The Heroic Ancient City lay beneath the sprawling tapestry of the night sky, its outline faintly visible, shrouded in mist.
From a distance, bright torches reflected the hazy nighttime gloom, transforming the city’s vague contours into a monstrous, clawing silhouette, amplifying a sense of inscrutable mystery, perilous strangeness, and uncanny menace.
Upon reaching the high ground, Jidu and the others had clearly been waiting for a long time! Seeing me and Xingye, Xingzhan and the rest were overjoyed.
“My Lord.” Jidu’s weathered, ancient face showed a trace of excitement. “We have finally awaited your arrival.”
“You have worked hard.” I had no idea how Jidu and the others had spent this time, but looking at Jidu’s face, even more aged and fatigued than before, it was clear their struggle had been relentless.
As for Long Xin, along with Sui Yuntian and the others, a collective sigh of relief washed over them, their minds finally settled.
We had successfully rendezvoused—and even more fortunately, none of our group had suffered a single casualty. All that remained was to await the arrival of Feng Xiao and Youquan. Only after meeting up with them would we have the capability to breach the orc defenses and enter the Land of Heroes!
Before long, a slight ripple of energy emanated from behind. I instinctively turned back, and sure enough, it was Feng Xiao and Youquan, along with Moluo Yinfeng and others, arriving precisely on time!
“Everyone is here.” I couldn't help but breathe a silent sigh of relief.
“Indeed.” Youquan and Feng Xiao both nodded slightly. “I will reiterate the plan for this operation.” Youquan spread out the map. “The passage to the Land of Heroes lies beneath the Hero Statue in the city’s central plaza! Following that passage will lead us to the main gate of the Land of Heroes. Once there, opening the gate grants entry. Feng Xiao’s expression grew extremely grave as he continued: “However, the Orcs will certainly not allow us to reach the gate so easily. Tianmu Dajia Dawang and his contingent will undoubtedly be guarding that spot. Only by defeating them will we have a chance to open the gates to the Land of Heroes.” As Feng Xiao spoke, he looked toward me: “Tianmu will be handled by a joint effort of myself, my Lord, and Elder Youquan. The others will act according to opportunity.”
Feng Xiao’s plan was straightforward!
In truth, facing the Orcs who held the vital choke points, we had absolutely no opportunity for cunning maneuvers or shortcuts!
“This is our last hope,” Feng Xiao stated solemnly. “No matter what, we must awaken the Hero before the Demon Dragon Cult Master returns.”
“Yes.” The crowd responded in unison, their fighting spirit soaring high.
The sky remained a dreary grey. The Heroic Ancient City glowed dimly under the torchlight, yet not a single other sound could be heard. The massive ancient city resembled a primeval behemoth crouching within the curtain of night, inspiring tremors of fear and profound unease.
This imposing scene gave everyone a sense of helplessness and deep frustration!
“It seems the Orcs have concentrated their forces beneath the statue and at the gate to the Land of Heroes within the passage,” Feng Xiao said, rubbing his forehead with a touch of exasperation.
“With Little Fox’s acumen, it’s not hard to see this is the most effective defense,” Youquan observed. “It appears we must force our way through.”
To minimize unnecessary casualties, the experts spearheading this assault, besides myself, Feng Xiao, and Youquan, included Sui Yuntian, Feng Fei'ao, and Youyue—the top masters among the younger generation.
Though the number was small,
The remaining personnel, led by Moluo Yinfeng, would remain hidden on the periphery of the Heroic Ancient City, ready to provide support at a moment's notice.
No one could have predicted that these factions, who had fought tooth and nail against each other in the past, were now united.
The vicissitudes of worldly affairs were indeed unpredictable.
Of course, neither Moluo Yinfeng, nor I, nor Feng Xiao could truly place absolute trust in one another. It was only natural for each side to keep a measure of reserve.
I trusted that with Jidu’s seasoned prudence, coupled with the combat prowess of Xingye and Xingzhan, they possessed sufficient capability to counter any rash actions from Moluo Yinfeng or Xue Wu, Bai Wu, and the others.
Though deeply frustrated, I had to prepare for the worst possible outcome!
Furthermore, even if I were to meet with an accident on this mission, it would only be the loss of one individual to the Demon Dragon Empire.
“Father, you must survive, no matter what.” As parting approached, Xingye and Xingzhan couldn’t help but have tears welling up in their eyes.
“We believe that as long as you do not give up, there is nothing in this world that can defeat you.” Yin Hu and Yin Tao, along with the other Black Qi Generals, also looked reluctant to part, but their gazes held more affirmation and trust. No matter when or where, the Black Flag Generals would always be my firmest support behind me.
“Of course,” I asserted confidently. “I am your Marshal, the omnipotent Nine Luminaries Divine True One.”
“Old General, the Demon Dragon Empire and the Grand Alliance are entrusted to you,” I instinctively clapped Jidu’s shoulder.
Countless life-and-death struggles, countless shared battles against the enemy!
I never doubted Jidu’s loyalty and capability; this was trust and affirmation forged through years of sharing life and death. I was confident that with him stationed here, even without Tian and Sui Yuntian, the Demon Dragon Empire and the Grand Alliance could hold the rear defenses.
“My Lord, please rest assured.” A look of resolute determination flashed across Jidu’s aged face!
“Old General is the final stabilizing anchor of the Demon Dragon Empire. With you here, what reason do I have to worry?” I felt a sense of relief.
“Haha, ‘stabilizing anchor’—a fine description!” Jidu boomed with heroic spirit. “Jidu will absolutely not disappoint you!” As he spoke, Jidu instinctively glanced toward Long Xin. “My Lord, is there nothing you wish to say to General Long?”
As if hearing Jidu’s words, Long Xin’s expression became peculiar. She looked at me, unsure of what to say, her cheeks flushed crimson.
“If I return alive, I will marry you!” Taking Long Xin’s soft hands, I summoned all my courage.
“I have been waiting 28 years for those words!” Years of military service had transformed the once willful young lady into someone strong and independent. Yet, in this moment, a trace of girlish fragility and helplessness surfaced. “Don’t make me wait any longer, alright?”
“Believe me.” I wasn't sure what emotion to hold for Long Xin, but I knew this was the only promise I could make her.
Partings are always sorrowful!
However, this one was in service of the next reunion!
I believed everything would turn out for the best!
The opened gate of the Heroic Ancient City stood fifteen meters high and a staggering ten meters wide, like the gaping maw of a monstrous beast, set before us!
Passing through the gate revealed a complex of magnificent palace structures flanking both sides, stretching for thousands of meters, appearing solemn and integrated. It was easy to imagine the magnificent glory this place held tens of thousands of years ago!
Straight down the center was an open, level military road, extending all the way to the statue in the distant central plaza!
Although we knew the Orcs had massed considerable forces here, we couldn't see a single figure in sight!
The hundred-person contingent proceeded unimpeded, reaching the plaza—it was easy to enter, but much harder to retreat.
Suddenly, vast numbers of Demon Dragon Warriors burst forth from the surroundings!
Though anticipated, we were still greatly startled by the scale of the formation!
“Kill!” Youquan roared.