As tension mounted, the soldiers exchanged nervous glances, their faces mirroring their growing uncertainty.
After what felt like an eternity, someone finally whispered, voice shaky, "Are we sure we won't cross paths with that powerful figure on our way to Medicine King Valley?"
Another voice chimed in, "Maybe we should... take a detour? If we disturb that senior, we could be in serious trouble."
None of them wanted to risk offending the mysterious figure who had unleashed such terrifying power. Even though Orion was strong, there was no way his subordinates could command the strength of a Martial Emperor. The thought was too outrageous to believe. The half-emperor who had once served Orion had already been gravely injured, so any suspicion of them commanding such power was dismissed outright.
Zhou Huangye, the leader, mulled over their options. After a moment's thought, he nodded decisively. "For safety's sake, we'll take the detour. We're close enough to Medicine King Valley that it won't delay us much."
His troops heaved a collective sigh of relief, grateful to avoid a direct encounter with such a dangerous foe.
Meanwhile, back at Orion's camp, the atmosphere was starkly different. Orion, after ensuring that none of his troops had suffered casualties, felt a surge of confidence. "It's time to strike at Chang'an!" His voice brimmed with excitement. "With our high-end combat strength, we have nothing to fear!"
Orion had initially planned to wait for Luo Yi to fully recover from his injuries or for another great emperor to emerge before launching an attack. He hadn't wanted to risk an assault without being sure of what cards the Zhou royal family still had up their sleeves. But now, with a Martial Emperor on his side and his forces fully recovered, there seemed no reason to delay.
Just as he was about to issue the order, Yuxiang hurriedly approached him with news. "Your Majesty! Our scouts have detected movement. The army of the Great Zhou Dynasty's aristocratic families is advancing! They're three thousand miles from Medicine King Valley and closing fast."
Orion's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Perfect! I was just thinking of attacking. Now they've come right to our doorstep!" His smile broadened into a confident grin as he issued his commands. "Yuan Zuozong, assemble the Dragon Cavalry! Prepare for battle!"
Then he turned to Luo Yi. "How are your Yanyun Eighteen Cavalry? Are they ready?"
Luo Yi slammed a fist against his chest, the sound resonating like a drum. "Absolutely, my lord! The Eighteen Riders are ready for war!"
Orion nodded in approval, his laughter echoing through the camp. "Good! Then let's march out and show them the might of our army!"
As both armies advanced toward each other, it wasn't long before Orion's Dragon Cavalry, a hundred thousand strong, met the Zhou Dynasty's army on a flat, open battlefield—perfect terrain for cavalry.
Zhou Huangye, leading the Zhou army, had expected to join forces with other factions before confronting Orion. But now, unexpectedly face-to-face with his enemy's forces, he saw an opportunity. A sly smile crept onto his face as he addressed his troops.
"Men, we've encountered Orion sooner than expected. Whoever captures him alive will be granted the title of Marquis! Kill the half-emperor, and you'll become a king! Double the battle merit for every enemy soldier you cut down!"
His words, meant to stir ambition, took hold in the hearts of his soldiers. Their eyes gleamed with greed at the prospect of wealth and power, but as Zhou Huangye prepared to lead the charge with his six half-saints, something unexpected happened.
From Orion's side, a figure stepped forward. Emperor Qingyun.
"Lord, shall I eliminate these pests for you?" His voice was calm, yet carried the weight of someone who knew they could crush their enemies with ease.
As Emperor Qingyun's imposing presence filled the battlefield, a ripple of fear spread through the ranks of the Zhou army. For those with less experience, he was an intimidating figure they couldn't fully comprehend. But for those with greater insight—the Martial Saints—he was like the blazing sun, a force too overwhelming to ignore.
Zhou Huangye and his men stared in disbelief.
"Is this... real?" one of them stammered, his voice trembling. "There's no way! How does Orion have a Martial Emperor under his command?"
Despair settled over them like a heavy fog. The sheer pressure of Emperor Qingyun's aura made their knees shake, the weight of it almost forcing them to the ground.
Zhou Huangye, pale and trembling, realized the dire situation. "It's over," he whispered to himself. He knew all too well what a Martial Emperor could do. To them, he and his half-saints were nothing more than insects, waiting to be crushed.
Yet, just as Emperor Qingyun was about to strike, Orion raised a hand. "There's no need for you to act just yet, Qingyun. Let my troops handle this. You can just observe."
Orion's command wasn't out of overconfidence, but a calculated strategy. The dogged system he was bound to didn't reward crushing weaker foes with superior power. Emperor Qingyun could have wiped out the entire army with a single blow, but the resulting gain would have been paltry. Instead, with the combined might of Luo Yi's Eighteen Riders and Yuan Zuozong's Dragon Cavalry, they could handle the battle themselves and secure a more valuable victory.
Emperor Qingyun nodded, stepping back. "As you wish, my lord." He retreated, though his presence still loomed over the battlefield like a storm on the horizon.
Across the battlefield, the Zhou army trembled, knowing full well that even if Emperor Qingyun didn't act, he was watching them. And that, in itself, was enough to make their blood run cold.