章節 40: Chapter Forty: Mysterious Assaults! An Unusual Threat
"This matter must be taken with utmost seriousness. The area of subsidence extends for the better part of a day's journey southward, bringing it perilously close to the primary farmlands of the Zuo Qiu clan. We cannot afford any setbacks during the autumn harvest!" Hu Yan Gui cast a glance at Zuo Qiu Yue, who sat across from her, his expression composed as he replied, "I have already dispatched individuals to investigate, but the situation appears rather bleak."
As he spoke, he slid a pair of reports across the table to the two leaders. "Yesterday, two of our terraced fields were devastated from below; fortunately, only ordinary crops were planted. However, if this continues, it could very well impact the main harvest of jade wheat…"
"Devastated from below?" Hu Yan Gui raised an eyebrow, turning her attention to Nalan Xia, who was seated nearby. "Xia, the underground king Gulu Mi has been under your watch, has he not?"
"This matter is unrelated to Gulu Mi; he has not left Divine Gift City," Nalan Xia replied, her demeanor calm and measured. "I urge both of you to bolster our forces in the northwest and southwest regions to ensure the safety of our food supplies. As for the disturbances underground… I will take Gulu Mi with me to investigate further."
"That creature is, after all, a monstrosity of the underground! How can we allow it to…" Hu Yan Gui instinctively protested, only to be halted by Zuo Qiu Yue's raised hand. "Xia is favored by the divine; her actions will be prudent!"
...
Later that evening, Nalan Xia returned to her quarters, rubbing her temples in mild frustration. While Zuo Qiu Yue appeared to have come to her defense, he had inadvertently placed additional pressure upon her.
"As the one most favored by the divine, I can no longer afford to err…" With a resigned smile, Nalan Xia made her way to the adjacent room. As she pushed the door open, she was greeted by the sight of a blue-haired girl waking from a drowsy stupor.
"...Ah! I haven't been slacking; this batch of crystal vines is complete; the next batch hasn't arrived yet…" Gulu Mi hastily explained, attempting to appear energetic, though her fatigue was evident. Since pledging loyalty to Wang Hui and being assigned to assist Nalan Xia, she had scarcely enjoyed a proper rest. The anticipated construction and subsequent expansion in Divine Gift City had left Gulu Mi bearing at least a third of the workload! Coupled with the arduous task of nurturing crystal vines, her days were exceedingly demanding.
Even though Nalan Xia had intended to extend her gratitude, witnessing Gulu Mi in such a weary state softened her resolve. "This isn't about the crystal vines; you should take some time to rest tonight."
With that, she brought over a steaming plate of food, a delightful assortment that appeared quite appetizing.
"Really?" Gulu Mi's purple eyes lit up as she seized the platter and began devouring it eagerly. Nalan Xia sat beside her, waiting for her to finish before explaining the purpose of her visit, detailing the recent attacks in the western regions.
"You have lived underground for many years; have you ever encountered such large subterranean creatures?"
"The tentacles I created—the so-called Purple-Skinned Monsters—are already the largest of their kind; there can't possibly be anything larger," Gulu Mi replied, wiping her mouth and patting her round belly with a sigh. "It's not to say that larger creatures do not exist; after all, it's been quite some time since I ventured underground. Who knows what strange and peculiar entities have emerged?"
Feigning ignorance of Gulu Mi's complaints, Nalan Xia continued, "If I were to take you there, do you believe you could subdue that creature?"
"I can leave the city?" Gulu Mi straightened her posture, thumping her chest proudly. "I am the king of the underground! Unless the deity descends personally or you muster tens of thousands against it, who could possibly contend with me down below?"
After a brief pause, her confidence waned slightly. "However, I am rather fatigued lately and will require time to regain my full strength."
Nalan Xia nodded in agreement, "That is acceptable!"
...
**Year of Divine Descent, Eight, September 11.**
Nalan Xia and Gulu Mi hurriedly rode in a carriage towards the western hills. In truth, the underground king's body had yet to fully recover, but the rapid deterioration of the situation left no room for delays. In just five days, the number of affected farmlands had risen to thirty-three!
It was crucial to note that the three races had entered a period of recuperation following the war, amidst a significant population surge. Should grain production endure a devastating blow, many would once again face hunger!
"Greetings, Leader Xia!" A contingent of warriors clad in aluminum armor approached as they neared the cultivated lands.
"There is no need for such formalities." Nalan Xia dismounted from the carriage and inquired somberly, "Did Lord Longzhu and Lord Tang arrive before us? Did they engage directly with the subterranean entity?"
"They did…" The warriors exchanged glances, lowering their heads as they replied, "Both lords have sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment in the camp."
"What?" Nalan Xia was taken aback.
Lord Longzhu and Lord Tang were both formidable masters wielding divine weapons! Particularly the former, whose strength ranked second only to that of the divine servants. How could they possibly have suffered defeat in battle?
Surveying the terraced fields, she noted the deep depressions; the crops that should have been laden with grain had largely vanished. Many areas bore clear signs of a violent struggle, resulting in chaos and devastation.
"A creature that even Longzhu and Tang could not subdue…" Nalan Xia's expression grew grave as she withdrew her gaze.
She summoned the distracted Gulu Mi, hastening towards the makeshift camp tent, where the two injured leaders lay. Lord Longzhu was in a state where he could at least prop himself up, while Lord Tang lay nearby, appearing half-conscious.
The tent was suffused with the strong scent of medicinal herbs, as several physicians had just finished applying ointment to the pair before wrapping their wounds in white cloth for stabilization. This method of bandaging had been casually mentioned by Wang Hui, and Nalan Xia had taken note, gradually implementing its use.
"What manner of creature could inflict such injuries upon you?" Nalan Xia crouched to examine them, her brow furrowing with concern.
Each bore at least ten wounds, the depths of which were alarming, revealing glimmers of bone! Despite having undergone cleaning, bleeding cessation, medication application, and bandaging, the sight remained harrowing. A slight movement would cause fresh blood to seep from the wounds!
"A beast that can both burrow and fly," Lord Longzhu remarked, glancing at Nalan Xia and speaking succinctly. "I have never encountered such a creature before; it does not resemble anything that could arise from natural procreation. However, its main body is reminiscent of the Purple-Skinned Monsters."
As he spoke, Lord Longzhu's gaze shifted to the blue-haired girl standing at the back. "What are you staring at?"
Gulu Mi pouted, crossing her arms in dissatisfaction. "Isn't it you lot who exterminated all of my tentacles? Furthermore, I lack the capacity for flight myself; how could my tentacles possibly sprout wings?"
"Your inability to fly does not preclude your ambitions from soaring," Lord Longzhu replied, his gaze piercing as he regarded Gulu Mi thoughtfully. "It is not surprising that you could produce Purple-Skinned Monsters, cultivate crystal vines, or create other bizarre entities."
"You… you're speaking nonsense! This is slander!" Gulu Mi exclaimed, her frustration palpable as she stomped her foot. She recalled that this very individual, wielding a massive spear, had been the first to charge at her during the allied assault on the underground lair!
每周推薦票狀態
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榜單 
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