Chapter 496: Bibi Dong's Appearance at Zhen Nan Pass
At dawn, the atmosphere surrounding Zhen Nan Pass was one of tense foreboding. Nearly three hundred thousand soldiers of the Wuhun Empire lined up in battle formation, their determination palpable. Armor and weapons glinted coldly in the early sunlight, casting an ominous light.
"Your Highness, the Wuhun Empire has mobilized its entire force," Marshal Ge Long warned gravely from atop the fortified walls of Zhen Nan Pass, his gaze locked on the imposing Wuhun army below. Turning to the young, stately man beside him, he continued, his tone icy, "If we lose today, the Heaven Dou Empire will be left defenseless, and total defeat will be imminent. Neither you nor your clan will have anywhere left to turn. Today, we must unify all our strength; we absolutely cannot fail."
The man standing beside him, gazing unflinchingly at the Wuhun forces, was none other than the Regent of Heaven Dou—Prince Tang San, the Blue Hao King. Since taking the reins of governance, Tang San had relentlessly purged those who opposed him, determined to consolidate power over the Heaven Dou Empire.
His actions had incited backlash from several factions, including the major element academies and many influential noble families, resulting in fierce resistance and a bloody crackdown in the imperial capital. This had only strengthened Tang San's hold over the empire, though his purges against dissent had not ceased. But now, with the enemy at their doorstep, internal strife could wait.
Tang San kept his composure in the face of Ge Long's bluntness. His hands clasped behind his back, he carefully studied the Wuhun Empire's forces, his eyes glinting with a faint purple hue as if trying to discern something more.
"Marshal Ge Long, you're overthinking it. I have never acted against my own people," Tang San replied at last. "I govern at the request of Empress Xue Ke, the sole imperial bloodline, giving me rightful authority. However, there are those in the empire, seduced by the Wuhun Hall's influence, who have instigated rebellion and sought to topple the government—they are nothing more than traitors. If Wuhun Hall manages to seize Zhen Nan Pass, even death would be insufficient to atone for their treachery."
He turned slowly, his gaze settling coldly on the marshal he relied upon, yet scrutinized.
"Marshal Ge Long, I trust you won't allow yourself to be influenced by such traitors. You are the empire's marshal and carry the nation's responsibility on your shoulders. If you, too, were to betray the empire, then to whom could Empress Xue Ke turn?"
Shaken, Marshal Ge Long immediately dropped to one knee, his voice laced with alarm. "Your servant would never dare!"
Under Tang San's icy gaze, he felt an overwhelming, inexplicable sensation as though standing amidst a mountain of corpses. His limbs chilled under the weight of an invisible, murderous aura. Despite his status as a Soul Douluo, he could hardly believe how unsettling this young prince's presence was.
Tang San helped him rise, hiding his disdain. Were it not for the loyalty these soldiers felt toward Ge Long, he would have replaced him with his own people long ago. Only with a loyal core could Heaven Dou withstand Wuhun's assault and eventually defeat the malevolent Wuhun Hall.
"Don't dwell on it, Marshal Ge Long," Tang San said with a benevolent smile. "You are an essential pillar of the empire. Today's victory depends on you."
His voice was gentle, like a spring breeze, and Ge Long was momentarily dazed, almost certain that following the Blue Hao King was Heaven Dou's only hope.
"Your Highness, I shall not fail in my duty!" Ge Long replied, remaining kneeling as he vowed his loyalty. He then backed away to begin inspecting the defenses of Zhen Nan Pass.
"Xiao San, the Wuhun Empire's forces have launched this attack as if it were their last stand," Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang remarked as he approached. "Even though we have the advantage of terrain and have gathered all of Heaven Dou's elite forces, I feel uneasy about this assault."
As Ge Long moved away, the other powerful figures—including Tang Xiao, the Haotian Sect leader, and four Titled Douluo elders—turned their attention to Tang San. Even the injured Tang Hao, despite his diminished strength, was present to lend his support.
"We've prepared well, Xiao San," Tang Xiao said, frowning. "Several of us have led night raids on the Wuhun camp, yet each time we were met with fierce resistance. They fought as if willing to risk everything just to hold us off, never conserving their strength."
"Our raids achieved little, but we've been left drained, adding an unexpected challenge to today's battle. Their desperation hints that this assault will be more intense than any we've seen before."
Tang San absorbed the warnings from his uncle and teacher in silence, his eyes still fixed on the Wuhun troops. He suspected the reason for Wuhun Empire's sudden, aggressive advance.
The spirit beast uprising was underway, and the Wuhun Empire was forced to choose between pressing their assault on Heaven Dou and reinforcing Star Dou Forest. This assault was likely Wuhun's final gambit. If they failed, the Wuhun forces would be forced to withdraw, and years of recovery would grant Heaven Dou the chance to stand on equal footing once more. If that happened, Tang San might finally defeat Wuhun and reunite with Xiao Wu...
But all of this depended on the outcome of today's battle.
"Teacher, what trump cards do you think Wuhun might be hiding?" Tang San asked quietly.
Under everyone's watchful gaze, Yu Xiaogang considered the question before replying with certainty, "Based on our current intelligence, the Wuhun Empire would need to station one or two Titled Douluo to guard against the Star Luo Empire. Within Wuhun City itself, due to the ongoing strife between the Pope's Hall and the Hall of Consecration, Bibi Dong would not risk leaving entirely unguarded. There should be at least one or two Titled Douluo stationed with her."
"These past years have shown the Wuhun Hall to have an abundance of Titled Douluo, numbering at least twelve."
"Thus, it's likely we're facing a minimum of eight Titled Douluo here at Zhen Nan Pass. But merely eight Titled Douluo would hardly be enough to handle our five Titled Douluo from Haotian. My estimate, then, is that they have ten Titled Douluo positioned here."
Everyone nodded in agreement, impressed by Yu Xiaogang's sharp analysis. Even Tang San couldn't find any flaw in his teacher's reasoning. Truly, Yu Xiaogang was indeed the renowned "Wisdom Horn."
"Teacher, you're absolutely right, and I share a similar concern," Tang San responded before exhaling deeply. He turned toward the distant western mountains, his gaze seemingly piercing beyond the endless terrain to the distant coast, his eyes flashing coldly.
Puzzled, the others looked at each other. Yu Xiaogang hesitated, then spoke uncertainly, "Xiao San, are you referring to Hanhai City?"
Realization dawned on the others: Hanhai City was home to two formidable powers—the former second-ranked Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the newly risen Qinglian Sect. Both possessed considerable strength, with Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, Dugu Bo, Ning Fengzhi (the greatest support-type soul master), and the powerful Yang Wudi, whose strength rivaled that of a Titled Douluo. These sects' high-level soul masters were on par with Heaven Dou's forces.
Should these sects join a side, the balance of power across the continent could shift dramatically. And most unsettling of all was the figure within Qinglian Sect—Dai Yao, a taboo name none dared speak lightly. Dai Yao's recent appearance in Heaven Dou had revealed his strength as Soul Douluo, capable of holding his own against multiple Titled Douluo.
Moreover, Dai Yao's close companions were also formidable. Their combined potential could rival even the most powerful forces. While Hanhai City claimed neutrality, true neutrality was rare. In reality, the city's stance seemed to benefit the Wuhun Empire, especially with Dai Yao's personal vendetta against them.
This chilling thought left the group deeply unsettled.
If Hanhai City were to take action, they wouldn't just be facing ten Title Douluos but nearly twenty.
"Everyone, don't worry," Tang San said calmly. "While I am concerned about Hanhai City, it's not that I fear they will intervene at Zhen Nan Pass. Dai Yao may be domineering and arrogant, but he always keeps his word. He won't break his promise by sending Hanhai City's forces into the conflict."
"It's just a thought," he added with a sigh.
At this, everyone visibly relaxed. Having faced Dai Yao as a rival for so long, though often defeated, Tang San understood him better than anyone. Since Tang San was so confident, the others felt they had less reason to worry. But deep down, only Tang San knew his own anxieties.
"A million troops, three hundred thousand elites, thirty thousand soul masters—the power of the Spirit Hall truly surpasses both empires," Tang San thought, looking to the direction of the Star Dou Forest. "Di Tian, the fate of both empires, and my own battle against Dai Yao... lies in your hands."
As he looked out to the distant horizon, Tang San knew that if the Spirit Hall army was attacked by the spirit beast horde, they'd be defeated without a fight. That would be the moment for the Heaven Dou Army to counterattack.
Thump... thump... thump.
The sound of war drums echoed like thunder, and the people on the wall rushed to the edge, looking out toward Zhen Nan Pass. Their faces turned pale as they saw the scene before them, each drumbeat seeming to land directly on their hearts.
The vast Spirit Hall army, which had been silent and still, began to advance like boiling water flooding toward the pass. From the dark masses, three lead units emerged, each comprising ironclad, tall, and battle-hardened warriors. Two groups of over ten thousand soldiers each guarded a smaller, central force, clearing the way for them.
This elite team, massive and muscular, carried immense battering rams like mountains on their shoulders, surging toward the gate with frightening speed. Hundreds of them bore spirit rings, revealing them as a soul master unit.
Leading this force, his body surrounded by eight glowing spirit rings, was Huyan Zhen, head of the Elephant Armor Clan—these were the elite troops of the Elephant Armor Clan itself.
At the sight of this formation, a sense of foreboding settled over the defenders on Zhen Nan Pass. To deploy such a powerful unit at the onset of battle demonstrated the Spirit Hall's unyielding resolve.
"Take your positions! Defend the walls!" Marshal Ge Long commanded, drawing his sword.
Nearly ten thousand Heaven Dou soldiers lined up along the walls, weapons ready, stones and oil stacked nearby, waiting for the enemy to reach their attack range. Behind them stood the Heaven Dou Imperial Guard, a line of spirit masters ready to engage the Spirit Hall soldiers if they reached the walls.
Bringing the Imperial Guard to Zhen Nan Pass, Tang San had pushed himself and the empire to the brink, committing everything to this battle.
Tang San glanced at Yu Xiaogang, who immediately understood, stepping back to gather the spirit master units. "Soul masters, assemble!" he called.
Within seconds, nearly ten thousand figures formed ranks before him, albeit somewhat disorderly compared to true military formations. These were the elites of Heaven Dou Empire, the strongest forces Tang San could muster. In the front were around forty Soul Douluos, followed by three to four hundred Soul Sages, and then the ranks of Soul Emperors and below.
This spirit master army, pulled together to counter the Spirit Hall's advantage in spirit users, was Tang San's hidden trump card. With the height advantage of Zhen Nan Pass, they hoped to mitigate the enemy's superior numbers, though Tang San still harbored doubts.
A heavy silence descended on the pass as everyone watched the Spirit Hall army advance. Footsteps thudded heavily on the ground, raising clouds of dust as the Elephant Armor Clan approached. Just then, a stunning purple figure emerged in front of the Spirit Hall's forces, capturing everyone's attention.
"Bibi Dong? Why is she here? Isn't she needed in the Spirit Hall?" Marshal Ge Long gasped in shock.
Yu Xiaogang stared at the distant figure with unreadable emotions, his lips moving slightly. Nearby, Liu Erlong sighed as she watched his reaction.
Tang San's eyes were locked on Bibi Dong. According to his calculations, she shouldn't be here, which meant something had gone awry. Her presence suggested the Spirit Hall's entire main force had converged here, leaving him facing a force several times his own.
An ominous feeling rose within him. Could Di Tian's plan still go smoothly?
In front of Zhen Nan Pass, the Spirit Hall army watched their legendary leader in reverence. Under her commanding presence, a deep awe filled the ranks. With everyone watching, Bibi Dong glanced up at the towering walls of Zhen Nan Pass, then raised her staff, letting it fall with a decisive gesture.
"Attack!"
Her cold command echoed as tens of thousands of soul rings activated simultaneously, flooding the battlefield with a wave of yellow, purple, and black light. Spirit power surged forward like a tidal wave, crashing toward Zhen Nan Pass.
"Feather Guard, attack!"
With a piercing cry, nine spirit rings rose into the sky as the Lingyuan Douluo transformed into a giant avian spirit, leading over five thousand soul masters into the air toward Zhen Nan Pass. Another five thousand split off, their spirit rings glimmering as they formed two smaller squadrons, sweeping toward the mountain slopes on either side of the pass to claim the high ground.
The Spirit Hall's air units alone rivaled the total number of Heaven Dou's soul masters!
Meanwhile, the ground forces advanced. Over two hundred Soul Douluos led columns of soul masters, their spirit rings illuminating the battlefield as they surged toward the city gate. A vibrant torrent of spirit energy surged toward the ancient walls.
This unprecedented tactic merged ordinary soldiers with soul masters in a single force, making them a nearly unstoppable wave. Never before had so many soul masters been deployed in this way—no other force in history had commanded such numbers, nor dared use spirit users so liberally.
With nearly ten thousand soldiers charging toward Zhen Nan Pass and thousands more soul masters in their ranks, the sight was awe-inspiring and terrifying. Even Bibi Dong's unexpected arrival seemed to fade in significance as the defenders stared, silent and paralyzed, at the approaching force.
"Activate martial spirits!" Tang San ordered, breaking the silence.
He assigned two thousand troops to reinforce the high ground and another eight thousand to the walls, coordinating air defenses against Spirit Hall's fliers and supporting the soldiers defending the wall.
As nearly ten thousand soul masters activated their spirit rings, a kaleidoscope of colors flared to life across Zhen Nan Pass.
High above, soul skills rained down on the defenders like a relentless storm. Caught off guard by the sheer number of spirit users, the Heaven Dou troops began to suffer heavy losses despite support from their own soul master forces.
Glancing at the dense formation of flying spirit masters dominating half of Zhen Nan Pass's skies, Huyan Zhen's eyes gleamed. With a bellow, he activated his seventh spirit ring, transforming into a massive diamond mammoth. Along with dozens of other transformed allies, he led the Elephant Armor Clan, shielded by the flying troops, charging directly at the gates of Zhen Nan Pass.
Boom!
The deafening impact reverberated across Zhen Nan Pass, causing everyone to feel a deep tremor.
Hooks flew up onto the wall, pulling taut. A wave of dread washed over the defenders as they scrambled to the battlements, hurling stones, oil, and anything they could find down at the attackers. But with five thousand flying spirit masters shielding them, these attacks had little effect.
Without hesitation, Tang San issued more orders: "Uncle, send all Clear Sky Clan disciples to the walls as reserves! Marshal Ge Long, deploy the Royal Guard! Teacher, have all Tang Sect disciples arm themselves with Zhuge Crossbows for air defense, and prepare to support the wall!"
"No matter the cost, we must withstand the first assault!"
"With nearly forty thousand Spirit Hall soul masters in this initial wave, they're using everything they have, hoping to overwhelm us from the start. If we can hold them off, their strength will wane, and we'll have a chance to turn the tide!
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