Chapter 380 – War Zone Commander?

With Dolai devouring everything, there were no violent energy surges or shockwaves blocking their path, allowing the Wind King’s Wings to fly even faster.

It just couldn’t fly high.

The passage was narrow, with the distance between sky and earth seemingly only a few dozen meters.

After flying for over twenty seconds, the distance between sky and earth began to stretch, and the overwhelming energy waves constantly crashing around them noticeably decreased in intensity.

Yet, amidst this raging celestial tide, visible red mists drifted like silk floss, willow catkins, and clouds—floating according to their own rhythm, completely unaffected by the violent surges.

“So it truly is the Land of Red Mist.”

Minister Qin retrieved several anti-filth potions from his storage equipment and distributed them to everyone.

This was, after all, an official mission, and all consumables were provided by the authorities. As the head of the logistics department, Minister Qin’s storage was never short of various supplies and tools.

He might not be the wealthiest in the Pioneer Group, but he certainly handled the most resources.

After distributing the potions, Minister Qin summoned a cloaked expert who cast skills to conceal their presence and obscure their figures.

Minister Qin then produced a gray pearl, from which an invisible force spread out, enveloping their surroundings.

This was the Obscuring Pearl.

Flying Flame and Shen Linglong watched with envy.

Clearly, they understood the pearl’s function and… didn’t possess one themselves.

Crushed Rock Lord felt no envy—he too owned such a pearl, acquired long ago by spending considerable Contribution Points and waiting in line on the platform. This was the advantage of being an experienced Pioneer Lord.

Mu Yuan patted his pocket… where his own pearl rested back in his territory, wondering if he could purchase another when the Mystery merchant next appeared.

This item was a Sharp Weapon for pioneers—the more, the better.

…

The Wind King’s Wings flew slowly, suppressing its Aura to the extreme. Otherwise, the Aura generated by rapid flight would far exceed what an Advanced skill could conceal.

The group cautiously advanced, eventually reaching the edge of the Raging Lands.

Before them lay a crimson world!

Gloomy clouds blotted out the sky, not a sliver of sunlight in sight.

Crimson Mist drifted like clouds, filling every corner of this realm.

Gnarled, skeletal trees clawed at the air like ghosts; a small stream flowed murkily, its waters gray tinged with red; the parched earth was crisscrossed with rust-red streaks.

Not a trace of life remained in the entire land.

No, that wasn’t entirely accurate.

Mu Yuan spotted distant mountains swelling and contracting rhythmically, as if breathing like living beings. The sheer vitality was staggering.

“Is this the true Land of Red Mist?”

According to Dolai’s description, the corrosive power here was actually weaker than around the Filth Nexus, yet still significantly stronger than during the Crimson Mist disaster months within Taixuan Territory.

Moreover, this Crimson Mist enveloped the entire Great Domain, omnipresent.

Corrosion seeped inward.

Perception was impaired.

Every aspect felt profoundly uncomfortable.

Even Legendary Realm experts would struggle to survive here long-term, let alone engage in combat.

As for those below Legendary?Pioneer Lords and professionals below the Legendary Realm in the Pioneer Group typically only operate in non-Crimson Mist regions, clearing out monster tribes and eliminating powerful monster threats. Third and Fourth-Order Experts stationed at the frontlines of the Great Warzones usually remain garrisoned within fortresses and are not assigned missions that require venturing deep into the Land of Red Mist.

Braving the Land of Red Mist? For those below the Legendary Realm, that would be far too reckless.

Such operations are usually led by the most elite Legendary Realm experts, spearheading assaults into these dangerous territories.

Even then, such missions are rare.

After all, compared to the colossal monster factions, even a major power like the Taixuan Alliance remains far too weak and insignificant.

Among their group, only Minister Qin, Wind King’s Wings, and Crushed Rock Lord—two humans and one bird—had truly ventured deep into the Land of Red Mist.

Minister Qin gazed into the distance, taking in the scenery ahead.

He then said, “Prepare to return.”

Shen Linglong exclaimed, “Huh? Aren’t we going further in? We can’t even confirm if this is the Great Domain where Dragon’s Slumber Valley is located, right?”

Minister Qin shook his head. “We can largely confirm it. Don’t underestimate the efforts of the frontline Pioneer Lords. Besides, with our small numbers and limited strength, if we go deeper and are discovered by the enemy, we won’t be able to escape.”

Mu Yuan wholeheartedly agreed.

It seemed Minister Qin was also a master well-versed in the Dao of caution.

However, before leaving, they could still accomplish some tasks.

Minister Qin retrieved a special tool.

At first glance, it resembled a staff, with a large golden-yellow eyeball cradled at its tip.

As Minister Qin hurled the tool downward, it embedded itself firmly into the ground. The golden-yellow eyeball at the top suddenly opened, and then, both the eyeball and its supporting structure gradually faded and vanished from sight.

Dolai communicated via mental link, “I can’t find it anymore!”

Mu Yuan wasn’t surprised.

This was a top-tier reconnaissance tool known as the “True Sight Ward.” Not only did it possess exceptional self-concealment capabilities, but it also had the power to pierce through illusions and observe its surroundings.

Its drawbacks were its immobility and exorbitant cost.

A single-use tool like this was equivalent in value to four to six pieces of Excellent-grade Materials.

Mu Yuan then summoned the Black Crows.

After a moment’s thought, he summoned only three and infused them with a substantial amount of energy to prolong their duration.

Although the Crimson Mist here was dense, its corrosive power hadn’t reached the point of turning inanimate objects into living beings. As inanimate creations, the Black Crows left here would be safer and more at ease than living beings.

Soon, the three created Black Crows also slowly faded from view right before everyone’s eyes.

These Black Crows were quite impressive!

Even without careful inspection, they were nearly undetectable.

Rock Crusher, Flying Flame, and Shen Linglong exchanged glances, suddenly feeling somewhat awkward.

Crushed Rock Lord actually had reconnaissance methods he could leave behind as well, but he felt they couldn’t compare to the Black Crows, nor to the crows summoned effortlessly by the Fourth-Order Tianyuan.

If he brought them out now… well, it might be better not to.

Not using them would at least save the tool.

With Minister Qin’s eye and Tianyuan’s crows in place, his tool wouldn’t make much difference anyway.

After setting up their hidden measures, the reconnaissance team quickly began their return journey.

The return trip was faster, taking only a day and a night to reach Tianyuan City.

Tianyuan City remained as tranquil as ever.

Even more serene.

There was no sense of an impending storm under the watch of the Monster Overlords.

Minister Qin began calling for reinforcements.

To say “calling for help” wasn’t entirely accurate—they were entrusting this arduous task to more suitable and powerful experts for execution.——The mission to launch a surprise attack and inflict heavy damage on Dragon’s Slumber Valley.

This mission had nothing to do with him, Mu Someone.

He had no intention of taking risks—not even by sending an Incarnation. There was no need, as he had already left surveillance at the front lines.

Minister Qin wouldn’t agree to it either.

Not just him, but Shen Linglong and Flying Flame Lord were also highly unlikely to make it into the surprise attack team.

The Pioneer Group had a detailed and precise evaluation mechanism.

During the assessment process, some predictive methods—even epic-level Miracle Buildings—would be employed.

According to Minister Qin, Linglong Lord and Flying Flame Lord lacked sufficient experience, Pioneer Star Rank, and combat prowess. Even if they applied, they wouldn’t pass the evaluation.

The Taixuan Alliance had few top-tier experts, and even fewer with free time.

But when the massive machinery of the Alliance started operating, it could naturally mobilize suitable experts.

“At the front lines, facing off against Dragon’s Slumber Valley, are General Qingxin and a group of pioneering experts,” said Crushed Rock Lord.

He was one of the experts preparing to join the surprise attack team—an opportunity for him as well.

From Crushed Rock Lord, Mu Yuan learned more about the situation at the front lines.

A frontline Great Warzone typically consisted of a defensive fortress and several logistical territories. The fortress was anchored at the forefront, maintaining considerable distance from the logistical bases, allowing them to support each other.

The logistical territories were responsible for eliminating remaining powerful enemies and maintaining communication with the rear.

They themselves served as war fortresses.

General Qingxin was one of the Seven-Star Generals of the Pioneer Group. Mu Yuan had met her before—during the Dragon Court selection trials, it was said this general collaborated with the fox-kin race to expand and strengthen the entertainment service industry.

Two days later.

Crushed Rock Lord brought news: “It’s said that the leader this time is General Flowing Arrow. It’s a sure thing.”

Mu Yuan asked, “How so?”

Crushed Rock Lord was quite enthusiastic about enlightening a future heavyweight like Tianyuan. Pity his daughter was only eight—otherwise he might have tried matchmaking.

He explained, “General Flowing Arrow is one of the strongest under the Taixuan Nation’s pillars. To put it plainly, few in the third Legendary Realm, the Law Realm, can match this general.”

“Not long ago… a few months back, when we subjugated the Goblin Kingdom in the Gloomy Dark Forest, it was General Flowing Arrow who led the operation.”

“Back then, with just his Sword, he slaughtered an estimated hundred Legendary Realm monsters, striking such fear into the goblins they trembled.”

Mu Yuan stroked his chin.

So that’s how the Goblin Kingdom in the Gloomy Dark Forest was destroyed? Most lords weren’t privileged to know such information.

But Tianyuan was a key talent cultivated by Taixuan, receiving attention from Old Qin and several pioneering generals, so Crushed Rock Lord could discuss more confidential, deeply classified matters.

He continued, “General Flowing Arrow’s experiences are equally legendary, no less impressive than Cold Moon City Lord’s. You’ve probably heard—General Flowing Arrow once suffered Filth corruption, with half his body mutated, yet he forcibly assimilated the Filth power for his own use.”

Mu Yuan nodded.

“This big shot Flowing Arrow started as merely top-tier among his peers.” It wasn’t until he ventured deep into the Land of Red Mist, faced calamity, narrowly survived, and then broke through his limits that he rose to become one of Taixuan’s supreme experts.”

Corruption has its boundaries.Asymptomatic individuals suffer slight erosion but can recover within a few days by resting in safe areas.

Mild cases begin experiencing visual hallucinations, auditory whispers, and bloodshot eyes.

Severe cases exhibit physical mutations, mental confusion, and erratic behavior. Recovery at this stage becomes extremely difficult.

Once complete erosion occurs, the person dies and becomes a Filth lifeform.

This is an irreversible process.

Just as the dead cannot return to… oh, actually the dead can be resurrected here, but those transformed into Filth lifeforms can never be reversed.

This is the terror of Filth.

Yet General Flowing Arrow transforms this terrifying Filth power into his own weapon, dancing with madness as he continuously slaughters.

Mu Yuan couldn’t help but feel admiration hearing this.

Crushed Rock Lord said, “General Flowing Arrow often charges at the frontlines, and his near-death experiences aren’t limited to just that one incident. Rumor has it that even when he was still insignificant, he repeatedly faced life-threatening situations, yet no matter how dangerous the circumstances, he always survived. In fact, after surviving certain death, his power often made major breakthroughs.”

If the rumors were truly that exaggerated, this General Flowing Arrow’s experiences could be considered protagonist material.

Mu Yuan mentally complained.

He suddenly asked, “Since General Flowing Arrow has such experiences, why do you still think having this general lead the team is stable?”

Crushed Rock Lord froze.

Damn it!

…

General Flowing Arrow and other powerful figures are expected to arrive in this domain in a few days and launch a secret assault on Dragon’s Slumber Valley.

At that time,

powerful figures including Flowing Arrow, Microstar, White Shark, Cangqiong, Moon Sword Immortal, and Celestial River Sword Saint will rest briefly in Tianyuan City before directly assaulting the Land of Red Mist.

Mu Yuan is responsible for logistics support this time.

It’s light work with decent contributions, plus he can get familiar with various big shots – a rare opportunity indeed.

Moon Sword Immortal is likely the same one from Cold Moon City Lord’s family who appeared in the Land Between Worlds before.

A Peak Heaven-Earth Realm legend.

He wondered how Dolai and Deadbone would fare against this Moon Sword Immortal in a fight.

Minister Qin isn’t going either, only responsible for providing some strategic supplies. That’s the logistics department’s actual job.

“This surprise attack has decent chances of success for the Alliance, but against an organization like Dragon’s Slumber Valley, we can’t possibly defeat them with just one assault.”

He paused, “I plan to apply to the Alliance to establish an observation base here and recommend you as the person in charge of this warzone.”

“Ah? Me?”

Mu Yuan was stunned.

Minister Qin explained, “The observation base’s purpose is to construct special Miracle Buildings that can detect Filth Nexuses. This way, if the Monster Overlord attempts to build more Filth Nexuses, we’ll discover it immediately.”

“And if Dragon’s Slumber Valley plans to attack here, this great domain can become a frontline warzone… Of course, don’t feel too pressured. The northern domain passage is very narrow, unable to accommodate large forces. Dragon’s Slumber Valley couldn’t make this their main attack route. Even if this becomes a frontline, it would only be a minor warzone.”

“Naturally, if it develops into a great warzone scale, your current merits wouldn’t be sufficient to serve as overall commander.”

Even for a minor warzone, given Mu Yuan’s current… soon-to-be-promoted three-star Pioneer Lord rank, he still isn’t qualified to serve as formal commander.

He can only serve as ‘Acting Commander’.

This brings great benefits to Mu Yuan.Forget about authority and Contribution Points for now; the most important thing is a sense of security.

When the Tianyuan Territory was struck by disaster, he had to rely on himself for defense. It was the Lord’s inherent duty to protect his own home. If a territory suffered and sought reinforcements, it wasn’t that easy to obtain them.

But if this were a Warzone, once the great enemy from Dragon’s Slumber Valley attacked, it would no longer be just a matter for his Tianyuan City alone, but an affair of the entire Taixuan Alliance.

Had he been promoted even before heading to the frontline fortress?

Mu Yuan understood clearly that this was likely due to Minister Qin’s influence.

He had sent him a grand gift!

The gift was too significant, and indeed too generous—he couldn’t refuse it.

Qin Guohua wore a delighted smile.

Applying to establish an observation base and granting Tianyuan the position of “Acting Commander” was indeed his suggestion.

But it was also because the Alliance had a genuine need.

Otherwise, even as the Minister of the Pioneering Logistics Department, in charge of such matters, he wouldn’t have been able to accomplish this.

The Alliance needed to guard against Dragon’s Slumber Valley; this Great Domain truly held strategic value!

After days of exploration, he had also discovered that although this Great Domain wasn’t large, it seemed to connect to many regions, making its importance far from insignificant.

As for whether it was appropriate to entrust such an important responsibility to a young man like Tianyuan?

“Tianyuan is not as simple as he appears on the surface.”

“I suspect his territory still holds some trump cards. Otherwise, he wouldn’t remain so calm under the watchful eyes of two dominant powers. He may only have one Legendary Realm figure, but he likely possesses several other means to counter Legendary Realm threats.”

“Besides, this is just an observation base. The base’s daily operations will be handled by experienced personnel. If a situation truly arises—if Dragon’s Slumber Valley sends troops—the observation base will provide early warning, giving us ample time to establish a more solid frontline fortress.”

That was the purpose of the observation base.

Why not build a frontline fortress now? There’s a lack of funds and personnel, and resources must be allocated where they are most needed.

He looked at Mu Yuan, as there was still one important task at hand.

“Since you were the first to discover this Great Domain, the task of naming it falls to you.”

(End of Chapter)