Bab 87: Raid on the Camp
(T/N: Some of the realms mentioned here of respective parties might change in the future since I wasn't really able to understand some of these. But I will put out a note for every change. I am just reminding you all.)
Wu Ming gestured behind him, and the individuals slowly approached, gathering around Wu Ming.
"You see that largest tent? The Mo family members are imprisoned inside, probably about seventy to eighty people, mostly elderly and young." Wu Ming began explaining, pointing towards the campsite below the mountain.
"Don't be fooled by the tight security around the perimeter by the Yuan Sword Sect. The real captured Mo family youths are actually held in a small tent near the edge." Wu Ming pointed to a small tent closer to their side of the mountain.
"There are seven or eight people there, all with cultivation in the Martial Master realm. They should be the main fighting force of your Mo family. They've all been subdued and rendered powerless by the use of Bone-softening Powder."
"The defense there is relatively lax, but I sense the presence of someone in Martial Venerable nearby."
"The disciples guarding the Yuan Sword Sect's campsite are generally above the fifth rank of Martial Masters, with a few disciples mixed in at the Martial Grandmaster realm, and several stewards which are also at the realm of Grandmaster."
"I presume those with even stronger abilities have entered the mountains to search for the escaped Mo family members."
Mo Qingkuang nodded. "If what you're saying is correct, then there should be more than just my father among those who escaped."
Though the Mo family had declined, several elders in the family were at the level of Grandmaster, and stewards being at the realm of Martial Master.
(T/N: My head was literally spinning writing the above part. So, everyone beware that in the future, if the plot fits perfectly, I might change the above statement and include Martial Great Grandmaster in it too. I will put out a note for every edit though I might bring, so don't worry.)
However, the peak strength of the Mo family was limited. Compared to their heritage as inheritors of the Martial Emperor, they had fallen far too low.
According to Wu Ming's information, only seven or eight Martial Masters or Martial Grandmasters from the Mo family were captured. Excluding those who might have died in battle, he believed a considerable number of the Mo family had escaped into the deep mountains.
Surely, due to the absence of important combatants, the Yuan Sword Sect had deployed its disciples into the mountains to search. That's why they chose to set up a false defense, pretending to guard only the elderly and weak in the large tents.
"They think they're really clever for forming this false defense formation. According to common sense, the perception of a Martial Venerable should be enough to control this area and prevent anyone from truly discovering the real situation inside the camp." Wu Ming smirked. "Unfortunately, they've encountered me."
"We'll counter their strategy. Split into two groups. I'll lead one group straight to the elderly and weak in the big tent to draw their attention. I'll deal with the Martial Venerable from the Yuan Sword Sect. The other group will go to the other tent near the edge of the mountain. They'll take the antidote to rescue the Mo family youths in the small tent, help them recover their strength, and then we'll all run towards Zhennan Pass together." Wu Ming whispered out the tactical command.
"Yes," the crowd responded in unison.
"Mo Qingkuang, this time it's not like the arena competition. It's a matter of life and death. The disciples of the Yuan Sword Sect generally have higher cultivation levels than you. Don't act recklessly." Wu Ming thought for a moment, then turned to Mo Qingkuang.
Mo Qingkuang was momentarily stunned but didn't say much.
Wu Ming had already explained the situation inside the camp. The Yuan Sword Sect's first line of defense generally consisted of Martial Masters above the fifth rank, far surpassing him in cultivation.
With his speed, he might be able to handle one or two opponents, but the danger was extremely high, and it would be difficult to pose a significant threat to others, let alone assist in rescuing people.
"Very well, I appreciate the seniors for the help." Mo Qingkuang stood up and bowed respectfully.
The others accepted calmly. Although it was Zheng Tao's order, it was indeed Mo Qingkuang's kinsfolk who needed rescuing. Given Mo Qingkuang's current humble cultivation, he had no face to ask these strong individuals to fight for him. Even if it was for Zheng Tao's sake, they could bear Mo Qingkuang's gesture!
"Alright, let's move!" Wu Ming ordered, and dozens of figures dispersed like shadows among the mountains, heading straight for the large tent.
Mo Qingkuang's position provided a perfect vantage point to oversee the entire camp. He saw Wu Ming leading the charge, his eerie speed making it difficult for Mo Qingkuang to track from his angle.
The fighting style of a Martial Venerable powerhouse was something Mo Qingkuang couldn't comprehend. He didn't know how Wu Ming operated. With just a wave of his hands, the disciples of the Yuan Sword Sect standing guard on the watchtowers around the camp hadn't even had time to shout 'enemy attack' before they fell.
Then dozens of experts from the Imperial Academy rushed into the camp from all directions, killing indiscriminately and heading straight for the central tent.
Mo Qingkuang was familiar with experts at the Grandmaster level, having fought them before. With their unique attributes of true qi, they unleashed chaos throughout the camp. The entire Yuan Sword Sect camp was caught off guard, with flames soaring and cries echoing across the land.
"WHO IS THERE!!!" A thunderous roar erupted from within the camp, unleashing a terrifying aura that even shook Mo Qingkuang on another hilltop.
A figure in black robes soared into the sky, wielding a dazzling long sword that shimmered in the night sky.
Seeing the figure's rage, Wu Ming shouted loudly, "Stick to the original plan!"
He then soared into the sky, confronting the Martial Venerable from the Yuan Sword Sect.
"So, it's you, Zhao Tianming, the Gold Sword Steward of the Yuan Sword Sect." Wu Ming smirked coldly, black mist swirling around his hand, exuding a chilling intent.
Within the Yuan Sword Sect, anyone who reached the Grandmaster level could become a steward. Those at the level of Grandmasters were granted Silver Sheath Steward positions, while those at the level of Martial Venerable were given Gold Sword Steward positions. Beyond that, those at the level of Martial Kings could become elders of the Yuan Sword Sect.
Lin, the steward who led the team including Lin Yang to cause trouble in the capital, was none other than a Silver Sheath Steward of the Yuan Sword Sect.
Zhao Tianming's pupils contracted. Was he actually exposed by someone in just a few seconds?
As fellow Martial Venerable, he faintly felt that Wu Ming's aura was extremely strange, as if it were elusive and difficult to lock onto.
Martial Venerable-realm experts have a further understanding of space and can fly in the air, engaging in battles in the sky. Therefore, the fighting space between Martial Venerables is extremely vast, and usually whoever can lock onto the other gains the advantage.
Zhao Tianming's heart sank.
"Who are you?"
Who is this person? The Martial Venerables of the Central Province are well-known and registered in the Yuan Sword Sect.
But Wu Ming, who has always been willing to be Zheng Tao's shadow, is little known to the outside world. Many even believe that Wu Ming is just Zheng Tao's lackey handling miscellaneous matters.
Wu Ming sneered, "Someone who wants your life!"
As he spoke, his figure tore through dozens of meters of space in the blink of an eye, appearing beside Zhao Tianming. With a wave of his hands, pillar-shaped black mist condensed as if materializing, fiercely smashing towards Zhao Tianming.
Zhao Tianming was startled by Wu Ming's terrifying speed. In his haste, he couldn't even draw his sword, so he hurriedly used a sword technique to block with his scabbard.
With a loud explosion, Zhao Tianming's entire body was smashed down dozens of meters, barely stabilizing his figure.
His jeweled sword scabbard burst open upon contact with the energy, revealing the golden sword inside.
"What a fierce attack! Take this!" Despite suffering a minor setback with his scabbard broken, Zhao Tianming regained control of his long sword.
Drawing his precious sword, sword energy surged, lifting upward in the air. Sword energy, as fast as a startled swan, flickered with a suffocating sharpness, heading straight towards Wu Ming.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone