Chapter 548 – Leave No Enemy Behind, Annihilate Them in Tianyuan City's Territory

Since the emergence of the Heaven-Splitting Calamity, Tianyuan City had relocated mineral deposits from various regions and fully contracted its defensive lines. While this made defending the territory easier, eliminating concerns about enemy legends launching surprise attacks on specific strongholds, it also drastically reduced Tianyuan City’s control over wilderness areas beyond the “Tianyuan City Defense Perimeter.”

Wild monsters proliferated extensively, with monster camps and tribes springing up like mushrooms after rain. Moreover, as the Crimson Mist poured in, wild legends also stepped into the Ten Directions Island Region. They might have come from neighboring realms or emerged from the scarlet Heaven-Splitting River.

Based on limited intelligence gathered by exploration teams, some wild legends had subdued numerous monster tribes, establishing overlord forces capable of ruling vast territories. The exploration teams had identified as many as six such overlord forces. It was speculated that there might be over a dozen overlord powers currently existing in the Ten Directions Island Region.

Some were weaker than factions like Jackal Fang or Blood Serpent Embrace, while others were stronger, possibly ruled by Peak Heaven-Earth Realm or even Soul Realm experts! Even though these overlord forces belonged to different factions, camps, and sects, frequently warring among themselves, the overall environment of the Ten Directions Island Region had become far more dangerous than a year ago!

After all, back then, the vast Ten Directions Island Region had only Blood Tree King, a single Peak Heaven-Earth Realm entity. With limited military resources, Tianyuan City typically only secured retreat routes—ensuring the path to the Twilight Great Domain remained clear. The central, northern, and western parts of the Ten Directions Island Region had long descended into chaos.

Each overlord force sought to devour the others, aiming to establish a more extensive overlord kingdom and elevate themselves to higher ranks.

Until a few days ago.

Envoys from the top-tier overlord, Dragon’s Slumber Valley, personally descended upon the strongholds of various overlords, persuading all their rulers. The thought of that day still filled the Dread Wolfman with fear, and he felt grateful he hadn’t resisted. Otherwise, his modest Heaven-Earth Realm physique wouldn’t have survived more than a few bites from a dragon.

However,

the Dread Wolfman glanced around. This was the location of the Overlord Council, formed by over a dozen overlord forces, with thirty-three seats in total. Their Dreadwolf Heights could only claim one seat here.

And among them…

there was a horned demon burning with hellish ghost flames; a Queen riding a colossal spider; a massive black titan with an abyssal aura. The presence of any of these figures made the Dread Wolfman tremble with fear. Yet, he couldn’t comprehend why these powerful beings would participate in the Overlord Council and willingly submit to Dragon’s Slumber Valley’s command.

While Dragon’s Slumber Valley was indeed notorious and held significant weight within the Heavenly Aberration Eternal Life faction, if they were merely cowed by its fearsome reputation into submission, they wouldn’t be true monsters. Great monsters born between heaven and earth—how could they endure long subjugation?

No matter how powerful Dragon’s Slumber Valley was, how much of its influence could truly extend to this island domain? The Dread Wolfman, along with many other overlord rulers present, couldn’t figure it out.

“Hmph, fools!”

The hell demon crossed its arms and cast a cold glance at these weak ants.

How could ants possibly comprehend the terror of Dragon’s Slumber Valley?The envoy from Dragon’s Slumber Valley who descended upon their Hell Abyssal Valley was one and only one, yet that one was the Hunting Grand Duke, notorious for his ferocity across the world!

The mere arrival of a Hunting Grand Duke was enough to stifle any rebuttal from Hell Abyssal Valley.

He believed that whether it was the Spider Queen’s Nest or the Titan Fortress, they faced the same predicament.

Moreover,

The Hell Demon addressed the Legendary Realm figures present: “The human faction to the south is not to be underestimated. Wouldn’t it be easier to let the powerhouse from Dragon’s Slumber Valley eliminate that human city, rather than us risking our lives personally?”

He cast his gaze into the distance.

Beyond the undulating mountains and roaring rivers, a majestic fortress could faintly be seen standing atop a high mountain.

The Hell Demon had tested this human faction and knew full well how troublesome Tianyuan City was. This time, being able to use Dragon’s Slumber Valley’s mighty hand to eradicate this ‘neighboring strong enemy’ was indeed a favorable turn of events.

Of course, he understood that Dragon’s Slumber Valley intended to use them as cannon fodder, to trade lives with the human powerhouses.

But so what?

Even if all the Legendary Realm experts of Hell Abyssal Valley perished, as long as he himself survived and grew stronger through this opportunity, it would be enough.

Dragon’s Slumber Valley was using them, but wasn’t he, in turn, using Dragon’s Slumber Valley?

Heh heh heh heh heh—

Unrestrained laughter echoed through the council grounds.

…

At the same time.

By the northern city walls of Tianyuan City, atop the massive watchtower over a hundred meters high.

The envoys from Gemstone Nation, Blazing Palm Yang Kong, and others who had received permission gradually arrived here.

From here, the surging tide of monsters was not yet visible, but they could faintly see wisps of crimson mist drawing nearer, and the air was thick with a viscous, suffocating sense of oppression.

Hong Shi Jing, the leader of Gemstone Nation, had noticed the gathering tide and the faint presence of legendary monsters within it even before arriving at Tianyuan City.

If even a small cluster of the tide was like this, how terrifying must the full-scale monster tide assault be?

He couldn’t imagine, but he knew this battle would not be easy. No matter what they thought, it would be difficult to remain uninvolved.

Yang Kong, a Legendary Realm expert from First Hand Commerce, wasn’t fully aware of the monster tide’s situation, but he clearly understood Tianyuan City’s predicament—facing the formidable top-tier overlord, Dragon’s Slumber Valley!

Even if Dragon’s Slumber Valley wouldn’t focus too much on a single territory, and even if their power was limited when projecting beyond the Land of Red Mist, they would still be immensely fearsome.

Not to mention, this was happening while the powerful lords were fervently exploring the World Secret Realm.

This would be a tough battle.

“I am Blazing Palm Yang Kong, and I wish to join the defense.”

He looked toward the person in charge of Tianyuan City.

Glancing around, he didn’t see the Tianyuan City Lord anywhere. He surmised, as expected, the Tianyuan City Lord was not within the territory, making this battle even more difficult.

The one currently overseeing the city’s affairs was undoubtedly Isloria.

Lu Liu, Deadbone, and others could lend their perspectives through the authority of Heroes, either controlling the territory’s Miracle Buildings or micromanaging troops that hadn’t yet left the territorial range, but only Isloria could represent them publicly.

“The monster tide is approaching, but there’s no need for concern. Our Tianyuan City will firmly hold the tide, including the legendary monsters, at bay beyond the city walls.”

“Naturally, Tianyuan City has no reason to ask our guests to take action.”Isloria had anticipated their anxiety and worries. Rather than letting them speculate endlessly and allowing the seeds of concern to fester in their hearts, it was better to bring them directly to the observation platform.

She had no time to entertain guests now.

Moreover, compared to hospitality and conversation, a war that would utterly crush the invading enemies without leaving a single survivor would better demonstrate the might of Tianyuan City.

She was well aware that their Lord had long cast the bait, waiting for the people of the Gemstone Nation to take it.

Her gaze swept over them.

Using the territory’s various covert detection methods, she had confirmed that this group from the Gemstone Nation was indeed formidable.

The number of Legendary Realm experts currently stationed in Tianyuan City was fewer than in their party.

At present, Tianyuan City was truly lacking in Legendary combat power.

Protection was far more challenging than destruction, especially since they were bound to face sneak attacks from Legendary monsters.

With so few Legendary experts in the city and the elite main force absent, Isloria’s confidence didn’t stem solely from knowing that Lapis was holding the fort.

After all, Lapis was just one person, and relying on a single individual to protect an entire city carried significant risks.

Her confidence came from the ‘Radiant City Defense Barrier,’ which made Tianyuan City an impregnable whole, fearless of destruction.

Tianyuan City’s legions had assembled, but instead of manning the city walls, they surged out through the raised city gates.

“Woooooo—”

“For the Lord!”

One legion after another poured out, charging toward all directions.

The times had changed.

According to the new Tianyuan City defense plan, they would no longer defend from within the city walls.

The area within one to two hundred li outside Tianyuan City was entirely mining territory.

Whether to protect Tianyuan City’s surrounding environment or to minimize losses, they would strive to set the battlefield beyond their borders.

This wasn’t Isloria’s strategy; she didn’t need to command this battle.

Everything was merely proceeding according to the established plan.

However, those on the observation platform couldn’t quite comprehend it.

“Tianyuan City must have some profound tactical reasoning for doing this?”

“Regardless, when the situation becomes critical, this Tianyuan City commander will have to ask for our help.”

“Of course, it would be even better if they could safely eliminate this Monster Tide and end things peacefully.”

…

Tianyuan City’s army had almost entirely deployed, engaging the monster tide on the frontlines in the wilderness.

The army included various ‘Main Legions,’ ‘Secondary Legions,’ and ‘Reserve Legions,’ numbering over ten thousand—a minuscule force compared to the Monster Tide that numbered at least seven figures.

However,

even with hundreds of elites accompanying the Lord to battle in the World Secret Realm, the remaining main force still contained over two thousand Fourth-Order Experts. The majority of the rest were Third Order, with a minority at Second Order.

Any random thousand soldiers from their ranks could form an Army Soul Legion, one more elite than those of most territories.

“First Battalion, Bone Spike, Layered Waves.”

A skeleton battalion abruptly halted their Charge. The first row of skeleton soldiers crouched low, one hand supporting their elbow, the other with fingers slightly spread forward.

The next moment, their finger bones cracked and shot forth like cannonballs tearing through the sky.

Whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh—

The advancing monsters fell like wheat before a scythe. Even the earth-scaled Dragons clad in thick armor couldn’t withstand several plain, unadorned Bone Spikes.

The second row of skeleton soldiers opened fire as well.Then came the third volley, followed by a swift return to the first column.

Rows of skeletal warriors continuously fired finger bones, their attacks surging like overlapping gray tides.

The monsters couldn’t even continue advancing—within mere blinks, all creatures within range were completely cleared out.

And this was merely the skeletal army, which wasn’t particularly skilled in area attacks.

Simultaneously.

“Howling, ice and snow!”

“Freeze, frozen rivers!”

A Frost Lord stood atop the snow kingdom fortress, hands raised high, throat singing in chant.

Dozens of Winter Maidens nearby chanted in unison, an avalanche-like Ice Burial snowstorm rolling forward, devouring everything, freezing everything, and shattering everything.

Elsewhere.

Master Gunsmith Gunpowder stood atop a mountain peak, several mechanical cases carried beside him.

The mechanical cases clacked and transformed, revealing one dark cannon muzzle after another.

He chanted loudly, “Unlimited Firepower!”

A torrential barrage of bullets and artillery shells poured down like raging rivers.

At various high points, Master Gunsmiths and artillery experts were raining down tons of shells, cleansing the ground over and over again.

Meanwhile,

At the outskirts of Dragon Head Mountain Fortress.

Dozens of sniper towers stood tall, with figures standing erect at their peaks, proud against the wind.

They were the Polar Star Arrows and Star Commanders!

The leading Polar Star Arrow drew his bowstring taut, facing the overwhelming dark clouds in the distance.

“Myriad Arrows Artifact!”

Dozens, scores, hundreds of starlight points slowly emerged from the churning winds and clouds.

The arrow curtain pierced through the sky.

This wasn’t resistance against the tide—this was one-sided slaughter.

Even though the monster hordes contained numerous Fourth Order monsters, how many remained in any specific wave? How could they possibly withstand the roaring warriors of Tianyuan City?

Especially the troop warriors from secondary corps and candidate corps, who fought with particular fervor.

—In previous battles, the main force had handled everything! When did they ever get opportunities to fight at the front lines?

Lord Mu’s all-out cultivation regardless of cost was already bearing fruit.

Somewhere,

Suddenly,

“BOOM—”

A terrifying aura erupted from the chaotic monster tide, a murky green Domain instantly unfolding, causing the surrounding heaven and earth to stagnate.

Then, this figure crossed hundreds of meters in a single breath and struck out violently.

Heaven Earth Great Handprint.

“BOOM—”

The entire skeletal battalion formation was shattered, countless skeletal warriors sent flying.

Such was the might of a Legendary!

But what astonished this Legendary Realm expert was that despite this powerful strike, it seemed not a single skeletal warrior had been destroyed?

The skeletal warriors landed after being sent flying, then swiftly counterattacked the next second.

Dozens, hundreds of Bone Spikes shot forth.

“Merely bone spikes.”

But his expression soon changed, forced to continuously maintain a murky green Heaven Earth Ring to block the relentless rain of bone spikes.

The Heaven Earth Ring trembled incessantly.

In the distance, a faint phantom manifested, a shadowy great slash gathering the power of countless skeletal warriors fell, cleaving through the Heaven Earth Ring.

The monster Legendary was sent flying backward, a several-meter-long black wound burning with death flames on his chest.

Hundreds of Bone Spikes swallowed his flying form.

Such scenes occurred across the battlefield.

Seeing the tides falling like wheat, unable to advance an inch, the hidden monster Legendaries had no choice but to reveal themselves out of desperation.

Only to be swiftly annihilated!In a war of this magnitude, before dozens or even hundreds of Fourth-Order Experts and under the influence of the Military Soul, one or two Legendary Realm beings couldn’t exert much influence.

Of course, they were still Legendary existences after all.

The warriors of Tianyuan City couldn’t maintain the Military Soul constantly, and among them were even ‘weaklings’ who were merely Elite level.

Casualties were unavoidable!

The Legendary experts fought with their lives on the line, inflicting significant losses upon the various legions of Tianyuan City.

Thus,

Within Tianyuan City, in a certain hidden and secluded place.

This was where the Hall of Heroic Souls was located.

In the grand hall, specks of light symbolizing souls dotted the night sky-like dome like stars.

Among them, some specks of light suddenly brightened, and strands of consciousness reawakened within.

“I got killed?”

“Oh, that damned monster Legend!”

“Hurry, hurry, quickly reshape the body!”

…

Hundreds of kilometers away from Tianyuan City.

At the location of the Overlord Council.

News from the front lines trickled back here.

“The situation isn’t ideal. Our tide has encountered sniping, and over a dozen Legendary Realm beings have already fallen.”

The reporter said thus.

A Hell demon asked: “How many Legendaries did the humans send out?”

The reporter hesitated but still said, “None.”

The monster council members: “???”

(End of Chapter)