War God Long Ao

"I'll handle whatever comes my way."

"Brother Long, are you not worried at all?"

Shrugging, Long Ao said with a smile, "What's there to worry about? Don't worry, I'll be fine."

Sighing deeply, Kuang Ao knew Long Ao's personality all too well.

Because of this, Kuang Ao didn't say any more. After a moment of thought, he asked, "Brother Long, I heard you're representing the Thunder Empire in the Battle of the Two Empires?"

"That's right. The Battle of the Two Empires officially begins tomorrow."

"Brother Long, I won't waste any more words. Just be careful."

Nodding, Long Ao and Kuang Ao chatted while they drank. Before they knew it, the next day had dawned. Kuang Ao didn't leave Thunder City; he found an inn to await the results.

As for Long Ao, he went to the imperial palace, because today was the day the Battle of the Two Empires was to begin.

The Battle of the Two Empires was the greatest contest between the Flame Empire and the Thunder Empire. Both sides would use this opportunity to slaughter the other's twenty participants. The rules were the same as the Thunder Battlefield: each side had twenty Soul Orders, and they would hunt and kill each other. The side that obtained the most Soul Orders from the enemy would be the victor.

The Battle of the Two Empires was held in a small forest specially created by the Thunder Royal Family. The area wasn't large, but it was more than enough for forty people.

The Battle of the Two Empires was closed to all spectators, but the Thunder Empire would announce the results three days later.

For three full years, the Flame Empire had been the victor. The Thunder Empire had suffered consecutive defeats. In fact, for the last three Battles of the Two Empires, the Thunder Empire had lost every time, with all twenty of its members slaughtered.

Across three Battles of the Two Empires, the Thunder Empire had lost a total of sixty Unity Martial Artists. This was undoubtedly a devastating loss for the Thunder Empire. If this situation continued, the Thunder Empire would be put on the back foot. With such heavy losses among its experts, mounting a comeback against the Flame Empire would become exceedingly difficult.

The Flame Empire, the Thunder Empire.

The forty participants from both sides in the Battle of the Two Empires all entered the Thunder Battlefield and separated to the left and right. After one hour, a free-for-all slaughter would begin as they tried to seize each other's Soul Orders.

"Gu Bai, is it really impossible to spare Long Ao?"

"It's impossible."

"This boy's talent and potential are immense. I believe that within a few years, our Empire could gain another expert. Why must we do this?"

As the Emperor of the Thunder Empire, Zhao Mang's considerations went far beyond Gu Bai's, especially when it came to a genius disciple like Long Ao.

Gu Bai's face was filled with Killing Intent. He said coldly, "Your Majesty, I have to answer to the National Protection Hall."

The name "National Protection Hall" alone was enough. Even though Zhao Mang, the Emperor of the Empire, was extremely displeased, he could only accept the reality.

「Red Fire Town, Long Family Estate.」

Present-day Red Fire Town was now an independent town, belonging to no city or Kingdom.

Even so, the surrounding towns, and even a large city like Thundercloud City, did not dare to provoke Red Fire Town. The reason was simple: the Long Family was based in Red Fire Town. Or, to be more precise, it was because of Long Ao's connection to the Red Fire Town Long Family.

In the main hall of the Long Family estate, Long Yi said with an extremely grave expression, "Father, the Star Cloud Long Family has already spread the news that Long Ao seized a Dragon Egg. The matter has already circulated throughout the entire Celestial State, and I believe it won't be long before all of Kyushu knows. When that time comes, it will definitely alarm the Long Families of the Third Level and above."

As Long Ao's father, Long Yi was extremely worried about his son's safety. The strength and foundations of the Long Families of the Third Level and above were plain to see. Never mind a Ninth Level Clan like theirs merely masquerading as a Sixth Level one—even a genuine Fourth Level Clan would face annihilation if something like this happened.

Long Yi could fully imagine the danger his son would face once this news reached the ears of the Long Families of the Third Level and above.

'Star Cloud Long Family...'

In his heart, Long Yi hated the Star Cloud Long Family to the bone, but he was powerless. No matter what, with his family's current strength, they were no match for the Star Cloud Long Family.

Long Haoshi waved his hand and said, "You don't need to worry about that. I can tell you with certainty that the Long Families of the Third Level and above will not believe this matter."

"Father, why is that?"

Long Yi was very puzzled, but he would certainly choose to believe his father.

"It's simple. The Long Families of the Third Level and above won't believe anyone could enter the Dragon Valley. According to legend, the entrance to the Dragon Valley on the Celestial Martial Continent is guarded by the First Level Long Family. Forget about outsiders; even disciples from the Second Level and Third Level Long Families can't just enter as they please."

'So that's how it is.'

"So, the Long Families of the Third Level and above won't believe this at all. My only worry now is what will happen to Ao'Er, given how shameless the Star Cloud Long Family is."

Nodding in agreement, Long Yi said, "The Star Cloud Long Family is a Fifth Level Long Family. If they want to deal with Ao'Er, he will indeed be in great danger. Father, what should we do now?"

"I've already thought about it. Ao'Er's meteoric rise has offended too many people. If this continues, it will be very troublesome."

After some thought, Long Haoshi continued, "Send a message to Ao'Er immediately. No matter what happens, we must summon him back."

"I understand." Long Yi certainly knew the gravity of the situation. Not daring to be the slightest bit careless, he immediately turned and left.

「Within the small forest on the back mountain of the Thunder Royal Family's estate.」

The moment Long Ao entered the Thunder Battlefield, he was immediately met with cold stares and isolated.

The nineteen participants from the Thunder Royal Family, the Long Family, the Jiang Family, and the Duanmu Clan all kept their distance from Long Ao, each one staring coldly at the young man before them.

'A Fusion Martial Artist?'

The nineteen of them knew almost everything about Long Ao's situation. But even so, in their eyes, Long Ao wasn't even worth a fart. This wasn't just about strength; even in terms of status, the two sides were not on the same level.

"Long Ao, who the hell do you think you are? We're supposed to rely on you? Fuck."

"Hmph. I was wondering why the Royal Family would choose a piece of trash to participate in the Battle of the Two Empires. Now I finally get it. Trash knows how to suck up. I'm impressed, truly impressed."

"Hahaha, sucking up? You're wrong. Sucking up is actually a skill in itself."

Listening to everyone's taunts, Long Ao just sneered. Suddenly, he said, "It doesn't matter if I'm trash. What matters is that some people are even worse than trash. Otherwise, how could the Thunder Empire have lost the Battle of the Two Empires three times in a row? Sigh, I really feel it's not worth it for the Thunder Empire. I really want to ask, what's the use of the Thunder Empire raising a bunch of good-for-nothings like you?"

Among the nineteen, Huo Lang, who had the highest strength and status, flushed with anger and roared, "Long Ao, who the hell do you think you are, daring to speak to us like that? Are you looking to die?"

"'Looking to die?'"

"Hahaha, Long Ao, no need to be like that. Are you saying you're going to be the final victor in this Battle of the Two Empires?"

Long Ao said with great confidence, "That's right. I'm stronger than certain pieces of trash who are worse than trash. Therefore, in this Battle of the Two Empires, I will be the one to claim the final victory."

"And what if you can't do it?"

"And what if I can?" Contempt was written all over Long Ao's face, and his voice was laced with disdain.