The two thousand Silver Guards of Tai Cang advanced swiftly, arriving at the outskirts of Gou Quan City within just a few hours. Their bodies shimmered with blue spiritual energy, creating the illusion of a massive azure tide surging towards Gou Quan, threatening to engulf it entirely.
The tribal chiefs of Gou Quan gazed coldly at the approaching wave, their fury reaching a boiling point.
Once, Tai Cang was no more than a hunting ground for Gou Quan, easily plundered at will. The Gou Quan had countless opportunities to destroy Tai Cang but chose to let them live, finding them useful for extracting endless resources. They toyed with Tai Cang like a cat playing with a mouse.
But now, the mouse dared to challenge the authority of the cat. Seizing the opportunity while Gou Quan was embroiled in war with the Crocodile Horns, Tai Cang had mustered its forces and launched a brazen attack, aiming to take a bloody bite out of them.
"Unforgivable!"
"The new ruler of Tai Cang is the son of Ji Shang," a chief pointed to the youthful figure leading the advancing troops.
Ji Shang had fallen at the hands of Lord Du Sang, and now his son, Ji Xia, had ascended to power.
The figure in question was a young man in a silver robe, walking at an unhurried pace ahead of the charging Tai Cang troops. Beside him were a man and a woman, both exuding an air of authority.
"The Ji family of Tai Cang truly stands out among the human race. First Ji Shang, and now his son Ji Xia, whose cultivation is no less remarkable. It makes one wonder if humans are truly as insignificant as ants."
Another chief licked his lips, his face twisting with bloodthirsty desire. "I wonder how many Gou Quan people will flock to see the head of Tai Cang's ruler hanging in my tent."
The Gou Quan ruler, Ji Lun, stood with his hands clasped behind his back, a cruel smile playing on his lips. "His head, along with his flesh, blood, marrow, and memories, will be offered to the great god Modo as a tribute."
The chiefs bowed their heads, whispering prayers: "Blessed by Modo."
Behind them knelt numerous Gou Quan people, their limbs severed, their eyes bleeding, and their bodies bound tightly. They were offerings for Modo. Only by providing such sacrifices could Modo protect Gou Quan and devour their enemies entirely.
Before Ji Lun and the chiefs stood 3,500 Gou Quan soldiers in full battle formation. At Ji Lun's signal, the Gou Quan soldiers charged towards the advancing Tai Cang forces with their weapons raised.
Ji Qianqing, watching from the Tai Cang side, furrowed her brows. "Gou Quan's royal city is behind them. Why would they abandon its defenses to launch an all-out attack? Are Ji Lun and his chiefs fools?"
"It does seem strange," Bo Xian agreed. "Given their numbers, they should know they can't contend with the Silver Guards. Not to mention that Tai Cang also has many elites. Are they hiding something?"
"Whatever Ji Lun relies on, we will face it head-on," Ji Xia said calmly, a mist spreading behind him. A figure clad in armor emerged from the mist, followed by hundreds of spectral soldiers.
The spectral army joined forces with the Silver Guards, forming a combined force of 2,500 soldiers at the sixth tier of cultivation. Even in its prime, Gou Quan would have hesitated to confront such a formidable force head-on, let alone in its current weakened state.
As soon as the two sides clashed, the Gou Quan ranks were torn apart within moments.
Corpses flew, blood splattered, and even the 500 elite Evil Dog soldiers of Gou Quan were no match.
Ji Qianqing, wielding her sword, was a whirlwind of destruction. With every swing, she decimated dozens of Gou Quan warriors. Her martial prowess, elevated by her recent breakthrough into the Divine Power realm, made her unstoppable.
Meanwhile, Ji Xia moved through the battlefield with an almost casual grace. Without emitting even a hint of spiritual energy, he tore through Gou Quan soldiers with brute force, leaving devastation in his wake. His raw physical strength made him appear more like a human-shaped beast than a warrior.
Watching Ji Xia in action, Bo Xian's earlier concerns about the young ruler dissipated. "Our ruler's strength is beyond comprehension. Even without spiritual energy, he's a force to be reckoned with."
The battlefield was soon littered with mangled corpses, yet Ji Xia's silver robes remained spotless, shielded by a faint aura that repelled all blood splatter. It was as if he was merely taking a leisurely stroll through the chaos.
Ji Lun, observing the battle from a distance, barked coldly, "What are you waiting for?"
The chiefs, initially hesitant, shivered under Ji Lun's piercing gaze. They quickly advanced to the front lines, their spiritual energy surging as they revealed their true power.
Ji Qianqing narrowed her eyes, noting the strength emanating from the chiefs. "When did Gou Quan gain so many ninth-tier cultivators?"