บท 60: The Impending War
Excitement and anticipation filled the air as the delegation from Tiger Quarry arrived in the Valley of Hope. The people from Autumn Twilight District, the Zeng Clan, and the Flying Flute Inn all came together, eager to claim their territories in the new land.
As they stepped out of their carriages, the Hao clan welcomed them with open arms. The main hall of the clan stood proud and tall in the middle of the valley, a symbol of the new beginning that was about to take place.
Juanxiu stood before the delegation, ready to make an announcement. "Welcome to the Valley of Hope," he declared. "We are honored to have you all here. Together, we will build a prosperous future for all of us."
He then proceeded to outline the plan for the territories.
The northern territory would be home to the Old Ways Alchemist Union, the Spiritual Farm, the Mystic Lake, and the Pagoda of Alchemical Knowledge. They decided to call it the City of Secret Ingredient.
The Zeng Clan and the people from District 1 would occupy the territory near the mountain. They named it Scorch Hammer City. Liu Peng expressed his excitement to explore the area and see if there were any mineral deposits.
As the people dispersed to their respective territories, the sound of construction filled the air. The Flying Flute Inn began building their headquarters, while the Zeng Clan started to set up their homes. The Spiritual Farm was already bustling with activity, as they worked on harvesting the spiritual plants.
As the days passed, more and more people came to the Valley of Hope. The Zeng clan has already established their town, Scorch Hammer City, and they are already mining for minerals in the nearby mountain. The Flying Flute Inn is now fully operational and though their task is only limited in the city, they are still well-compensated. They serve as the escort of Madam Zhang Ai during her travel to the land of the beast tamers.
The Spiritual Farm is now producing an abundance of spiritual plants that the disciples and students have been using to practice creating pills and potions. Alchemist Zhou is still not happy about it, but Juanxiu has already made it clear that they need to nourish the next generation. The Pagoda of Alchemical Knowledge is still off-limits to other alchemists, but they have already found a way to exchange information through the New Alchemist Union.
Meanwhile, the city of Secret Ingredient is now the center of commerce and trade within the Valley of Hope. The people from the Autumn Twilight District have established their own shops and stalls, selling various goods and products. The Central District is also taking shape, and new buildings are being erected. The people from Tiger Quarry are still there, helping with the development of the city.
As for Juanxiu, he is busy preparing for his journey to the Crimson Cherry Summit. He has tasked the people from the Flying Flute Inn to gather information about his father and any news about the summit. He also spends most of his time in the Mystic Lake, erecting the type 6 formation that will protect their people and land.
They have already accomplished so much in just a few months, and they believe that they can overcome any obstacle that comes their way. They are determined to make the Valley of Hope a thriving city, a place where people can live and prosper.
...
Juanxiu gathered his trusted companions in the Clan Hall, calling upon Du Hong, Mao Wenlin, Liu Peng, Siyi, Chang Bao, Li Jing, Ding Gen, Alchemist Li, and Madam Zhang Ai. The hall was bustling with excitement, each person eagerly anticipating what Juanxiu had to say.
"Friends," Juanxiu began, his voice ringing out with authority, "we are about to embark on a journey once again. The Tower of the Primordial Era has granted me permission to bring four more people with me, and so we shall journey to the realm once more."
The group murmured amongst themselves, their faces lighting up with excitement. Liu Peng and Siyi exchanged a quick glance, their eyes gleaming with determination. Du Hong beamed with joy at the prospect of accompanying Juanxiu again.
Juanxiu continued, "I have decided to bring Li Jing with me this time. I feel that her presence will help Du Hong in his training, and I cannot leave her behind again."
Li Jing smiled gratefully, nodding her head in agreement. Du Hong's face lit up with joy at the thought of having Li Jing by his side.
Juanxiu then turned his attention to Liu Peng and Siyi. "Last time, you both encountered some opportunities in the realm. I encourage you to explore more this time and not limit yourselves to a single point."
The Tower is always present in the realm, making it easy for us to return whenever they needed to. he also encouraged the others to do the same. The tower offers a lot of opportunities to those who are worthy.
Liu Peng and Siyi nodded their heads, their eyes shining with excitement at the prospect of exploring more of the realm.
"Young Master, there are so many tasks that needs to be done in the valley, and I am afraid that we need more time if we will go on a lengthy journey," Ding Gen said
The others chuckled on his worries.
Juanxiu looked at Ding Gen and said, "There is no need to pack anything, Ding Gen. We'll just be away for three hours."
Ding Gen's eyes widened in surprise. "Three hours? How is that possible?"
Juanxiu chuckled. "Trust me. I've been here many times. Perhaps, you've already noticed the sudden increase in the cultivation of Mao Wenlin and Du Hong. The realm provides everything we need."
He then activated the cube, and the world around them began to warp and twist. Suddenly, they found themselves in a vast, open plain, with towering mountains in the distance. The sky was a deep shade of blue, and the air was filled with a faint mist.
Li Jing looked around in amazement, her eyes wide. "This is incredible!"
Ding Gen nodded in agreement. "I've never seen anything like this before."
Madam Zhang Ai smiled. "I have to admit, I'm impressed."
Alchemist Li simply stood there, his eyes closed, as if he were meditating.
Siyi bid farewell to everyone and quickly disappeared into the distance, eager to explore the realm and improve her cultivation.
Liu Peng also said his goodbyes and left, determined to prove himself useful to Juanxiu.
Du Hong took Li Jing's hand, and the two of them disappeared into the distance, leaving the others.
Mao Wenlin turned to Juanxiu. "Which direction are you headed?"
Juanxiu pointed to the mountains in the distance. "As usual, I need to remain at the tower."
Mao Wenlin nodded. "We'll take a different path. Good luck, Juanxiu."
With that, she and Chang Bao disappeared into the mist.
Juanxiu turned to Alchemist Li, Madam Zhang Ai, and Ding Gen. "Let's get started. I have something to show you."
He handed them the breathing technique, and they began to practice, feeling their cultivation improve with each passing moment.
Juanxiu handed over the scriptures containing the Infinite Void technique to Alchemist Li, carefully explaining the intricacies and power of the martial art. "This technique will allow you to bend the laws of physics by manipulating space and time. You can teleport and control gravity," Juanxiu said.
Alchemist Li's eyes widened in amazement as he took the scriptures. "Thank you, Juanxiu. I will study this carefully and make the most of it," he said, bowing in gratitude.
Next, Juanxiu turned to Madam Zhang Ai and handed her the scriptures containing the Divine Blossom technique. "This technique is all about fluid movement and attacking the weakness of your enemy. It's a powerful and versatile martial art," Juanxiu explained.
Madam Zhang Ai nodded, taking the scriptures with a determined look on her face. "Thank you, Juanxiu. I will train hard and master this technique," she said with conviction.
Finally, Juanxiu turned to Ding Gen and handed him the Ethereal Blade technique. "This technique is a more overpowering technique. It focuses on using your sword to cut through the enemy's defenses and attack with precision," Juanxiu said.
Ding Gen took the scriptures with a firm grip. "Thank you, Juanxiu. I will study this technique carefully and make it my own," he said with a determined expression on his face.
…...
The medical quarters of Shaoying Castle was a large, dimly lit room with high ceilings and stone walls. The air was thick with the smell of herbs and medicine, and the sound of soft whispers and shuffling feet echoed throughout the room. The beds were lined up against the walls, each occupied by a patient, some moaning in pain while others lay still, as if already departed.
Amidst the patients, Xu Chen lay motionless on his bed, his body covered with a thin sheet. He had been in a state of coma for months, and no matter how much the doctors tried, they could not seem to wake him up. The medical quarters were always filled with a heightened sense of security, for Xu Chen was not just any patient, but a general of the 8th squad.
Just today, as the sunlight filtered in through the windows, Xu Chen's fingers twitched. At first, no one noticed, as the doctors continued with their work. But then, it happened again. One of the doctors looked over at Xu Chen's bed and noticed his fingers move. They quickly called for the head physician, who rushed over to Xu Chen's side and placed his hand on the general's forehead.
To everyone's amazement, Xu Chen's eyes slowly opened, revealing his piercing gaze. The head physician gasped and stepped back, surprised by the sudden development. Xu Chen tried to speak, but his voice was barely a whisper. The physicians gathered around him, and one of them gave him some water to drink.
As he drank, the color slowly returned to his cheeks, and his voice grew stronger. He tried to analyze his surroundings. How long has he been here?
He took a deep breath and tried to gather his thoughts. It had been months since he last remembered anything clearly. The last thing he recalled was the brutal battle against the Hao Jiming. He was so sure that he already had it in the bag, but then an unknown force has attacked him, catching him unprepared.
Then with his still weak voice, he whispered to the doctor "Tell Commander Yin Jian that I have something urgent to tell him."
The head physician turned to one of his assistants and instructed him to go to the tower of the 8th squad and file a report saying that General Xu Chen has awakened and requested a meeting with Commander Yin Jian.
The assistant quickly left the medical quarters and ran towards the tower. Once he arrived, he was led by the guard straight to the office of War Commander Yin Jian and knocked on the door.
"Come in," Yin Jian said from inside.
The assistant opened the door and bowed respectfully. "Commander, I come with a message from the medical quarters. General Xu Chen has awakened and requested a meeting with you."
Yin Jian's eyes widened in surprise and delight. "That's wonderful news!"
...
As Xu Chen lay there, he could hear the sound of approaching footsteps. Commander Yin Jian entered the room, accompanied by several high-ranking officers. He looked relieved to see Xu Chen awake.
"Xu Chen, you're finally awake!" he exclaimed. "We thought we had lost you. What urgent matter do you have to report?"
Xu Chen took a deep breath and recounted his hazy memories of the battle. "The Forbidden Valley is hiding a secret," he said. "I saw rows and rows of spiritual plant that we won't see regularly. Hao Tengyang who was stuck in the Expert stage for ages has breached the General Rank, the increase on Hao Jiming's cultivation is also undeniable."
Commander Yin Jian's eyes widened in surprise. "Are you sure?" he asked.
Xu Chen nodded weakly. "I saw it with my own eyes. We need to act quickly before anyone discovers it."
The commander nodded and turned to his officers. "You heard him. Prepare the 8th Battalion for a surprise attack. We'll catch them off guard and crush them."
As Xu Chen stood up from his hospital bed, he felt his strength slowly returning to him. Yin Jian, the War Commander of the Shaoying Castle, was standing beside him with a smile on his face. "Xu Chen, you have done a great job. This will greatly benefit our squad," he said.
Xu Chen bowed his head in gratitude. "Thank you, Commander Yin Jian. I only did what I had to do for the good of our kingdom."
The commander then reached into his pocket and took out a small vial containing a high-quality healing pill. "Take this, Xu Chen. It will help you fully recover from your injuries."
Xu Chen took the pill and swallowed it, feeling its healing power immediately take effect. His weak body became stronger and more energized with each passing moment. He felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination.
"Commander, we must attack the Forbidden Valley. Every second we wait means that we could lost their treasure," Xu Chen said, his voice growing stronger with each passing moment.
Yin Jian nodded in agreement. "You're right, Xu Chen. Let's go."
Together, they marched outside, ready to lead their troops into battle. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the Shaoying Castle as they gathered their forces. The air was filled with the sounds of swords being sharpened, armor being put on, and the growl of the Cloud Chaser being prepared for the long journey ahead.
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