https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-816-The-Power-of-Divine-Fire-Gauging-Battle-Strength/12942993/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-818-The-Array-Covers-a-Region-a-Giant-Palm-Covers-the-Sky/12942995/
Chapter 817: The Ambush Plan, A Seven-Person Collaboration
Chapter 817: The Ambush Plan, A Seven-Person Collaboration
"After the Ancient Era, three thousand years have passed!"
"We, the humans of the East, have toiled and struggled, expanding our territories and establishing thirty-six realms, thus laying the foundation for the flourishing cultivation world in the East."
"However, the demonic beasts, with their untamed nature, have broken the ancient pact..."
After the Yuan Ying cultivators had gathered, the Ling Tian City Lord began his lengthy speech.
His words sounded impressive, but everyone was well aware of the situation, and they were waiting for the real content to unfold.
The Ling Tian City Lord didn't keep them waiting long. After a brief pause, he spoke in a deep voice:
"The ambitions of the demon race are clear to all of you. They not only desire a city or a region, not just one or ten realms, but they aim to conquer the entire East and annihilate us humans!"
"Therefore, I, the leader of the Misty Abyss Sect, have built the Ling Tian Pass here to block the demon army's advance."
"As the saying goes, 'One drumbeat can make an army advance, a second can make it retreat, and a third will cause it to collapse.' By stopping them here, the countless low-level demonic beasts with low spiritual intelligence and wild nature will be uncontrollable, even for the most powerful Demon Monarchs. Then, it will be our turn to counterattack!"
"It's evident that the demon race also has capable individuals who consider the Ling Tian Pass as a thorn in their side, a constant irritation. They wish to eliminate us."
"The siege two months ago was a test of our defenses."
"If they had succeeded, the Ling Tian Pass would have become an isolated city, and without any support, its fall would have been inevitable."
"We cannot sit idly and wait for our demise!"
"Therefore, I, as the City Lord, intend to launch an ambush, striking them where it hurts. Simultaneously, we will create a strategic buffer zone for the Ling Tian Pass."
Ambush!
These three words immediately captured everyone's attention.
Someone asked, "Since it's an ambush, do we need to infiltrate deep into the enemy's rear?"
The City Lord glanced at the speaker and replied promptly, "Yes! Moreover, the tactical objective is simple: to annihilate the army led by the Seven Rhinoceros Demon Monarch and leave them in disarray!"
The demon race had nine great overlords, each with exceptional strength, and each commanding an army.
Among these nine overlords, the Seven Rhinoceros Overlord controlled the most demonic beasts, making their momentum the most formidable, leading the charge ahead of everyone else.
The other overlords might have only five or six Demon Monarchs assisting them.
However, the Seven Rhinoceros" Overlord had ten Demon Monarchs at his peak!
But after several major battles, they had suffered significant losses.
Even within and around the Ling Tian Pass, four Demon Monarchs had fallen.
The City Lord's intention was straightforward: it was better to cripple one of their forces than to wound them all.
Taking advantage of the fact that the nine overlords had not yet gathered at the Ling Tian Pass, he planned to eliminate the Seven Rhinoceros' army and create the most significant battle achievement possible.
This was what he meant by "letting them know pain."
The crowd's expressions changed as they contemplated the feasibility of this plan.
Nine Spirit Lord spoke up, "If we aim to annihilate an entire army, it will undoubtedly create a massive disturbance. Will the Yellow Barbarian Overlord turn a blind eye?"
Obviously not!
And there was a crucial question within this.
"Once we take action, who will stop the two Overlord-level Demon Monarchs? Can the Four-Directional Xuan Sword of the Ling Tian Pass eliminate enemies across ten thousand miles?"
At these words, everyone's faces changed dramatically!
The intimidating range of the Four-Directional Xuan Sword was limited to a thousand li around the Ling Tian Pass.
The battlefield for the ambush would inevitably enter the Ba Dao Realm, which had already been occupied by the demon army.
If no one could balance those two overlords, even a casual Yuan Ying True Man would be seeking death.
Regarding this issue, the City Lord glanced at the man in black robes on his right and said slowly, "In this battle, I, the City Lord, will personally take action! Now, are you all reassured?"
What!
The Ling Tian City Lord was going to personally join the battle?
Everyone was stunned.
"Not only that, but the Five Elements Divine Sect's Shen Yuan will also accompany us." The City Lord pointed to the man in black robes beside him as he spoke.
Shen Yuan's gaze swept over the crowd, and he spoke in a hoarse voice.
"The Ling Tian City Lord will personally lead this ambush, crushing the Seven Rhinoceros' army."
"As for me, I will intercept the Demon Monarchs aiding the Yellow Barbarian and prevent the main battlefield of the ambush from being influenced by outsiders."
"Even if the Yellow Barbarian personally intervenes, I will stop him!"
With these words, the Yuan Ying True Men could no longer object.
After all, they were two great cultivators, one representing the Misty Abyss Sect and the other renowned in the East with immense prestige.
If anyone backed down at this point, they would likely lose face among their peers.
Moreover, several unfamiliar Yuan Ying cultivators from the sixteen realms at the rear had appeared in the hall, indicating the City Lord's determination to succeed in this battle.
He had already made up his mind, which was why this meeting was held!
Seeing no objections, the City Lord smiled.
"Excellent! Since no one opposes, let's proceed to select the combatants."
"First, the main force for the ambush!"
His gaze swept over the crowd, and he named a few individuals as if they were precious treasures.
"Nine Spirit Lord, Li Pavilion Master, Golden Plume True Man, Iron Observer Daoist, Fu Lao, and Listening Wind Son."
With these six names mentioned, everyone understood their significance.
Among the six, except for Listening Wind Son, none were weak!
Nine Spirit Lord was said to possess power comparable to a great cultivator, and it was rumored that with the help of the Alchemy Sect, he had recently cultivated a formidable technique, further enhancing his abilities.
Wan Jian Pavilion's Pavilion Master Li, also possessing mid-stage True Monarch cultivation, was an orthodox sword cultivator with unparalleled battle prowess.
Jin Ling Zhenren, hailing from the Five Elements Divine Sect, cultivated the sect's top killing technique, the Three Golden Plumes of Life-Taking. When the Five Elements Divine Sect was under attack, two True Monarchs perished, and Master Linmu barely escaped death. It was Jin Ling Zhenren who fought fiercely against a powerful Demon Sovereign, ensuring the safety of his sect's Primordial Spirit.
Tie Guan Daoren, from the White Deer Cave in the Sixteen Realms at the rear, also had a renowned reputation. Although the sect had few cultivators, each one was highly skilled, and Tie Guan Daoren was among the best.
The remaining two were the only early-stage True Monarchs.
However, Fu Lao, who had governed the Divine Talisman Realm for hundreds of years, had amassed immense wealth and possessed various formidable abilities. Even mid-stage True Monarchs should not underestimate him.
Among the six, only Listening Wind Son was slightly weaker.
However, everyone was more or less aware that Listening Wind Son had been gathering intelligence for Ling Tian Pass, making him the most knowledgeable about the demon race.
The selection of these six individuals also revealed Ling Tian City Lord's determination to win this battle.
Ordinary Demon Sovereigns were only equivalent to early-stage True Monarchs.
Ling Tian City Lord had chosen such formidable individuals, indicating his firm decision to annihilate the enemy in one battle.
"Do any of you have objections?" the City Lord asked with a cheerful smile after announcing the ambush team.
Among the six, only Listening Wind Son showed a bitter smile; the others had no major objections.
"Next, Shenyuan Daoyou, you can choose your teammates for intercepting the reinforcements!"
Shenyuan Zhenren nodded and scanned the crowd.
"Huang Man's subordinates originally had eight Demon Sovereigns, but the Nine Hells Venomous Serpent died in Taihu Palace, so now there are only seven left."
"Therefore, I will choose seven people."
"You don't need to worry. Our task is to intercept and delay, not to engage in life-or-death battles. We just need to buy enough time for the ambush team."
"Shen Huo!"
The first person he called out was his disciple, Shen Huo Zhenren.
With Jin Ling Zhenren already in the ambush team, the Five Elements Divine Sect had sent their top fighters, emptying their nest.
Those who were chosen had no reason to refuse.
"Lin Qing Xuan!"
"Qin Bai Xiang!"
"Cold-Faced Mister!"
"Thunderclap Daoist!"
"Chu Sheng Daoyou!"
In the blink of an eye," six names were announced.
The remaining three were early-stage True Monarchs from the Sixteen Realms sects at the rear.
Only one spot was left.
Shenyuan Zhenren's cold gaze fell upon a white-robed man in the hall, who remained calm and composed.
"I've heard that Dan Zong has the ability to slay Demon Sovereigns with formations. If you join, you'll undoubtedly become an impenetrable wall, and no one will be able to surpass you!"
Instantly, everyone's attention turned to the white-robed cultivator.
Dan Zong's Luo Chen, who had slain a Demon Sovereign with formations! Such an impressive feat was rare among True Monarchs.
Cultivators at their level rarely fought after achieving the Primordial Spirit. Engagements with peers of the same stage were also scarce.
Not to mention any notable battle records.
When discussing who was powerful, it was often based on exchanges and sparring among peers, never involving life-or-death battles.
However, Luo Chen rose rapidly like the scorching sun, and his actions, even in the current chaotic times, still drew attention.
Ling Tian Pass had witnessed the rise of several renowned figures.
One of them was Lin Qing Xuan, known as the Sword World's Surprising Swan, who had the impressive feat of forcing back a Demon Sovereign.
But compared to Luo Chen, it was nothing.
At this moment, Shen Yuan Zhenren's nomination of Luo Chen seemed reasonable.
Under everyone's gaze, Luo Chen raised his head and blinked.
"Contributing to the survival of the human race is the responsibility we should fulfill."
"However, knowing that I have the ability to slay demons, why wasn't I assigned to the ambush team?"
"Listening Wind Son, I'm willing to trade places with you. Are you willing?"
Instead of seeking a safer interception task, Luo Chen proactively requested to join the ambush team, which would undoubtedly involve life-or-death battles.
Luo Chen's actions left everyone astonished.
Listening Wind Son was the first to react, expressing his gratitude to Luo Chen.
"I am ashamed that my abilities pale in comparison to Dan Zong's. This battle cannot afford any mistakes. I agree to trade places with you!"
Luo Chen smiled and nodded, looking up at the man seated in the middle.
"City Lord, what do you think?"
Ling Tian City Lord maintained his composure, "Since Luo Daoyou is willing to venture into danger, I won't refuse. Shenyuan Daoyou, let's proceed with this arrangement!"
Shenyuan Zhenren remained silent for a moment.
The black hood concealed his expression, making it impossible to discern any changes in his demeanor.
But amidst the waiting crowd, he finally responded.
"Agreed!"
"Excellent!"
Ling Tian City Lord, he clapped his hands and exclaimed, "The battle lineup is decided. I will inform you of the specific time. The rest of you, stay vigilant at Ling Tian Pass and guard against any potential counter-ambushes by the enemy."
Tian Du Zi, who had been quiet, smiled and said, "With me here, Ling Tian Pass is far from empty!"
"Haha, you're right. Ye seems to have overthought it."
"Then, I wish all of you success and a safe return!"
The previously tense atmosphere eased.
The True Monarchs who were not chosen for the battle offered well wishes, hoping for Luo Chen and the others' safe return.
Luo Chen and the others had different ways of dealing with the situation, most of them with smiles on their faces and no sign of fear.
But what they were thinking in private was unknown.
...
When leaving the City Lord's Mansion, Luo Chen could sense the gaze that had been fixed on him from behind.
He knew it was that old Shen Yuan thief.
A gentleman does not stand beneath a dangerous wall. Even after assessing his own strength and having the confidence to face powerful cultivators, he did not want to be controlled by this person in battle.
So, he proactively applied for a more dangerous task.
However, his heart was still filled with a lingering sense of disgust.
"Old thief, you're constantly pressuring me like this. Do you really think I'm an easy target?"
"Don't let me catch you!"
...
Regarding the surprise attack on the demon beast's headquarters, under the strict orders of the Ling Tian City Lord, it was not to be spread outside.
Therefore, inside Ling Tian Pass, everything was as usual.
No one knew that in the near future, there would be a great battle that might change the besieged situation of Ling Tian Pass.
After Luo Chen returned, he seized the time to seclude himself and cultivate.
He only wished he had more time. If he had the cultivation of a Mid-stage True Monarch, everything would be much more relaxed.
War has always been like this!
In a great battle, the consumption of spiritual power is significant. Apart from those who become more courageous in battle and need to rely on combat to temper their physical training, it often affects one's cultivation.
Speaking of which, this is also one of the reasons for the decline of physical cultivators.
After the ancient times, the human and demon races ceased their war. With the lower cultivation levels of physical cultivators unable to extend their lifespan, they naturally declined.
Now, with the ongoing war between the Eastern Wilderness and the demons lasting over a century, the large-scale appearance of demon beast flesh and blood has aided the cultivation of physical cultivators, and the path of physical training has gradually emerged.
However, if other True Monarch cultivators knew of Luo Chen's complaints, they would probably only scold him for being ungrateful.
He at least had high-grade Hong Yuan Pills, a fourth-stage middle-grade cave mansion for cultivation, and although his speed might be a bit slow, he was still climbing step by step.
Others didn't have such conditions.
Not falling in cultivation was already considered fortunate.
While waiting for the notification, someone from the Bai Li Qingchuan side of the Heavenward Sect came.
They were summoned.
This time, Wang Yuan led the team, with Gu Caiyi and Qin Yuanjiang as support.
Luo Chen took the time to meet with them.
"The few copies of the Ethereal Sect's physical cultivation techniques you gave me are indeed helpful in supplementing the Wind Leg, but they still lack something. I heard that some good physical cultivation techniques have recently emerged in Ling Tian Pass, so I came personally to collect a few."
Wang Yuan said.
As Luo Chen examined them, their vital energy was even more vigorous than before.
It seemed that the demon beast flesh and blood they sent back was indeed a great supplement for him!
"Don't worry about the sect's affairs. Li Yingzhang is managing it, and with Hei Wang secretly overseeing, nothing major will happen."
Luo Chen shook his head, "Of course I'm not worried about the rear. As long as Ling Tian Pass isn't breached, the demon beast army won't dare to recklessly charge towards the backline."
After chatting with Wang Yuan for a while, he privately chatted with Gu Caiyi.
"Why did you come too? Weren't you supposed to be secluded and consolidating your cultivation?"
"I've been in seclusion for six years. My cultivation has long been stable!"
Gu Caiyi said with dissatisfaction, "Moreover, with you and Hui Niang both at Ling Tian Pass, how can I be at ease cultivating in the rear?"
Luo Chen was helpless but also understood that she wanted to share his burden.
He handed over the long whip treasure he had cultivated earlier to her and gave her a detailed account of the treasure's general situation.
"Does it have a name?"
Gu Caiyi played with the whip, her face filled with delight, obviously very satisfied with the treasure.
"It's your lifeblood treasure. You should name it yourself!"
Gu Caiyi thought for a moment, "Since it's made from the large tendon of the Nine Hells Venom Serpent, let's name it after that. How about 'You Mang Whip'?"
Luo Chen smiled, wanting to say it wasn't good.
But thinking of his lifeblood treasure, the Primordial Cauldron, which he hadn't even renamed, directly using the naming method of Qing Dan Valley, he didn't say anything.
"Since you gave me such a good thing, how should I repay you?"
"I'm an old married man, what's there to repay..."
Before he could finish speaking, the woman's voluptuous body wrapped around Luo Chen like a large serpent, exuding a fragrant scent, and a spring-like scene appeared before his eyes.
Luo Chen couldn't control himself and kissed her.
...
"Fellow Daoist Luo, you're in a good mood today!"
"Oh, how did you see that?"
"A spring breeze in your face, a smile in your brows, anyone who sees you knows you're in a good mood! Did you break through in cultivation, or did you research a new pill formula?"
"Haha..."
Luo Chen laughed but didn't continue the conversation with Fu Lao.
However, it must be said that certain primitive exercises can indeed relax one's mood.
After days of fatigue and constant scheming, Luo Chen's mind became complicated, and his brows were deeply furrowed.
Caiyi was a considerate person.
As he savored the woman's fragrance in his mind, he and Fu Lao walked into a large mountain within Ling Tian Pass.
Early this morning, they received a notification from the Ling Tian City Lord.
The battle was to take place today.
Along the way, they passed through a deep secret passage and eventually stopped in a cave filled with array patterns.
At a glance, Luo Chen recognized the essence of the array at the center of the cave.
"Who told me there were no teleportation arrays in Ling Tian Pass?"
(End of Chapter)
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