Chapter 494 - 287: But We Are Not Dead Yet
The signal flare pierced the tranquility of the night sky like an arrow through the clouds.
Not only could the people outside the city see it, but those inside could as well.
At this moment, Black Mountain City still retained a considerable amount of Human Race combat power. Their situation was better than Jiuxing City because they hadn’t provoked the Demon Beasts before, avoiding an attack from the Demon King.
This was also an important reason Black Mountain City still retained half its territory until now.
The Demon Race’s plan was very thorough; they first harassed the cities based on their combat power, even if they couldn’t capture them, they could still prevent them from supporting South City.
Once the Demon Race army captured South City, they could then easily dispatch forces to seize these smaller cities without any effort.
Therefore, the garrison in Black Mountain City naturally saw this signal flare.
"Is it reinforcements?" asked Wang Jiang, the leader of this faction.
Upon hearing Wang Jiang’s words, many people showed extreme excitement in their eyes. They had been dreaming of reinforcements arriving.
However, during this period, their communication with the outside world had been almost completely cut off.
A woman stepped out from the crowd, shouting, "This signal isn’t from Dubhe Pavilion; it’s from the Monster Hunter Guild."
Everyone looked over and found that the person was Wu Ying, the former chairman of the Black Mountain City Monster Hunter Guild.
Like Lee Zhen, Wu Ying had gradually faded from public view after the Monster Hunter Guild disbanded.
But just like Lee Zhen, she had devoted the first half of her life to the Monster Hunter Guild. So when she saw this signal flare, she was momentarily dazed, thinking she was dreaming.
Until she carefully recalled it in her mind and finally confirmed this was indeed a signal flare from the Monster Hunter Guild...
This was a unique flare.
"Didn’t the Monster Hunter Guild already disband?"
"Yeah."
"Yeah, right. If the Monster Hunter Guild were still around, it would be great. They were always at the forefront against the Beast Tides before."
Hearing this familiar name, everyone began to discuss it, expressing various opinions.
Wang Jiang, however, said to Wu Ying, "Are you sure?"
It was clear that Wang Jiang was not so hopeful.
In Wang Jiang’s view, only the involvement of Dubhe Pavilion’s people could resolve this crisis.
Wu Ying replied, "It doesn’t matter now. This signal indicates the other side is initiating an attack; we should cooperate from inside and out to attack the Demon Beasts."
"Yes."
Many also recalled this.
Unexpectedly, Wang Jiang frowned and then said, "I object."
This objection immediately silenced the entire room.
A faction leader asked, "City Lord Wang, do you have a different opinion?"
Everyone immediately turned to look at Wang Jiang, who quickly said, "We worked hard to establish this defensive line; what if this is a ploy by the Demon Beasts?"
"Once we leave, we might fall into their trap and be encircled by them."
Upon hearing this, Wu Ying instinctively reacted, then looked at Wang Jiang with a few traces of disgust.
Wang Jiang simply believed that all decisions should be under his authority, and the enjoyment and control of power were too delightful for him.
But Wu Ying held her temper and said, "Cannons can be replicated, but signals cannot."
"The three signal flares just sent might appear identical, but they were actually one long and two short signals."
"This is a unique signal known only to the top members of the Monster Hunter Guild."
"Fine, even if those outside are our reinforcements, what if they can’t win? What if it’s just a small faction or someone asking us for support?" Wang Jiang quickly said, "If the reinforcements are strong enough, they can naturally save us."
"If they aren’t strong enough, then it won’t help us, right?"
"You..." Wu Ying was so angry she wanted to act.
"I can’t just risk the lives of the citizens." Wang Jiang appeared to be righteous and dignified.
Wu Ying couldn’t stand his demeanor anymore, and she understood he certainly wouldn’t go out.
But Wu Ying knew, regardless of whether the reinforcements outside were strong or weak, cooperating from the inside and out was the best strategy now.
So in an instant, she made a decision, standing tall and raising her hand, she declared:
"I, Wu Ying, am willing to go out and fight!"
"Is there anyone willing to follow?"
As soon as these words were spoken, Wang Jiang’s gaze changed, even showing a hint of murderous intent, and he looked at Wu Ying, saying, "Didn’t we establish an agreement during the previous resistance to deal with external threats together? Are you trying to cause division?"
"Stop with that nonsense. If you’re afraid of dying, then stay put. I won’t force you to go," Wu Ying said, continuing, "The agreement also stated everyone has their freedom, and we can’t forcibly demand others to do anything."
"Alright, alright, Wu Ying, you’re just fantasizing about the revival of the Monster Hunter Guild, aren’t you?" Wang Jiang laughed wildly, "The Monster Hunter Guild died four years ago!"
Wu Ying was silent. As she summoned her Spirit Beast and prepared to leave, suddenly a voice came from behind:
"But we are not dead yet!"
....
Everyone turned their heads simultaneously, discovering a man stepping out from the crowd. Though he had no notable reputation, he spoke calmly:
"I used to be a member of the Monster Hunter Guild. In my personal capacity, I’m willing to follow Chairman Wu in battle!"
As his words fell, many people’s gazes finally changed.
"Me too."
"There are no cowards in the Monster Hunter Guild! I’ll go too."
"Count me in."
"Add me!"
More and more people stood out, most of them being members of the Monster Hunter Guild.
Seeing this, Wu Ying’s eyes turned red, and she was momentarily speechless.
Wang Jiang said, "Fine, you may go, but once you pass this defensive line, your life and death will be determined by fate. I won’t order the opening of this defensive line; you better think it through."
Ignoring his threat, Wu Ying turned around and left.
Behind her, all the members of the Monster Hunter Guild also turned and followed her out.
....
Meanwhile, outside the city gates, a great battle was on the brink of erupting.
In terms of ordinary combat power, Jiuxing City was not as strong as Black Mountain City.
The Demon Beasts in Black Mountain City could suppress the forces there and naturally could do the same to Jiuxing City.
So, after only half an hour of battle, the situation was already extremely dire for Jiuxing City.
Ning Ye saw this and found Lee Zhen, saying, "What if the people from Black Mountain City can’t understand the signal?"
"I don’t think so," Lee Zhen said. "This is a signal unique to the Monster Hunter Guild..."
As he spoke, Lee Zhen momentarily froze.
If the other side didn’t act, then Jiuxing City would have to rely on Qin Shaoshao to turn the tide.
However, in terms of strategy, Qin Shaoshao was a crucial figure against the top combat forces, and it was best not to deplete his strength unless necessary.
"We just need to hold on a bit longer," Ning Ye said with a grim face, as the people of Jiuxing City were unlikely to last much longer.
After another half-hour passed, Ning Ye saw no signs of support arriving, and he finally wavered on the idea of retreating.
"Alright, then let’s..." Lee Zhen gritted his teeth; they had no other choice since the support hadn’t come.
Just as he was speaking, a voice suddenly broke the air: "Lee Zhen, I knew it was you."
Lee Zhen looked up and saw Wu Ying leading a group of people, drenched in blood, approaching from the flank.
In an instant, everyone was overjoyed.