Chapter 496 - 288: Taking Black Mountain City (Part 2)
"We learned that the Demon Race of Jiuxing City was destroyed and were sent to monitor the surrounding situation," said the Great Demon.
"What is your purpose?" Lin Chen asked.
"I cannot say that," the Great Demon gritted its teeth.
Lin Chen signaled to Qin Shaoshao to apply coercion, but this time the Great Demon refused to say anything.
Just as Qin Shaoshao was about to use more force, Lin Chen stopped him.
"Send it on its way, that’s what I promised it," Lin Chen said.
Immediately, some people felt Lin Chen was true to his word, while others thought he was too merciful.
As the saying goes, being merciful to the enemy is being cruel to oneself.
Qin Shaoshao tossed a leaf, and the Great Demon instantly fell dead.
At this moment, the battlefield finally calmed, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief, cheering for the victory.
Yet Lin Chen’s brow was furrowed, and Lee Zhen said, "This Great Demon’s will isn’t strong. If Senior Qin applies pressure, he should be able to break it."
"Actually, we can roughly guess..." Lin Chen said, "The opponent is desperately trying to eliminate unexpected factors for attacking the South City, which is a good thing for us."
"This indicates that they haven’t attacked South City yet, but..."
"On the other hand, it also indicates that they are about to launch an attack."
"We don’t have much time left."
Lee Zhen nodded in agreement, and just then, a group of people suddenly surged from the city, led by Wang Jiang.
Wu Ying showed a slight disdain at the sight of him.
Lee Zhen had just learned the cause and effect of the matter, and he did not reveal his thoughts.
Wang Jiang didn’t come for them but headed towards Qin Shaoshao, saying, "You must be the Celestial Spirit Body expert from Jiuxing City. City Lord Wang Jiang of Black Mountain City greets the elder."
Qin Shaoshao didn’t respond to him, not even giving him a glance.
Wang Jiang felt embarrassed, thinking he held the position of a city lord and Qin Shaoshao would show him some respect after hearing his words.
All he got was awkwardness, forcing him to approach Lee Zhen and Ning Ye.
Lee Zhen and Ning Ye didn’t plan to turn against him; after all, an extra force meant a higher success rate.
However, Lee Zhen internally became wary of him.
After all, a person who shuns a challenge certainly cannot shoulder the responsibility of a crucial role during wartime.
Sure enough, Wang Jiang immediately said, "Great, now that the people from both cities are merged, we can reestablish our defense line..."
"City Lord Wang misunderstands; this is not our ambition," Lee Zhen then looked at Wu Ying and explained the plan to converge at South City.
Wu Ying nodded after hearing this, saying, "This plan is feasible."
But Wang Jiang was different; he said to Lee Zhen, "Chairman Lee, this is inappropriate. South City is now a gathering place for the tiger and wolf; if we go there, aren’t we sending ourselves to death?"
"Black Mountain City is far from the Empire’s reach. We can stay here quietly, especially with the assistance of the Celestial Spirit Body elder; holding the city shouldn’t be a problem."
Lee Zhen smiled and said, "If you don’t want to, you don’t have to go. We are not forcing participation this time."
Wang Jiang immediately said, "But your departure would remove Black Mountain City’s defensive strength."
This time, Wu Ying finally got angry, saying, "Wang Jiang, your fear of death is your own matter; don’t spread discord here."
"Wu Ying, what is your status to dare speak to me like this?" Wang Jiang pointed at Wu Ying, but as soon as he extended his finger, Lee Zhen grabbed it and bent it forcefully.
"Ah!"
Wang Jiang screamed in pain.
Lee Zhen coldly said, "From the beginning of the war, everyone participating in battle is an honored warrior of the nation. This is stated in the legal code of the Cangling Ancient Country. If you continue to be disrespectful, I won’t hesitate to sentence you to death."
Wang Jiang looked at Lee Zhen’s cold eyes and wanted to speak but dared not say another word upon seeing Qin Shaoshao beside him, walking away unwillingly.
Subsequently, Lee Zhen and the others discussed the next decisions. According to Lin Chen’s suggestion, they had at most a month to reach South City, a journey that would take at least 15 days, leaving them with only 15 days.
"We need to change our route," Lee Zhen said.
Lin Chen nodded.
The initial plan was to relieve all nearby cities around Black Mountain City before proceeding.
Now, the best approach is to support while traveling.
"We must build strength as much as possible, so we must be a bit greedy," Lin Chen pointed to the map and said, "After capturing this city, we can split our forces. If everything goes smoothly, we can gain the strength of four cities."
"Good."
Everyone nodded.
They rested for a day and a night this time, given the extended battle, resulting in minor injuries to many’s Spirit Beasts.
On the second day, everyone set off again.
At this time, Lin Chen spoke to Lee Zhen, "I want to head to South City first."
"Just you alone?"
"Yes," Lin Chen said, "Senior Qin can’t go with me; she must stay just in case."
"No," Lee Zhen said, "I know you want to activate the launching station first, but they won’t trust you alone, and you can’t reach the higher levels."
Lin Chen found this troubling, but unexpectedly, Qin Shaoshao said, "No worries, let the Spirit-Devouring Vine accompany him, enough to represent me."
Lin Chen thought it was a good solution.
Lin Chen initially intended to take some from Black Mountain City, but Lee Zhen refused, saying, "It’s not that I’m selfish, but time is tight now. Bringing them would not only slow the speed but also pose more danger."
"Your task is to activate the launching station, reviving all Monster Hunter Guild members in the south, which is crucial."
Lin Chen pondered for a moment and finally nodded.
Seizing the cover of darkness, Lin Chen rode the little blue fish and departed with the Spirit-Devouring Vine.
The Spirit-Devouring Vine, familiar with Lin Chen, rested on his shoulder, recounting Qin Shaoshao’s stories over the years.
....
Southern Region
Heng Mountain
After leaving the Celestial Capital, Zhang Jin was solely focused on aiding South City, greatly disappointed by Gu Ning’s decision.
Now Zhang Jin understood why Zhong Nan said that even he wasn’t best suited to be the National Preceptor here.
Though Zhang Jin could comprehend Gu Ning’s choice to conceal about Gu An, in this matter, Zhang Jin couldn’t tolerate it any longer.
Beside Zhang Jin now were the Yin Family members.
Led by Yin Shi, the organizer of the Celestial Realm Mountain meeting.
The Yin Family, unlike other families, was a family of warriors; thus, despite the opposition of all Celestial Capital forces, they resolutely decided to send troops south.
"Now that we’re entering the southern region, we need to be cautious," Yin Shi said to Zhang Jin.
Zhang Jin nodded.
Their route was to detour directly to South City.
However, due to the unclear information in the south, progress would inevitably be affected.
"I hope South City can hold out to the end," Yin Shi said as he looked towards South City and sighed.
Because in his heart, he knew deeply that South City was a beast trapped in a cage, and the chances of survival were slim.