I was sent flying backward, slammed by the crescent strike, crashing hard onto the ground! I landed flat on my back, the powerful impact jarring me so hard my vision swam, feeling as if my very bones were shattered! I had already sustained grievous injuries back at Lingfeng Bridge; this ambush had forced me to fight with everything I had, struggling desperately against Moluo Aotian and his ilk! As a result, after being hit by that crescent wave, I was virtually drained of all Dou Qi energy. The intense pain made me lose control of my body, rendering me incapable of even the simplest evasive roll to mitigate the force!
"Ah! Your Highness, how are you?" Jidu moved with lightning speed, rushing to my side in the blink of an eye.
"Hnngh!" Forcing down the urge to black out, I managed a strained, wry smile. "Nearly bought the farm."
"Bought the farm?" Jidu looked utterly confused. It was clear he couldn't grasp this new term!
Sweat. I suddenly remembered—this was the Mafa World!
"Heh, not quite dead yet." As I spoke, my gaze instinctively drifted toward the four headless corpses. "As expected of General Jidu; one sword strike felled four Heavenly Demon Warriors."
"I am ashamed," Jidu’s old face flushed deep red. "If not for Your Highness acting as bait, I never could have succeeded in a single blow."
In truth, the very moment that silver light flashed, I knew we had won. The title 'Silver Demon' Jidu wasn't just for show! I knew better than anyone just how formidable he truly was. Moreover, back in the Valley of Raging Winds, Moluo Aotian and the others had already been severely wounded by falling boulders. The moment they burst out of the valley entrance, they were ambushed by me! Of course, they had anticipated my attack! But even that did not escape Jidu's meticulous planning!
Therefore! Based on this, to ensure a one-sword instant kill against the four, Jidu deliberately allowed me to take one of their crescent sword strikes! This made Moluo Aotian and his group momentarily relax their guard upon striking me, thinking victory was at hand. Simultaneously, to give me no chance to recover, they pressed the attack with all their remaining strength.
Many people share a similar psychological flaw: they instinctively exhale a breath of relief, or fixate solely on the target, the instant success is within reach. In such states, it is easy to overlook peripheral threats. None of this escaped the calculation of Jidu, this battle-hardened, supreme master.
And the reaction of Moluo Aotian's group played out exactly as Jidu predicted, falling right into his ambush! The result: Jidu, who had been building up power, suddenly exploded forth, managing to instantly kill all four of them with a single sweep of his blade!
It must be said that Jidu’s tactic was incredibly successful, fully accounting for the psychological reactions and physical states of Moluo Aotian and his company, among other comprehensive factors. Of course, besides the brilliant strategy, Jidu’s own astonishing swordsmanship was an absolutely crucial component in this successful ambush. Perhaps only Jidu could have instantly dispatched four Heavenly Demon Warriors with one sword in that situation.
One could say Moluo Aotian's quartet died most unjustly: first severely injured by the massive rocks in the Valley of Raging Winds, and then thoroughly outmaneuvered by Jidu and myself, one open move and one concealed one!
If this had been a straightforward confrontation—blades drawn and genuine head-to-head combat—even Jidu and I combined could never have killed them. It was simply their terrible luck to encounter Jidu, that terrifying Heavenly Demon executioner, and fatally, they knew nothing of his existence. This sealed their doomed fate!
Who could have predicted that the Silver Demon Jidu, situated on the other side of the vast ocean, would suddenly appear here? Fate is truly unfathomable!
Many times, luck is simply a component of strength!
"Heh heh! I’m utterly exhausted!" I’d been busy fleeing these past few days, and then busy with the ambush against Moluo Aotian and his crew. Only now could I finally breathe a sigh of relief!
"Your Highness certainly deserves a good rest." Jidu gave a slight, knowing chuckle as he helped me up, then produced a portable travel chair from his spatial pouch and made me sit down.
Roar! Just then!
A white figure shot out from the valley!
It was Dama, running frantically toward me! In its mouth, it carried two corpses!
They were two Heavenly Venerable Daoists crushed to death by the boulders! In an instant, Dama reached my side, then spat the two bodies onto the ground with a proud, low growl, as if presenting a treasure!
"Good fellow, I’ll reward you with a few barrels of fruit wine later." I was overjoyed. If it hadn't been for this behemoth’s help, I never would have managed to escape with my life!
And in this ambush plan, this big guy played a pivotal role too. If not for its booming voice combined with the magical explosion effects of the two Sky Rainbow Archmagi, we might not have collapsed the valley wall of Raging Winds and injured Moluo Aotian.
One could say Dama was absolutely a monumental contributor to this victory!
Roar!
Dama let out a few joyous barks, but the sheer volume made my eardrums throb, nearly stunning me senseless again! Startled, I quickly yelled, "Stop, stop roaring!"
Hmph!
Seemingly sensing my distress, Dama immediately hushed its noise, even displaying an awkward expression on its face!
Jidu, standing nearby, could only stare dumbfounded. "This King Beast Dama is remarkably intelligent; it actually understands Your Highness’s commands."
"Naturally." I felt a surge of pride. "This guy is no simple creature."
The King Beast Dama beside me also shook its tail proudly and let out a soft roar, acknowledging my praise!
Just then, two more figures rushed out from the Valley of Raging Winds—the two Sky Rainbow Archmagi from the Blood Wolf Tribe: Chi Ming and Chi Hao!
"Haha, we succeeded."
"Worthy of the Blue Demon and Silver Demon."
Seeing the four headless corpses, Chi Ming and Chi Hao couldn't help but exclaim loudly, but seeing me leaning on the chair, half-dead, they couldn't help but worry, "How are Your Highness's injuries?"
"It’s fine, I won't die," I managed with a bitter smile.
Jidu had already uncapped a vial of healing medicine and handed it to me. "Drink this first. We'll find a better place to rest later."
"En!" I took the healing potion and downed a few gulps. Meanwhile, Chi Hao was already impatiently stripping the Heavenly Demon Armor, Holy Battle Equipment, spatial pouches, swords, and everything else off Moluo Aotian’s group. Of course, they didn't forget the Holy Battle Helmets on the four heads.
Jidu and Chi Ming, however, took out their Thousand Mile Transmitters, connecting separately to the headquarters of the Demon Dragon Empire and the Blood Wolf Legion, reporting the status of the ambush operation!
After quite a flurry of activity, everything was packed away. As for the corpses of Moluo Aotian and the others, we dug a large pit and buried them, leaving behind a tombstone marker! We figured that news would travel fast, and the Demon Sealing Empire would soon send someone to retrieve the bodies.
Although our allegiances were opposed, they were still Heavenly Demon Warriors and deserved the dignity of their rank. We certainly couldn't leave them to be devoured by wild beasts in the wilderness.
Afterward, Chi Ming and Chi Hao blew a whistle!
Three massive blood-red wolves quickly sprang out from the forest—the mounts of Jidu, Chi Ming, and Chi Hao!
"Your Highness, are you able to move?" Jidu looked over with concern.
"Barely." I managed to stand up with difficulty and painfully climbed onto Dama's back!
"Your Highness, General," Chi Hao said, "let's return to the Blood Wolf Legion headquarters first. The chieftains of the Byron and Nu Jiao tribes are already waiting for us."
"En." I nodded slightly, patting Dama's spine. "Let’s move out."
Roar! Wooo!
The King Beast Dama and the three blood-red wolves simultaneously howled and charged into the depths of the dense woods!
In the Quiet Heart Hall of the Imperial Palace in Demon Dragon City, Demon Dragon Empire!
"The ambush was successful. All six members of Moluo Aotian’s group have been eliminated." Jiuyao Chongyang was so excited he nearly jumped up, looking at the Dove Group Steward with disbelief. "Are you absolutely certain you didn't mishear?"
"Yes, General Jidu reported it personally," the Dove Group Steward also sounded beside himself with excitement. This was absolutely earth-shattering news! Eliminating four Heavenly Demon Warriors and two Heavenly Venerable Daoists in one go—no one could imagine the shockwave and upheaval this astonishing victory would cause once revealed!
Heavenly Demon Warriors were generally equal in strength, making it hard to kill one another. Even in the largest battle on the Demon Dragon Continent in a century, the Battle of Yuncheng, they only managed to slay four Heavenly Demon Warriors of the Aotian Legion. Yet, that impressive feat alone was enough to shock the continent. Such a high casualty rate was rare even during the most brutal clashes of Heavenly Demon Warriors in Misbi, but that battle required the Demon Dragon Empire to mobilize three legions and the power of eight Heavenly Demon Warriors, while sacrificing the previous generation's Fire Demon on their own side. Even so, that battle was hailed as a grand victory, a rare feast not seen in a hundred years!
But compared to the result of the Wind Raging Valley ambush, the Battle of Yuncheng paled in comparison.
Jiuyao Shenzhen, Jidu, plus the two Sky Rainbow Archmagi from the Blood Wolf Tribe, managed to wipe out the Marshal and five elite generals of the Aotian Legion in one fell swoop!
Heavens, if this news got out, wouldn't the world turn upside down!
"Did Shenzhen or Jidu sustain injuries?" Jiuyao Chongyang asked, his surprise tempered by concern.
"General Jidu is safe and sound," the Dove Group Steward continued hesitantly. "As for His Highness Shenzhen, he was quite seriously injured."
"That boy nearly lost his life at Lingfeng Bridge, and now he fought while already wounded—he really pushed himself," Jiuyao Chongyang muttered. "But it’s good that he’s alive."
"Heh heh, His Highness Shenzhen has good fortune; he won't die that easily," Luohou Anwei remarked. "But I truly didn't expect that the combined strength of His Highness Shenzhen and General Jidu would be this formidable."
"Silver Demon Jidu, Blue Demon Xingchen!" Even the usually composed Divine Matron became slightly agitated. "Worthy of the Twin Demons; one is a Heavenly Demon executioner, the other a Mage Buster."
"Haha! Heavenly Demon Executioner and Mage Buster, the Divine Matron is absolutely right. If they join forces, perhaps no one can counter them," Yueyao was ecstatic. "Now, the plan for deep operational penetration behind enemy lines will be even more perfect. We’ve suddenly seized four sets of Heavenly Demon Armor, two sets of Heavenly Venerable Daoist gear, plus the two Archmage cloaks seized earlier. The strength of the Blood Wolf Legion has skyrocketed!"
"The problem is, does the Blood Wolf Legion have enough people to wear the Heavenly Demon Armor and Heavenly Venerable gear?" Luohou worried, despite his excitement.
"Oh, General Jidu also mentioned that the chieftains of the Byron and Nu Jiao tribes have already arrived at the Blood Wolf Legion headquarters," the Dove Group Steward quickly added.
"Wonderful! The Byron and Nu Jiao tribes have many experts; there should be people qualified to handle the Heavenly Demon Warrior and Heavenly Venerable Daoist equipment," Jiuyao Chongyang calmed down. "In a short time, the new legion organized by Shenzhen will possess eight super-generals, and these eight will be super-generals who truly obey Shenzhen. "Jiuyao Chongyang gazed toward the horizon, murmuring wistfully, "I believe these eight know what they must do. This boy is getting more formidable by the day."
"Heavens, eight super-generals." Yueyao was dumbfounded. "Our entire Demon Dragon Royal Family combined only has ten Heavenly Demon Warriors, three Sky Rainbow Archmagi, and one Heavenly Venerable Daoist. His Highness Shenzhen has suddenly conjured up eight more!"
"........." Luohou also looked lost, seemingly unable to process such sudden good news.
"It's time to send word to Cangyue and Biji," the Divine Matron stated gravely. "I'm sure Cangyue Zhenwu and Jian Xing will be greatly shocked."
"Hahaha!" Jiuyao Chongyang felt incredibly satisfied. "I wonder what expressions Cangyue Zhenwu and Jian Xing will have when they hear this news."
In the Pure Moon Tower of the Biji Imperial Palace!
"What?" Jian Xing's face drastically changed, and he shot to his feet. "The ambush succeeded; all six members of Moluo Aotian’s group were killed!" Jian Xing could scarcely believe the news he heard, his eyes pinning Jian Huan like sharp swords. "Is the source absolutely reliable?"
"It came from the Demon Dragon Royal Family," Jian Huan confirmed. "It should be correct."
"What about the casualties for Jiuyao Shenzhen and his allies?" Jian Xing asked gravely.
"The Demon Dragon Royal Family did not specify that part, but based on my analysis, there shouldn't have been any major losses," Jian Huan replied.
"This—this is impossible, how is this possible?" Jian Xing muttered. "Four people managed to ambush six equally ranked experts?" Although Jian Xing had anticipated the ambush might succeed, in countless analyses and simulations, Jian Xing and Jian Huan concluded that even if the ambush succeeded, the best outcome would be severely wounding Moluo Aotian’s group, or perhaps killing one or two of them at most.
Given the skill of Moluo Aotian and his peers, they possessed enough strength to escape even when cornered.
Yet, the news now was the complete annihilation of Moluo Aotian’s forces.
"I truly wonder what kind of world-shattering battle that must have been." Jian Xing unconsciously clenched his fist. "Silver Demon Jidu, Blue Demon Xingchen." Indeed, in Jian Xing’s imagination, this ambush must have devolved into a colossal, evenly matched confrontation, even if Moluo Aotian’s side suffered initial losses from a surprise attack. Neither Jian Xing nor Jian Huan could fathom what tactics Jidu and Jiuyao Shenzhen employed in that ambush. He couldn't imagine how they would react if they learned that Jidu had instantly slain four of Moluo Aotian’s men with a single sword strike.
"It seems necessary to re-evaluate the strength of Jidu and Jiuyao Shenzhen," Jian Huan stated grimly.
"Indeed," Jian Xing sighed slightly. "Now Jiuyao Chongyang will certainly gloat. Wiping out six generals of the Aotian Legion at once means Jiuyao Shenzhen’s newly formed legion instantly gains eight super-generals. Adding this to the Demon Dragon Royal Family's original total of fourteen Heavenly Demon Warriors, Sky Rainbow Archmagi, and Heavenly Venerable Daoists, their total strength reaches twenty-two. Before long, the two Heavenly Demon Armors seized in the Battle of Yuncheng will also have new owners. Their power has exploded! In terms of Heavenly Demon Level One experts, the Demon Dragon Empire is no longer inferior to the two nations of Cangyue and Biji." As he said this, Jian Xing’s expression deepened considerably. "All of this is directly attributable to Jiuyao Shenzhen and Silver Demon Jidu. Who knows what else they might achieve if they remain on the Demon Sealing Continent? These two are absolutely terrifying figures who cannot be underestimated."
"Ah..." Jian Huan seemed taken aback by Jian Xing’s high estimation of Jiuyao Shenzhen and Jidu.
"Silver Demon Jidu might not be the strongest Heavenly Demon Warrior, but he is certainly the most terrifying. He has slain over a dozen Heavenly Demon Warriors, Sky Rainbow Archmagi, and Heavenly Venerable Daoists combined. Even the supposed strongest, Jiuyao Chongyang, doesn't boast such a proud record. Now, paired with Jiuyao Shenzhen, a natural Mage Buster, plus the two Sky Rainbow Archmagi from the Blood Wolf Tribe—how terrifying must that combination be? Perhaps even the Thunder Flame Killing Formation of the Thunder Flame Legion couldn't deal with them," Jian Xing looked at Jian Huan with a rare solemnity. "From this moment forward, the Dove Group must assign dedicated personnel to establish a seven-star exclusive special file for Jiuyao Shenzhen and Jidu." Jian Xing looked at Jian Huan with an unusually grave expression:
"Ah, a seven-star exclusive special file?" Jian Huan’s face changed drastically, and he immediately understood. "Yes, this subordinate understands."
In the intelligence agencies of every nation's Dove Group, all information was categorized by importance using a star rating system. The highest level was the nine-star intelligence file. The two agencies at this level had dedicated research teams of two hundred people, responsible only for collecting and analyzing intelligence on two individuals: the Holy Word Pope and the Moluo Pope.
Next came the eight-star exclusive special files, which contained the dossiers of the twelve Thunder Warriors from the Holy Word Alliance and the Moluo Alliance camps.
Below that was the seven-star exclusive special file, which contained only three individuals: the Demon Dragon Emperor Jiuyao Chongyang, Cangyue Guard King Cangyue Zhenwu, and the Demon Sealing Empress Moluo Yinsha. Now, two new names would be added to this trio: Jiuyao Shenzhen and Jidu. This meant that from now on, every move made by Jiuyao Shenzhen and Jidu would be closely monitored and collected by the Biji Imperial Family's Dove Group, analyzing Shenzhen’s personality, martial arts characteristics, and all other unknown details. In short, the ninety people assigned to this group had only one objective: to research exactly what kind of people the observed subjects were. This action marked Jian Xing’s elevation of Jiuyao Shenzhen and Jidu to the status of pivotal figures capable of changing the entire continental balance, holding the same importance as a reigning monarch like Jiuyao Chongyang or Moluo Yinsha.
Following that were the six-star files (and there was a distinction between regular files and exclusive special files; the latter had dedicated research teams ranging from one hundred to dozens of people, while general star-rated files usually had only a dozen people studying a specific subject). These included the marshals of the continent’s major legions—Moluo Yinfeng, Jinyao, Huoyao, and Moluo Aotian, among more than twenty other legion marshals and vice-marshals.
The five-star files came next, which included past figures like Silver Demon Jidu and other exceptionally powerful Heavenly Demon Level One generals. However, they didn't warrant extensive manpower for research; the researchers in this group usually numbered no more than ten.
One could say that on the battlefields of the Mafa Continent, beyond the slaughter of Heavenly Demon Level One super-generals and the strategic maneuvering of legion commanders, intelligence officers from various national Dove Groups were also fighting their own invisible war behind the scenes. Sometimes, their intelligence work could even dictate the course of victory or defeat on the entire battlefield. For instance, the complete rout of the Aotian Legion this time stemmed from underestimating Jiuyao Shenzhen’s style of operation.
Although they had conducted detailed studies on this matter, ultimately, they underestimated Jiuyao Shenzhen. Another factor was the appearance of Silver Demon Jidu. Once these two were linked, Moluo Aotian’s defeat, while unexpected, was ultimately logical.
"Immediately summon all officers, from every level, of the Military Strategy Department," Jian Xing stated gravely.
"Yes!" The armored guard standing nearby hurried away.
"I didn't expect Jiuyao Shenzhen's progress to be so swift," Jian Xing looked up at the sky, seemingly murmuring to himself.
"Then we too must devise a worthy plan," Jian Huan said. "Jiuyao Chongyang shares intelligence with us precisely because he values our ability to formulate brilliant operational plans, which are stronger than those of the Imperial Military Strategy Department."
"Heh heh, precisely. Jiuyao Chongyang certainly has self-awareness," Jian Xing then showed a hint of proud expression. "He knows how to assess the situation and always considers the bigger picture. If Cangyue Zhenwu could be as considerate of the overall situation as Jiuyao Chongyang and submit to our command over the Empire’s, this war wouldn't be so difficult to fight."
"Things rarely go as one wishes. However, the sudden emergence of Jiuyao Shenzhen as a surprise force might just change the entire continental balance," Jian Huan noted.
"A sudden force? I believe Moluo Yinsha must be spitting blood in anger right now," Jian Xing displayed a strange, almost mischievous smile, as if a prank had succeeded!