Chapter 568: A Man Should Spill Blood upon the Battlefield, Drunkenly Drawing the Azure Blade to Pierce the Sun’s Radiance!
Tu Ming was also a figure who had mastered divine abilities, a being honored as a True Lord among Nascent Soul cultivators.
He himself held great authority, serving as the High Priest of the Hundred Venoms Tribe. The Cangyue Tribe, the Ancient Vine Tribe, and the Hundred Venoms Tribe were the three largest barbarian tribes in the Thousand Peaks Forest, each possessing a population of roughly one million.
Yet throughout the entire Thousand Peaks Forest campaign, Tu Ming’s achievements had been few and his battle results pitiful. Only during the initial ambush had he shown any notable performance.
He felt deeply stifled. If not for Shen Qinghe’s terrifying restraint over him, he would certainly have achieved far greater results.
But reality was reality. Tu Ming’s life now hung by a thread, and he could only hope for reinforcements.
Unfortunately, the entire Hundred Venoms Tribe specialized almost exclusively in poison arts, and before Shen Qinghe they were as weak as chicks. Had not the entire Poison Pool Mountain been slaughtered clean by Shen Qinghe alone?
Shen Qinghe loathed all poison cultivators in the world. She had long intended to hunt Tu Ming down. At this moment she searched the mountain carefully, sweeping through it acre by acre, refusing to give Tu Ming any chance to escape.
As Tu Ming watched the Qingling purification light about to shine upon him, he could not help but fall into despair.
Yet Shen Qinghe’s movements suddenly paused slightly.
She had received a flying message. The letter described the sudden upheaval on the main battlefield.
“What? Marshal Du was wounded again by Young Lord Shengxu, and the injury is so severe that the army must withdraw?”
Shen Qinghe’s first reaction was disbelief. She suspected it might be a scheme by Tu Ming and the others, meant to deceive her into withdrawing voluntarily.
But the seal within the flying message carried the unmistakable national power aura of Liangzhu Kingdom. Such a thing was extremely difficult to counterfeit.
“It seems Tu Ming’s fate has not yet run out,” Shen Qinghe sighed inwardly. She immediately transformed into a streak of azure light and swiftly fled, leaving Poison Pool Mountain.
The reason she had been able to penetrate deep into the Thousand Peaks Forest was because the Liangzhu Kingdom army had pressed forward into the heartland, creating operational space for her.
Now that the army was gradually retreating, it was impossible to predict how quickly the Thousand Peaks Forest Coalition Army would react. If they organized a counterattack, Shen Qinghe would effectively be inside enemy territory, which would be extremely dangerous.
Fearing encirclement, Shen Qinghe could only withdraw.
Meanwhile, the defeated forces of Thousand Peaks Forest gathered together.
“Grandfather Long! Wuu wuu wuu…”
Many soldiers covered their faces and wept, grief and hatred interwoven.
The death of their commander filled the remaining army with sorrow.
It was not only Grandfather Long. As the main force in this battle, the Dragon King Temple faction had also suffered the heaviest casualties.
Chen Lingfeng was carried on a stretcher, already unconscious. From time to time his body convulsed violently, foam spilling from the corners of his mouth. His eyes rolled upward, wide open, and his eyelids refused to close no matter what.
This was the price of overusing his innate talent.
The latest intelligence reached Lu Hongtu. At first he could hardly believe it. Only after confirming its authenticity did he shout and announce the news to everyone.
The soldiers stared blankly.
After a moment, scattered cheers gradually began to appear.
Some cultivators even proposed taking advantage of the situation to counterattack. Yet very few responded.
More people objected, saying that although Du Tiechuan was wounded, he had not died. If they returned to battle, they would still face the powerful Liangzhu Kingdom army. What difference would that make from before?
The difference was that Grandfather Long was already dead.
Who could now hold up the overall situation?
Lu Hongtu observed everyone’s reactions and shook his head inwardly.
“The army’s morale is difficult to use.”
Even though Young Lord Shengxu had accomplished great merit and Du Tiechuan was severely wounded, forcing a withdrawal, it still could not restore the morale of the Thousand Peaks Forest Coalition Army. Most soldiers had low fighting spirit and preferred to cease fighting.
“Unless I step forward personally and forcibly organize an army. Or Xiang Yue could do it as well…”
“But the influence of the two of us can only affect a small portion. It cannot compare to Grandfather Long at all.”
“Forget it.”
“This result is actually quite good!”
Lu Hongtu was pleased to see the situation develop this way.
During this campaign he had accumulated considerable military merit. His reputation had spread widely, and he had forged goodwill with many cultivators and factions.
In terms of diplomacy alone, both he and the Six Caves Sect had greatly improved their standing within the Thousand Peaks Forest.
As for spoils of war, Lu Hongtu had also obtained quite a lot.
Overall, the gains exceeded the losses.
The greatest loss for the Six Caves Sect was the faction of the Demonic-Heart Cave Lord. His beloved son Lin You had died, and the cave lord himself had escaped only with his Nascent Soul.
Meanwhile, the Blood-Shadow Cave Lord and the Poison Scorpion Cave Lord truly deserved the trust Lu Hongtu had placed in them. Both had fought on the front lines and survived.
“This time Liangzhu Kingdom sent two Soul Formation–level combat powers. One died and one was injured. They will not launch another campaign in the short term.”
“The Dragon Ginseng King chose to attack the Stone Dwelling Old Monster, clearly showing hostility. Although it was not the real Stone Dwelling Old Monster, in essence the Thousand Peaks Forest has already fallen into internal strife.”
“With so many losses among the upper-level powers, they now stand in confrontation and are too busy dealing with themselves. Is this not the perfect opportunity for my Six Caves Sect to expand wildly and continue rising?”
Lu Hongtu evaluated the major powers of the Thousand Peaks Forest.
The largest faction, the Dragon King Temple group, had suffered the most devastating losses. Grandfather Long had been their public figurehead, and his death was a tremendous blow.
Among his former right-hand aides, Wu Hen had been captured alive. Chen Lingfeng survived, but his madness had caused major trouble and losses for his own army. He lost trust, made many enemies, and his reputation plummeted.
Under such circumstances, Grandfather Long’s political legacy found no successor within the faction. Strangely enough, it transferred to an outsider—Xiang Yue.
Thus Lu Hongtu estimated:
“Xiang Yue obtained Grandfather Long’s legacy. His personal strength has risen greatly. And his performance in the Second Grand Decisive Battle earned him widespread respect and recognition. He will become the representative among demon cultivators.”
“As for me, I will be the leader among the human cultivators in the Thousand Peaks Forest.”
“The barbarian factions have suffered enormous losses!”
“The Ancient Vine Tribe’s Bi Tengyi died, leaving only her Nascent Soul to escape. The Cangyue Tribe’s Di Slaughter had already died earlier, even his Nascent Soul destroyed. Only Lone Fang remains to hold the situation.”
“And the Hundred Venoms Tribe…”
“I wonder if Tu Ming is dead? If he died at Shen Qinghe’s hands, then the Hundred Venoms Tribe will enter full decline and be forced to relinquish much of its territory.”
“Even if he survived, judging by his repeated defeats in this campaign, his reputation has already plummeted.”
The more Lu Hongtu thought, the more excited he became.
The old powers that once occupied vast territories had all greatly declined.
The Six Caves Sect and the Pale Savage Elephant faction would inevitably rise through this war!
“Military Advisor Lu, if Li Jiuqu were to join your sect, what would I receive?”
A divine sense secretly transmitted a message to Lu Hongtu.
It was Li Jiuqu.
This Gu cultivator had been countered by Mo Yechen’s giant eight-brother bird during the decisive battle, losing many of his Gu insects. His strength and reputation had both declined.
Seeing the rising trend of the Six Caves Sect, he actually took the initiative to request joining.
“With such a demonic expert joining us, the strength of my Six Caves Sect will surely soar!” Lu Hongtu could not help feeling delighted.
He was preparing to lead his forces into a grand expansion. Before he even took action, he had already gained a huge opening victory.
This was truly wonderful.
Meanwhile, elsewhere…
Nascent Soul True Lord Bai Ling leaned against a pine tree, looking at the cultivators around him.
They were Giant Bing, Qianye, and Jin Tunhe.
Bai Ling slowly spoke.
“I gathered you here because we are all demon cultivators.”
Bai Ling himself was originally a white crane. Giant Bing was a wild boar. Qianye was a fox, while Jin Tunhe was a toad.
Giant Bing and Qianye focused intently on Bai Ling, while Jin Tunhe yawned, his eyes half-closed. He had eaten far too much during this battle and needed sleep to digest quickly.
Bai Ling glanced at Jin Tunhe.
“I’ll keep it short. Although the Liangzhu Kingdom army has withdrawn, their strength remains well preserved.”
“Our side has already suffered two defeats on the main battlefield. The latest one was especially severe.”
“We demon cultivators prefer freedom and solitary living. But if Liangzhu Kingdom launches another campaign in the future, will Thousand Peaks Forest still have such luck?”
Giant Bing asked directly.
“So what do you want to do, Lord Bai Ling?”
Bai Ling smiled faintly.
“Simple. We must unite and watch out for one another.”
Qianye said, “Should we contact the Elephant King? He is also a demon cultivator.”
Bai Ling was silent for a moment.
“Xiang Yue’s whereabouts are currently unknown. But given his strength, unless he encountered a Soul Formation–level existence, he should be fine. Let us discuss matters first, then contact him.”
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Xiang Yue chased after Ning Zhuo relentlessly. Each step he took caused the earth to tremble with thunderous sounds, stones and soil flying as dust rose everywhere.
He transmitted with spiritual sense.
“Ning Zhuo, you little brat! How long do you intend to run? Stop immediately and explain yourself. If you dare play tricks, I will tear you in half!”
But Ning Zhuo replied calmly.
“Elephant King, don’t rush. We’re still too close to the battlefield. Let’s go a bit farther first—safer that way.”
Xiang Yue had already lost patience.
“You’ve said that several times already. Do you think this king is so easy to deceive? Stop right there!”
With that, Xiang Yue suddenly moved, using martial arts to greatly increase his speed. In a few strides he caught up behind Ning Zhuo.
He reached out with a large hand and grabbed toward Ning Zhuo’s neck. If he caught him, Ning Zhuo would be lifted like a chick.
At the critical moment, a voice suddenly rang out.
“Elephant King, please calm yourself.”
Bang.
Zhu Xuanji suddenly appeared, clashing head-on with Xiang Yue.
Both stepped back one step, facing each other.
Xiang Yue looked at Zhu Xuanji in surprise.
“A mere Golden Core cultivator, yet you can match me evenly? Who exactly are you?”
Several divine abilities quietly faded from Zhu Xuanji’s body as he shook his numb fist.
“I am Zhu Xuanji of the Southern Dou Kingdom royal family.”
Xiang Yue thought for a moment.
“The Southern Dou Divine Detective?”
He clenched his fists.
“Let’s try again!”
His muscles swelled as he used martial arts again. Blood flames ignited around his fists as he threw another punch.
Zhu Xuanji showed no fear. Divine abilities burst forth. Golden light covered his body, jade energy spread outward, and within the golden aura appeared faint images of forests, every tree adorned with golden branches and jade leaves—magnificent and noble.
Bang.
They clashed again, both retreating one step. Once again, they were evenly matched.
Xiang Yue’s expression grew serious.
Zhu Xuanji had fought him only with his body and divine abilities, without using any magical treasures or national artifacts.
“I didn’t use my full strength, but it was close.”
“The key is that both times we each stepped back one step.”
“That means he also didn’t use his full strength. He merely matched the force I used.”
Thinking this, Xiang Yue exclaimed softly.
“Good!”
He lowered his fists and let his arms hang naturally, quickly acknowledging Zhu Xuanji.
“My meeting with Hongfeng—was that arranged by Southern Dou Kingdom?”
Zhu Xuanji replied calmly.
“Elephant King, everything was merely coincidence. Southern Dou Kingdom simply pushed the current along and placed an idle chess piece.”
Xiang Yue’s heart sank.
Zhu Xuanji’s frank admission forced him to reevaluate the lover he thought of day and night.
“Hongfeng…”
Xiang Yue was deeply devoted, and Hongfeng carried his child.
The Pale Savage Elephant race had great difficulty reproducing. Xiang Yue had repeatedly sought Elephant Vein Fertility Pills for the sake of his tribe’s continuation.
And there was a rule in this world: the higher a being’s cultivation, the harder it was to produce bloodline descendants.
As the Elephant King, Xiang Yue faced two compounding factors, making his chance of fathering offspring extremely low. There was no way he would abandon his lover and child.
“Sigh.”
Xiang Yue let out a deep sigh, glanced at Ning Zhuo, then fixed his gaze on Zhu Xuanji.
“What does Southern Dou Kingdom want this king to do?”
“Wait a moment,” Ning Zhuo suddenly said, raising his hand. “I’ll take my leave first. You two may talk.”
Although Ning Zhuo was close with Zhu Xuanji and the Ning Family had an alliance with the Zhu royal family, he never forgot proper boundaries.
Zhu Xuanji represented Southern Dou Kingdom’s secret layout within Thousand Peaks Forest—state secrets Ning Zhuo did not wish to know excessively.
But Zhu Xuanji replied calmly.
“No problem.”
Ning Zhuo chuckled but still chose to withdraw.
Zhu Xuanji smiled confidently.
“Ning Zhuo, if you don’t wish to listen, that’s fine. But don’t leave just yet. I have news about your mother. And this information is extremely valuable to you.”
Ning Zhuo froze. After realizing the meaning, his expression changed drastically, unable to hide his excitement.
“Lord Zhu… is that true?”
Now it was Xiang Yue who laughed.
“So this is the working style of the Southern Dou Divine Detective?”
He had been seized by the weakness of his lover and child and forced to cooperate. Seeing Ning Zhuo similarly caught by a weakness, his dislike for Ning Zhuo lessened somewhat as he mocked Zhu Xuanji.
But Ning Zhuo felt little resentment toward Zhu Xuanji. Instead, gratitude rose in his heart.
“Old Zhu is one of the few who knows my true purpose. I didn’t expect he would secretly gather intelligence for me and do so much.”
“As expected of Old Zhu. A good man.”
Still, Ning Zhuo withdrew further, allowing Zhu Xuanji and Xiang Yue to speak privately.
He stopped halfway up a mountain and looked out over the scenery.
The sunset glow filled the sky, the dying sun red like blood.
This decisive battle had begun at dawn and lasted until evening.
A powerful mountain wind suddenly surged upward, stirring the pine forests between the mountains into roaring waves like the sea. It blew Ning Zhuo’s long hair wildly and fluttered his robes.
The rosy light bathed his entire body.
He wore white robes stained with blood. Having just left a great battle, his blood still burned hot. His eyes shone brightly, full of energy.
As he recalled scene after scene from the battlefield—enemy and ally locked in desperate struggle, every character appearing like actors upon a stage, displaying their abilities in dazzling brilliance.
The Mechanism Princess willingly stood as the pillar. Mu Lan’s divine arrows were ferocious and terrifying. Xu Dali fought bitterly. Zhao Xi cleverly fled. Grandfather Long sacrificed himself in battle. Xiang Yue crushed enemies like rotten wood. Li Jiuqu was sinister and venomous. Chen Lingfeng fell into demonic madness. Jin Tunhe displayed extraordinary talent. Lu Hongtu remained calm and seasoned. Ding Bi and Jia Wan hid murderous intent. Du Tiechuan wielded the power of Soul Formation. Young Lord Shengxu overturned the entire battle…
The Fire Cloud Army burned countless enemies. The White Jade Army was completely annihilated. The Three Generals Camp grew increasingly seasoned. The Red Flower Camp achieved abundant victories…
All these scenes flowed through his mind like galloping horses, stirring his emotions until he could no longer restrain himself. He let out a clear whistle.
The youth’s whistle echoed through the mountains, raising another gust of wind that swept through the forests like waves of a green sea.
“Without traveling the world, how could one personally experience such a wonderful life?”
“I would like to experience such battlefields again.”
“Fighting heroes of every kind, exhausting one’s mind and strength amid life-and-death struggles, unleashing one’s brilliance while witnessing the brilliance of others—it is like drinking a fierce wine, making one intoxicated.”
“Boss, I suddenly understand you.”
Ning Zhuo transmitted with spiritual sense to Sun Lingtong.
“Is this the excitement you pursue?”
Sun Lingtong suddenly had a flash of inspiration. His eyes rolled as he said:
“This is called: ‘A man should spill blood upon the battlefield, drunkenly drawing the azure blade to pierce the sun’s radiance.’”
Ning Zhuo laughed softly.
“Rare to see Boss in a poetic mood.”
Sun Lingtong chuckled.
“That’s all I could think of.”
“Then I’ll complete it for you.”
Ning Zhuo thought for a moment. In only three breaths he began reciting softly:
“Divine arrows shatter clouds as fire lights the crimson haze,
Wild blades drink blood as iron blooms with lethal flowers.
Three armies thunder, toppling mountains and peaks,
One whistle rides the wind, sweeping the yellow sands.
Through a hundred battles, why fear the body turning to ash?
Through a thousand tribulations, the spirit remains boundless as the sea.
A man should spill blood upon the battlefield,
Drunkenly drawing the azure blade to pierce the sun’s radiance!”
Just as his voice fell, Zhu Xuanji appeared and praised warmly.
“Excellent poem!”