Chapter 201 : The Huangtian Demonic Dragon Set! The Lord War Erupts Once Again
Chapter 201: The Huangtian Demonic Dragon Set! The Lord War Erupts Once Again
Wan Region.
The Day of Ultimate Darkness had finally ended!
Dian Wei had fought with exceptional ferocity this time.
The battle had been unexpectedly intense!
Although the fortress had ultimately been defended, it still suffered considerable damage.
Fortunately, Jia Xu, who had not acted for a long time, intervened again at the critical moment. It was precisely because this top powerhouse of New Wan City joined the battle that the losses among New Wan City's key personnel and main forces remained limited, preventing the city from being crippled by this campaign.
However—
Through this battle, people discovered that Jia Xu's condition was worse than expected!
Certain rumors were very likely true. This Founder of Extreme Yin might already be on the verge of losing control and descending into madness. Especially after experiencing this great battle, he would be unable to appear again for quite a long time, much less interfere in Wan City's affairs.
Without a doubt—
As an important force in New Wan City.
The Extreme Yin Sect had tremendous influence over the city's power structure.
Without the silent support of Jia Xu and the Extreme Yin Sect behind the scenes, Zhang Xiu might not have been able to continue suppressing the aristocratic factions led by the Wen, Han, and Deng families, nor remain securely seated as City Lord.
Zhang Xiu also understood clearly what trouble this variable might bring him!
He had to obtain the Heart of the Stars as soon as possible!
With it, his strength would certainly rise to a new level. He would also gain the ability to purify and hunt the Abyss. Even without Jia Xu and the Extreme Yin Sect, he could continue ruling Wan City and governing this last sanctuary!
There could be no further delay!
Because if he delayed any longer, not only would external circumstances change, but internal stability might also collapse!
After understanding the gravity of the situation, Zhang Xiu immediately summoned all his subordinates and followers, then announced his decision to launch a war against Luoshui City.
When they learned that Zhang Xiu intended to march on Luoshui City—
The generals of Wan City were shocked, yet they also found it expected.
According to reliable intelligence, Luoshui City's population and military forces had already been small to begin with. Now, after losing several thousand elite troops at Xinye, and with the disaster of the Day of Ultimate Darkness having passed, there would be no immediate threat from another outbreak.
If they were going to fight—
Then now was the perfect opportunity!
Zhang Xiu had always been a decisive and ruthless man.
He never hesitated. Once he made a decision, he carried it out with swift efficiency.
“War!”
“War!”
“War!”
When Zhang Xiu declared his intention to attack Luoshui City, seize the Lord's territory, and expand Wan City's domain, many generals present revealed excited expressions. In particular, the City Lord's trusted commanders led by Zhang Hong and Hu Che'er.
Every one of them was eager for battle and fully prepared to march.
“Impossible!”
Unexpectedly, a dissenting voice rang out.
Beneath Zhang Xiu's pale, disheveled hair, his eyes instantly became sharp and gloomy as they locked onto a towering figure clad in heavy armor within the crowd.
Wen Pin again!
Suppressing his irritation, Zhang Xiu asked, “Zhongye, what wisdom do you have to offer?”
“I once promised the Lord that I would stake my honor on guaranteeing this alliance!”
Wen Pin said in a deep voice, “If either side tears up the agreement and initiates war while both are resisting the Abyss, then even if I must risk my life, I will stand up to prevent it. Forgive me, but I cannot support this act of aggression!”
Zhang Xiu sneered.
“Warfare is deception. This concerns the rise and fall of Wan City itself. We must adapt to circumstances. Are we to miss such an opportunity because of a few words of loyalty and honor? General Wen is no child. Why act so immaturely and absurdly?”
Wen Pin did not retreat.
“Precisely because this concerns the survival of the people of Wan Region, I must stop the City Lord from deploying troops!”
Zhang Xiu's face darkened.
“Wen Pin! Do you know what you're saying?”
Wen Pin replied,
“Dian Wei remains undefeated, and Mister Jia is trapped in his current predicament. If the Abyss attacks again, who among us can play the role Mister Jia played today and defend this critical line for Wan City?”
The moment these words were spoken—
Discussion erupted throughout the hall.
Representatives of the various clans exchanged glances.
What Wen Pin said made sense.
The main reason the fortress had been defended today with relatively limited casualties was because Jia Xu and the experts of the Extreme Yin Sect personally entered the battlefield at the critical moment.
From the current situation—
Jia Xu would clearly be unable to fight again.
The next time Dian Wei descended, he would only be stronger and better prepared. Cao Ang, Cao Anmin, and other powerful high-level Corrupted would likely accompany him.
How would they resist?
Furthermore, it was said that Lord Hang Yu's strength was comparable to Jia Xu's.
Perhaps Hang Yu could take Jia Xu's place on the battlefield.
Only a powerhouse of that level could ensure absolute security.
Wen Pin continued,
“Everyone, I have fought the Lord before. He is no ordinary person. He is not a shortsighted fool. It is impossible that he has made no preparations against Wan City. It is even possible that he is deliberately luring us into an attack!”
“We may not succeed in taking Luoshui City at all. If the battle drags on and becomes a stalemate, we will inevitably consume even more troops. Such an enemy is no less terrifying than Dian Wei.”
“In the future, we will be attacked from two fronts!”
“Wan Region will be in grave danger!”
“Therefore, I ask the City Lord to withdraw this order!”
“Please allow me to visit Luoshui City once more and repair relations between both sides as much as possible!”
Wen Pin possessed tremendous prestige within Wan Region.
His speech not only shook many people's resolve, but directly influenced the attitudes of the major aristocratic families.
Deng Zhi immediately spoke:
“I believe General Wen's words are reasonable. If we lack the ability to defeat Dian Wei, then even if we seize the Heart of the Stars, not only will we pay a heavy price, we may also provoke even more frenzied attacks from Dian Wei!”
Han Ji also said:
“General Wen's son, Wen Dai, is still being held in Luoshui City as a hostage. If the City Lord acts rashly, Wen Dai's life will be in danger. I ask the City Lord to think carefully!”
“Please reconsider, City Lord!”
“...”
Other aristocratic representatives also stepped forward.
One after another, they sided with Wen Pin, attempting to dissuade or even oppose the campaign.
Zhang Xiu's gaze became increasingly cold and sinister.
As expected, the aristocratic families had begun banding together.
But the more this happened, the more urgent it became to conquer the territory and seize Luoshui City.
He did not respond.
Instead, he merely cast a glance toward Zhang Hong beside him.
“Wen Pin, you are truly bold!”
The Little Spear King Zhang Hong stepped forward and shouted,
“What exactly are your intentions? Why do you repeatedly speak on behalf of the Starsea Lord? Who do you serve—the City Lord, or that Starsea Lord?”
Wen Pin immediately shot back,
“We are discussing major affairs with the City Lord. Since when was it your place to speak?”
Zhang Hong replied,
“City Lord, I think this man has clearly been bribed by the Starsea faction. Why not let me execute him as a sacrificial offering to the banner and strengthen our army's morale?”
Everyone was stunned.
Had the Little Spear King gone mad?
What right did he have to say such a thing?
Setting aside the anomaly known as Jia Xu, Wen Pin's strength ranked second only to Zhang Xiu's. Some even believed he was no weaker than Zhang Xiu himself.
Wen Pin had never suffered such an insult.
His anger immediately rose.
“You insolent brat! Bold indeed! You think you're capable of killing me?”
The atmosphere instantly became explosive.
Tension filled the scene.
Han Ji, Deng Zhi, and the others all turned toward Zhang Xiu.
They wanted to know how the old Spear King intended to resolve the situation.
If Zhang Xiu forcibly suppressed Wen Pin—
Then as members of the aristocratic faction, they would undoubtedly stand with Wen Pin.
Expressionless, Zhang Xiu said calmly:
“Since matters have reached this point, I do have a proposal. Perhaps it can resolve our disagreement.”
Wen Pin asked,
“What proposal?”
Zhang Xiu answered,
“The reason Zhongye thinks so highly of this Lord's strength is simply because you once lost to him. In that case, let us decide this matter through a wager duel as well.”
Wen Pin's expression grew serious.
“City Lord intends to duel me personally?”
The old Spear King's strength was renowned.
Wen Pin indeed lacked confidence in defeating him.
Yet if this was the only way to stop Wan City's army from marching, he would have to try regardless.
Unexpectedly—
Zhang Xiu shook his head.
“No. As City Lord, it would be inappropriate for me to personally participate. Even if I won, not everyone would accept the result. Therefore, let Zhang Hong fight in my place.”
“What?”
“The City Lord won't fight himself?”
“He's actually sending the Little Spear King?”
“But how could the Little Spear King possibly defeat the Shield of Wan City?”
“...”
Everyone was stunned by Zhang Xiu's decision.
Everyone knew Zhang Hong was Zhang Xiu's most prized disciple.
Zhang Xiu had personally taught him all his spear techniques and cultivated him into the commander of the Blood Spear Battalion. His strength was indeed formidable and worthy of the title Little Spear King.
But against Wen Pin—
He should have no chance whatsoever!
Although Wen Pin also could not understand Zhang Xiu's decision, and although defeating Zhang Hong would hardly bring him any honor, the matter was too important.
He had no choice but to fight.
Fifteen minutes later—
Everyone gathered at the training grounds to watch.
Zhang Xiu's gaunt figure sat high upon the main seat.
His hair hung pale and withered across his face.
His sharp eyes were so intense that few could meet them directly.
Surrounding the arena—
Were Blood Spear Deathsworn clad in demonic armor and black iron masks.
At this moment, their leader Zhang Hong already stood at the center of the field.
Opposite him stood Wen Pin, completely encased in heavy armor, carrying a gigantic shield like an iron fortress.
Both sides were prepared for battle.
“Come!”
Although Wen Pin believed Zhang Hong had no chance of defeating him—
He still dared not underestimate the battle and decided to fight with his full strength.
Without wasting words, Zhang Hong erupted with a fierce killing aura before charging forward with his spear.
“Hundred Birds Emerging from the Forest!”
Zhang Hong leapt several zhang into the air.
With a single shake of his spear, dozens—perhaps hundreds—of sharp spear lights burst forth.
These attacks came from every direction: some fast, some slow, some curved, some straight.
All converged upon Wen Pin.
“This is Zhang Xiu's Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix Spear Art!”
Wen Pin immediately activated his shield.
He dared not be careless.
This spear art was famous for its speed, flexibility, and unpredictability.
Once unleashed, countless spear lights filled the sky like a flock of birds taking flight.
Their trajectories shifted endlessly, allowing attacks from every angle in a perfect three-hundred-sixty-degree assault.
However—
Despite its ferocity and speed, this famous spear art had one weakness.
Its individual strikes lacked overwhelming power.
Against ordinary experts of the same level, Zhang Hong's “Hundred Birds Emerging from the Forest” was highly threatening.
But a defensive specialist like Wen Pin happened to counter the Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix Spear Art perfectly.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
Sparks exploded everywhere.
Every spear light Zhang Hong launched was stopped half a foot from Wen Pin's body by an invisible barrier.
It was like a torrential storm striking a steel wall.
The rain fell rapidly and violently—
But no matter how fierce the storm, raindrops alone could never tear apart steel.
Wen Pin scoffed.
“Is that all the strength in your spear? It isn't even enough to scratch an itch!”
The ferocity in Zhang Hong's eyes intensified.
“Hundred Birds in Chaotic Flight!”
Another technique from the Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix Spear Art!
It was as if Zhang Hong had split into ten different figures.
The afterimages flashed across the battlefield at incredible speed.
Each figure launched spear lights from different directions, unleashing an even fiercer offensive against Wen Pin.
“It's useless!”
When they saw this—
Han Ji, Deng Zhi, and the others shook their heads.
The Little Spear King was undoubtedly powerful.
Even they might not have been able to withstand such a fierce assault.
But he had chosen the wrong opponent.
Not only was Wen Pin the strongest among them—
His methods perfectly countered Zhang Hong.
Even if Wen Pin simply stood still and never fought back, Zhang Hong would exhaust himself to death before breaking his defenses.
Zhang Hong changed techniques repeatedly.
The full power of the Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix Spear Art was displayed.
Yet he still could not inflict the slightest injury upon Wen Pin.
This enraged him.
As expected, this opponent was difficult to deal with.
Thus, he glanced toward the platform.
Zhang Xiu's cold gaze met his.
Then the old Spear King gave a slight nod.
Zhang Hong immediately understood.
He stopped attacking at once.
Wen Pin asked,
“What? Giving up already? I haven't even finished warming up.”
Zhang Hong sneered.
“Old dog Wen Pin, don't get too pleased with yourself. Just because you've blocked the Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix Spear Art doesn't mean you're safe.”
Wen Pin's expression became serious.
“What? Do you have other methods?”
Zhang Hong replied,
“You all know that the Spear King possesses the famous Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix Spear Art, but you don't know that during the past century he has already developed a method that far surpasses that spear technique. Today, I'll make an exception and let all you fools witness it with your own eyes!”
As he spoke—
Something bizarre occurred.
Threads of blood-red aura began rising from every direction.
Every Blood Spear Deathsworn released this strange crimson energy from within their bodies.
Like rivers flowing into the sea—
All of it surged into Zhang Hong.
The moment he absorbed it, his aura multiplied severalfold in an instant!
His muscles swelled.
Crimson light erupted from his eyes.
His entire presence underwent a complete transformation.
If the Little Spear King had originally possessed a sharp and agile aura—
Then now he resembled an Asura demon god emerging from mountains of corpses and seas of blood!
“What kind of technique is this?”
Not only was Wen Pin shocked—
Everyone present was stunned!
No one had ever seen Zhang Xiu use such a method before.
The old monster had hidden his strength far too deeply!
“Die, old fool!”
Zhang Hong attacked again.
His spear struck Wen Pin's shield.
Although the blade itself was blocked—
A crimson spear light passed straight through the shield and blasted into the ground behind him, creating a massive crater.
Pfft!
Blood spilled from beneath Wen Pin's helmet.
His eyes were filled with disbelief.
What spear technique was this?
What power was this?
It completely bypassed his defenses!
Zhang Hong gave him no time to think.
After absorbing the Blood Spear Battalion's blood energy, not only had he gained access to an entirely new spear art—
His speed and strength had also increased dramatically.
He was now no weaker than the Spear King Zhang Xiu under normal circumstances!
If Zhang Hong could unleash such power—
Then how terrifying would Zhang Xiu be personally?
In the blink of an eye, Zhang Hong stabbed Wen Pin over a dozen times.
Every strike inflicted severe damage.
Finally—
Wen Pin could no longer endure and collapsed onto one knee.
“Enough!”
Zhang Xiu stopped Zhang Hong from delivering the killing blow.
Although he truly wanted to eliminate this troublesome obstacle—
The Wen Family was currently the leader of the aristocratic factions, and Wen Pin himself possessed enormous prestige.
Killing him publicly would undoubtedly trigger widespread backlash.
He could not kill him.
Nor could he continue to use him.
When the family heads stepped forward to plead for mercy—
Zhang Xiu graciously accepted and temporarily imprisoned Wen Pin instead.
Although he had not personally entered the battle, he had already displayed a portion of his hidden strength.
That was enough to keep these restless people in line for the time being.
Of course—
Intimidation alone was not enough.
Both kindness and authority were required to govern subordinates.
Moreover, anyone who examined the duel carefully would realize that Zhang Hong's explosive increase in strength came from absorbing the Blood Spear Battalion's blood energy.
Strictly speaking—
His victory was hardly honorable.
After removing Wen Pin as an obstacle—
Zhang Xiu immediately began painting grand visions for the major families.
Conquer Luoshui.
Kill Hang Yu.
The benefits would be endless!
First and foremost—
They would gain a larger and safer sanctuary.
The people of Wan Region had been trapped for over a century.
The recurring disasters of the Day of Ultimate Darkness had repeatedly caused catastrophic losses, destroying countless families.
Who wouldn't want land free from the Day of Ultimate Darkness?
Who wouldn't want a territory where they no longer had to fear such threats?
Zhang Xiu promised—
As long as they defeated Hang Yu—
Everyone would share in the Starsea Territory.
Under such circumstances—
Who would continue opposing the campaign?
There were no longer any obstacles before Zhang Xiu.
He immediately began organizing an army.
The war between Luoshui and Wan City—
Had finally become unavoidable.
…………
Meanwhile—
Hang Yu had not been idle either.
Good news arrived from the Forging Workshop!
Yan Ling had successfully upgraded Hang Yu's equipment and delivered it.
This set, originally only Tier-2 Green High-Grade equipment, had undergone reconstruction by Advanced Artifact Forging Art specialist Yan Ling.
It consumed large quantities of materials such as Thousand-Legged Demonic Dragon scales, Thousand-Legged Demonic Dragon blade-legs, Three-Headed Evil Dragon horns, various Tier-3 materials, and numerous gemstones.
Its new attributes were now as follows:
【Huangtian Demonic Dragon Spear +7】, Tier-3 Equipment, Blue Mid-Grade. Attack +405, Strength +100, Agility +100, Attack Speed +100, Critical Damage +65%. Skills: Mad Dragon Throw, Dragon Qi Protection. Durability 70/70.
【Huangtian Demonic Dragon Battle Armor +6】, Tier-3 Equipment, Blue Mid-Grade. Physical Damage Negation +225, Spell Damage Negation +305, Independent Defense +941, Strength +60, Agility +60. Skill: Dragon Qi Protection. Durability 70/70.
【Huangtian Demonic Dragon Helmet +6】, Tier-3 Equipment, Blue Mid-Grade. Physical Damage Negation +201, Spell Damage Negation +150, Independent Defense +662, Strength +60, Agility +60. Skill: Dragon Qi Protection. Durability 70/70.
【Huangtian Demonic Dragon Cloak +6】, Tier-3 Equipment, Blue Mid-Grade. Physical Damage Negation +105, Spell Damage Negation +263, Independent Defense +220, Strength +55, Agility +70. Skill: Dragon Qi Protection. Durability 70/70.
【……】
【Huangtian Demonic Dragon Seven-Piece Set Effect】All Attributes +150, Weapon Attack +150, Status Resistance +300. Additional Skill: Transform Qi into Dragon.
Following this round of advancement and quality upgrades—
The Huangtian Commander Set had practically ceased to exist.
It had become an entirely new Huangtian Demonic Dragon Set.
Its attributes, abilities, skills, and appearance had all undergone a complete rebirth.
The increase to its base stats alone significantly boosted Hang Yu's strength.
Not to mention the changes to its skills.
First of all—
Every component of the Huangtian Demonic Dragon Set possessed the additional skill Dragon Qi Protection.
【Dragon Qi Protection】Equipment Skill. Consumes 100 Mana per minute to condense a protective dragon aura, granting 1000 points of damage negation per minute, 100 points of status resistance, increasing all equipment attributes by 3% for ten minutes, and granting flight. This effect can stack. Cooldown: 10 minutes.
This was a skill that combined defense, offense, and attribute enhancement.
Even a single layer of Dragon Qi Protection was already excellent.
The truly terrifying part was that it could stack.
Each of the seven equipment pieces could generate its own protective dragon aura.
In other words—
The skill could stack seven times.
The resulting increase in power was enormous.
Besides that, there were two additional skills: Mad Dragon Throw and Transform Qi into Dragon.
The former was a powerful offensive skill attached to the weapon.
The latter was a special skill generated through the set bonus based upon accumulated dragon aura.
Both were top-tier abilities.
Even for a powerhouse at Hang Yu's level, they were extremely practical.
Unfortunately—
He had only just received the equipment and had not yet had the chance to properly test its performance.
Then—
Something completely unexpected happened.
【Ding!】
【Your territory “Wo Niu Mountain” has been invaded by another Lord!】
【Current number of Lords possessing vision of this territory: 2!】
【Attention! Your territory has triggered a Lord War. Due to your status as the defending side, the enemy Lord will receive a 7-day Starsea Protection Period!】
An invasion!
Hang Yu's expression changed slightly.
He knew exactly what this notification meant.
Following the Dragon-Lizard Lord incident—
A Lord War had erupted once again!
It was too sudden!
Too abrupt!
Completely unexpected!
A Lord War occurred when expanding Starsea Lords came into contact with another Lord's territory.
Hang Yu immediately checked the situation.
The battlefield was once again located in the Wo Niu Mountain region.
Unlike the previous Lord War—
Against the Dragon-Lizard Lord, Hang Yu had been the one who triggered the conflict.
This time, the situation was reversed.
Hang Yu was the defending party.
An unknown Lord of an unknown race and tier had expanded his territory until it connected with Wo Niu Mountain.
Looking at the map—
Hang Yu's current four regions formed a “田” pattern.
Lower left: Luoshui Main City.
Upper left: Wo Niu Mountain.
Upper right: White Tiger Mountain.
Lower right: Wan City.
After opening the map, he could see that the invading Lord's territory connected to Wo Niu Mountain and consisted of four map sectors as well.
Its overall shape roughly resembled the number “7”.
After understanding the situation—
Hang Yu breathed a slight sigh of relief.
Although a Lord War breaking out at such a critical moment was extremely inconvenient and would certainly interfere with strategic planning, there were still two relatively positive signs.
First—
The Lord War had erupted in Wo Niu Mountain.
Not Wan City, which had yet to be conquered.
Nor Luoshui Main City, the most critical territory.
No matter how powerful the enemy Lord was—
He would still need time to scout, investigate, and gather intelligence before launching a large-scale invasion.
If the enemy had invaded Luoshui Main City directly—
Hang Yu's strengths, weaknesses, and vital assets would have been completely exposed.
Combined with the seven-day protection period—
It would have been very difficult for Hang Yu to gather intelligence on the opponent.
Luoshui Main City was also small and lacked strategic depth.
That would have placed Hang Yu in an extremely passive position.
Wo Niu Mountain, however, was different.
The map was relatively large, mountainous, and filled with complex terrain.
Most of its population had already been relocated.
It was ideal both as a battlefield and as a strategic buffer zone.
Furthermore—
There was another relatively positive sign.
The invading Lord also possessed only four map sectors of vision.
This suggested that his foundation and overall strength should not be excessively powerful.