Chapter 549: Fighting Generals

Two armies stood facing each other from a distance.

The allied forces of a Thousand Peaks Forest were spread across the mountains, numerous and formidable.

At the position of the commander, sat a hunched figure, thin-faced, ordinary in appearance, with mottled skin – it was none other than Grandfather Long.

On either side of him were heroes of various sorts.

Seated on the far left was a scholar in a green robe, of middle age, with an extraordinary demeanor – this was the allied forces' strategist, Lu Hongtu.

Beside Lu Hongtu sat the Demon Heart Cave Master, whose eyes were like whirlpools and whose body was covered in black and purple scales, and the Blood Shadow Cave Master, who was shrouded in a bloody light, and the Poison Scorpion Cave Master, with a human body, a scorpion tail, and a purple cloud-like veil. There was also Ju Bing, who had a pig's head and a human body, and Jin Tunhe, whose body was imprinted with copper coin talismans.

Qianye, a phantom fox spirit, occupied the topmost position on the far right, where a colossal figure was coiled.

He had an elephant's head and a human body, a robust physique, a chest as broad as a city gate, and limbs as thick as tree trunks. His skin was a pale blue. Particularly striking were his pair of snow-white tusks, which resembled two crescent moons.

This was the current Elephant King of the Pale Elephant herd in the Thousand Peaks Forest.

Beside him were Chen Lingfeng, who had an eagle's head and a human body, Wu Hen, who practiced unusual arts, and Gu Ya, with blue hair, white skin, and wolf paw markings on his face. There was also the Barbarian elder Ji Bitengyi, and her husband, King Cangteng. And Tu Ming, whose waist was bound with dead snakes and whose neck was adorned with venomous pouches.

It can be said that the elite of the Thousand Peaks Forest's allied forces were all present, with almost all the strong cultivators gathered here.

Grandfather Long gazed into the distant camps of the Two Streams Kingdom, seeing them resembling a bronze city, solemn and majestic.

Watchtowers stood tall at regular intervals along the city walls. Banners fluttered in the wind, and soldiers stood on the walls, their equipment neat, their morale high.

Surrounding the camps, on the battlefield outside the walls, numerous arrow towers also stood, with abatis and trenches meticulously arranged.

The battlefield had been cleared, no longer a pile of rubble.

Grandfather Long's gaze unconsciously swept towards the other side.

Not far from the camps lay a mountain peak, the Dragon King's Giant Wood Mountain.

One of Grandfather Long's primary objectives in leading the entire army to besiege the Two Streams Kingdom's front-line camps was to rescue the many members and devotees of the Dragon King Temple on the Dragon King's Giant Wood Mountain.

Grandfather Long spoke, "The enemy's defenses are stringent, their fortifications excellent. Do any of you have good suggestions? Feel free to speak."

The crowd fell silent, their gazes all turning towards Lu Hongtu.

Since the beginning of the great battle, Lu Hongtu had performed exceptionally well, sparing no expense of his own resources to widely contact fellow cultivators, strong individuals, and large and small forces in the Thousand Peaks Forest.

It could be said that besides the prestige of the Ginseng Dragon King, Lu Hongtu's efforts in contacting others played a crucial role in the formation of the alliance.

Lu Hongtu being appointed as the alliance's strategist was a matter of popular consensus.

Afterward, Lu Hongtu strongly advocated and proactively offered a plan, arranging an ambush that yielded considerable results and established his authority.

After the first major battle, Grandfather Long temporarily withdrew, and various cultivators within the allied forces seized the spoils of war and acted independently.

Despite Chen Lingfeng and others strongly opposing this, Lu Hongtu stood by and let it happen, secretly allowing it.

This action was detrimental to the overall situation, but it garnered Lu Hongtu greater support and reputation.

Therefore, at this moment, everyone was using their actions to nominate him to speak.

Lu Hongtu pondered for a moment before slowly speaking, "The enemy has spared no expense in constructing such a camp, it is almost a city wall."

"Many fellow daoists fell to the heavy military equipment of the enemy camp before. We have undoubtedly experienced the might of this great camp."

The crowd listened in silence, many nodding slightly in strong agreement.

Lu Hongtu continued, "Especially since Du Tiechuan is recuperating in the enemy camp. If we were to truly provoke this powerful enemy at the Nascent Soul stage..."

Lu Hongtu deliberately paused, successfully observing the slight change in everyone's expressions.

In the last major battle, Du Tiechuan directly defeated the Ginseng Dragon King. This alone was enough to prove his battle prowess!

The highest cultivation level in the allied forces was only at the Nascent Soul stage; there were no cultivators at the Deity Transformation stage. If Du Tiechuan were forced out, everyone present would fare poorly.

Lu Hongtu deliberately paused and looked at Grandfather Long.

Following his action, other cultivators also cast questioning and expectant glances at Grandfather Long.

The meaning was clear – they were all asking if the Ginseng Dragon King would make another appearance in this great battle.

Grandfather Long had no answer in his heart and could only say, "Every move of the Divine Being is confidential, concerning the ultimate outcome of this battle, this old man cannot casually reveal it."

"However, now that our allied forces are fully assembled, if we are completely wiped out by Du Tiechuan's methods, the overall situation of the entire Thousand Peaks Forest will completely fall to the Two Streams Kingdom."

Grandfather Long did not directly answer or express his stance clearly, but through these words, he successfully persuaded the cultivators present.

"Indeed, if we all die in battle, the Thousand Peaks Forest will have no forces left to defend it, and the enemy can advance unimpeded and at ease!"

"How powerful is the Ginseng Dragon King? The vitality in his body is like the sea, he must have already fully recovered."

"The Dragon King's Giant Wood Mountain lies there, and there are so many members of the Dragon King Temple on the mountain."

A glint of brilliance flashed in the depths of Lu Hongtu's eyes.

Besides Du Tiechuan and the Ginseng Dragon King, another key figure who could influence this great battle was Young Master Shengxu.

"Has Young Master Shengxu been persuaded?"

"According to the information, he is still staying in his original location."

"He doesn't seem to have been invited, but his prolonged stay in the Thousand Peaks Forest is inherently suspicious."

Lu Hongtu continued to analyze in his mind.

Because it involved the transaction of the Sea of Life and Dragon Spring, which would tarnish the reputation of the Divine King, this matter was strictly kept secret by Grandfather Long and others.

Lu Hongtu was unaware of it.

"Below Young Master Shengxu are the Heaven and Earth Dual Ghosts."

"If we could find those two, the allied forces' combat power would also increase significantly."

"It's a pity..."

Thinking of this, the name Ning Zhuo suddenly popped into Lu Hongtu's mind.

His eyes flickered slightly.

Information about the battle of the Heaven and Earth Dual Ghosts had already reached the alliance in the Thousand Peaks Forest.

Their combined attack had killed many Nascent Soul cultivators in the Two Streams Kingdom's army, significantly weakening the latter. This was one of the opportunities for the Thousand Peaks Forest's allied forces to actively besiege the enemy.

However, the Heaven and Earth Dual Ghosts were ultimately subtly instigated by a certain method of Ning Zhuo, which led to their defeat and escape.

Therefore, the once small Foundation Establishment cultivator Ning Zhuo had become a name that Lu Hongtu had to pay attention to at this moment. "Ning Zhuo, the Ning family... it's a problem."

"After this great battle, we must strive to eliminate this problem as soon as possible!"

Grandfather Long spoke, interrupting Lu Hongtu's thoughts, "Strategist, you may continue."

Lu Hongtu replied, "Yes."

He continued, "The enemy's city walls are high, and they have already consolidated all their forces to defend. It would be extremely unwise for us to launch a forced attack."

"Although we have an army, as is well known, they are not well-trained, and we do not have an advantage in a head-on confrontation with the Two Streams Kingdom's regular army."

"Thanks to the Heaven and Earth Dual Ghosts, the number of the enemy's Nascent Soul cultivators is currently far less than ours."

"This point can be greatly exploited!"

Speaking of this, Lu Hongtu scanned the surroundings, "My suggestion is that we, the Nascent Soul cultivators, should attack individually, provoke the enemy, and engage in duels between commanders."

Upon hearing this, everyone expressed their agreement.

The allied forces were loosely organized, full of strong individuals, and inherently better at individual combat rather than military group operations.

Duels between commanders were the most suitable method for the allied forces to utilize their strengths.

While the allied forces were discussing, on the city walls, the Two Streams Kingdom's army was also in deliberation.

Supervisor Zhao Xi, dressed in official robes and holding a staff of office, occupied the central position.

On the left were Princess Ji Qiao Shuang Ling, Commander of the White Jade Camp Shuang Jing, Commander of the Red Flower Camp Mu Lan, Commander of the Fire Cloud Camp Lu Chi, and others.

On the right were the master and apprentice spirit chefs Ding Pi and Jia Wan, the Two Streams Kingdom's enshrined Song Ji, Mo Yechen with a myna perched on his shoulder, and others.

"The great battle is about to begin, yet some in our army have abandoned their posts and deserted in the face of battle. This is a capital offense!" Shuang Jing said while gloomily staring at Liu Er.

Zhao Xi immediately waved his hand, "Ning Zhuo, the strategist of the Three Generals' Camp, I already issued a secret order for other arrangements."

"So that's how it is." Shuang Jing immediately apologized.

Although Zhao Xi knew Shuang Jing was deliberately annoying him, he still frowned irritably.

He thought to himself, "What's going on with this Ning Zhuo?"

"At this critical juncture, he still hasn't returned to the military camp!"

"If the enemy truly sends out the Heaven and Earth Dual Ghosts, how should I respond?"

Just as he was thinking, Zhao Xi saw a cultivator fly out from the allied forces.

His figure was indistinct, shrouded in a layer of bloody light, his aura surging like the sound of waves spreading outwards.

It was the Blood Shadow Cave Master of the Six Caves Sect.

The Blood Shadow Cave Master immediately started to curse, belittling the many generals of the Two Streams Kingdom as incompetent and cowardly, issuing a challenge, daring them to a duel.

If they didn't dare, they were cowards.

At this moment, the Blood Shadow Cave Master was empowered by a military tactic called "Provocation."

Along with his challenge, the military tactic exerted its power, causing the morale of the two armies to form a mysterious connection.

Zhao Xi's expression darkened, fearing what he knew would come.

The enemy's superior high-level combat power was being fully utilized, which made Zhao Xi feel quite uncomfortable.

"Who will go out to face him?" Zhao Xi asked.

As soon as he spoke, a Nascent Soul cultivator loudly said, "I will!"

Everyone looked and saw it was Xu Dali.

Xu Dali was now a bare-handed commander, his Barbarian General Camp completely wiped out, only he managed to escape.

Upon reaching the front-line camps, due to being in the heartland of the Thousand Peaks Forest, it was difficult to replenish soldiers, so Xu Dali had never regained control of a unit.

Therefore, it would be more difficult for him to earn merit next without the support of an army.

Now, however, was a rare opportunity.

Xu Dali wanted to seize it tightly and use it to turn his fortunes around!

However, Zhao Xi showed hesitation.

Other cultivators also spoke up, saying that Xu Dali was injured and still needed to rest more.

Of course, this was a polite and indirect way of speaking.

Xu Dali was anxious and immediately patted his chest, stating that his injuries were completely healed.

His nature was straightforward, and he did not understand the unspoken meaning of others.

Zhao Xi was also thinking, "The first duel is quite important. Although Xu Dali is at the Nascent Soul stage, his individual combat prowess is not outstanding."

"Let's forget it!"

Zhao Xi's gaze swept around and finally settled on a certain cultivator.

"Heavenly Master Lei, how about I ask you to handle the first battle?"

Heavenly Master Lei's real name was Lei Qingyang, and his cultivation was at the Nascent Soul stage.

He was eight feet tall, standing straight like a pine tree, his muscle lines carved like with a knife and axe, his skin subtly showing pale golden lightning patterns, as if electrical light flowed beneath his skin.

His sword-like eyebrows reached his temples, his eyes were like bright stars, and there seemed to be lightning being born and extinguished in his pupils. His nose bridge was as high as a peak, his jawline firm, his beard and hair were all white but without any sign of age, and occasional fine sparks of electricity flickered through his hair.

He wore an indigo dharma robe with lightning cloud patterns, his sleeves embroidered with the Big Dipper, and the hem of his robe adorned with thirty-six demon-repelling thunder jades. As he walked, the thunder jades collided, emitting clear and resonant thunder sounds.

Hearing Zhao Xi call him, he immediately bowed slightly and offered a Taoist salute, his voice loud and clear, "I accept the command!"

He acted decisively, flying directly from the city wall towards the Blood Shadow Cave Master.

The other cultivators had no objections.

Lei Qingyang was an old and powerful cultivator, famous for a long time, with deep foundations. He primarily cultivated the True Scripture of the Nine Heavens' Thunder and Radiance and controlled the divine ability of Thunder Blast to Slay Evil, making him a true monarch among cultivators.

Zhao Xi's arrangement was also without fault.

This was the first duel, and the outcome was very important, as its result often had the greatest impact on morale.

The two flew up a bit higher. The Blood Shadow Cave Master continued to speak endlessly, but Lei Qingyang roared and attacked first.

He pointed with his hand, and the thirty-six demon-repelling thunder jades on the hem of his robe all flew out, attacking the Blood Shadow Cave Master.

Bang, bang, bang.

The demon-repelling thunder jades collided with each other in mid-air, and each collision caused a burst of thunder light.

The thunder light exploded towards the Blood Shadow Cave Master, and the demon-repelling power had a restraining effect on the latter.

The Blood Shadow Cave Master grinned ferociously and shook three scarlet blood beads from his sleeve.

The blood beads expanded in the wind, turning into three hundred-foot-long blood dragons, sweeping forward with a foul, rotten stench.

The blood dragons were fierce and directly broke through the thirty-six demon-repelling thunder jades, surrounding Lei Qingyang.

Lei Qingyang lightly sliced with his sword finger, and the Heavenly Gang Thunder Sword soared up from behind him!

Sword technique - sword energy pierced the sky.

Thunder method - electrical snakes danced chaotically!

The sword body emitted surging sword energy, which pierced through the surroundings and transformed into thousands of thunder snakes, their power immense, instantly shredding the blood dragons into a rain of blood.

Lei Qingyang seized the opportunity to pursue, his left hand forming a seal to draw upon the Nine Heavens' Cloud Thunder.

In an instant, the clouds split open, and nine purple霄 thunder balls, the size of millstones, smashed down with a roar, heading straight for the Blood Shadow Cave Master.

The Blood Shadow Cave Master's figure suddenly dispersed into a sky full of blood mist, and the thunder balls passed through the mist, blasting a large area of the mountain below into dust.

The blood mist filled the sky, gathering above Lei Qingyang's head at the same time, condensing into a blood curtain that covered the sky.

Swoosh.

The blood curtain thickened and condensed, turning into a river of blood that flowed across the sky.

The river of blood poured down, turning into a viscous blood waterfall that covered Lei Qingyang.

Lei Qingyang's expression changed slightly. Unwilling to resist it head-on, he was about to shift his position, but his figure was frozen in mid-air.

The blood mist coiled around him, turning into streaks of blood talismans that temporarily restricted Lei Qingyang's movements.

"When did I get hit?!" Lei Qingyang was greatly surprised.

Unable to dodge, watching the blood waterfall rush down, he could only flip his palm and summon the Thunder Swamp Gourd.

A patch of azure thunder clouds sprayed out from the mouth of the gourd, and the thunder clouds hovered above Lei Qingyang's head.

The next moment, the blood waterfall struck the thunder clouds, immediately hissing and crackling, and both sides engaged in a fierce consumption.

The blood mist was evaporated into scarlet steam, seemingly returning without success. In reality, it was quietly condensing behind Lei Qingyang.

The Blood Shadow Cave Master actually appeared from within, holding a blood-transforming divine blade that stabbed directly at Lei Qingyang's back!

The hair on Lei Qingyang's body stood on end. A dazzling electric light erupted from his body with full force, forcefully shattering the tip of the blade.

Lei Qingyang turned around and struck out fiercely with his palm. The thunder patterns on his palm turned into a Five Thunders Seal, striking the Blood Shadow Cave Master's body.

The Blood Shadow Cave Master let out a cold chuckle and instantly dissipated.

He had only lost a blood shadow clone. When his true body reappeared, he was already high in the sky.