Chapter 2069 – Defeating Nature Hall in Two Moves
"Zero Wing wants to protect Twilight Echo?"
Nature Hall's members were stunned when they heard Violet Cloud's announcement Twilight Echo's members were just as dumbfounded.
Nature Hall was akin to the Storm Empire's emperor. It had already grown powerful enough to demand respect from Super Guilds, yet Zero Wing, which was barely on par with a first-rate Guild, intended to oppose Nature Hall.
"The Guild Leader plans to interfere?" When Aqua Rose saw the 1,000-man legion from Zero Wing, excitement and worry flashed in her eyes.
She hadn't had a specific understanding of Nature Hall before her return to the Storm Empire, but it wasn't long before she realized that Nature Hall shouldn't be provoked. Nature Hall's foundations were beyond her imagination. The Guild already had more than 100 peak experts and tens of thousands of expert members. With so many experts, Nature Hall's rule in the Storm Empire was unshakable.
"How arrogant! This is Nature Hall's territory! Do you think that a few words will protect Twilight Echo?" Owl Life roared in anger. "Not even your ally, the Dragon-Phoenix Pavilion, would dare to act so pompously before Nature Hall!"
"Vice Guild Leader, what's the point of wasting words on them? Since these ignorant players dare to act so insolently before our Guild, we should get rid of them, here and now!"
"That's right! Let's teach these country bumpkins the difference between a kingdom's overlord and an empire's! We'll show them how little they matter in the Storm Empire!"
Nature Hall's members voiced their outrage over Violet Cloud's declaration, even offering to teach Zero Wing's members a lesson.
"We are only here to give you notice. Your reply is irrelevant," Violet Cloud calmly responded. "If you don't have any more questions, we'll be escorting Twilight Echo's members away now."
The valley fell silent when Violet Cloud finished speaking. Even Dark Wave, Twilight Echo's Guild Leader, could not help but gasp at the girl's comment. He could not understand just what gave zero Wing the confidence to provoke the Storm Empire's emperor.
"This is bad!" Anxiously, Dark Wave turned to look and Aqua Rose and said, "Aqua, you need to stop them! If this gets out of hand, Zero Wing will be doomed!"
Aqua Rose nodded, but although she wanted to contact Violet Cloud, Owl Life didn't give her the chance to do so.
"Bastards! Everyone, heed my command and eliminate these lowlifes!" Owl Life snarled as he pointed at Violet Cloud; the chilling gaze he aimed at the young woman even caused the experts around him to shudder.
A little over half of Nature Hall's forces split away from surrounding Twilight Echo's team and charged at Zero Wing's 1,000- man team, their battle cries echoing throughout the valley.
Nature Hall's members moved like well-trained soldiers. Not only were they fast, but they were perfectly in-sync with each other. Eighteen Shield Warriors and Guardian Knights moved to the forefront, radiating a silver glow as divine runes covered their bodies. They all had more than 200,000 HP, and their auras resembled that of ancient war Gods.
"So strong!"
Twilight Echo's members lost their composure when they saw this.
Every member of Twilight Echo's team was an expert. They could easily gauge an opponent's strength based on their aura. The 18 MTs radiated an intensely dangerous feeling, and Twilight Echo's members knew that in a one-on-one, these MTs would blow them away.
Not even their Guild Leader, Dark Wave, could necessarily stop these MTs' assault, even with an active Lifesaving Skill.
"So, this is Nature Hall's Silverlight Battle Array?" Dark Wave could not help but gasp when he saw the MTs' silver glow.
The Silverlight Battle Array was well-known in the Storm Empire. Nature Hall had relied on this battle array to defeat its first super-first-rate Guild when it had still been weaker than Nine-star Family.
He had only ever witnessed the Silverlight Battle Array in videos before, and now that he got to see it in person, the increased Strength, HP, and speed were beyond his expectations. It was no wonder why Nature Hall didn't fear other superpowers.
"Nobody can stop our Guild's Silverlight Battle Array! Let's tear apart these Zero Wing players!" The Nature Hall players that still surrounded Twilight Echo's members laughed as their companions activated the battle array.
The Silverlight Battle Array allowed 18 players to link together. Not only could they share the incoming damage, but their Strength, HPs, Movement Speed, and Attack Speed increased by 30% as well. Most importantly, they could share their senses through the battle array.
However, before the 18 MTs reached Zero Wing's team and tore apart its defensive line, Violet Cloud, who stood among her players, waved her staff.
Dimensional Fracture!
Space tore before Violet Cloud, rapidly extending toward Nature Hall's members. Although the spatial tear looked fine and weak, it felt like the roar of an ancient behemoth. The sky and the earth trembled at its might.
"Dodge it!" Owl Life shouted, panicking. Unfortunately, the spatial tear grew too quickly for his warning to be of any use.
Crack!
The sound of shattering glass shook the valley as the spatial tear reached Nature Hall's MTs, who failed to react in time.
Like a hot knife through butter, the spatial tear cut through the 18 MTs, their bisected forms falling to the ground. Nature Hall's rear line healers had no time to cast a Healing Spell before their MTs lost the last of their HPs. Moreover, the spatial tear didn't stop with the 18 linked MTs, reaping the lives of players standing dozens of yards away…
"Do you still wish to fight us?" Violet Cloud asked as she retracted her staff and gazed upon Nature Hall's members.
With just one move, Violet Cloud had killed over 200 experts. Her indifferent tone suggested that she didn't consider the act significant, and Nature Hall's survivors shuddered in fear.
"You merely have a powerful Spell. Do you really think that none of us can take you down?" Rage flared in Owl Life's eyes as he glared at Violet Cloud.
While he didn't particularly mind the deaths of 200-plus Guild experts, he minded losing the 18 MTs that could utilize the Silverlight Battle Array. The Guild had carefully nurtured all of those players, and every one of them was very close to reaching the Refinement Realm. With the Silverlight Battle Array, each of those players had the combat power to surpass ordinary Refinement Realm experts.
Losing a level might not impact their progress overmuch, but the loss of their weapons and equipment definitely would. They would need a lot of time to recover the items.
Owl Life's body transformed into a blur as he dashed toward Violet Cloud like a vicious gale.
"Crap! Owl Life is attacking!" Dark Wave's darkened as he watched Owl Life make his move.
Owl Life wasn't like the 18 MTs that had died. With his weapons, equipment, and combat standards, He ranked at the very top of the Storm Empire. His two one-handed axes were even Epic Set Weapons. He could easily repel a Great Lord of the same level, and the valley's narrow terrain gave him the perfect battlefield.
If Owl Life reached Zero Wing's team, disaster would ensue.
In less than ten seconds, Owl Life arrived before Zero Wing's members. Although Zero Wing's ranged experts bombarded him with attacks, he effortlessly dodged or blocked the incoming Spells and arrows. None of the attacks managed to reach him.
As they watched, Nature Hall's players felt their blood boil with excitement.
"Hahaha! The Vice Guild Leader is finally making a move!"
"Zero Wing's members are dead for sure!"
However, as Nature Hall's members expected to see Owl Life throw Zero Wing's members into the air, Violet Cloud moved again. Like her previous attack, she lightly waved Death's Sigh and manifested multiple magic arrays around her.
"Are you kidding me!?"
Both Nature Hall and Twilight Echo's members were stunned.
Violet Cloud had called forth 200 magic arrays, a Blade of Darkness forming before each array.
"Go!" Violet Cloud shouted.
Like raindrops, these 200 Blades of Darkness descended on Owl Life, all under Violet Cloud's control. They were not magical projectiles that could only move in a straight line.
"Burial Flower!" Even Owl Life frowned as he watched the 200 Blades of Darkness fly toward him like lively sprites. He immediately activated his Epic axes' Active Skill, and a gigantic flower formed beneath his feet.
Twelve flower petals circled Owl Life, each carrying 100% of his Strength. The petals acted like MTs' shields. Unless Violet Cloud's attacks had higher Strength than he did, they wouldn't break through Burial Flower's defenses.
Burial Flower formed a nearly invincible barrier around him.
Following which, Owl Life charged toward Violet Cloud. However, but the hammering sounds the Blades of Darkness made as they collided with Burial Flower's petals changed Owl Life's expression.
Burial Flower's petals, which contained 100% of his Strength, couldn't withstand the Blades of Shadow. The petals barely deflected the attacks and altered their trajectory.
Against 200 Blades of Darkness, Owl Life's Burial Flower and Epic axes seemed like paper tigers. Even though he fought with everything he had and fully displayed his Void Realm combat standards, he could only dodge or block a fraction of Violet Cloud's attack.
In the blink of an eye, the Blades of Darkness slid through Owl Life's body, plundering the Berserker's HP…
Owl Life, one of the Storm Empire's top ten experts, had been defeated!
Chapter 2070 – Powerful Zero Wing "He died?"
"Owl Life's been killed in one move?"
Nature Hall and Twilight Echo's members gaped in shock after witnessing Owl Life's death, unable to believe their eyes. However, not only did the man's corpse lie before them, but his trademark weapons, the Burial Axes, rested next to his body.
"Aqua, your Guild's experts are quite strong. Is that girl your Guild's number one expert?" Dark Wave asked his niece, his eyes glued on Violet Cloud.
He had known that Zero Wing had been developing impressively, but he hadn't thought it had become this strong.
Violet Cloud's gaze remained indifferent even after killing Owl Life as if she had casually slain a Common monster she had randomly come across. Someone actually treated Owl Life, one of Nature Hall's Vice Guild Leaders, like a Common monster, killing him as if swatting a fly. If news of this spread, it would shake the very core of the Storm Empire.
"No, Violet doesn't rank number one in the Guild, but she should stand among the top five. Only…" Aqua Rose stopped herself, watching Violet Cloud in confusion.
She was very familiar with Violet Cloud's standards; like her, the girl was a Refinement Realm expert. However, Violet had achieved more in the Refinement Realm than she had. Although, if it came down to a fight, and their Levels and equipment were equal, she could fight Violet Cloud to a standstill with her Sea God's Legacy. If the battle happened at sea, she'd wind by a landslide.
If Aqua Rose had to fight a peak expert like Owl Life, even with all of her Epic Equipment, she'd have a very hard time defeating him. As for killing Owl Life in one move, she simply wasn't capable of the feat. The equipment that the various large Guilds' peak experts improved as time passed, yet for some reason, Violet Cloud had killed Owl Life instantly.
Moreover, she had accomplished the feat effortlessly.
No matter how Aqua Rose considered the situation, she couldn't figure how Violet Cloud had done it.
However, Aqua Rose didn't know that Shi Feng had given Violet Cloud the Elemental Bloodline after his return from the Ancient God's Maze, and due to the Advanced Bloodline, Violet Cloud's Basic Attributes had skyrocketed. With her massive Basic Attribute advantage, it was only natural that she had slain Owl Life like a Common monster.
"She's only in the top five with that kind of strength?" Dark Wave stared at his niece in shock. He no longer dared to imagine how powerful Zero Wing truly was.
Nature Hall likely had less than a handful of experts that could kill Owl Life instantly, yet a non-superpower like Zero Wing had four more of these experts…
Meanwhile, Nature Hall's members panicked after watching Owl Life die. Like frightened birds, they scattered and fled from the battlefield, none of them daring to fight any of Zero Wing's members.
What a joke. Both Owl Life and the 18 Silverlight Battle Array MTs had been defeated in a single move each. They weren't fools. Now that they knew they were no match for Zero Wing, they wouldn't stay and fight. Doing so would be nothing more than suicide.
Once Nature Hall's members fled, Violet Cloud turned her attention away and approached Aqua Rose.
"Big Sis Aqua, here are the items you stored in the Guild Warehouse," Violet Cloud told Aqua Rose, who wore a hesitant expression. After trading the equipment, she said, "Ah, right Guild Leader asked me to tell you this; Don't hold back! The Guild has your back!"
"Guild Leader…" For a moment, various emotions overwhelmed Aqua Rose.
When Twilight Echo's members heard Violet Cloud's message for her comrade, they couldn't help their envy.
A large Guild like Zero Wing was actually willing to start an all-out war with a superpower to support one of its Guild members. They had never even dared to imagine such a thing in the virtual gaming world. If they could join such a wonderful Guild, what more could they possibly ask for?
Once Aqua Rose regained her composure and re-equipped her weapons and equipment, her change stupefied Twilight Echo's members.
She had already felt incredibly powerful, but after replacing her weapons and equipment, she felt like a butterfly breaking out of its cocoon. Not only did she look beautiful, but she also radiated an intensely powerful aura. Although they couldn't tell the quality of her items since she had hidden the glow effects, her aura was even stronger than Dark Wave and Owl Life's.
So, this is the Guild Aqua joined? Dark Wave's shock was even greater than when he had watched Owl Life die.
The fact that Violet Cloud had killed Owl Life made it clear that Zero Wing had its own capable experts, but the equipment that had instantly elevated Aqua Rose's combat power, which could now rival Owl Life's, had an entirely different meaning.
"Let's leave this place and return to Windy City. Now that we've killed one of Nature Hall's Vice Guild Leaders, Nature Hall won't let this matter rest," Aqua Rose said as she glanced at Owl Life's corpse.
A Vice Guild Leader was one of a Guild's public faces. If they did not handle this incident's aftermath properly, Twilight Echo would have a difficult time leaving the Storm Empire.
"Rest assured, Big Sis Aqua. The Guild Leader has led a group to Storm City to discuss the situation with Nature Hall. I believe he will settle this matter very quickly," Violet Cloud said, giggling.
What?! They went to meet Nature Hall?! Dark Wave nearly jumped up in shock. Are they tired of living?!
Although Owl Life was only Nature Hall's Eighth Vice Guild Leader, one of the lowest-ranked Vice Guild Leaders in the Guild, he was still a Vice Guild Leader, yet as Violet Cloud had killed the man, Zero Wing had been heading to Nature Hall for negotiations. Zero Wing was clearly trying to provoke Nature Hall.
Zero Wing would likely have trouble getting out of this unscathed, much less negotiate a better situation for Twilight Echo.
Meanwhile, in the Storm Empire's Storm City, Shi Feng's party of six had arrived before Nature Hall's Residence.
As the Storm Empire's imperial capital, Storm City's player population even surpassed Black Dragon City's. Storm City had nearly 27,000,000 resident players, and its businesses were particularly prosperous.
The city's prosperity was due to the Storm Empire's ores. Plenty of ores and Gemstones, which other kingdoms and empires severely lacked, were produced within the empire's borders every day. Because of this production, a large number of foreign players visited the empire to trade and purchase items. Moreover, due to the abundance of ores, the Storm Empire's forging industry was exceedingly well-developed.
Shops that specialized in selling and crafting weapons and equipment could be found all over the city, and plenty of players wore the Advanced Forger's Insignia. Intermediate Forgers were a dime a dozen, as well. Not even White River City could say the same.
Moreover, as many as eight known Master Forgers also called the Storm Empire home. Among them, two were independent players. No other empire could dream of achieving the same at this stage of the game.
Purely in terms of weapon and equipment production, Storm City far surpassed White River City.
"Please notify the Guild Leader Nature that Star-Moon Kingdom's Zero Wing has come to discuss something with him," Shi Feng said as he approached the Nature Hall member stationed by the Residence's entrance.
"Alright, but I can't guarantee that our Guild Leader will meet with you," the player replied, disdainfully eyeing Shi Feng's party.
Normally, a large number of Guild representatives visited the Residence to meet with Nature Hall's Guild Leader, including representatives from the Storm Empire's first-rate Guilds. Even so, their Guild Leader usually ignored their requests. As for a Guild from a kingdom, even the Vice Guild Leaders would likely refuse the request.
The Nature Hall member then left to report the matter to his superior.
Meanwhile, a middle-aged man sat behind an office desk, flipping through the documents in his hand, in the Guild Leader's office within Nature Hall's Residence. Several Level 64 players stood beside this man, all of which were experts with multiple pieces of Epic Equipment Any ordinary expert would feel as if they stood in a cage of bloodthirsty beasts if they stood before this group.
Suddenly, a player entered the room, and upon seeing the players beside the middle-aged man, he couldn't help but shudder. However, he suppressed the fear in his heart and announced, "Guild Leader, there's a group of representatives from Zero Wing asking to meet with you. They're a Guild from Star-Moon Kingdom."
"A Guild from Star-Moon Kingdom?" Nature Manifestation raised his head as he listened to the subordinate's report, curiosity flashing in his eyes.
"Can't you see that the Guild Leader is busy? It's just a Guild from a small kingdom! Send them back to their countryside!" a robust man shouted.
However, as the subordinate began to turn and leave, the icy-cold goddess sitting beside Nature Manifestation received a message. As she read the message, her expression darkened.
"Wait!" the woman shouted.
"Qilin? What's wrong?" the robust man, who carried a gigantic scale shield, asked.
"I've just received news that Owl Life has been killed," the woman, Jade Qilin, softly replied.
"That brat got done in? Who did it? Was it Dark Wave? That shouldn't be possible!" The robust man was astonished. However, after recalling Twilight Echo's experts, he doubted that any of them could kill Owl Life.
"No. According to the reports, he was slain by an expert from Zero Wing…" Jade Qilin said.
Chapter 2071 – Explanation?
"Zero Wing? Isn't that the Guild trying to meet with the Guild Leader?" The shield-carrying man frowned at Jade Qilin's reply. He then turned to the reporting Ranger, killing intent lacing his words. "These people sure have guts!"
A Vice Guild Leader was one of a Guild's public faces.
Guilds typically avoided killing each other's Vice Guild Leaders or Guild Leaders unless they wanted to shed all pretense, much less one of Nature Hall's Vice Guild Leaders.
"They dare visit us after killing our people? Zero Wing is too arrogant!" A gloomy youth sitting on one of the sofas in the office turned to Nature Manifestation and said, "Guild Leader, why don't you let my Evil Spirit Legion take care of them?
"Tooth, your Evil Spirit Legion is Nature Hall's blade! Using it to teach a Guild from a small kingdom a lesson is making a mountain out of a molehill," Jade Qilin said. "Moreover, Zero Wing must've realized the severity of its actions and come to make amends."
Hearing Jade Qilin's reasoning, the other players in the room nodded in agreement
The Evil Spirit Legion was Nature Hall's trump card, and it was a large part of the reason for Nature Hall's victory over the Nine-star Family. Zero Wing didn't even qualify to face this legion.
As Jade Qilin had said, Zero Wing must have realized how detrimental killing one of Nature Hall's Vice Guild Leaders was and was likely here to make amends for the mistake. How could a Guild from a small kingdom afford to provoke a superpower like Nature Hall, after all?
"Enough!" Nature Manifestation commanded with a low shout, silencing everyone in the room. He shifted his gaze toward the reporting Level 63 Ranger, saying, "Have someone lead Zero Wing's representatives to the reception room."
"Understood!" the Level 63 Ranger answered and bowed nervously.
A short moment later, one of the Nature Hall members guarding the Residence's entrance led Shi Feng's party to the Guild Hall's reception room, surprising many independent players and the Guild's members.
"Who are those people? The Guild Leader is actually willing to meet with them?"
Nowadays, Nature Hall's strength grew rapidly. Guilds often visited the Residence in hopes of allying with Nature Hall, but not even first-rate Guilds' Guild Leaders usually made it inside. And yet, Shi Feng and his companions followed a Guild member to a reception room. Why wouldn't they be surprised?
Everyone immediately began to chat about the identity of Shi Feng's party.
Some of the spies other major powers had planted within Nature Hall also launched investigations into Shi Feng's party. If Nature Manifestation were willing to speak with these individuals personally, this event was certainly worth looking into.
Nature Manifestation current sat on a sofa in Nature Hall's luxurious, top-floor reception room. Jade Qilin, Evil Tooth, and a few of the Guild's other upper echelons stood beside him, radiating dense killing intent as they watched Shi Feng's party enter the room. Based on their auras, it was clear that these players were experts with an immense amount of combat experience. In fact, these peak experts' auras were no weaker than the Dragon-Phoenix Pavilion's Martial Dragon, with a few of them being even stronger.
Twenty silver-armored Shield Warriors and Guardian Knights had also been stationed in the room. Not only were these Shield Warriors and Guardian Knights Level 64, but they also wore Level 60 Secret-Silver Set Equipment. Like well-trained soldiers, they stood in lines along the sides of the room, emitting a solemn aura.
Although the various large Guilds considered Level 60 Secret-Silver Equipment top-tier at this stage of the game, fully equipping 20 players wasn't exactly impossible. However, these 20 MTs wore Level 60 Secret-Silver Set Equipment. Even a first-rate Guild would be fortunate to have two or three complete sets. Furthermore, players had crafted these MTs' equipment, which meant that Nature Hall was fully capable of crafting more.
Nature Hall's foundations were extraordinary.
"I've heard that Zero Wing has something to discuss with me? May I know what you wish to discuss?" Nature Manifestation watched Shi Feng's party enter the room through narrowed eyes. In a deep tone, he continued, "If this is about Vice Guild Leader Owl Life, you may return to your kingdom. I am not interested in listening to your reasoning."
As soon as Nature Manifestation was done speaking, the intensity of the 20 silver-armored MTs' auras skyrocketed, rapidly decreasing the temperature in the room.
Jade Qilin and Nature Hall's other upper echelons revealed sneers and pitying expressions.
Nature Manifestation typically let them handle matters related to Guilds from small kingdoms, considering the matters beneath him. However, he had insisted on meeting Zero Wing's representatives in person. They had been curious about his sudden change of heart.
Now, they understood.
Owl Life's death had enraged Nature Manifestation, so he wanted to speak with the culprits personally.
It had been a long time since they had seen Nature Manifestation so angry. The last time he had been this furious, he had removed three Guilds from God's Domain permanently. Those Guilds hadn't been small, but first- and second-rate Guilds.
Since this Guild had dared to enrage Nature Manifestation, Zero Wing would suffer a tragic ending.
Even if Zero Wing regretted killing Owl Life and wished to make amends, it was too late to change its fate. Once he was angry, no one could stop Nature Manifestation. Not even Nine-star Family had succeeded in this regard.
"Explanation? What explanation?" Shi Feng simply shrugged in response to Nature Manifestation's chilling gaze.
"What? After all you have done, are you seriously trying to deny your crime?" Jade Qilin said, sneering at Shi Feng's leisurely expression.
"Deny? Deny what?" Shi Feng turned toward Jade Qilin, frowning slightly.
"Is there even a need to say it!? You are responsible for killing our Vice Guild Leader Owl Life in the Nether Mine!" Jade Qilin hissed, her expression becoming even colder.
"Oh, that's what you're talking about?" Shi Feng asked as realization lit his features. Calmly, he continued, "That's right; we did that"
"You…!" Shi Feng's relaxed reply stunned Jade Qilin. She had assumed that he'd try to deny the fact. She certainly hadn't expected him to admit it so boldly. "It's good that you acknowledge it. What do you have to say for yourselves?"
Everyone in the room from Nature Hill, including the 20 MTs, Evil Tooth, and the others who stood beside Jade Qilin, radiated dense killing intent. Their expressions made it clear that they were prepared to slaughter these visitors if Shi Feng said the wrong thing.
"What's there to talk about? Could Violet fail to kill this Vice Guild Leader, Owl Life?" Shi Feng asked in a strange tone.
The hall fell silent as every player from Nature Hall glared at Shi Feng as if they were about to devour him alive.
Arrogance!
They had never seen such arrogance!
Shi Feng simply didn't know how to spell the word 'death'!
After a short moment, Shi Feng returned his gaze to Nature Manifestation, calmly stating, "We are merely here to tell you one thing. Twilight Echo, which your Guild has targeted, is now under Zero Wing's protection!"
Chapter 2072 – Repelling the Enemy with One Move
For a time, Nature Hall's members in the room were stunned into silence. They had no idea of how to respond to Shi Feng's declaration.
Not only had Zero Wing dared to kill one of their Vice Guild Leaders, but the Guild's representatives had also come to Nature Hall's Residence as if the death was of little significance. This Swordsman acted as if Zero Wing had killed an ant on the roadside, not a Vice Guild Leader. They couldn't help but marvel at Zero Wing's bravery.
Now, Zero Wing even announced its protection of Twilight Echo, Nature Hall's latest target.
This wasn't bravery. Zero Wing simply had a few loose screws.
Not even superpowers would display such arrogance before Nature Hall.
Jade Qilin even wondered if Shi Feng knew anything about God's Domain. Perhaps he had decided that, since his Guild was doomed and would be removed from the game, he might as well provoke Nature Hall on its doorstep.
"Hahaha! Good! Very good! It's been too long since our Guild has done anything outside of the empire! To think a small kingdom's Guild dares to act so pompously before us!" Evil Spirit revealed a grin as he stared coldly at Shi Feng, anger tainting his smile.
After chasing Nine-star Family out of the Storm Empire, the empire hadn't had any powers that dared to provoke Nature Hall. To secure its control in the empire and concentrate the Guild's resources, Nature Hall hadn't extended its influence past its borders. Hence, the outside world was unaware of Nature Hall's power.
There was also the fact that Shi Feng and the others had a few screws loose. Evil Spirit assumed that Zero Wing's members had spent too long in their own kingdom and didn't see the difference between the Storm Empire and Star-Moon Kingdom, thinking that they could walk through the empire unhindered.
Nature Manifestation's personal security team stared at Zero Wing's members as if they were dead men walking.
"He's infuriated Boss Spirit! That guy is definitely dead!"
"I bet these people won't get to leave Storm City alive! This is going to be entertaining!"
"That's right! Even if they kneel and beg for their lives, there's no saving them. They'll probably lose more than just one Level. Boss Spirit will use that item, and they'll lose three Levels with each death. If we send a tracking team after them as well, we can even send them back to Level 0."
Although attacking another player inside an NPC city was risky, players obtained more tools as they reached higher Levels.
As a result, killing other players inside NPC cities became increasingly easier.
This was especially true for a superpower like Nature Hall. Even slaughtering players in an imperial capital wouldn't be a problem for the Guild.
This was also why the various independent experts had been more hesitant to provoke God's Domain's powers. A single mistake could send them back to Level 0, after all.
Although the Zero Wing members present were experts and more difficult to defeat than independent experts, they were nothing to Nature Hall. Even a party of peak experts would fall in Storm City if they provoked Nature Hall, much less Shi Feng's party.
Nature Hall had acquired a Domain Treasure called Dead World from an ancient ruin. As long as a player supplied enough Magic Crystals, Dead World would create a domain that cut off communication with the outside world. Not even the city's NPC guards would receive a notification of the transgression if one attacked another player within the domain unless it was destroyed or released. Ordinary NPC guards wouldn't even notice the domain when standing next to it. Only the Tier 3 Guard Captains could see through the domain.
However, how rare were Tier 3 NPC Guard Captains?
There wasn't even one Tier 3 Guard Captain for ten patrol squads in an imperial capital like Storm City. Meanwhile, each patrol squad generally monitored three to five streets. If they activated the Domain Treasure in the proper location, the chances of encountering a Guard Captain were nearly zero.
While Nature Manifestation's 20 personal bodyguards whispered to each other, the Guild Leader, who had remained silent, raised his head and said, "So be it Originally, I had planned to send you off with a warning, but since you don't know how to repent for your actions or show proper respect, I'll remove you from God's Domain permanently! Then, I'll send someone to visit Zero Wing."
In response to his Guild Leader's declaration, Evil Spirit revealed a stone plate and sacrificed a large number of Magic Crystals to it. The color in the room then faded to a dull gray.
"What? You want to attack us?" Shi Feng asked as he sent a glance at Evil Spirit, who wore pitch-black leather armor.
"Are you afraid now?" Evil Spirit asked as he shot Shi Feng a playful look. "Unfortunately, it is too late for regret!"
He had thought that Nature Manifestation would wait until Shi Feng's group left the Residence before sending him to take action. He hadn't expected his Guild Leader to order an attack now. It was clear how truly furious Nature Manifestation was.
However, he didn't think the reaction was unreasonable.
Zero Wing's representatives were insufferably foolish. Even the King of Hell would laugh at their lunacy and imprison them for a few extra millennia.
"Afraid?" Shi Feng shook his head. "You're not strong enough for me to fear!"
"Crap! This is the first time I've met someone so stubborn! Everyone, attack! Kill him!" Evil Spirit commanded, his eyes twitching in anger.
The 20 silver-armored MTs surged toward Shi Feng and his companions.
Seeing this, Jade Qilin could not help but watch with a pitying gaze.
Zero Wing's members might have made it out of Storm City alive, but now, not only had they lost that hope, but they would pay an even greater price.
Although she did not know what gave Zero Wing's members so much confidence, she was certain that they'd die in this room. Moreover, players who died in the Dead World wouldn't lose a single Level, but three.
At their Level, leveling up required a lot of time and effort. Losing three Levels would be a huge setback.
Nature Manifestation's 20 personal bodyguards were more than enough to eliminate Shi Feng's party, not to mention the Guild's peak experts like herself.
Not only were these bodyguards Refinement Realm experts, but they also wielded the Silverlight Battle Array. When they activated the battle array, they could even kill peak experts. This was why Nature Manifestation's security team only had 20 players.
As Jade Qilin and the other peak experts expected their Guild Leader's bodyguards to annihilate Shi Feng's party, several sword lights flashed in the room.
Shadow blade!
As if every sword light had a life of its own, they agilely maneuvered through the bodyguards' defenses, striking the players directly. As if some colossal beast had slammed into them, a dozen or so bodyguards flew into the walls behind them, which cracked under the immense force.
"In the face of death? Blackwater, Starlink, and Miracle's armies failed to remove Zero Wing. What do you think a few Refinement Realm experts can accomplish?" Shi Feng asked as he sheathed Killing Ray and sat back on the sofa. He watched Nature Hall's upper echelons calmly as if nothing had happened.
Chapter 2073 – Suppressing Nature Hall
Looking at the robust figures planted in the walls of the luxurious reception room, the unharmed members of Nature Manifestation's personal security team froze in shock. When they returned their gazes to Shi Feng, they wore tense expressions.
"What's going on?"
"What did he do?"
The security team members had failed to react to the attack. They had only seen Shi Feng swing his sword, and in the next moment, their companions had disappeared from next them and become wall decorations.
How is this possible? Evil Tooth was just as stunned to watch the bodyguards fly through the room.
He was very familiar with these bodyguards' strength. When they cooperated, they could even take down peak experts. The Silverlight Battle Array allowed them to share their senses, which greatly strengthened their defenses.
However, despite the bodyguards' enhanced defenses, Shi Feng had maneuvered his Skill past their defenses and dealt direct damage. His control with the Skill was frighteningly accurate.
"Good! No wonder why you dared to show such arrogance! Everyone, use your Magic Scrolls! Don't fight him at close range!" Evil Tooth commanded after snapping out of his daze. He then turned toward Jade Qilin and whispered, "Qilin, I need your help in a moment. This person is far stronger than I expected."
He admitted that even he could replicate Shi Feng's performance, but he was an Assassin, and the Assassin combat method allowed him to slay opponents that were far stronger than him.
"You're going to fight as well? Fine, leave it to me." Jade Qilin nodded.
Jade Qilin immediately began to chant an incantation. In the meantime, the rest of the bodyguards followed Evil Tooth's command and retrieved Tier 2 Magic Scrolls from their bags. These Magic Scrolls were extremely rare, some containing Control Spells, some holding AOE Spells, and others possessing single-target Spells.
They had originally prepared these Magic Scrolls to use against enemies when outnumbered, but against such a strong melee opponent like Shi Feng, they had no choice but to rely on attacking from afar with these Magic Scrolls.
In the next moment, flaming thorns, spears of light, and chains of sand flew toward Shi Feng, launching a wide array of Spells like a combined assault from a team of magical class players.
With how cramped the reception room was, dodging all of these Spells wasn't realistic. Most of the Spells were also impossible to block as they were AOE attacks.
"Die!" the bodyguards shouted.
However, before the multiple Spells bombarded Shi Feng, he lifted Killing Ray and slashed the empty space before him. Countless arcs of lightning appeared out of thin air, devouring everything in their path. Even the Tier 2 Spells vanished the moment they touched the lightning.
Lightning Edge!
Boom!
A massive explosion shook the reception room, its lavish decorations becoming nothing more than remnants. The bodyguards that had attacked Shi Feng had vanished from the room. The weapons and equipment pieces on the floor were the only indicator of their prior presence…
Over a dozen well-equipped MTs with over 180,000 HP had died, just like that.
In contrast, Shi Feng hadn't changed. He hadn't even moved from his original position, much less taken damage.
Shi Feng had executed only two moves, yet he had killed more than half of Nature Manifestation's famous security team. The security team's remaining members were crippled. Shi Feng's combat power was horrific.
How was he supposed to be a player? He was basically a monster that destroyed everything in his path!
Just as everyone assumed the battle was over, Jade Qilin, who hadn't stopped chanting, finally finished her Spells. She slammed the butt of her resplendent staff against the floor and commanded, "Seal!"
Three magic arrays appeared around her, each from a different Spell, yet they had appeared simultaneously and were of similar design as if they were a single Spell.
"A threefold, large-scale Spell?!" Alluring Summer, who stood behind Shi Feng, was surprised to see the arrays circling Jade Qilin.
Double-casting was an extremely difficult technique for most magical class experts, especially when casting Tier 2 Spells. Needless to say, triple-casting three Tier 2 Spells was even more difficult.
However, there were certain Spells in God's Domain that could only be used when casting multiple Spells. Generally, these were large-scale Spells that required multiple players to cast, yet Jade Qilin could cast one that typically needed three players by herself.
These large-scale Spells were far more powerful than individual Spells of the same tier.
The instant Jade Qilin's Spells took effect, five golden chains appeared around Shi, each containing sou卜shuddering power. Not even Grand Lords of the same level would dare to touch these chains. As if they had a life of their own, these chains launched at Shi Feng like anacondas.
"Let's see how he blocks this!"
The Nature Hall members sneered at Shi Feng as they watched.
Tier 2 large-scale Spell, Holy Chains!
This was Jade Qilin's ultimate Spell. Although it had a very long cast time and wasn't suited for one-on-one combat, it would exhibit tremendous power once cast. Jade Qilin had killed multiple peak experts with this move, earning the nickname 'Chain Killer' from the Storm Empire's players.
However, the expressions Nature Hall's members wore froze as they watched what happened next.
Shi Feng blocked the golden chains, which even Grand Lords feared, with his swords, a thunderous roar echoing throughout the room when his blades collided with the magical attack.
Despite the five chains' exceptional Strength, they couldn't reach Shi Feng. He deflected every incoming attack.
As Shi Feng defended himself against the magical chains, Evil Tooth appeared behind him in complete silence. After revealing himself, Evil Tooth thrust a glowing, crimson dagger toward Shi Feng's back.
Tier 2 Taboo Skill, Blood Shadow!
This single attack contained even more power than Jade Qilin's five chains combined.
"You've finally made your move."
Rather than panicking in the face of this sudden and well-timed attack, Shi Feng revealed a smile.
Sword's Transmigration!
Suddenly, the Twilight Blade and Killing Ray transformed into two streaks of light and wrapped around the five Holy Chains. As if they were under his control, the five chains then flew to intercept Evil Tooth's crimson dagger, the collision throwing sparks that temporarily blinded everyone in the room.
When the light faded, Nature Hall's members wore grim expressions. Evil Tooth's HP plummeted as he stared at Shi Feng in horror. Although he wanted to say something, he had already lost the last of his HP. With darkening vision, Evil Tooth collapsed to the floor.
Silence dominated the reception room.
Nature Manifestation's personal bodyguards had worked with two of the Guild's peak experts against one opponent, yet they were either dead or crippled, aside from Jade Qilin. Like an unshakable mountain, Shi Feng still stood where he had stated!
The Death World shattered the moment Evil Tooth died, and the room returned to its original state…
Chapter 2074 – Another Monster Silence!
Shock!
Horror!
Even though Dead World had been removed and the reception room had returned to its neutral state, Jade Qilin and the other Nature Hall peak experts felt stifled and overwhelmed.
Even Nature Manifestation, who had observed the fight in silence, wore a gloomy expression.
"Who are you?" Nature Manifestation asked Shi Feng.
Ordinary peak experts couldn't topple his personal bodyguards or Evil Tooth, the Evil Spirit Legion's commander. While he had considered the possibility of their defeat, he hadn't expected it to happen so easily.
He couldn't imagine anyone, aside from Domain Realm monsters, who would be capable of such a feat.
But how rare were Domain Realm experts in God's Domain?
Every Domain Realm expert that had ever existed in the virtual gaming world was accounted for, and they were all responsible for shaking the community to its core.
However, based on his information, Shi Feng's name wasn't on that list
"Black Flame," Shi Feng stated calmly.
"Black Flame? Zero Wing's Guild Leader?" Shock colored Jade Qilin's face when she heard Shi Feng's reply. "But how?"
Black Flame wasn't unknown to Nature Hall. After all, he ranked among the top ten on the God's Domain Expert List. He was a peak expert that had reached the Void Realm, and one of the top peak experts in the game.
But at the end of the day, that's all he was, a peak expert Although they earned the various superpowers' attention, they weren't powerful enough to threaten a superpower's very existence. Every superpower had plenty of peak experts in its ranks.
No matter how she looked at it, however, no peak expert should be capable of the combat power Shi Feng had displayed.
"What an excellent scheme. So, you've deliberately hidden your strength all this time?" Nature Manifestation asked. Unexpected, he was actually smiling.
However, knowing their Guild Leader's personality, Jade Qilin and her companions knew Nature Manifestation's smile wasn't an indication of his good mood. Rather, it was a result of his anger reaching a tipping point.
The various superpowers in God's Domain viewed every Domain Realm expert as immensely important. Rather, these experts were impossible to ignore. Domain Realm experts were strategic weapons, and as players reached higher Levels, the threat these experts posed to superpowers would grow. Hence, superpowers took considerable precautions against every Domain Realm expert they encountered.
If Shi Feng had revealed himself as a Domain Realm expert early on, the various superpowers would've paid more attention to Zero Wing. The Guild's name would've likely joined the superpowers' blacklists, regardless of its developmental state. Some superpowers might have even extinguished Zero Wing immediately to save themselves from future trouble.
As for Shi Feng recently reaching the Domain Realm, it wasn't likely. Reaching the Domain Realm proved that one transcended the limits of humanity. Despite the various super-first-rate Guilds and Super Guilds accumulating resources and knowledge over many generations, each superpower had, at most, nurtured only a handful of Domain Realm experts in each generation. It was easy to imagine how difficult reaching the Domain Realm truly was.
In other words, Shi Feng must have hidden his strength from the public deliberately to avoid attracting too much attention. Now that he was satisfied with his personal strength and that of his Guild, he wanted to use Nature Hall as a stepping stone to show off his power.
That would explain why would Shi Feng was willing to make an enemy of Nature Hall just to help Twilight Echo, a Guild he was barely connected to.
"Guild Leader, should we request Senior Fan's presence?" Jade Qilin whispered to her Guild Leader.
Although Domain Realm experts were extremely rare, Nature Hall had its own collection of them. Senior Fan was one example. Moreover, he had spent most of his time in the Storm Empire. If they notified him, he would soon return to the Residence.
If Senior Fan returned, with the help of Nature Hall's other peak experts, they could ensure that Shi Feng's party didn't leave the Residence with their lives. After all, this was Nature Hall's main headquarters.
After Jade Qilin posed her question, the three imposing men beside her directed their killing intent toward Shi Feng.
A mere up-and-coming Guild like Zero Wing actually dared to use Nature Hall as a stepping stone. This was unacceptable.
Suddenly, the reception room's doors flew open, and a group of 50-plus silver-armored experts charged in and surrounded Shi Feng's party.
Although they weren't Refinement Realm experts like Nature Manifestation's personal bodyguards, they could rival such experts with their Silverlight Battle Array.
"What? You still insist on fighting?" Shi Feng asked as he calmly watched Nature Hall's members from his seat, showing no signs of anxiety or concern.
He wouldn't have dared to visit Nature Hall's Residence before he had reached the Domain Realm and acquired the Twilight Blade. This was, after all, a superpower's headquarters, and Nature Hall would have plenty of methods to deal with invaders. The Guild would also have other Domain Realm experts nearby.
At this stage of the game, Shi Feng's fight against Martial Dragon on Thunder Island wasn't a proper indicator of Domain Realm experts' prowess. During that battle, he had had the advantage in terms of Basic Attributes and Skills, and since Martial Dragon had only been a Tier 1 player, the man's weak physique had prevented him from fully exhibiting his strength. To put it simply, players' physiques at that time had restricted Domain Realm experts.
Shi Feng hadn't gotten a clear idea of how strong Domain Realm experts were in that fight, but once he had reached the same Realm, he understood these experts' true power.
With a Tier 1 player's physique, Domain Realm experts would be limited to 50% of their true combat power at most. However, Void Realm experts would be able to display their full combat power. It was only natural that Domain Realm experts back then had only seemed slightly more powerful than peak experts.
At this stage of the game, however, not only had Domain Realm experts' physiques greatly improved, but their weapon and equipment standards had also increased. A superpower's Domain Realm expert likely wore at least three or four pieces of Epic Equipment, possibly even a Fragmented Legendary item. Superpowers had frightening resources and expansive territory. Encountering a superpower that owned one or two Fragmented Legendary items at this stage of the game wouldn't be odd.
As soon as Shi Feng was done speaking, Fire Dance, Cola, Alluring Summer, Shadow Blade, and Ye Wumian, who stood behind him, stepped forward and released their auras.
As if a volcano had erupted in the room, an intense energy washed over its occupants, and the expressions that Nature Hall's members wore changed instantly.
Fire Dance and her comrades felt like primordial beasts that had just awoken from a long slumber. The pressure they radiated was painfully stifling, particularly Fire Dance's aura.
Could she be another Domain Realm expert? The thought drifted through Jade Qilin and her companions' minds, shuddering at the idea.
Zero Wing was merely a small kingdom's Guild. It wasn't even a superpower, yet it had two Domain Realm experts. Since when were Domain Realm experts so common?
If Shi Feng could hear these peak experts' thoughts, he wouldn't have been surprised. Among the five players he had brought with him, only Fire Dance held a Fragmented Legendary Weapon. She also had her own Bloodline and six Epic items. In Zero Wing, Fire Dance's equipment standards were only second to his. Moreover, she was only a step away from the Truth Realm and had already mastered multiple Advanced Combat Techniques. In her current state, she could definitely contend with Domain Realm experts.
Chapter 2075 – Miscalculation
Although Jade Qilin and Nature Hall's other peak experts had intended to act, they couldn't help but freeze the moment they felt Fire Dance's oppressive aura.
"Guild Leader, are we still going to fight them?" Jade Qilin could not help but ask as she turned to look at Nature Manifestation, her expression hesitant.
One Domain Realm expert was already extremely difficult to defeat. Now that Fire Dance, who felt like another Domain Realm expert, had joined the fray, she had to take this situation more seriously.
Ordinary players might not realize the importance of one or two Domain Realm experts in a Guild, but as one of Nature Hall's upper echelons, she was very clear of the implications. This was no longer a matter of Shi Feng or Fire Dance's personal strength, but of Zero Wing's foundations. Instead, it was a matter of Zero Wing's Guild foundations.
If Zero Wing had only possessed a single Domain Realm expert, it could've been explained away as luck. It would prove nothing regarding Zero Wing's foundation. However, the fact that Zero Wing had at least two Domain Realm experts couldn't be shrugged off in the same way. Domain Realm experts weren't as common as cabbages.
If Zero Wing truly had two Domain Realm experts, the Guild wasn't as simple as everyone assumed.
"Qilin, you're overthinking this. Her aura doesn't prove that she's a Domain Realm monster. She could simply have absurdly high Basic Attributes. Zero Wing has no background, so it's lucky enough to have one Domain Realm expert. How could it possibly have two? And such a young one at that," a solemn man with a scar across his face spoke up.
Listening to the man's reasoning, Nature Hall's members relaxed, releasing more than half of their anxiety. No one doubted this man's words. He was Deep Thunder, Nature Hall's First Vice Guild Leader and one of the Guild's main support pillars.
He was also one of the top ten experts on the God's Domain's Secret Experts List.
The Secret Pavilion had two God's Domain Experts Lists. One recorded the top 1,000 experts with the most attention- grabbing battle records. The second was a secret list, which only superpowers could purchase.
The Secret Experts List only contained 100 names. However, these players weren't ranked by their battle records, but based on the combat standards they had revealed. One had to be a Void Realm expert before the Secret Pavilion would even consider them for the list.
Any peak expert that could rank on the Secret Experts List was, at most, a step away from the Domain Realm. Those that ranked among the top ten were practically pounding against the edge of this Realm. They only needed a slight push to reach the Domain Realm. Deep Thunder was one of these experts.
Although none of Nature Hall's experts in the room had reached the Domain Realm yet, Deep Thunder was undoubtedly the most knowledgeable about it
Since Deep Thunder was certain that Fire Dance was not a Domain Realm expert, there was a 90% chance that he was correct.
"Thunder is right. Everyone needs to calm down. Although I don't know how this little girl from Zero Wing has such frightening Basic Attributes, Zero Wing is 100 years too early if it thinks it can stroll into Nature Hall's Residence with such an attitude!" Nature Manifestation commented, backing up Deep Thunder. He flashed Shi Feng a piercing glare before commanding, "Summon Senior Fan and the Evil Spirit Legion members immediately! Lock down the Residence! I want to see how capable these Zero Wing representatives truly are!"
Although Shi Feng had displayed astonishing combat power, Nature Hall wasn't a pushover.
Nature Hall had gone to great lengths to recruit Senior Fan and convince him to protect the Guild. The elder had been a Domain Realm monster for decades, and his combat standards were far above Shi Feng's, who, at most, had only entered the Domain Realm within the past few years. Senior Fan also wore the best equipment available in the game, and the Evil Spirit Legion was one of Nature Hall's trump cards.
Although the Evil Spirit Legion only had 100 members, every member was a Refinement Realm expert or better. Even the weakest among them had mastered three combat techniques, and including the Silverlight Battle Array, they could even defeat Domain Realm experts. The Evil Spirit Legion was also why Nature Hall even dared to provoke super-first-rate Guilds.
However, the moment Nature Manifestation issued the order, Fire Dance's group moved, charging straight toward the Guild Leader.
Taking the lead, Cola and Ye Wumian dashed forward like two Tyrannosaurus Rexes. When the reinforcing security team members collided with the two MTs, they flew backward as if they had been hit by a truck, their tight defensive formation shattering instantly.
Alluring Summer and Shadow Sword followed the two MTs closely. Alluring Summer sent at least one player flying with each Spell she cast, while Shadow Sword forced multiple players to stumble back with each slash. These two easily repelled any security team members that approached from the sides. Rather than a battle, this looked like adults toying with children…
Taking advantage of the chaos, Fire Dance blew past the security team's blockade and arrived before Nature Manifestation. "Don't think you can get through me that easily!"
Deep Thunder bellowed, swinging his gigantic, two-handed battle axe with a solemn expression, leaving no room for Fire Dance to dodge.
Tier 2 Skill, Earth Bombardment!
Peng!
Not only was Earth Bombardment an AOE attack that amplified his Strength, but it could also significantly reduce players' Movement Speed when he struck. This was the trademark Tier Skill of the Magic Warrior hidden class. The move could only be blocked, not dodged. In addition, the Magic Warrior class was a specialized Advanced Class for Berserkers, using magic to strengthen the user's body.
However, Deep Thunder's expression froze when his attack landed.
Fire Dance's flimsy short sword had actually stopped his humongous axe's descent Not only had Fire Dance remained stable, but she also retained every point of her HP…
Before Deep Thunder could swing his battle axe again, Fire Dance's Thousand Transformations slithered toward the Berserker's neck with an utterly unpredictable attack trajectory.
Advanced Combat Technique, Illusory Snake!
"Scram!" Deep Thunder shouted as he activated Whirlwind Slash to defend himself.
Boom!
When short sword and battle axe collided, a sharp clang echoed throughout the room.
A moment later, Deep Thunder, who prided himself on his Strength, stumbled three steps back, staring at Fire Dance with an incredulous look.
While he had recognized Fire Dance's amazing Basic Attributes, he hadn't expected them to be so high.
How does she have so much Strength?
Deep Thunder wasn't the only one the situation surprised. Jade Qilin, who cast Spells from the side, glanced over in horror when she noticed Deep Thunder stumble.
In God's Domain, there was a major difference between one-handed weapons' Strength and that of two-handed weapons. This was why most Berserker players chose two-handed weapons. Two-handed weapons could make full use of Berserker's high Strength.
However, despite being an Assassin, Fire Dance exhibited greater Strength with a short sword than Deep Thunder. This unraveled everything Jade Qilin thought she knew about God's Domain. Moreover, Deep Thunder wore three pieces of Epic Equipment, wielded an Epic Weapon, and the rest of his equipment was comprised of Level 60 Dark-Gold items. She couldn't imagine how an Assassin could block one of his attacks with a one-handed sword.
After sending Deep Thunder backward, Fire Dance abruptly vanished.
Void Steps!
By the time anyone could react, Fire Dance had reappeared before Nature Manifestation, holding her Thousand Transformations against the Guild Leader's throat. As a Cursemancer, Fire Dance held Nature Manifestation's life in her hands.
Seeing this, Nature Hall's members paused with gloomy expressions.
When Nature Manifestation looked up at Fire Dance, his countenance was ashen.
Fire Dance's group had only moved five seconds ago, yet they had already gotten past more than 50 Refinement Realm and better experts, threatening his life. Not even a Domain Realm expert could perform such a feat.
Chapter 2076 – Do You Need a Doctor?
When Fire Dance took Nature Manifestation captive, Nature Hall's members stayed their hands as they hatefully glared at the female Assassin. At the same time, though, a hint of fear could be seen in their eyes.
"What should we do now, Vice Guild Leader?" Jade Qilin asked Deep Thunder quietly, frowning as she watched Fire Dance play with her short sword from behind Nature Manifestation.
She didn't have enough authority in this situation to make a decision.
Nature Manifestation was the Guild's symbol. If they let him die, it would humiliate their Guild.
However, Fire Dance currently had control over Nature Manifestation's life and death. Even though peak experts like Jade Qilin could cross the six-yard distance in less than half a second, half a second would be more than enough time to kill their Guild Leader for someone with Fire Dance's Strength and speed.
Deep Thunder said nothing in response to Jade Qilin's question. He didn't know what to do, either.
Zero Wing was far more terrifying than he had imagined.
If Fire Dance were truly a Domain Realm expert, this situation, at most, would've surprised him, but the problem lay in the fact that she wasn't one, which horrified him.
After their brief clash, he was certain that the female Assassin had only reached the Refinement Realm, although she wasn't your typical Refinement Realm expert. However, he couldn't articulate how she differed from the average Refinement Realm expert Regardless, her combat standard could, at best, rival Flowing Water Realm experts. She was almost nothing compared to an expert like him, who was only a small step away from reaching the Domain Realm.
Yet, despite her inferior combat standards, Fire Dance could suppress him in a confrontation. Moreover, she had done so effortlessly. She had even taken Nature Manifestation captive in an instant Although the Guild Leader was only an ordinary peak expert, this outcome was shocking.
Not even the Refinement Realm experts understood this, much less the ordinary experts.
Peak experts were known as such because they stood at the peak of God's Domain. Even Domain Realm experts would struggle to threaten a peak expert's life, yet Fire Dance had done so effortlessly.
He couldn't imagine what weapons and equipment would be necessary to allow an expert, who had reached the Flowing Water Realm at best, to command even greater combat power than Domain Realm monsters.
However, that wasn't the worst of it Zero Wing's other representatives were obviously only Refinement Realm experts, but they had displayed combat power that could easily rival peak experts. Not even super-first-rate Guilds were likely capable of nurturing such high-quality Refinement Realm experts.
After silence reigned over the room for a short moment, Nature Manifestation discarded his shock and turned to glare at Shi Feng.
"Do you think that I'll simply allow Nature Hall to let Zero Wing off the hook just because you've captured me?" Nature Manifestation asked, sneering. "Don't be foolish. It is just one level and one piece of equipment. I can afford the loss. If you go through with this, however, Zero Wing won't have the power to endure Nature Hall's wrath."
The strength Shi Feng's party had displayed had surprised him, but at the end of the day, an individual's strength was nothing compared to a Guild's. Regardless of how powerful this Zero Wing party was, it didn't change anything about the difference between Zero Wing and Nature Hall.
"That's right You should think this through carefully, Guild Leader Black Flame. If you do this, there will be no saving the relationship between our Guilds," Jade Qilin said in an attempt to persuade Shi Feng. "I believe you are aware of Nature Hall's streng什i. In the end, only Zero Wing will suffer."
As Jade Qilin finished speaking, Nature Hall's members calmed their fears and revealed confident smiles.
They had been stunned after witnessing the combat power Shi Feng's party commanded, but after giving the matter some thought, they realized that Shi Feng's party would only sign their death warrants if they killed Nature Manifestation.
Zero Wing was merely a kingdom's Guild. Regardless of its battle records, it was still far weaker than Nature Hall. Zero Wing could not afford to endure Nature Hall's wrath at all.
As a Guild Leader, Shi Feng must have realized this.
Unless Shi Feng insisted on dragging Zero Wing down with him, he wouldn't let Fire Dance kill the other Guild Leader.
Even Storm City's independent players wouldn't believe that Shi Feng would do such a thing, let alone these Guild upper echelons.
As the smiles Nature Hall's members wore spread with delight, Shi Feng, who watched from his seat, returned the grins and said, "What you say is true. There is a big difference between Zero Wing and Nature Hall, but what if Nature Hall lost Storm City?"
"Lost Storm City? Is this fellow dreaming?"
"What a joke! How could our Guild possibly lose Storm City?"
Nature Hall's members began to laugh, thinking Shi Feng had gone mad. Storm City was Nature Hall's main headquarters. Not even a superpower could dethrone the Guild in its own city, much less Zero Wing.
"You're referring to the Auction Arena battle, right?" Nature Manifestation laughed. "While I understand your thinking, that is a battle of experts and resources. Zero Wing's experts might be impressive, but do you really think Zero Wing can outmatch Nature Hall's resources?"
Superpowers like Nature Hall had long since investigated the Auction Arena's rules. In this competition, resources were far more important than military might Hence, all of the various superpowers fervently collected Epic materials while they had time before the Auction Arena competition began. Compared to Nature Hall, Zero Wing's material collection speed was useless. How could Zero Wing possibly hope to defeat Nature Hall in a contest for Storm City's Auction House?
However, as Nature Manifestation finished his statement, Shi Feng revealed a dark-gold crystal from his bag. The crystal was unusually eye-catching in this room, and it drew everyone's gaze.
While most of the reception room's occupants didn't understand why Shi Feng had revealed this crystal, Nature Manifestation froze when he saw it.
"You… How did you get that?" Nature Manifestation could not help but ask.
Nature Manifestation's sudden change of expression even confused Fire Dance and her companions, let alone Nature Hall's members. No one knew why the Nature Hall's almighty Guild Leader would seem scared of a single crystal.
"Do you really need to ask?" Shi Feng said, revealing a faint smile. "I am the player responsible for activating Thunder Axe City, of course. Is it so strange that I have this crystal?"
The item in his hand was none other than the Thunder Axe Crystal, which was capable of teleporting a large number of players to Thunder Axe City. It also normally cost 5,000 Thunder Axe City Contribution Points.
"You activated Thunder Axe City? That… That is impossible! How could you be responsible!?" Nature Manifestation stared at Shi Feng with an incredulous look.
Thunder Axe City was a super-large-scale neutral city, and after its activation, it had quickly become a hub for many superpowers, including Nature Hall. Countless first- and second-rate Guilds visited the city, as well. The neutral city was so popular due to its abundant resources, especially incredibly rare Epic materials. Thunder Axe City was practically a treasure trove.
However, traveling to and developing in Thunder Axe City was quite difficult. Due to its terrain and environment, not even expert players could remain in the city for long.
Even with its sturdy foundations, Nature Hall could only afford to send 300 experts to develop in the city long-term. However, not only did Shi Feng possess the Thunder Axe Crystal, which one could purchase from the Thunder Axe Temple and provided convenient transport to the city, but he was also responsible for Thunder Axe City's activation.
However, when Nature Manifestation recalled the group of Giant players Zero Wing possessed and the Thunder Axe Crystal in Shi Feng's hand, which no player should be able to obtain at this stage of the game, he knew that Shi Feng's claim was likely true.
"Guild Leader Nature, what's wrong? You don't look too good. Should I call a doctor?" Shi Feng asked, chuckling at Nature Manifestation's deathly pale expression.