The Peerless Emperor

Leaving Liushui City, Lin Qian continued to oversee the Huaxia Empire's army as they attacked the Shangyuan Immortal Kingdom, maintaining a certain intensity of attack to apply pressure on the Shangyuan side.

Meanwhile, two marshals of the Shangyuan Immortal Kingdom led their army swiftly towards Liushui City.

But upon arrival, they suddenly realized the entire Liushui City was enveloped and isolated by an Array.

"This..." Observing the situation before them, Marshal Jiangg Nianxin, at the Eighth Level of the Saint Realm, frowned and stared at the city before him, sensing something amiss.

The Array surrounding Liushui City clearly did not resemble the style of the Shangyuan Immortal Kingdom. It seemed the bandit had already conquered Liushui City.

On the other side, Marshal Jiangg Nianyue, at the Seventh Level of the Saint Realm, activated the Communication Crystal. After conveying the information to the Upper Origin Immortal Emperor, he turned to his brother. "The Immortal Emperor instructs us, whatever it takes, to reclaim Liushui City."

"There's no need to even think about it. You know Liushui City's importance; naturally, we must seize it at all costs." Jiangg Nianxin sneered as he inspected the Array hovering over the city. "Unexpectedly, this bandit sure is audacious."

"However, this Array looks quite formidable. Successfully breaking through it might take at least ten years." Jiangg Nianyue observed the Array over Liushui City and slowly spoke.

His eyes flashed brilliantly. Clearly, among the four marshals, his combat skills were exceptional, and he was also an Array Master with noteworthy achievements in the field of Arrays.

Had it not been for the need of sending him to conquer the Ancient City's Array in the northern part of the Upper Realm — which would make his prolonged absence suspicious — the Upper Origin Immortal Emperor would have already dispatched him there.

"Fearing it will take much effort," Jiangg Nianyue stretched his body and sighed as he focused on the Array before him.

Jiangg Nianxin also found something amiss about Liushui City; not a soul was visible within the city.

It seemed as if the city was deserted.

"Could it be the bandit retreated outright? If so, what was their point in conquering Liushui City?" Jiangg Nianxin wondered, unable to comprehend the empty sight behind the Array barrier.

Jiangg Nianyue spoke, "The Immortal Emperor just mentioned that all the Immortal Court's Immortal Army stationed at Liushui City is dead; not a single one survives."

"Weren't the bandits attacking Liushui City previously killed by the soldiers?" Jiangg Nianxin said while inspecting the Array over Liushui City, "Perhaps they came for revenge."

"They must have realized this city holds special significance to us and may have detected the presence of our army."

"Still, even though they haven't uncovered the truth, a direct confrontation with our army would not guarantee victory, prompting them to flee. Before leaving, they set up an Array to hinder us from reclaiming the city easily."

Jiangg Nianyue's speculation seemed plausible, which he duly reported back to the Upper Origin Immortal Emperor.

In the Immortal Court at the capital, receiving Jiangg Nianyue's communication, the Upper Origin Immortal Emperor felt his immense pressure ease considerably.

Clearly, he found the conjecture highly likely.

If they had discovered the secret truth, why would they abandon Liushui City and only set up a breakable Array?

Due to Liushui City's importance, the Upper Origin Immortal Emperor had a list of names for every stationed Immortal Army member. Thus, he immediately knew when all had perished.

Knowing the army had died so swiftly made him uneasy, fearing the truth had been uncovered.

The Upper Origin Immortal Emperor decided that if the secret were revealed, he would make it public, refusing to let the bandit benefit freely.

Yet, after Jiangg Nianyue's report, he felt relieved and opted against disclosure.

As he relaxed, orders were promptly issued to eradicate these bandits swiftly.

The lower races dared brazenly defy, attack his Immortal Country, seize cities and territories.

Luckily, the news had been tightly contained; if neighboring Immortal Countries knew, they would hilariously mock Shangyuan's show of weakness.

However, he was confident that Nie Haojie, the foremost of his four marshals, could easily thwart the intruders.

Nie Haojie, not only being among the four marshals, was a Saint Realm Ninth Level Peak perfect strongman, placing the bandit leader of humans in no significant threat.

Though, the Upper Origin Immortal Emperor communicated to Nie Haojie, urging caution to avoid underestimation.

Considering such bandits possessed skill, able to vanquish his disciples, possibly linked to Lin Di.

Furthermore, the swift annihilation of Liushui City's Immortal Army indicated their formidable strength.

Currently, at the frontmost high city walls of Mountain Sea City, Nie Haojie stood with arms crossed, quietly waiting.

Judging by the enemy's marching route, Mountain Sea City would be their inevitable path.

His scouts' communication confirmed the enemy's rapid advance towards his location.

Truth be told, Nie Haojie held disdain for the bandits; having never faced defeat, he maintained pride in his heart.

"Hmm?" Nie Haojie soon received a transmission from the Upper Origin Immortal Emperor, and upon checking, chuckled. "The Immortal Emperor is overly cautious. Humans leading bandits are unworthy of concern."

Closing the Communication Crystal, Nie Haojie's gaze narrowed.

For he already glimpsed ominous warships emerging; an enemy fleet.

Intelligence had revealed their Cloud Boat—a colossal entity crafted entirely from Soul Ore Metal.

In his view, it was a foolish display.

Merely grandstanding!

"Hmph, I shall see what remarkable trait these mere human bandits possess."