Chapter 549: Duel of Generals
Two armies faced each other from afar.
The coalition army of Thousand Peaks Forest stretched across the mountains and wilderness, vast in numbers and imposing in momentum.
At the commander’s seat sat an old man with a hunched back, a gaunt face, ordinary features, and mottled skin.
It was Grandfather Long.
On both sides of him were various heroes and powerful figures.
At the far left sat a cultivator in a green robe. He looked middle-aged, with an extraordinary bearing. He was the coalition’s military advisor, Lu Hongtu.
Beside Lu Hongtu stood the Heart Demon Cave Lord, whose eyes resembled swirling vortices and whose body was covered in black-purple scales. There was also the Blood Shadow Cave Lord, his entire body shrouded in bloody light and shadow; the Poison Scorpion Cave Lord, with a human body and a scorpion tail, wrapped in violet gauze; Giant Bing, with a pig’s head and a human body; Jin Tunhe, whose body bore copper-coin talisman seals; and Qianye, born of a phantom fox demon…
At the foremost position on the far right coiled an enormous figure.
He had the head of an elephant and the body of a man. His physique was powerful, his chest broad like a city gate, and his limbs thick like tree trunks. His entire skin was pale blue. Most striking were his pair of snow-white tusks, curved like twin crescent moons.
He was the current Elephant King of the Pale Savage Elephant Herd within Thousand Peaks Forest.
Beside him stood Chen Lingfeng with the head of an eagle and a human body; Wu Hen, who cultivated the Bizarre Dao; Lone Fang, with blue hair, pale skin, and wolf-claw patterns stamped on his face; the barbarian crone Bi Tengyi together with her husband the Cang Teng King; and Tu Ming, with a dead snake wrapped around his waist and venom sacs hanging from his neck…
It could be said that the elite of the Thousand Peaks Forest coalition had all come forth. Nearly all of their powerful experts had gathered here.
Grandfather Long gazed into the distance toward the Liangzhu Kingdom’s main camp and saw that it resembled a bronze city, solemn and imposing.
Watchtowers stood at intervals along the walls. Flags fluttered in the wind while soldiers stood upon the ramparts, their equipment orderly and their morale high.
Around the great camp, on the battlefield outside the walls, many arrow towers had also been erected. Chevaux-de-frise and trenches were arranged with strict precision.
The battlefield had already been cleaned up and was no longer a chaotic pile of rubble.
Grandfather Long’s gaze unconsciously shifted to the other side.
Not far from the great camp lay a toppled mountain peak—it was Dragon King Giant Tree Mountain.
This time Grandfather Long had mobilized the entire army to besiege the Liangzhu Kingdom’s frontline camp. One of his main goals was to rescue the many members and believers of the Dragon King Temple on Dragon King Giant Tree Mountain.
Grandfather Long spoke, “The enemy army is tightly guarded and their defenses are excellent. If any of you have good suggestions, speak freely.”
The crowd fell silent and collectively turned their eyes toward Lu Hongtu.
Since the beginning of the great war, Lu Hongtu had performed excellently. He had not hesitated to spend his own wealth to contact allies throughout Thousand Peaks Forest—fellow cultivators, powerful experts, and forces large and small.
It could be said that aside from the banner of the Dragon Ginseng King, Lu Hongtu’s networking had also played a crucial role in the formation of the coalition army.
His appointment as the coalition’s military advisor had therefore been widely supported.
Afterward, Lu Hongtu had strongly advocated his strategies and personally proposed plans, arranging an ambush that yielded considerable results and established his authority.
After the first great battle, Grandfather Long temporarily stepped away from command. Many cultivators within the coalition coveted the spoils of war and acted independently.
Although Chen Lingfeng and others strongly opposed this, Lu Hongtu chose to stand aside and secretly allow it.
This action was unfavorable to the overall strategy, but it earned Lu Hongtu greater support and reputation.
Thus at this moment, everyone was clearly pushing him forward to speak.
Lu Hongtu pondered for a moment before slowly speaking.
“The enemy army spared no expense in building this stronghold. It can practically be called a city wall.”
“Previously, many fellow cultivators fell under the heavy military machinery of the enemy camp. I believe we have all witnessed the might of this stronghold.”
Everyone listened silently, many nodding slightly in agreement.
Lu Hongtu continued, “Especially since Du Tiechuan remains inside the camp recovering from his injuries. If we were to truly provoke this Soul Formation–level enemy…”
He deliberately paused, successfully observing subtle changes in everyone’s expressions.
In the previous great battle, Du Tiechuan had defeated the Dragon Ginseng King head-on. That alone proved his combat strength.
Within the coalition, the highest cultivation level was merely the Nascent Soul stage. There was no Soul Formation–level expert. If Du Tiechuan were forced to appear, none of them present would fare well.
Lu Hongtu intentionally paused and looked toward Grandfather Long.
Following his gaze, the other cultivators also turned to Grandfather Long with questioning and expectant expressions.
Their meaning was obvious—would the Dragon Ginseng King appear again in this battle?
Grandfather Long himself had no answer. He could only say, “Every move of the divine lord is confidential and concerns the final outcome of this war. This old man cannot reveal it casually.”
“However, if our coalition army has gathered in full force only to be completely annihilated by Du Tiechuan, then the entire situation of Thousand Peaks Forest will collapse completely in favor of Liangzhu Kingdom.”
Grandfather Long neither answered directly nor made a clear statement, but his words still managed to persuade the cultivators present.
“Indeed. If we all die in battle, Thousand Peaks Forest will have no defensive forces left. The enemy army will be able to march straight in without resistance.”
“The Dragon Ginseng King is incredibly powerful, with life force like an ocean. He must have already recovered completely.”
“And Dragon King Giant Tree Mountain lies right there. There are far too many members of the Dragon King Temple on that mountain.”
A glint flashed deep within Lu Hongtu’s eyes.
Aside from Du Tiechuan and the Dragon Ginseng King, another key figure who could influence this war was Young Lord Shengxu.
“Has Young Lord Shengxu been persuaded?”
“According to intelligence, he is still lingering in the same place.”
“He appears not to have accepted any invitation, yet his continued stay in Thousand Peaks Forest itself is suspicious.”
Lu Hongtu continued calculating in his mind.
Because the transaction concerning the Life-Sea Dragon Spring violated the reputation of the divine king, Grandfather Long and others had kept it strictly secret. Even Lu Hongtu did not know about it.
“Below Young Lord Shengxu, there are the Heaven and Earth Twin Ghosts.”
“If we could find those two, the coalition’s combat strength would rise significantly.”
“Unfortunately…”
At that moment, the name Ning Zhuo surfaced in Lu Hongtu’s mind.
His eyes flickered slightly.
The intelligence regarding the Heaven and Earth Twin Ghosts battle had already spread through the Thousand Peaks Forest alliance.
The Heaven–Earth Combined Strike had killed many Nascent Soul cultivators within the Liangzhu Kingdom army, greatly weakening them. This was one of the reasons the coalition took the initiative to launch a siege.
But in the end, the Heaven and Earth Twin Ghosts had been cleverly turned against by Ning Zhuo through some unknown method, causing Heavenly Frost to defect and the two ghosts to flee in defeat.
Thus the once insignificant Foundation Establishment cultivator Ning Zhuo had now become a name Lu Hongtu felt he must pay close attention to.
“Ning Zhuo… and the Ning Family… they are troublesome.”
“After this great battle, I must find a way to eliminate this problem as soon as possible!”
Grandfather Long spoke, interrupting Lu Hongtu’s thoughts.
“Military Advisor, please continue.”
Lu Hongtu nodded. “Yes.”
He continued, “The enemy’s walls are high, and they have already withdrawn all forces into defensive positions. A direct assault would be unwise.”
“Although we have an army, everyone knows our troops have little training. In a direct confrontation with the Liangzhu Kingdom’s regular army, we hold no advantage.”
“Thanks to the Heaven and Earth Twin Ghosts, the enemy now has far fewer Nascent Soul cultivators than we do.”
“This point can be greatly exploited!”
At this point, Lu Hongtu looked around.
“My suggestion is that our Nascent Soul cultivators should attack independently and challenge the enemy to a duel of generals.”
Everyone immediately expressed agreement.
The coalition army was loosely organized and filled with powerful individuals who excelled at individual combat rather than coordinated military warfare.
A duel of generals was therefore the best method for them to utilize their strengths.
While the coalition discussed this plan, the Liangzhu Kingdom army atop the city walls was also holding its own discussion.
Military Supervisor Zhao Xi wore official robes and held a ceremonial staff, occupying the central position.
To his left were the Mechanism Princess Shuang Ling, the commander of White Jade Camp Shuangjing, the commander of Red Flower Camp Mu Lan, the commander of Fire Cloud Army Lu Chi, and others.
To his right were the spirit chef master and disciple Ding Bi and Jia Wan, the Liangzhu Kingdom offering officer Song Ji, and Mo Yechen with a myna bird perched on his shoulder.
“The great battle is about to begin, yet someone in our army abandoned their post and fled before battle. That is a capital offense!” Shuangjing said while staring gloomily at Liu Er.
Zhao Xi immediately waved his hand. “I already issued a secret order to Ning Zhuo, the military advisor of the Three Generals Camp. He has another assignment.”
“I see.” Shuangjing immediately apologized.
Although Zhao Xi knew perfectly well that Shuangjing was deliberately provoking him, he still frowned in irritation.
He thought to himself, “What exactly is Ning Zhuo doing?”
“At such a critical moment, he still hasn’t returned to the military camp!”
“If the enemy truly sends out the Heaven and Earth Twin Ghosts, how should I respond?”
Just as he was thinking this, Zhao Xi saw a cultivator flying out from the coalition army.
His figure was indistinct, his entire body shrouded in bloody light and shadow. His aura surged like waves spreading outward.
It was the Blood Shadow Cave Lord of the Six Caves Sect.
The Blood Shadow Cave Lord immediately began shouting insults, mocking the Liangzhu Kingdom generals as incompetent and cowardly, issuing a challenge to a duel.
If they dared not accept, they were cowards.
At this moment, the Blood Shadow Cave Lord had been enhanced by a military art called Challenge Formation.
With his provocations, the military art activated its power, causing the morale of both armies to become mysteriously linked.
Zhao Xi’s expression darkened.
The very thing he feared had happened.
The enemy had an advantage in high-level combat strength and was fully exploiting it. This made Zhao Xi extremely uncomfortable.
“Who will go out and oppose him?” Zhao Xi asked.
Before his words even finished, a Nascent Soul cultivator loudly said, “I will!”
Everyone turned and saw that it was Xu Dali.
Xu Dali had now become a lone commander. The Barbarian-Demon Camp had been completely annihilated, and he alone had escaped.
After arriving at the frontline camp, because they were deep within Thousand Peaks Forest and reinforcements were difficult to obtain, Xu Dali had never regained a military roster.
Thus it was difficult for him to earn military merit without troops under his command.
This moment was therefore a rare opportunity.
Xu Dali intended to seize it firmly and use it to turn his fortunes around.
However, Zhao Xi showed hesitation.
Other cultivators also spoke up, saying Xu Dali was injured and should rest more.
This was merely a polite and indirect way of saying the truth.
Xu Dali became anxious and immediately patted his chest, claiming that his injuries had fully healed.
His personality was straightforward and blunt. He did not understand the hidden meaning behind their words.
Zhao Xi also thought, “The first duel of generals is extremely important. Although Xu Dali is a Nascent Soul cultivator, his personal combat strength is not particularly outstanding. Better forget it.”
Zhao Xi scanned the crowd and finally fixed his gaze on a certain cultivator.
“Celestial Master Lei, how about entrusting the first battle to you?”
Celestial Master Lei’s real name was Lei Qingyang, a Nascent Soul–level cultivator.
He stood eight feet tall, upright like a pine tree. His muscles were sharply defined, and faint golden lightning patterns appeared beneath his skin as if electricity flowed beneath it.
His sword-like eyebrows reached his temples, and his eyes shone like bright stars. Within his pupils seemed the birth and destruction of lightning.
His nose was tall like a mountain peak, his jawline resolute. Though his hair and beard were white, he showed no sign of age. Occasionally tiny sparks of lightning burst among his hair.
He wore an indigo robe embroidered with thundercloud patterns. The cuffs bore the Big Dipper constellation, and the hem was decorated with thirty-six Evil-Repelling Thunder Jades. As he walked, the jades collided and produced clear thunderous sounds.
Upon hearing Zhao Xi call his name, he slightly lowered his head and gave a Daoist salute.
“I accept the command!”
Acting decisively, he flew directly away from the wall toward the Blood Shadow Cave Lord.
None of the other cultivators objected.
Lei Qingyang was an established expert who had been famous for a long time. His foundation was deep, and he cultivated the Nine Heavens Thunder Radiance Scripture, mastering the divine ability Evil-Slaying Thunder Explosion.
Zhao Xi’s arrangement contained no mistake.
This was the first duel of generals. Victory or defeat would greatly influence morale.
The two rose higher into the air.
The Blood Shadow Cave Lord continued chattering insults, but Lei Qingyang shouted sharply and attacked first.
With a pointing gesture, the thirty-six Evil-Repelling Thunder Jades on his robe flew out and shot toward the Blood Shadow Cave Lord.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The Thunder Jades collided with one another midair. Each collision released bursts of lightning.
Lightning blasted toward the Blood Shadow Cave Lord, and the power of evil-repelling lightning restrained him.
The Blood Shadow Cave Lord grinned viciously and flicked three scarlet blood beads from his sleeve.
The beads expanded violently in the wind and transformed into three hundred-zhang blood flood dragons that surged forward with foul stench and corrosive aura.
The blood flood dragons smashed through the thirty-six Evil-Repelling Thunder Jades and surrounded Lei Qingyang.
Lei Qingyang lightly traced a sword gesture.
The Heavenly Gang Thunder Execution Sword shot into the sky from behind him!
Sword Technique—Sword Qi Piercing the Heavens.
Thunder Art—Dancing Lightning Serpents!
The sword erupted with surging sword qi that split the surroundings, transforming into countless lightning serpents. Their tremendous power shredded the blood flood dragons into a rain of blood within moments.
Taking advantage of the momentum, Lei Qingyang pursued the attack.
With his left hand forming a seal, he summoned the thunder of the Nine Heavens.
In an instant, the clouds split open and nine millstone-sized Violet Heaven Thunder Orbs crashed down toward the Blood Shadow Cave Lord.
The Blood Shadow Cave Lord suddenly dissolved into a mass of blood mist.
The thunder orbs passed through the mist and blasted the mountains below into dust.
The blood mist spread across the sky and simultaneously gathered above Lei Qingyang’s head, forming a blood curtain that covered the heavens.
The curtain thickened and condensed, transforming into a river of blood flowing across the sky.
The blood river reversed direction and poured downward as a viscous blood waterfall, engulfing Lei Qingyang.
Lei Qingyang’s expression changed slightly.
Unwilling to resist it directly, he attempted to move away—but his body suddenly froze in midair.
The blood mist wrapped around him, forming bloody talisman seals that temporarily restrained his movement.
“When did I get struck?!” Lei Qingyang was shocked.
Unable to evade, he could only flip his palm and release the Thunder Marsh Gourd.
From the mouth of the gourd burst a vast azure thundercloud that hovered above his head.
In the next moment, the blood waterfall crashed onto the thundercloud.
A violent sizzling erupted as both sides fiercely consumed each other.
The blood mist evaporated into scarlet steam, seemingly failing to achieve anything.
In reality, it quietly condensed behind Lei Qingyang.
The Blood Shadow Cave Lord suddenly emerged from it, stabbing a Blood-Transformation Divine Blade toward Lei Qingyang’s back!
Lei Qingyang’s hair stood on end. Blinding lightning erupted from his body, forcibly shattering the blade’s tip.
Turning around, he struck out with a palm.
Lightning patterns formed a Five Thunder Seal that slammed into the Blood Shadow Cave Lord.
The Blood Shadow Cave Lord chuckled coldly and dissipated on the spot.
He had only lost a blood shadow clone.
When his true body reappeared, he was already high in the sky.