Bone Sang's expression shifted slightly, clearly moved by the composure of Pei Lisha and the others. However, having traveled so far, expending immense resources, he wouldn't be easily dismissed. He let out a hearty laugh, "Pei Lisha, if Kael knew Bone Sang had traveled so far, he would surely wish to meet me. Just announce my arrival!"
Though Pei Lisha had anticipated Bone Sang would not give up easily, his scalp still tingled. However, he had already followed Du Kael's instructions and dispatched someone to inform him.
"Is that Bone Sang?"
While Pei Lisha and Bone Sang were conversing, a powerful shout erupted from before the pass, its volume so great that thousands of troops within a radius of several miles could hear it clearly. Such cultivation, within Iron Hill Fortress, likely belonged only to Du Kael.
Everyone was taken aback. They saw a figure clad in white robes and silver armor standing atop the city wall. Who else could it be but Du Kael?
Bone Sang looked up and, from the depths of his heart, shivered.
In his youth, Du Kael had fought alongside his father, renowned for his courage and considered the foremost expert in the Western Regions. The Western Region Iron Cavalry Corps he led was known as the finest cavalry in the land, unchallenged by any. He had always been revered as a god-like figure by the people of the Western Regions.
A stir rippled through Bone Sang's army. The soldiers eagerly watched to catch a glimpse of the glorious presence of the Duke of Western Region's Might. Below the pass, Bone Sang himself trembled, his face betraying his embarrassment.
Pei Lisha was also surprised. While Du Kael's grave illness was a closely guarded secret within Iron Hill Fortress, it was not unknown to the military.
He glanced back and saw Du Kael, dressed in white robes, standing on the city wall. A hint of illness lingered on his face, yet his spirit was bright, showing no sign of sickness.
Even Pei Lisha was astonished, unable to comprehend how Du Kael, who had seemed on the verge of death yesterday, had suddenly recovered.
Though Gistde lacked the ambition of a bear, he possessed the courage of a leopard. He had truly taken the Beast King's feathered token and assumed his post.
Xinzhi was located in the northwestern region of Saint Roman. It was a land of vast resources, but also predominantly undeveloped. It was said that many tribes, still living a primitive existence, survived in this territory.
The further north one traveled, the more expansive the influence of the Witch tribe became. However, these tribes governed themselves independently and their coexistence was far from harmonious, often leading to inter-tribal conflicts.
Gistde had always held the Witch tribes in contempt. Although he had heard of the Witch-Demon War, he had never personally experienced it. He always considered the tales of the Witch tribe's power to be mere myths he had fabricated, otherwise, he would not have boldly traveled to Xinzhi alone to assume his post.
The ruling powers in Xinzhi were not descendants of the original Xinzhi settlers, the Lites. However, everyone knew that in Xinzhi, the person with the most influence was certainly not the mayor.
It was the descendants of Hei Yu. In recent years, the most renowned figure in the Hei Yu family was Hoedesa. Although he only held a minor position as a Five Officials Clerk in Xinzhi, his status within the Witch tribe was unshakeable.
This was not solely due to the exceptional courage and formidable cultivation of his ancestor, Lites, but also because of his own supreme strength, which was the capital of his dominance among the Witch tribes.
At this moment, a venerable elder was seated in Hoedesa's residence. The elder's first impression was one of exotic allure. The king cobra with peculiar patterns coiled around the staff he held further enhanced his mysterious aura.
Hoedesa, naturally, had no fear of snakes, but he appeared to hold this elder in great respect.
"Zu'an, the ancestral teachings forbid the descendants of Hei Yu from participating in Witch tribe affairs. I hope Zu'an will understand."
Hoedesa spoke courteously, but his words were filled with rejection.
Zu'an seemed utterly unfazed and continued to persuade, "Hasn't Hei Yu been schemed against by the Guangyan family? Even if Hei Yu were to die for ten thousand generations, the blood spilled would still be Witch blood.
Think of the glorious achievements of Hei Yu's ancestors! Must Hei Yu's descendants only desire to remain in their own corner? Hoedesa! Now that you serve as an official of Saint Roman, have you truly lost your Witch blood's ferocity?
You must understand that the Guangyan family would not even blink an eye if they decided to kill you. In their eyes, you will always be a descendant of the Witch tribe, no matter how you try to disguise yourself, you carry the Witch bloodline."
Hoedesa naturally agreed with Zu'an's words. Zu'an was undoubtedly the most legendary figure among the Witch tribe. He had ventured deep into the secrets of the Witch tribe several times. No one knew how many secrets this old man harbored.
"Hoedesa knows as well as Zu'an speaks. However, my Hei Yu ancestors have sworn a blood oath never to be involved in the Witch wars. I hope Zu'an will understand!"
Zu'an sighed and shook his head, "They all say Lites was a rare genius among the Witch people, a once-in-a-millennium talent. But in my old eyes, he was nothing more than that, ultimately blinded by hatred."
Hoedesa's expression showed a hint of anger at Zu'an's words, "Zu'an, I treat you with respect because you are an elder of the Witch tribe. If you disrespect my ancestors, do not blame Hoedesa for turning ruthless!"
Seeing Hoedesa's stern tone, Zu'an knew further discussion would be futile. Just as he was about to rise and take his leave, someone arrived with news, "My Lord, there is a madman outside, claiming to be the mayor of Xinzhi and demanding that we open the city gates to welcome the new mayor."
Zu'an narrowed his eyes and said sarcastically, "The demon race has come to cause trouble so quickly."
Hoedesa glanced at Zu'an, then slowly withdrew his gaze.
"How many have arrived?"
"Only one person!"
Hoedesa scoffed, "Just send a few more people to drive him away. Do you need to ask me about something like this?"
The messenger's face flickered, hesitant to speak. Zu'an, standing beside him, interjected, "Since he is from the demon race, how can mortals stop him?"
The messenger scratched his head, "My Lords, he has already killed and injured dozens of our men with exceptionally brutal methods. Mayor is helpless and had to send this subordinate to request your presence."
Hoedesa frowned, stood up, and said coldly, "If that is the case, I will go meet him."
Zu'an, standing beside him, offered,
"May I accompany you?"
Hoedesa looked at Zu'an, pondered for a moment, then nodded.
It was only upon seeing Du Kael that Bone Sang's wind-weathered face broke into a smile, tinged with relief. "Kael, have you been well?"
Du Kael laughed heartily, "We've all grown older after years apart!"
Then, feigning ignorance, he asked, "Brother Bone Sang, for what reason have you traveled thousands of miles to be here?"
Bone Sang let out a long laugh, "To be frank with you, Kael, Bone Sang is here on the orders of the King of the Winter Country, specifically to attack Saint Roman!"
The generals on the rampart couldn't help but show anger. However, Bone Sang shifted his tone, saying, "But the real reason Bone Sang has come is to see an old friend."
With that, he raised the weapon in his hand and shouted, "Heroes of the Western Regions!"
The three armies below the pass roared in unison, "Roar!"
The unified shout of tens of thousands of soldiers was magnificent, as if paying tribute to Du Kael.
Du Kael's hand rested gently on the parapet of the pass, trembling slightly. Pei Lisha was startled and looked at Du Kael with wide-eyed fear, "Elder Brother..."
Du Kael seemed not to hear, his face serene as he gazed in the direction of the Western Regions, "Thank you, my brothers, for your affection! Du Kael is unworthy!"
As he spoke, Du Kael's heart churned like a stormy sea, unable to find peace for a long time.
Seeing Du Kael's trembling hand, Pei Lisha understood everything.
He never imagined that Du Kael would take the Elixir of Life for the sake of Bone Sang.
Pei Lisha had only heard that Du Kael possessed a bottle of Elixir of Life, a gift from a dark magus who had come from afar during his campaigns in the Western Regions.
This potion, when consumed in a state of extreme weakness, could instantly unleash latent potential and all physical strength.
It was originally intended for escaping a battlefield when utterly exhausted, and though highly effective, it could only last for four hours.
After four hours, the recipient would be completely depleted of strength and would often require two to three months of recuperation, with significant damage to the body.