Two months passed in the blink of an eye.
On this day, while Han Li was quietly meditating in his secluded chamber, Zhu Guo’er’s respectful voice suddenly came from outside:
“Senior Han, Lord Bi Ying has sent someone to summon you. They say the time for the Battle of the Strong has arrived.”
“Understood. I’ll go now. Since this journey may hold dangers, you and Hua Shi should stay here,” Han Li replied calmly as he opened his eyes.
A radiant glow enveloped his body, transforming into a streak of light that spiraled upward. With a flash, he pierced through the door and vanished into the sky.
Half an hour later, in the largest hall-like structure at the center of the fortress, Han Li finally met Bi Ying, Wen Xinfeng, and another tall, lean man clad in silver armor, his expression icy.
“This is Brother Lei Yuan, the overseer of our alliance in the Thunder Continent, holding a status equal to mine in the Blood Sky. As for Fellow Daoist Xue Sha, he encountered some minor troubles on the way but will arrive no later than tomorrow. However, we should proceed first. I trust none of you have any objections?” Bi Ying wasted no time introducing the fourth member of their team for the Battle of the Strong before making his announcement.
“Since you’re in charge of this Battle of the Strong, I won’t interfere,” the silver-armored man said expressionlessly.
Han Li and Wen Xinfeng naturally had no objections either.
After a brief discussion, the group exited the hall.
Outside the massive structure, rows of fully armored warriors stood in formation. Above the fortress, over a dozen enormous, flat flying vessels resembling floating islands loomed ominously in the sky.
At Bi Ying’s command, the warriors soared into the air and boarded these “islands.”
“Are these the only ones accompanying us to the Battle of the Strong?” the silver-armored man frowned as he observed the scene.
“Of course not. These are merely the visible forces. I’ve already mobilized personnel from other strongholds and arranged them at the predetermined location half a month ago. If those ghosts dare to break the agreement or scheme otherwise, they won’t leave alive,” Bi Ying replied without hesitation.
The silver-armored man nodded and said nothing more.
Once all the warriors had boarded the massive flying vessels high above, the group also ascended into the largest “island.”
Moments later, the colossal flying vessels rumbled to life and soared into the distance.
Half a day later, the fleet of over a dozen “islands” arrived above a strangely divided mountain range.
The range was split by an invisible boundary—one side lush and vibrant, filled with birdsong and floral fragrance, while the other was shrouded in rolling black mist, howling with eerie winds and ghostly wails.
The “giant islands” trembled before halting about two miles from the boundary. Then, streaks of light flashed as teams of warriors descended, some forming hand seals while others flung out arrays of formation tools. In no time, an enormous formation began taking shape below.
Others hurled multicolored orbs high into the air.
With thunderous booms, towering walls and various structures materialized, conjuring a small fortress out of thin air.
Simultaneously, armored warriors retrieved armed puppets from storage bracelets, activating them to patrol the newly formed battlements.
Meanwhile, Han Li, Bi Ying, and the others flew out from the giant island and gathered to gaze toward the distant boundary.
“Fellow Daoists, look—those five finger-like peaks are the designated battlegrounds. Once the battle begins, the five of us will head straight to these peaks. When all combatants from both sides arrive, our respective formation masters will activate two prearranged protective barriers, enclosing the duelists within. Only when one side surrenders or perishes will the barriers dissipate,” Bi Ying solemnly explained the general rules of the Battle of the Strong.
“Could the enemy tamper with the barriers?” Wen Xinfeng asked, her eyes flickering with suspicion.
“Rest assured, the two barriers are identical and simple in design. After deployment, both sides’ formation masters will inspect each other’s work to confirm no foul play before allowing combatants inside,” Bi Ying reassured with a smile.
“If one peak’s battle concludes early, can the victor join another?” Han Li inquired, his gaze sharp.
“While this wasn’t explicitly agreed upon, since the Battle of the Strong determines control over this realm, the overall strength of both sides will naturally be weighed,” Bi Ying stroked his short beard, his reply laden with implication.
“I understand.”
Though the answer was vague, Han Li smiled knowingly.
“This battle has no restrictions—any divine abilities or treasures may be used to defeat or kill the opponent. Of course, at our level, defeating an opponent may be manageable, but killing them will be exceedingly difficult. Moreover, our adversaries are no ordinary foes; their secret techniques and cultivation methods differ greatly from what we’re accustomed to. Exercise caution,” Bi Ying added gravely.
“Brother Bi, rest easy. I’ve encountered formidable ghosts before and have prepared countermeasures. Even if these foes differ from common specters, my methods should still prove effective,” Wen Xinfeng said with a charming smile, stroking the small beast in her arms.
“With your innate abilities already countering ghosts and additional specialized treasures, your chances of victory are undoubtedly high,” Bi Ying said, visibly pleased.
“One can’t be too certain. I’ve heard the so-called Ten Kings of the Underworld are the mightiest ghosts of their realm. They won’t be easily dealt with,” Wen Xinfeng shook her head.
“Haha, you’re too modest. Even if they’re formidable, none of us five are pushovers. I trust the outcome will satisfy me. Now, let’s retire to our temporary quarters below. Once Fellow Daoist Xue Sha arrives, we’ll send people to the five peaks to set up formations. I suspect the underworld ghosts have already gathered there,” Bi Ying said, casting a glance toward the roiling black mist beyond the boundary.
Meanwhile, deep within the black mist hundreds of miles away, nearly a hundred towering, pale “mountains” floated silently in the sky.
Shrouded in swirling shadows and swarming with spectral figures, these mountains—upon closer inspection—were revealed to be colossal piles of white bones, their surfaces uneven and flickering with faint phosphorescent flames.
At their entrances, green-faced, fanged ghosts with formidable auras moved about, their expressions fierce.
One bone mountain stood apart, guarded by thousands of armored, weapon-wielding fiends.
Within its blood-red hall, several indistinct shadows sat on dark thrones, conversing in low tones.
“To dispatch all five of us for such a trivial world—isn’t this overestimating them? Give me a million Yinlin troops, and I’ll raze their strongholds single-handedly. This ‘Battle of the Strong’ is unnecessary,” a towering shadow sneered.
“Don’t underestimate them. If these beings were so weak, the previous ghost kings wouldn’t have returned wounded after several clashes, leaving our forces stalled. They’ll surely send their strongest. Overconfidence could lead to humiliation—or worse, failure to report to Lord Xiong,” a slender shadow countered coolly.
“Their strongest? Perfect. My Five Yin Heart-Locking Hammer still lacks a true master’s soul as its spirit. Killing one would perfect it,” the first shadow boasted dismissively.
“Pity Lord Xiong is tied up battling the Night Ghosts for another underworld. With his near-immortal prowess, this battle would’ve been a foregone conclusion,” a third shadow sighed.
“The Night Ghosts’ leader is no pushover either. That fully-formed underworld takes precedence over this fledgling realm,” the slender shadow reasoned.
“Since we’re here, we’ll all fight when the time comes. Victory is over seventy percent assured. The real question is whether they’ll honor their retreat if we win. Seven Orifices King, are the contingency plans ready?” a serpentine voice hissed from a previously silent shadow.
At this, the others stiffened and fell silent.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage