Chapter 179 : First Clash with Zhang Xiu! The City of Lamentation—Xinye Opens!
Chapter 179: First Clash with Zhang Xiu! The City of Lamentation—Xinye Opens!
The fierce wind howled across the vast wilderness. Upon this rare stretch of clean land in the Abyss World, two forces that were not particularly large happened to encounter each other unexpectedly.
The Wan City force had fewer than five hundred troops.
The Luoshui City force had roughly nine hundred.
Hang Yu swept his gaze across several generals standing in the front row.
[Zhang Xiu], Level 25 Commander…
Description: The lord of New Wan City. A top-tier powerhouse known as the Spear King of the Northern Lands. His spear was unmatched, and no one in Wan City had been able to defeat him.
[Deng Zhi], Level 22 Commander…
Description: Representative of the Deng Clan, one of the three great families of New Wan City. Descended from a family of military commanders and highly skilled with the bow.
[Han Ji], Level 22 Commander…
Description: Representative of the Han Clan, one of the three great families of New Wan City. Proficient in various magical arts with extremely deep magical power.
[Hu Che’er], Level 22 Commander…
[Zhang Hong], Level 21 Commander…
[Wen Pin], Level 23 Commander…
Interesting!
Several prominent figures of New Wan City had appeared here. In addition, there was the long-renowned Blood Spear Battalion. According to information from Divine Physician Zhang and other intelligence sources, this was an extremely special and formidable unit.
The foundation of New Wan City was indeed powerful.
Hang Yu estimated that within the Wan City faction, even excluding the two special figures Jia Xu and Divine Physician Zhang, there were at least a dozen other experts who had reached Tier-3 Commander level.
The Blood Spear Battalion was the strongest trump card of New Wan City.
Although the unit was small, its several hundred Blood Spear Deathsworn were all Tier-3 cultivators, and each of them was a top-tier elite unit.
Their combined combat strength was at least equivalent to more than a dozen Tier-3 Commanders.
For Zhang Xiu to have single-handedly built such a unit, it was no wonder he had been able to sit firmly on the throne of city lord for so many years.
While Hang Yu observed Zhang Xiu and the others, Zhang Xiu was naturally observing Hang Yu as well.
A sharp glint continuously flashed within the old Spear King’s eyes. He had clearly sensed the powerful sense of threat emanating from this lord before him.
What a powerful existence!
It had been a long time since he had encountered someone like this!
While the old Spear King felt wary, he was also filled with fervor and excitement—like a martial fanatic who had finally met a worthy opponent. Every cell in his body burned with battle intent, and even the spear in his hand trembled with a high-pitched resonance.
Fight! Fight! Fight!
If he could battle the opponent before him—
He might break through the bottleneck that had bound him for a hundred years!
Zhang Xiu did not actually make a move. Yet his powerful battle intent transformed into momentum, rising from his body like steam.
It was as if invisible spears formed in the air, instantly piercing and pinning everyone present.
This pressure could neither be seen nor touched.
But every soldier of the Calamity Army could clearly feel it.
Just a moment ago they had been joking and watching the spectacle with carefree smiles.
Now their expressions changed completely.
“You have been affected by ‘Endless Spear Intent’. You have entered a Paralyzed State. You have entered Skill Silence. All attributes −15. Duration: 1 second!”
“You have been affected by ‘Endless Spear Intent’… Duration: 1 second!”
“You have been affected by ‘Endless Spear Intent’… Duration: 1 second!”
What was happening?
They couldn’t move!
Their skills were sealed!
Wave after wave of spear intent descended upon them.
The Players of the Calamity Army realized they had instantly become lambs waiting for slaughter.
As long as the old Spear King continued accumulating power without releasing it, the spear intent would continuously stack and intensify, eventually suppressing everyone present and stripping them of resistance for a short time.
This was ridiculous!
The pressure was far greater than Wen Pin’s!
The Players felt they were on a completely different level compared to the opponent.
But at that moment—
A powerful aura ten times stronger erupted like a volcanic explosion.
The invisible spears shattered instantly and collapsed completely, unable to affect anyone present.
“Majestic King’s Might!”
With a mere thought from Hang Yu, an invisible pressure swept outward.
Not only did it instantly dissolve the Spear King’s influence, it rebounded the pressure back toward the Wan City army.
Including the old Spear King himself, every general and every Blood Spear Deathsworn present was affected.
Zhang Xiu let out a muffled groan.
A trace of blood flowed from the corner of his mouth.
The fervor in his eyes turned into shock.
Under the backlash, all the battle intent within him vanished completely.
And this all occurred in the blink of an eye.
Outsiders could not perceive anything at all.
The two sides had not truly fought.
Yet this invisible confrontation had already produced a preliminary victor.
“How terrifying!”
“Although he can’t compare with that inhuman monster Dian Wei…”
“His strength should already be comparable to Jia Xu!”
“With my current state, if I fought him directly, I’m afraid my chances of victory would be slim!”
These thoughts flashed through Zhang Xiu’s mind.
The silent duel between Hang Yu and Zhang Xiu lasted no more than three seconds.
There were no visible signs, and most people had no idea what had just happened.
“Huh?”
“What just happened?”
“It seemed like that old guy Zhang Xiu tried to intimidate us with his aura!”
“He looks ordinary, but his presence is powerful. Truly worthy of being called the Spear King of the Northern Lands!”
“Powerful my foot!”
“Compared to Feather God, he’s nothing!”
“We still can’t underestimate him. I heard Zhang Xiu is Zhao Yun’s senior disciple. His Hundred-Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix Spear technique is the true inheritance of the spear grandmaster Tong Yuan. I wonder how effective it is in real combat. It’d be great if we could learn it!”
“Stop dreaming. Zhang Xiu is the overlord ruling Wan City. There’s no way he’ll willingly hand over his territory. A war between us and Wan City is inevitable—just a matter of time!”
“So this is what a duel between big shots looks like? The style is insanely high-level!”
“What kind of Conqueror’s Haki is this?!”
“…”
After recovering, the Players of the Calamity Army became extremely wary of Zhang Xiu’s strength.
After all—
The strongest historical figure the Players had fought so far was merely the Level-16 Demonized Zhang Bao.
Whether it was Wen Pin or Zhang Xiu, both were Tier-3 famous generals.
Although Wen Pin had been broken through with a single strike by the lord, that did not mean he was weak.
If they truly fought to the death, Wen Pin undoubtedly had many hidden methods.
He was definitely not some minor character who could be casually killed.
Judging from current displays—
Zhang Xiu’s personal combat power seemed even stronger than Wen Pin’s!
Although both were Commander-type units, they were absolutely top-tier commanders.
Compared with most monsters of the same rank, they existed on a completely different level.
Creatures like the Thousand-Legged Demonic Dragon could be crushed by them.
Zhang Xiu had clearly lost in the confrontation with the lord.
The brief invisible duel had been extremely fascinating.
But it also made the Players more deeply aware of the strength of the New Wan City faction.
Because even if a fight truly broke out—
Players preferred to fight themselves.
They did not want such a good opponent to be defeated by the lord.
But with the current strength of the Calamity Army, defeating Zhang Xiu would be extremely difficult.
Just looking at the spear soldiers behind Zhang Xiu made every Player’s expression change.
The pressure was immense.
“Am I seeing this right?”
“The Wan City army is this strong?”
“The leaders are all Commander-level, and even the ordinary spear soldiers are Tier-3 elites!”
“New Wan City is already terrifying, yet Old Wan City has been suppressing them the entire time. Just how strong is Dian Wei?”
“So what’s happening now? Are we fighting or not?”
“If a fight breaks out, their lineup is so strong that unless the lord personally intervenes, we’ll lose one hundred percent!”
…
Hang Yu had not expected to encounter Zhang Xiu here.
Under normal circumstances, he would not have minded testing the waters to see if Zhang Xiu was truly as terrifying as Jia Xu had hinted.
After all, according to Jia Xu’s hints and Divine Physician Zhang’s clues—
The power Zhang Xiu controlled was far greater than what appeared on the surface.
However, they needed to attack Xinye quickly.
There was no time to waste here.
And this was not the right moment for a fight.
Better to avoid unnecessary trouble.
As for whether Zhang Xiu had malicious intentions and came here specifically to ambush him?
The probability was low.
The Day of Absolute Darkness was about to erupt.
Even if Zhang Xiu wanted to act, he would not waste strength fighting him at such a moment.
Moreover, if he truly intended an ambush, he would not have brought so few troops.
Besides—
Hang Yu was strong enough to protect himself.
The cooldown of the Teleportation Staff was nearly finished.
He could retreat with the Azure Dragon Guard at any time.
As for the lives of the Calamity Army, there was nothing to worry about—losses would not be significant.
After instructing the others to hold position—
Hang Yu rode forward and shouted:
“General Wen, our two sides have clearly reached an agreement. Why have you brought troops to block my path? Have you suddenly regretted it and decided to tear up the agreement?”
“Lord, do not misunderstand. Wen Pin is not someone who breaks promises.”
Wen Pin stepped forward and explained:
“We originally intended to head to the frontline to prepare defenses against the Day of Absolute Darkness. When the city lord learned of your arrival, he specifically came here to meet you and express his respect.”
Hang Yu looked toward Zhang Xiu.
“Then this must be the famous Spear King. As expected of a generation’s spear master—your sharpness is truly extraordinary.”
Zhang Xiu clasped his hands.
“The title of Spear King is merely an empty name given by others. Displaying arrogance before a true master like Lord Hang only makes me appear overconfident.”
Hang Yu replied:
“The old Spear King is too modest. Without extraordinary martial skill and strategy, how could you rule the Wan Territory for a hundred years? But I wonder what advice brings you here today?”
“In truth, there is no special purpose.”
Zhang Xiu continued:
“I heard from Zhongye that the lord is extraordinary, and when I learned you would pass through here, I wished to meet you personally.”
“As expected, seeing you in person surpasses hearing about you. Not only are you heroic, but you possess the bearing of great ambition.”
“Why not join Wan City? From now on, we could rule the Wan Territory together.”
Yeah right.
Hang Yu sneered inwardly.
“Although I appreciate the city lord’s goodwill, the Day of Absolute Darkness is imminent. We must seize every moment to prepare for battle. Matters of such importance should be discussed later.”
Zhang Xiu was clearly probing him.
He had indeed considered subjugating this Starsea Lord.
But after sensing Hang Yu’s strength, he had essentially abandoned the idea.
This person would be extremely difficult to control.
And his strength was too great.
Leaving him alive would inevitably create a major threat.
The Teleportation Staff’s cooldown ended.
Hang Yu spoke again.
“Although I would enjoy drinking and conversing with you all, time is urgent. We must capture Xinye before the Day of Absolute Darkness erupts. We cannot delay any longer.”
Zhang Xiu showed regret.
“Very well. In that case, I shall not detain you.”
“But be careful in Xinye.”
“Evil Infant Deng Ai is not an easy monster to deal with.”
Evil Infant?
Deng Ai?
The Players were stunned.
They had just learned that the boss they would face in Xinye was actually the famous general Deng Ai who later destroyed Shu.
However, judging from the timeline and title—
This version of Deng Ai clearly had not yet grown up.
Hang Yu also became interested.
Although he possessed much intelligence about the Wan Territory, he knew very little about Evil Infant Deng Ai of Xinye.
Because in the past hundred years—
Few had ever fought him.
Deng Ai was no ordinary corrupted citizen.
He had become a certain kind of corrupted monster.
He possessed no intelligence, only mindless madness.
Even Dian Wei could not directly command him.
Thus he had remained entrenched within Xinye for a long time.
Hang Yu asked,
“Have you fought him before, Spear King?”
Zhang Xiu nodded.
“Many years ago I attempted several times.”
“I nearly died there and barely escaped.”
Hang Yu was surprised.
Even Zhang Xiu had almost died?
Was the monster formed from infant Deng Ai really that terrifying?
Zhang Xiu continued:
“Xinye City is now also called the City of Lamentation. The entire city is shrouded by the wailing cries of the Evil Infant.”
“This creature has a unique form—it exists like a living sound.”
“It can influence the surrounding space and trap people in certain death.”
“The only way to defeat it is to cut off the sound at its source.”
Hang Yu frowned slightly.
The Players also began whispering.
“City of Lamentation?”
“A living sound?”
“That sounds creepy.”
“Are corrupted monsters getting this abstract now?”
“You’re kidding. How do you even kill a sound?”
Although the Players suspected exaggeration—
Zhang Xiu had no reason to lie.
Xinye was close to the Sixfold Fate Formation.
It made no sense for him to oppose its purification.
This only meant—
The place was extremely troublesome.
Even the major forces of New Wan City did not want to provoke it.
Hang Yu nodded.
“Thank you for the warning. I understand.”
Zhang Xiu said,
“I wish you victory in your first battle. After the Day of Absolute Darkness passes, we shall meet again to drink and exchange martial techniques.”
“Agreed. Farewell!”
Using the Thunderhorn Eagle’s vision to lock onto coordinates, Hang Yu raised the Teleportation Staff.
A powerful surge of magical energy distorted the space ahead.
Soon—
A portal formed.
“Move!”
Under Hang Yu’s command, hundreds of riders passed through the portal.
Moments later—
They completely vanished before the eyes of New Wan City’s forces.