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Chapter 254: Xia Clan Invitation
Chapter 254: Xia Clan Invitation
In Youzhou City, at the Xia Clan Divine General Manor.
In the East Pavilion, a noblewoman sat gracefully in the hall.
She appeared to be in her forties, yet her skin was as smooth as congealed fat, more tender than that of a young maiden. Adorned in luxurious clothing, she seemed to have stepped out of a painting, exuding both elegance and nobility.
She was not just any madam; she was the current Patriarch of the Xia Clan, Xia Linglong, and also the previous True Dragon.
Because she had vowed never to marry, she was eligible to compete for the position of True Dragon. With her exceptional talent, she was rumored to be the most talented person in the Xia Clan in several hundred years.
She reached the Three Eternities Realm at the age of twenty, though not as early as the Li Family's Monster, who had become an Immortal at nineteen, her achievements were once glorious, renowned throughout the land, and known to all.
When she took over the leadership of the Xia Clan, the various Demon forces took advantage of her being a woman, mocking the Xia Clan as declining, weak, and easily bullied. They wreaked havoc in the other Great Provinces under the Xia Clan's control, causing widespread suffering among the people.
However, after Xia Linglong ascended to power, she swiftly struck back with a thunderous response, slaying and repelling these Demons.
In many battles, she personally led the troops, donning iron armor and staining her hands with the blood of countless Demons. After the battles, she would return home, change into elegant gowns and apply makeup, enjoying tea and admiring flowers like those noble ladies.
But while those noble ladies read books on feminine virtues and the art of being a good wife, Xia Linglong held military documents, strategies, and maps of the Demon territories.
Half a month ago, the Gluttony Valley, which had been besieging the Mourning River outside Liangzhou, suddenly shifted its offensive and attacked Youzhou, their territory. This unexpected assault, combined with the personal leadership of the Gluttony Valley's Elder, broke through the Eastern Border defenses, and now half of eastern Youzhou has fallen.
Over thirty cities and their surrounding towns and villages have been destroyed, with a population of at least four to five million in each, some even reaching ten million.
The heavy blow to her own Great Province, which she was responsible for defending, has left her restless for days. The Gluttony Valley's Valley Lord had even acted wantonly, launching a surprise attack on the Divine General Manor, but was repelled by several Ultimate Mastery Realm uncles within the clan.
However, this battle also made her realize that the Gluttony Valley's Valley Lord was a formidable opponent. Though not at the Dao Realm, he was one of the strongest in the Ultimate Mastery Realm, with his flesh and blood condensed to the level of a top-tier divine weapon. Even the strongest secret techniques of the Ultimate Mastery Realm had limited effect on him.
Fortunately, this Gluttony Valley Lord had not yet reached the Void Realm; he was a Great Demon King who rose to power five hundred years ago and had not yet entered the Dao Realm.
Otherwise, the Xia Clan would truly face a catastrophe and would have to use their strongest reserves to resist!
Despite this, the current situation for the Xia Clan is dire.
"The eastern front, Xia Changkong has reported that the second line of defense is about to fall. They are retreating to the Ming River and activating the third line of defense."
An elder in the hall spoke in a deep voice.
He was from the older generation of the Xia Clan and was already dressed in armor, ready to depart for battle.
His gaze fell on Xia Linglong, the noblewoman in the hall. Though she was a woman, no one in the Xia Clan dared to underestimate her; they all held her in high regard and respect.
"Patriarch, please allow me to lead the troops and defend alongside Changkong!"
The elder volunteered, his eyes sharp like an eagle's. "If the third line of defense falls, I will fight the Gluttony Valley to the death!"
Others in the hall changed their expressions, hesitating to speak, wanting to object but unsure what to say. As members of the Divine General Manor, it was their duty, and many had already lost loved ones on the frontlines.
"Bloodshed is the final option, not the goal."
Xia Linglong spoke, her eyes, usually gentle, now cold and resolute.
"Even with the third line of defense, you might not hold against the Gluttony Valley Lord. The power disparity between us is too great, especially at the highest level. We must also be cautious of other Demon forces that might take advantage of the chaos. We cannot risk everything until the situation is clearer!"
The elder's expression changed slightly, but he did not question her, waiting for her to continue.
Xia Linglong paused briefly before speaking softly but firmly:
"The third line of defense will be a feint. We will lure the Gluttony Valley Lord into the Cangling Mountains, where our ancestors have set up an array. Using the power of the array, we will trap the Gluttony Valley Lord. Then, we will launch a full-scale assault on the frontlines to eliminate all the Demons. Finally, we will engage the Gluttony Valley Lord in a decisive battle. This time, I will summon the Ancestral Sacred Treasure!"
Hearing her words, the elder’s expression changed slightly, and the others also narrowed their eyes.
They all sensed the Patriarch's immense resolve.
"But if the third line of defense is breached, we will lose more than a dozen cities..." the elder couldn’t help but say.
Xia Linglong gazed at him and said, "I have already sent Uncle Seven with a hundred thousand troops to evacuate the residents of those cities. Only a few City Governors will remain. It’s not a problem if the cities fall, as long as the people are safe. Once the war is over, the Xia Clan will send troops to help them rebuild."
"Everyone has been evacuated?" the elder couldn’t help but ask.
Xia Linglong fell silent for a moment before saying, "Not all of them, but we had to act quickly to save more people. We had no choice."
Everyone was silent, and the elder also fell silent. He knew that this niece was intelligent and strategic. If she couldn’t think of a better solution, it meant there truly was no better option.
"Requests for aid have been sent to Dayu Province, but beyond the Imperial City, it’s said that Demons are also entrenched, making it impossible to send reinforcements. Since the Liangzhou battle, no, I should say, over the past few decades, frequent Demon ambushes, especially targeting the Li Family's defenses, have nearly severed their lineage. I have already foreseen that these Demons are plotting something significant..."
Xia Linglong took a deep breath, her eyes cold, and said:
"The Liangzhou battle was just the prelude. Fortunately, it was defended by that young man. Otherwise, with Liangzhou’s terrain, if the Demons had occupied it, the next target would have been Youzhou, and they could have invaded other provinces via the rivers, making it both an offensive and defensive stronghold. It would have been a major disaster!"
"Their rapid attack failed, and their momentum was cut off, forcing them to shift their focus. They are trying to tear a hole in our Youzhou. This is just the beginning. The Emperor must have sensed it, but he hasn’t sent reinforcements. If I’m not mistaken, the Demons’ true target might not be Youzhou, but the Imperial City..."
"Now, it’s a matter of who makes the first move and who can’t hold out any longer."
"So, we can only rely on ourselves!"
Hearing her words, everyone’s faces grew serious, knowing that the thousand years of peace in the Dayu Divine Dynasty had been shattered.
As members of the Divine General Manor, they had long been exposed to border battle reports and had already sensed that the Dayu Divine Dynasty’s deterrent against the Demons was weakening year by year.
The Demons, on the other hand, were becoming increasingly rampant. This battle was inevitable, but no one expected it to come so soon.
"In times of chaos, heroes emerge. The appearance of that young hero is a clear sign that the chaotic era has arrived..."
Someone sighed lightly.
"I will go to the Cangling region and set up defenses in advance", the elder said to Xia Linglong.
Xia Linglong nodded and said, "Thank you, Uncle Four."
"The task of slaying demons doesn’t require thanks. Don’t insult me", the elder grunted.
Xia Linglong’s cold eyes softened slightly, and she said, "I was wrong."
The elder waved his hand and was about to rise when a beam of light, like an arrow, shot into the Divine General Manor.
The elder immediately sensed it, his expression changing. He raised his hand and summoned the message, which had been urgently transmitted by the Xia Clan’s special Secret Art.
"Liyang?"
Seeing the words on the envelope, the elder’s expression changed. It was a message from Liyang!
Xia Linglong’s expression also turned serious. "Has Liyang fallen so quickly?"
The elder pushed the letter toward her.
Xia Linglong quickly scanned it, and her serious expression turned to surprise.
"Liyang has fallen?"
"Is it a fall or a request for help?"
The others, upon learning it was news from Liyang, also became tense. If the northwest fell, the Demons would be able to attack Youzhou from two fronts.
Xia Linglong finished reading the letter and looked up at the elder.
The elder’s eyes asked a question.
Xia Linglong’s eyes gradually sparkled with a brilliant light, and she said, "Liyang is safe!"
"They won?"
"Didn’t they say their supplies were cut off? If the Demons cut off their supplies, they must have planned a siege. They should have delayed the first-rank attack."
Everyone was stunned, then their faces lit up with joy.
Finally, there was some good news in the ongoing battle reports.
"Could it be that my son, Xia Yuanming, broke through in battle?"
"Your son isn’t as smart as Blue Frost. It must be Blue Frost, but she only recently entered the Tianren Realm, so she shouldn’t have the ability to decide the outcome of a battle, right?"
Hearing the good news, everyone’s expressions brightened, and they even teased each other.
Xia Linglong didn’t keep them in suspense and said, "Everyone remembers that young Duke-ranked General, right? He has come to our Youzhou!"
"Huh?"
"What!"
Everyone was stunned for a moment, then they realized that the Duke-ranked young General was the only one in the entire Dayu Divine Dynasty—the one who defended Liangzhou.
Of course, they were not unfamiliar with the young man. When news of his deeds spread, a phenomenon emerged in the cities across the states: people began to create War Banners inscribed with the words "Hao Tian" in their storerooms, ready to hang them if Demons attacked and war broke out.
The deterrent power of these War Banners became widely known, and they were treated as strategic resources by all sides.
Perhaps one day, when the Dayu Divine Dynasty faces a comprehensive crisis, the flags of this young man, along with his legendary reputation, will be raised in cities everywhere!
For the people of the Divine General Manor, while they envied the young man's fame, they also knew that only he could achieve such a feat. The unique nature of his War Banners made their reputation surpass even the Ancestor banners of the Five Divine General Manors.
"Are you talking about that Hao Tian General?"
"Isn't he at the Mourning River outside Liangzhou? Why would he come to Youzhou? Did he come specifically to reinforce us?"
"Liangzhou and Youzhou are not far apart. Perhaps he heard the news? But we haven't heard of him leaving the Mourning River. Recently, the Demons outside the Mourning River retreated to attack Qingzhou. Now, there are no Demons left outside the Mourning River. Maybe he didn't engage in any major battles after coming out, so we didn't know?"
"Isn't the news wrong? Qingzhou is almost fallen. He's not in Qingzhou but came to our Youzhou first?"
"Does he not know about Qingzhou?"
Everyone looked at Xia Linglong in surprise and doubt.
Xia Linglong also realized that if the young man had come out, he should have rushed to Qingzhou first. Could the news be incorrect?
But then, she thought about some of the young man's actions. Her eyes flickered, and she suddenly understood the reason.
It seemed that the father-son battle in Qingzhou had a significant impact. The young man had truly chosen to sever ties with the Li Family, cutting all connections!
He must not only lack gratitude but also bear resentment. Otherwise, why would he come to Youzhou instead of Qingzhou?
Thinking about this, a hint of doubt crossed her mind. Although she didn't know what had happened between the father and son, the young man's actions—saving Liangzhou and luring away the Void Realm's sovereign—demonstrated his noble heart and chivalrous spirit. What could he have done to deserve such treatment from the Li Family?
"The military dispatch shows no signs of tampering, and the secret patterns are intact. The news is genuine. Unless the Demons have already invaded Liyang and forced them to write this message", Xia Linglong said. This also conveyed to everyone that the news was absolutely true and could not be false.
The Xia Clan's warriors would never betray their family.
Everyone understood her meaning. Some showed signs of joy and said:
"Regardless, his willingness to come and help us, the Xia Clan, is a favor. Since Liyang City has been defended, and we've heard he can slay Demon Kings and has the power of the Ultimate Mastery Realm, we should invite him to discuss the suppression of the Gluttony Valley Lord."
"Agreed. If he is willing, we can ask the old Madam to send him a chick", another person suggested.
Xia Linglong nodded slightly; she shared this thought.
The "chick" raised by the old Madam was not a real chick but a Great Demon.
The Xia Clan's cultivation techniques focused on object control and spirit refinement, making them skilled in taming Demons and warhorses.
The most elite warhorses in the Dayu Divine Dynasty were bred by the Xia Clan. The Imperial Clan's dragon serpents were also trained and raised by the Xia Clan. In the Imperial Court, there was a position called the Dragon Keeper, which was traditionally held by the Xia Clan.
Many high-ranking officials' hybrid mounts, such as the Dragon Lions of Qingzhou, came from the Dragon Keeper's office.
"Having such a powerful ally, any cost is worth it", the elder said to Xia Linglong.
Xia Linglong nodded and immediately ordered someone to write a letter and send it back to Liyang.
...
Liyang City.
The scouts outside the city returned and reported to the Old General of the Xia Family and others that the Demon army outside the city had completely withdrawn.
Hearing this news, everyone was stunned, not expecting the Demon Tide that had caused fear and unrest in the city to retreat so easily and quietly.
Just because of one young man's arrival.
One person entered the city and scared off millions of Demons outside!
Was this the young man's reputation?
They had heard stories about the young man from various sources before, feeling shocked, envious, and even a bit jealous. But at this moment, they truly felt the immense deterrent power he had over the Demons!
All the disputes and rumors materialized in this moment.
The young man simply rode into the pass without uttering a single word to the Demons, yet he surpassed their frantic roars and desperate resistance!
This was the gap.
Several young Lieutenant Generals of the Xia Clan looked at each other with complex expressions. They were the young generation of the Xia Clan, pitted against the young generation of the Li Family. That young man was from the Li Family, and now, they had been thoroughly defeated.
Even if they were all tied together, they couldn't match the young man in the slightest, which filled them with sorrow.
Li Hao didn't stay in Liyang City for more than two days before receiving a reply from the Xia Clan. Patriarch Xia Linglong of the Xia Clan personally wrote a letter inviting him to the Xia Clan's Divine General Manor to express her gratitude.
Li Hao was somewhat surprised. He had planned to leave Liyang City as soon as his stay was over and return to Liangzhou. However, with the Patriarch of the Xia Clan extending a personal and formal invitation, it would be impolite to refuse.
Fortunately, the journey from Liyang City to Youzhou City took less than half a day, so it wouldn't be a significant delay.
To his disappointment, the Old General of the Xia Family had collected some Famous Paintings and Chess Manuals for him, but none of them met the true standard of "masterpieces" and couldn't be included.
Liyang City was a border city, often embroiled in wars. The city's stockpiles of bows and arrows far exceeded its supply of scholarly works. He couldn't find what he was looking for here.
"Perhaps when we meet, I can ask the Xia Clan for help in finding what I need."
Li Hao thought to himself, sitting on his horse as he asked the Old General of the Xia Family for a Pass Order.
The Old General of the Xia Family wanted to accompany Li Hao personally, but Li Hao declined because the Candlelight Deity was unwilling to carry anyone.
With the Pass Order, Li Hao had no need to conceal himself and let the Candlelight Deity fly at full speed.
The Candlelight Deity soared into the sky, revealing its body with a fiery lion's head and a dragon's tail, and disappeared from Liyang City in the blink of an eye.
"That's... a Demon Mount?"
The Old General of the Xia Family and Xia Qingshuang were all taken aback. They had spent their lives dealing with Demons but had never recognized that Li Hao's horse was actually a transformed Demon!
Moreover, the aura emitted by the Demon filled them with fear; it was far from that of an ordinary Great Demon.
In Youzhou City, at the Xia Clan's Divine General Manor.
Li Hao rode the Candlelight Deity and dismounted just before entering the city, allowing the Candlelight Deity to transform into a human form and follow him into the city.
The city was bustling and lively. Li Hao walked slowly, letting Xiyian on his wrist enjoy the sights. Earlier, in the small town, he had accompanied her to listen to a night of opera, which had made her happy for days.
On the streets, various Lanterns, Paper Umbrellas, and Cosmetics stalls were selling their wares.
Li Hao bought a string of Candied Haw, holding it in his hand. Xiyian occasionally extended a cluster of Small Red Tentacles to steal a bite.
"So sweet~"
Xiyian stealthily licked the Candied Haw, her Small Red Tentacles being very agile and thoroughly enjoying the treat. "It doesn't have much nutrition, but it's so delicious."
Li Hao smiled. "I haven't had much chance to cook for you. When we have the time, I'll show you my skills."
"Sure!"
Xiyian agreed enthusiastically.
Li Hao smiled and took her on a leisurely tour of the streets before heading to the Xia Clan's Divine General Manor.
Upon learning that Li Hao had arrived, the Xia Clan was immediately alarmed, not expecting him so soon.
Xia Linglong, upon receiving the news, immediately put down her teacup and personally rushed out of the East Pavilion to welcome him at the gate.
When she saw the young man standing outside the manor, her gaze immediately fell on Li Hao. She had never seen the human form of the Candlelight Deity, who had been in seclusion for so long. Even though the Candlelight Deity had appeared in Liangzhou, it was enveloped in divine might, and its current concealed aura was quite different. Moreover, those who had seen it couldn't describe its exact appearance to others.
"General Hao Tian, welcome to the Xia Clan's manor."
Xia Linglong smiled warmly.
(End of Chapter)
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