Hecast felt the opponent's surging battle intent from several zhang away, but Hecast's gaze was somewhat unfocused, his heart already drifting to the distant Gujiala Mountain, where he cultivated.
The ethereal figure amidst the clear waters and lush mountains kept replaying in his mind, her hand also holding a silver spear, and a bay horse beneath her.
Only when the spear's shadow enveloped his vision did Hecast snap back to reality. Instinctual reactions snatched him from the clutches of death, his spear steadying the opponent's spearhead, causing it to miss its mark and graze his neck as it passed, leaving a faint stinging sensation.
Jessica, having missed with her spear, retracted it slightly and thrust again several times, but Hecast skillfully evaded each one. She failed to notice that in this life-and-death struggle, the expression of the rather handsome young general before her was not stern or ferocious, but rather held a hint of tender affection.
However, Jessica's spear technique was indeed exceptional, exceedingly tricky. Though Hecast had benefited from the guidance of a master and possessed formidable skills, he had not yet reached the point where he could kill with a smile. Moreover, lacking any intent to kill, how could he contend with the battle-hardened Jessica?
After several rounds with Jessica, though not injured, he was quite disheveled. The tenderness in his eyes was replaced by cold sweat in an instant. He never imagined that his momentary distraction would only make Jessica's battle intent even more fierce. Under her fierce, all-out offensive, he found himself increasingly unable to cope.
In a moment of distraction, his helmet was swept off by Jessica's spear.
Xiao Xun led his army onward, clearing the remnants of Karur. As Xiao Xun let out a long sigh while looking into the distance, he suddenly exclaimed, "Not good!"
Xiao Xun couldn't fly, nor could his black bear mount. He thus shouted loudly, "Sirik! Grier!"
Hearing someone call, the two turned to look. It was Xiao Xun, known as a peerless wise general, and they were taken aback.
When Xiao Xun rode his black bear closer, Sirik could then see clearly. Unwilling to ask for details, he cupped his fist in salute, "Sirik pays his respects to Lord Swain."
Xiao Xun wiped his sweat, let out a long breath, and steadied his breathing. After dismounting the black bear, he glanced at Grier standing beside Sirik and nodded, before turning his gaze to Sirik. "Are you intending to take Grier back with you?"
Sirik's face was solemn. "That is indeed my intention!"
He then added, with a hint of reproach, "My lord, I have only two sons, and my father has only me. I have already joined the Magic Cube Association and engage in dangerous work daily. My brother is incompetent and would be a liability in the army, potentially hindering your affairs."
Xiao Xun clearly detected the dissatisfaction in Sirik's words, but he also knew that Sirik treated his brother as a father and doted on him. He did not take offense, but sighed and said, "Grier, protecting one's country is what a good man should do. His Majesty also agreed to this. You two are your father's only sons. Are not the other soldiers of Santi Roman also sons of other fathers? If everyone only considered themselves, how could this world stand!"
Sirik took a deep breath upon hearing this. "My lord, I understand everything you say. But do you know who I just encountered?"
Xiao Xun, looking at Sirik's anxious gaze, asked in surprise, "Who?"
"Archmage Uzzk!"
Xiao Xun had never heard of this person, but he knew the title of Archmage. In this world, it was no different from being an immortal.
As Xiao Xun pondered, Sirik's voice rang out, "My lord, with you personally leading the army on campaign, we naturally will do our best. But Grier is ignorant and almost offended this Archmage just now. If he were to cause a great mistake, how would I explain myself to my father?"
Xiao Xun, being deeply cunning, understood Sirik's unspoken meaning.
He also knew their father, Horton, well. Mercury was always cautious; how could he be willing to offend such a person because of his son? He immediately said earnestly, "Sirik, rest assured. After this incident, Grier will only remain stationed here and will not be involved in any personal disputes."
Seeing Xiao Xun's determination, Sirik took a deep breath. "Since my lord insists, Sirik will not defy your will! I entrust Grier to you, my lord!"
Xiao Xun nodded. The two chatted for a while longer before Sirik bid farewell to Xiao Xun.
Xiao Xun, leading the black bear, asked Grier beside him, "What do you think of my mount?"
Grier had indeed noticed the black bear beneath him. The bear was entirely covered in black fur, the only flaw being a deep scar on its left eye, extending from the brow to the cheek, making it look rather fierce and menacing.
It was precisely because of this that Xiao Xun was unsure if the young master would appreciate this bear.
In a duel between experts, even the slightest bit of carelessness could lead to a fatal injury.
Hecast, seized upon by Jessica's timing, exerted his strength, his spear becoming increasingly sharp, its tip covering Hecast's face.
If Hecast continued to cling to his pride and not evade its sharpness, he would likely fall to this young girl's spear in regret. He immediately abandoned any pretense of dignity and retreated repeatedly.
But Jessica pressed forward relentlessly, causing Hecast to retreat ten steps without escaping the reach of her spear.
However, this was not a battle between generals on the front lines. All around them, the armies of Santi Roman and Barbarians were engaged in close combat. Hecast's ten steps backward had already brought him back into the throng of Santi Roman soldiers.
When Jessica attempted to pursue, she was blocked by the surging Santi Roman soldiers. By the time she had spun her spear to disperse the soldiers before her, her front was already enveloped in dense battle intent.
Jessica raised her spear and slowly lifted her head. The young general from before had tied up his hair and was leisurely looking at her, his eyes burning with fierce battle intent, appearing as imposing as if he had transformed into someone else.
Protected by her parents, Jessica had rarely encountered worthy opponents in the barbarian territories. Seeing the commanding general appear so confident, she couldn't help but scoff, "A defeated general! What's there to be so proud about?"
Amidst the clashing of metal on the battlefield, Jessica's voice was not loud, but it reached Hecast's ears precisely. This was the first time he had heard the voice of this foreign woman; it was slightly hoarse and did not conform to traditional notions of beauty.
But Hecast did not find it unpleasant, and instead felt a strange sense of familiarity. However, Hecast knew that the other party intended to kill him and said, "Miss, I, Hecast, never kill women! Moreover, today you are at a disadvantage. Why not retreat first?"
Jessica sneered, "Kid! Stop being arrogant. Let's see if you can withstand my spear!"
Hecast, having already exchanged blows with Jessica, naturally did not dare to be overconfident. He thrust his spear forward, which met Jessica's spearhead, and in the flickering firelight of the smoky battlefield, countless sparks erupted.
Jessica felt that the power of the opponent's spear was vigorous and unyielding. This single exchange almost made her drop the spear in her hand. Although she held onto it, her body bore a tremendous impact, and even her bay horse was forced back a few steps by the opponent's formidable energy.
Hecast had not realized the immense power of his spear strike. Although he knew that something unusual had happened to him, he had not expected such power. Seeing Jessica almost fall from her horse from his strike, he then realized the change in his own strength.
Just then, the thunderous sound of hooves approached from behind, rapidly drawing nearer. Hecast knew that Ogar's main army would arrive momentarily. If he continued to dither like this, it would be a serious misjudgment. He immediately said sternly, "Hecast apologizes for his rudeness!"
With that, his long spear poured out like a cascading waterfall or a milky way, filling the air as it swept towards Jessica.
Even Jessica did not expect the situation to change so quickly. Moments ago, she had held the upper hand, and now she was at a disadvantage. The opponent's silver spear was like a silver dragon baring its fangs and claws, forcing her to retreat several steps.