Shi Luo Ye

Chapter 1556 The Expedition to Kusong River

Wuwang Mountain.

A mountain cliff stood at the edge of the peaks, named Guantián Peak. It was where the Kunpeng Demon Ancestor had observed the heavens in ancient times. Later, it was split in two by Lin Zhao's sword. One half, along with half of Wuwang Mountain, returned to the Upper Realm, while the other half remained in the Lower Realm.

Now, several figures stood atop Guantián Peak. They were all decision-makers of the Demon Realm.

Jian Chen, clad in a fiery red long gown, gazed south with a profound look, his brows furrowed. His true name was Qiu Rui. He was originally a fire dragon conceived in deep-sea volcanoes. After cultivating to achieve enlightenment, he was appreciated by the Demon Ancestor Kunpeng. Coupled with his exceptional cultivation talent, he rose to the Fourteenth Realm. Although not a sword cultivator, his swordsmanship possessed unique finesse.

Alas, the Heart Demon Legion of the Upper Realm caused havoc. Jian Chen collaborated with the Heart Demon Legion from within, leading to his ambush by many Human Sages. In a great battle, his left arm was cleanly severed by the Soldier Sage Ding Muchen's sword. With his cultivation greatly weakened, he was dispatched to the Lower Realm to clean up the mess. If he hadn't come, the entire Demon race in the Lower Realm would likely have descended into chaos.

"They've counterattacked."

Looking at the scene in the distance, Jian Chen frowned. "Han Yetang and Chen Xi are leading hundreds of thousands of elite Human race soldiers in a strong assault on Shanhai Pass. It seems Lin Baiyi has begun his strategic redeployment. Once Shanhai Pass falls, the five to six hundred thousand elites we have stationed in the south will be doomed."

Beneath an old locust tree, Long Zheng, cradling the Xunlu Sword, leaned lazily against the trunk. She opened her beautiful eyes and glanced at Nan Qingfeng, who stood nearby in a white dress. "What can be done? The south is no longer within our sphere of influence. Does anyone in the Demon Realm dare to venture south of the Snow Domain Heavenly Pool now?"

Nan Qingfeng knitted her delicate brows. "Long Zheng, what do you mean? Are you saying I'm incompetent in command? Or that I'm a coward who dares not lead everyone to fight desperately in the south?"

The Demon King Chen Feng frowned but remained silent.

Just then, a wisp of fiery red condensed in the wind, transforming into a stunning figure. It was Jiu Wei, adorned in a red dress. She sighed softly, "Things are different now. The Demon Realm is at a disadvantage. Everyone should put aside their grievances. If you still cling to petty grudges, you might as well leave. The Demon race has no need for such failures."

Her words silenced both Long Zheng and Nan Qingfeng.

Although Jiu Wei was currently only in the Twelfth Realm, her "seniority" and "ranking" within the Demon Realm were extremely high. She was once second only to the Demon Ancestor Qing Kui on the Ancestral Mountain, her status far exceeding that of Yu Zhi, Ning Yuan Sheng, Man Yuan, and Liu Bai. Furthermore, she had descended to the Lower Realm with an imperial decree from the Kunpeng Demon Ancestor, equivalent to wielding a special sword of authority. Even Nan Qingfeng, who now presided over the Ancestral Mountain, had to show her considerable respect.

"Lord Jiu Wei."

Chen Feng narrowed his eyes and smiled. "Tell us, what should we do now?"

A hint of ruthlessness flashed in Jiu Wei's beautiful eyes. She smiled. "Whether it's Lin Baiyi, or Wu Zhi, Huang Tingyu, and others, they all believe that with the Heavenly Pool of the Snow Domain rebuilt, the Demon race will surely not dare to look south. Therefore, our southward advance is even more imperative."

She continued leisurely, "The mandatory route for our hundreds of thousands of elite demon soldiers to return north is through Fusang Great Wall. Haven't Qin Yu, Ye Lin, and others led the remnants of the Xia race of Fusang Great Wall back to their homeland? If so, we will make Fusang Great Wall our target for this attack. We will annihilate Qin Yu, Ye Lin, and the others in one fell swoop, covering the northern retreat of the three demon army camps."

"Yes!"

A chorus of great demons nodded in unison.

Jiu Wei then looked towards the south, a hint of helplessness in her eyes. In ten years, the Demon Realm had suffered immense losses. The forces of over a dozen army camps had been almost completely committed. After continuous fierce battles at the Heavenly Pool of the Snow Domain, Qingliang Mountain, Fusang Great Wall, Shanhai Pass, and Yunzhou, these dozen army camps were now few in number. It could be said that the three army camps guarding Shanhai Pass were among the last remaining elites. If those three camps were surrounded and annihilated by the Human race, the Demon Realm would truly be on the brink of no return.

...

Three days later.

The Heavenly Pool of the Snow Domain, Summit Villa.

At night, lights flickered within the Tianranju. Lin Zhao, Wu Zhi, Huang Tingyu, Yu Wan Ning, and Lin Zhujie were gathered, contemplating the changes in the current war.

Huang Tingyu placed his palm on the table, which slowly rose. Strands of sword intent condensed, revealing the Northern Domain he had perceived through his Shuǐyuè Guān Tiān technique. Shanhai Pass, Fusang Great Wall, and the Heavenly Pool of the Snow Domain were clearly visible. Huang Tingyu drew his Amber sword and pointed its tip towards a plain between Fusang Great Wall and Shanhai Pass. "Currently, nearly 500,000 demon troops have retreated to this area. Their marching speed is not slow. They should reach Fusang Great Wall in half a day. It is likely they intend to pass through Fusang Great Wall and then return to the Demon Realm."

Yu Wan Ning narrowed her eyes and smiled. "We cannot let them return so easily. Otherwise, Wuwang Mountain and the Demon Ancestral Mountain will have the qualifications to contend with us again."

Lin Zhujie and Chi Zhongyu both looked at Lin Zhao. They had no particular ideas about the great battle; they would follow the Mountain Lord's orders. Whoever the Mountain Lord told them to kill, they would kill, no questions asked.

Lin Zhao looked at the terrain revealed on the long table. "It's about time. Keep a close watch on Wuwang Mountain and the Ancestral Mountain. Once the Demon race sends its main forces from the Upper Five Realms to fight at Fusang Great Wall, we must also take action."

"Please issue your orders, Mountain Lord!"

Huang Tingyu, Yu Wan Ning, and Chi Zhongyu clasped their fists together.

Lin Zhao nodded. "Yu Wan Ning, immediately lead thirty thousand Snow Domain cavalry south to Fusang Great Wall. You will arrive before the demons do. From the north, counter the charging demon cavalry. From the south, dispatch troops to assist in defending Fusang Great Wall. Huang Tingyu, Chi Zhongyu, you two will go with Yu Wan Ning. Even if Jian Chen, Nan Qingfeng, and Chen Feng all arrive, you must fight to the death to protect Fusang Great Wall from falling."

"Yes!"

The group clasped their fists and nodded.

Lin Zhao then looked at the remaining few. "After the great battle at Fusang Great Wall, Wu Zhi, Lin Zhujie, Tong Yu, as well as Zhang Luobai and Zhuang Yirong, will accompany me to Kusong River to hunt down the Demon King Liu Bai!"

He glanced at Wu Zhi. "Can you break through to the Thirteenth Realm tonight?"

"Yes!"

Wu Zhi nodded.

"Then it's settled." Lin Zhao let out a sigh of relief and smiled. "Without you, a Thirteenth Realm expert, to assist, I don't have absolute confidence in defeating Liu Bai. Our Heavenly Pool of the Snow Domain's strongest, Old Huang and Yu Wan Ning, have both been dispatched to Fusang Great Wall. It would indeed be difficult for the remaining people to join forces and kill Liu Bai. However, don't worry too much. Aunt will provide reinforcement at the source of Kusong River. Although it will be difficult, we will strive to kill Liu Bai without any losses."

"Good!"

Everyone smiled and nodded.

In the middle of the night, a gust of clear wind swept through the study of Tianranju, and a torrent of sword dao luck surged in. Wu Zhi had returned to the Thirteenth Realm. Although this Thirteenth Realm was slightly inferior to that of ten years ago and required more time to refine, after the great battle, this Thirteenth Realm was quite remarkable. At least for Lin Zhao, his right-hand man had returned.

...

In the early morning, clouds shrouded the entire Northern Domain.

As a ray of dawn broke through the eastern sky, piercing the clouds and showering down upon Fusang Great Wall, figures appeared atop the great wall. Qin Yu, dressed in a gray long gown, exuded the aura of a Twelfth Realm Great Sword Immortal. He held his sword, his gaze distant. Beside him were Ye Lin, also of the Twelfth Realm, and Liu Xilong, of the Eleventh Realm, as well as a group of cultivators gathered from the Human race's mountains.

After Shanhai Pass was retaken by the Human race, the martial world of the Human Domain stirred. Everyone knew that the Demon Realm would not give up easily and would surely return to attack Shanhai Pass. Therefore, thousands of mountain cultivators alone had gathered at Fusang Great Wall. In addition, in recent days, many vassal dynasties had sent troops to Fusang Great Wall, amassing seventy to eighty thousand men.

At this moment, Qin Yu held significant military power. Relying on the sturdiness of Fusang Great Wall, he was fully qualified to challenge the demons.

To the south, under the morning sun, countless demon formations stretched out, presenting an appearance of preparing to attack the city. Unfortunately, this demon army had been starving for a month. They had dug up all the grass along the way, and even the earthworms in the soil had been entirely consumed as rations, giving the impression of a swarm of locusts passing through. Yet, they were still not full. Many demon soldiers' eyes were glazed over with hunger, but they were urged forward by the rear guard to attack Fusang Great Wall.

"They're here."

Qin Yu smiled faintly. "Prepare to meet the enemy!"

"Yes!"

Liu Xilong raised his hand. Immediately, distant command flags waved. On the city walls, ballistae, light cannons, and other siege weapons were all aimed. Simultaneously, the archers on the city walls nocked their arrows, ready for battle.

"Father!"

Qin Ran, holding his long sword, beamed with excitement. "When the battle begins, may I go out of the city to slay demons?"

"No!"

Qin Yu's discipline was strict. "You may only wield your sword on the city walls!"

"Understood..."

Qin Ran grudgingly complied.

Ye Lin, in his long gown, appeared graceful on the city walls, an anomaly amidst the battlefield's murderous atmosphere. He frowned and looked towards Wuwang Mountain. Suddenly, his heart stirred. "They're coming!"

"Mm, indeed they are."

Qin Yu nodded with a smile. In his perception, extremely powerful auras had already left Wuwang Mountain and were heading straight for Fusang Great Wall. However, Qin Yu was not worried, because Yu Wan Ning had arrived outside the northern wall of Fusang Great Wall with thirty thousand iron cavalry. Furthermore, two potent sword intents had left the Heavenly Pool of the Snow Domain and were rushing towards Fusang Great Wall.

With Huang Tingyu and Chi Zhongyu, these two Great Sword Immortals present, Fusang Great Wall had the capital to maneuver. As for why Lin Zhao and the others were not coming, that was their plan, the details of which Qin Yu did not know.

...

In the early morning, mist permeated Kusong River. A colossal figure lay submerged in the river depths, invisible to those below the Upper Five Realms. Liu Bai, clad in armor, caused ripples to spread through the water. Suddenly, his heart stirred, and he frowned. He had sensed the movement from Wuwang Mountain and felt an immediate annoyance. This nagging woman Nan Qingfeng, did the actions of the Demon Realm no longer inform him?

He was a direct disciple of the Demon Ancestor!

Just then, a ripple of water luck surged upstream, rapidly coalescing into a golden torrent that rushed from Xijian River into Kusong River. The dignified Thirteenth Realm expert, Lin Xingchu, had left Xijian River and was heading for Kusong River!

Concurrently, from the jungle on the side of Kusong River, the silhouette of a praying mantis stealthily approached. Beneath the praying mantis's wings, concealed were extremely powerful auras, yet they were all masked by Lin Zhujie's innate divine ability, making Liu Bai completely unaware!