The entire world's landscape has undergone a seismic shift since Li Qingyun and his group arrived.
Whenever the Ice Sword Mercenary Group made an appearance, the Shitian race would scatter in disarray.
Under Wang Teng's leadership, the cultivators within the [Xuan Guang Realm] also launched a proactive offensive.
They had achieved numerous victories, but none were decisive.
Upon seeing them, the Shitian race members acted as if they had seen ghosts, fleeing in all directions.
However, they dared not pursue too far, fearing a home invasion.
When Wang Teng marched out, he brought the [Pillar of Heaven] with him, so there was no longer such a barrier in the [Xuan Guang Sect].
"We can't let this drag on. These curs actually dared to play us!"
Wang Teng was furious. He preferred enemies who weren't afraid of death and would charge headfirst at him. But what was this about them running at the mere sight of him?
This was not only a waste of their time but also a waste of the Immortal Emperors' time.
Both sides needed to compete for destiny, so logically, the sooner the outcome was decided, the better.
Bai Nianchen pondered for a moment before saying, "I think the other side's intention is precisely to lure us away from the [Xuan Guang Realm], and then make a move against us or the [Xuan Guang Realm]. Regardless, their goal is to divide us."
"Isn't that too cowardly?"
"This approach won't work. Even if it's a trap, we have to go."
Everyone began to deliberate. The current situation left them feeling quite troubled. The Shitian race in this world was no longer acting like the brutes they were before.
This was related to their information being leaked. The Ice Sword Mercenary Group's combat record was undeniable, so naturally, they wouldn't engage in a direct fight like the Shitian race in the previous world.
Luo Xiaowei sighed, "How about this, Brother Teng, you leave the [Pillar of Heaven] in the [Xuan Guang Realm]?"
For them to pursue and fight the Shitian race without any reservations, this was the only way.
However, losing the [Pillar of Heaven] would be a significant weakening of their strength.
Their previous method of eliminating enemies was to use the [Pillar of Heaven]'s barrier to trap one enemy, and then a group would surround and attack them within.
Without the [Pillar of Heaven], the tactic of swarming wouldn't work, as there would be nothing to restrict the opponent's movements.
Furthermore, if they went on an expedition, Yan Xing would have to accompany them, otherwise, no one would be able to contain the power of Ito Xiang and Ito Shi.
"I finally understand why Brother Yan has been guarding the Xuan Guang Gate all this time..."
At this moment, Yan Xing also said, "This is indeed a good idea, but will it have too great an impact on your strength?"
Wang Teng felt a bit frustrated. Wasn't he going to be weakened?
"Can I summon the [Pillar of Heaven] back when the battle begins?"
Everyone sternly stopped Wang Teng's thought.
"Brother Teng, calm down! Without the [Pillar of Heaven], you are still incredibly powerful. The Shitian race in this world is different from what we've seen before; they employ schemes."
Ultimately, they had no choice but to abandon the idea.
...
From afar, Ito Xiang and his companions saw the human cultivator army returning from their expedition, and their golden barrier rising once again.
He sneered at this, saying, "It seems our plan is half successful. They are more anxious than we are. They not only want to win, but they want to win quickly. However, it doesn't matter if we take our time."
"Isn't that being overly cautious?"
"No! When dealing with these people, no amount of caution is too much. Without the [Pillar of Heaven], they can no longer trap our powerful individuals, thus greatly increasing our chances of victory."
"Brilliant insights, brilliant!"
The two brothers were indeed different from other members of the Shitian race; they were extremely prudent.
Otherwise, with their strength, they had a significant chance of defeating Yan Xing, who was one man against two. However, fearing Yan Xing's final desperate counterattack, which might result in mutual destruction, they had been delaying until now.
Although this cautiousness always led them to hesitate, if not for this personality trait, they might not have been the only surviving kings of the Shitian race.
Moreover, their tendency to overthink made them more predictable to a brute like Wang Teng.
After making some further adjustments, Yan Xing led a force of 400,000 cultivators directly towards the Shitian race.
Despite the vast numerical disparity with the Shitian race, it didn't matter; they had Chen Xiaohan, a strategic asset.
After reaching the Nascent Soul stage, her poison could spread.
This was the most terrifying aspect, meaning that after releasing a wave of poison蛊 (gu), as long as Chen Xiaohan survived, her poison蛊 could consume one host and then parasitize the next.
Yan Xing was very regretful that Chen Xiaohan wasn't at the Mahayana stage.
If her killing power was already so terrifying at the Nascent Soul stage, what would happen if she advanced another major realm?
"Our greatest reliance for offsetting the numerical disadvantage is Xiaohan. However, the enemy wouldn't fail to consider this, so I believe... Xiaohan is likely their primary target,"
Meng Zibin looked at Chen Xiaohan and said to the others.
Everyone frowned. They, of course, had to participate in the battle to compensate for the high-end combat power.
Therefore, they couldn't spare any attention to protect Chen Xiaohan, and Yan Xing also had to prevent Ito Xiang and Ito Shi.
Chen Xiaohan said shyly, "I can protect myself."
"You cannot protect yourself. Unlike the previous world, our numbers are at a significant disadvantage here."
Everyone fell into silence again. They couldn't afford to lose Chen Xiaohan, but Chen Xiaohan couldn't leave the battlefield.
So, who would be her bodyguard?
Yan Xing looked at an elder behind him and said, "Qiu Yun, can you guard Chen Xiaohan's side?"
Qiu Yun was a half-step Immortal King, possessing strength akin to Wu Yuan and the un-promoted Bai Hong. He was also one of the main combat forces among the remaining humans.
Qiu Yun was stunned for a moment. Was it appropriate to place Chen Xiaohan at such a high strategic level?
Yan Xing stared at him and said, "You have witnessed her role on the battlefield, so do not doubt the Shitian race's intent to kill her. Protect her; the longer she lives, the closer we are to victory."
Chen Xiaohan also revealed a sweet smile, "You all cheer up. The longer you stall, the faster the poison蛊 will spread."
Upon hearing this, everyone was startled and quickly asked, "Do you have any new abilities?"
Chen Xiaohan smiled without answering.
Seeing her expression, everyone felt reassured, as if they had taken a dose of calming medicine.
Qiu Yun also understood his duty. He cupped his fist to Yan Xing and said, "If her life is in danger, I will die before her."
"Ah, Elder Qiu, don't say such unlucky things!"
"In case you didn't know, we have never experienced a defeat in our battles so far!"
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(One update today, because I have no time, sob...)