A piercing alarm sounded over Black Current City, and the Darkflame warriors instantly rushed from the barracks to their designated positions. The survivors of the recent battle had become hardened veterans, with combat becoming an instinct ingrained in their blood.

After the initial round of cannon fire, the opposing force did not continue their attack.

“Hold! Do not fire!” shouted a major on the city wall, pressing down the muzzles of the soldiers’ guns.

A sergeant barked at the major, “What are you doing? Don’t you see how many of our brothers have died? If we don’t die at the hands of the Black Blood bastards, do we have to die at the hands of the Empire?”

The officer’s face was grim, obviously suppressing his own anger. He said in a low voice, “That’s the Nan Gong family’s army. If we fire, it will mean declaring war on the Nan Gong family. This is not something we can decide!”

The sergeant’s eyes blazed with fury, glaring at the officer, but though he was enraged, he knew the major was right. Those few rounds seemed more like a warning from the Nan Gong family, aimed at intimidating Black Current City. However, there was a bloody ‘accident’ that went wrong.

Outside the city, a man with a sullen face lowered his telescope, a confident sneer curling his lips. “It seems Song Zining’s ability to lead troops is nothing more than this.”

The aide beside him immediately said, “How can their capabilities compare to the elite forces of the Nan Gong family?”

The man waved his hand forward, saying, “Since the greeting has been delivered, it’s time to make a visit.” With that, he and the aide boarded a command vehicle and headed towards Black Current City. Several war machines tried to follow but were stopped by his gesture.

Seeing a lone off-road command vehicle leave the main force and head straight for the city gate, the Darkflame major on the wall became even more cautious. Their weapons could handle heavy war machines, but not the powerful individuals inside the command vehicle.

Just as the major hesitated about issuing a warning shot, a deep voice behind him said, “Let them in.”

The whistle gave a short blast, and puffs of steam rose as the recently repaired gates of Black Current City slowly slid open. The off-road vehicle entered without hesitation.

In the center of the city street stood a man like an iron tower, standing with his hands behind his back, his gaze sharp as a blade, staring at the approaching vehicle. The vehicle, however, did not slow down, its engine roaring as it crashed straight into the man!

The man in the middle of the road did not move, his expression unchanged, as if the charging vehicle was not there.

With a screech of brakes, the vehicle slowed abruptly, bouncing violently, finally stopping just in time, though the front of the vehicle still hit the man, emitting a dull thud. A pale shade briefly crossed the man’s face before disappearing.

The door of the off-road command vehicle opened, and the sullen-faced man stepped out, looking at the man blocking the way and nodding appreciatively, “Even in this barbaric place, there are such fierce generals! What is your name?”

“Duan Hao.”

The sullen-faced man nodded, “I am Nan Gong Zhen, here to pay my respects to Qian Ye.” Despite his clear ill intentions, his demeanor was polite and measured, revealing the manners of a great noble family.

Duan Hao’s brow twitched slightly, “Qian Ye is waiting. Please follow me. And this vehicle must stop here.”

“Very well, I’ll follow you,” Nan Gong Zhen agreed, ordering the aide to get out and follow Duan Hao towards the Darkflame headquarters.

Midway, Nan Gong Zhen suddenly said, “Duan Hao, I see you as a rare talent. Would you consider returning with me to Yu Land? I command ten thousand elite soldiers, and you may choose any of them. With meritorious service, I can ensure you become a feudal lord.”

Duan Hao grinned widely, “I’m a simple man, good for nothing else. Besides, I’ve already sold my life to Qian Ye.”

The aide’s face darkened, growling, “You should be grateful the lord is giving you a chance! Don’t…”

Nan Gong Zhen frowned, raising his hand to stop the aide. Duan Hao, however, let out a sinister laugh, glancing at the aide, who inexplicably shivered and felt a chill.

Duan Hao was still at the eighth level, though the ninth node had a faint light, but he was not yet a ninth-level warrior. The aide, however, was a true ninth-level. Yet, Duan Hao’s fierce aura, born from countless battles, was rare. As they faced off, the aide was immediately intimidated, instinctively wanting to retreat.

Nan Gong Zhen’s expression darkened further, grunting. He knew that if they were on the battlefield, his aide would be no match for Duan Hao, which was exactly why he admired Duan Hao.

If one of his subordinates was like this, what kind of person must Song Zining be? And there was also the mysterious city lord, Qianye, of Black Current City.

In the battle of Black Current, it was rumored that Song Zining led the charge and cut down the enemy general. However, the Nan Gong family had observers on the outskirts who reported that Qianye, alone, had broken through the enemy lines, decapitated Lud, and thus broke the siege. But after the battle, Qianye had not been seen, suggesting he was also severely injured. This was the perfect time to settle old scores.

Nan Gong Zhen’s expression became slightly serious, but his arrogance remained. Walking with Duan Hao was a sign of respect and humility.

In the study, Song Zining stood by the window, watching the group on the Darkflame Avenue, muttering, “Nan Gong Zhen? So, it’s him. This is interesting.”

Nan Gong Zhen had long been famous, commanding armies mainly against foreign tribes. He had recently joined the Elder Council, becoming one of the youngest elders of the Nan Gong family.

Behind Song Zining, Song Hu was reporting the initial cannon fire. Song Zining’s face remained calm, but his right hand behind his back clenched and relaxed—a habit he had when preparing to kill.

Moments later, Nan Gong Zhen entered the study. He looked deeply at Song Zining, then sat down as if he were the master of the house.

Song Hu and Duan Hao were enraged, stepping forward to shout. Nan Gong Zhen only glanced at them, and a mountain-like pressure fell upon them, making breathing difficult and their bones creak.

Despite their high ranks, Duan Hao and Song Hu were no match for Nan Gong Zhen’s overwhelming strength.

“How dare you be disrespectful to Lord Nan Gong?” Song Zining waved his hand, signaling Duan Hao and Song Hu to step back, and the pressure on them dissipated.

Song Zining’s composure remained, as if he did not mind Nan Gong Zhen’s rudeness. He swept his sleeve and sat calmly, ignoring Nan Gong Zhen’s sharp gaze.

Nan Gong Zhen’s eyes flickered with surprise, then he said, “Meeting you is better than hearing about you, Qian Ye. No wonder you won the Battle of Black Current.”

Song Zining smiled, “It was luck. You flatter me, Lord Nan Gong. What brings you here?”

Nan Gong Zhen did not answer but asked, “Where is your city lord?”

Song Zining raised an eyebrow, pointing to the floor, “On this land, I can handle anything.” But inwardly, he was on high alert. Qianye’s seclusion was not a secret, so what was Nan Gong Zhen planning?

Nan Gong Zhen huffed, slamming the armrest of his chair. “That Qian Ye killed many of my family’s sons. Does he think he can hide and meditate without consequences? Let him come out and face death!”

As he spoke, Nan Gong Zhen’s voice grew harsh, and his power surged, creating a storm in the study. Bookshelves and chairs flew around, smashing against the walls.

Song Hu was thrown back, slamming into the wall and spitting blood. Duan Hao roared, fighting back, but still retreated, leaving deep footprints in the floor. Even Nan Gong Zhen’s aide, who was a distance away, turned pale and backed up until he steadied himself against the wall.

Only Song Zining remained seated, his clothes billowing. The only furniture left intact were the seats beneath Song Zining and Nan Gong Zhen.

Song Zining’s face darkened, shouting, “Nan Gong Zhen! This is under the Iron Curtain. If you’re not careful, none of us will benefit!”

“So what?” Nan Gong Zhen sneered, continuing to increase his power.

A loud boom echoed, and half the wall facing the small square collapsed, sweeping Song Hu, Duan Hao, and the aide out. A faint vortex began to form inside the room.

At that moment, the atmosphere in Black Current City became oppressive. The leaden gray sky, usually unchanged, now rippled like a lake disturbed by a stone. The slight disturbance did not fully subside, and the Iron Curtain seemed to sink, continuing to descend. A vast, indescribable aura was brewing, causing a shiver of fear.

Only those strong enough could sense the terrifying aura. Most common people were unaware, but their moods suddenly soured, with a violent roar in their chests, unable to calm.

Song Zining was shocked and furious, now fully understanding Nan Gong Zhen’s intent.

Clearly, Nan Gong Zhen had learned that Qianye was in seclusion, healing. Any disturbance would be fatal. By coming here, he wanted to draw the Celestial Ghost’s aura across the city, inflicting severe damage on Qianye. Under the Iron Curtain, the Celestial Ghost’s will was omnipresent, especially for the strong, and no mere wall could block it.

If Qianye was disturbed, he might suffer mental and foundational damage, stunting his growth. Nan Gong Zhen’s plan was extremely vicious.

Nan Gong Zhen smirked, sitting steadily, controlling his power at a critical point—enough to attract the Celestial Ghost’s aura, yet not drawing its full attention.