Chapter 1005 - 647: Stele Demon, First Battle (Part 2)
These elixirs are secretly concocted by the Dongfang Clan, and their efficacy is extraordinary. They can significantly increase the survival and success rates of Spiritualists as they advance to Heaven and mortal Tier Three, especially the elixirs designed for the Heart Demon Tribulation, which are rare treasures in the world.
Apart from the Dongfang Clan and the Dan Tower headquarters, nowhere in the entire Empire can any force produce such a quantity at once. This reward is enough to make Qin Tian give his all.
"Alright everyone, time is pressing in the secret realm. The deployment is clear. Next, follow the predetermined arrangements immediately, and be sure to maintain communication at all times. Do not leave the team on your own accord."
Dongfang Chen’s expression grew more solemn: "Additionally, let me remind everyone of one more thing: In the secret realm, Stele Demons are our common enemy, but at the same time, you must be wary of people from other camps. I do not need to elaborate, as I trust you all understand this."
"Understood!"
Everyone nodded in unison.
The people present were all old and cunning, naturally aware of the stakes involved.
In life, grudges are intertwined.
Among the major forces, the grudges formed in daily life are numerous, and many of these forces with conflicts are participating in this secret realm.
Within the secret realm, there is no constraint of the Empire’s laws, no control of order. Many will certainly stir, taking advantage of the cleansing of the Stele Demons to settle personal enmities or sabotage secretly.
Therefore, they must not only confront the ferocious Stele Demons but also constantly guard against potential threats from other camps. A moment of carelessness could lead to their death and downfall.
After finishing his reminders, Dongfang Chen said no more and signaled everyone to return to their camps to prepare for departure.
On his way back to the Ice Extreme Pass camp, Qin Tian happened to see Dongfang Haoyue and Zhuge Yu.
Their gazes met in mid-air, Qin Tian nodded slightly, and with a subtle movement of his fingers, two barely noticeable void imprints quietly landed on the two.
He had already tried earlier; although his Void Ability was somewhat suppressed within the secret realm, it was still within manageable limits.
At least in the area currently overseen by the Eastern Camp, he could break open the void at any time and descend beside them for support.
Dongfang Haoyue and Zhuge Yu also nodded back to Qin Tian, not speaking further, and each quickened their steps to return to their camps.
"Go!"
Returning to the Ice Extreme Pass camp, Qin Tian did not delay further. With a command, he immediately led his warriors to sprint towards Zone D-23 which was his responsibility.
Entering the secret realm initially, the situation was unclear, and neither the strength nor number of Stele Demons could be accurately judged. To be cautious, Qin Tian did not rashly lead the team to teleport directly but chose to advance steadily, collecting information while proceeding.
"Bang, bang, bang—"
The warriors of Ice Extreme Pass followed closely behind Qin Tian, their morale high, prepared to fight at any moment.
Simultaneously, other forces from the Eastern Camp also began to move, heading to their assigned battlefields as per Zhuge Yunlan’s deployment.
Figures traversed within the secret realm, the air gradually filled with a murderous aura, officially starting a cleansing war against the Stele Demons.
...
Bang bang bang~
The main forces swiftly advanced in the Celestial Stele Secret Realm, their path sometimes flat and wide, sometimes rugged and difficult.
During their journey, they occasionally encountered places of scenic beauty.
Green mountains piled one on another, mountain streams murmured, the banks teemed with unknown exotic flowers and grasses emitting a refreshing fragrance.
In such a tranquil place, the profound force in the secret realm grew even stronger, clearing the mind and making the flow of Spiritual Energy smoother.
Yet this serene land merely stretched a few miles before abruptly changing its appearance.
The ground gradually turned arid and cracked, as though eroded by some mysterious force, devoid of any plants, the air pervaded with a faintly rancid scent, starkly contrasting the previous fragrance.
Looking up, a thin black mist drifted across the sky from time to time, skimming the horizon like gauze, dimming the surrounding light instantly, pressing a heavy oppressive aura onto everyone’s hearts.
The team maintained a neat formation, steadily advancing towards Zone D-23.
At this moment, Qin Tian looked ahead and made a gesture.
The next instant, the warriors of Ice Extreme Pass immediately slowed their pace, several Legion Commanders hurried forward, approaching Qin Tian, waiting for orders.
Qin Tian gazed ahead and slowly said: "In this direction, there’s a group of Stele Demons gathered thirty kilometers away, numbering around five hundred. Who will go to probe their footing?"
As soon as he finished speaking, a rough voice immediately sounded, filled with eagerness and excitement: "Military Lord, leave it to us, the White Tiger Legion!"
Ran Tu strode forward, his eyes blazing as he looked at Qin Tian: "Last time during the competition, our White Tiger Legion didn’t get a chance to take action. The brothers are restless; this time let us lead, to give everyone an auspicious start!"
Upon hearing this, the other Legion Commanders exchanged glances but did not speak to compete.
The White Tiger Legion is inherently the most mature among the Four Symbols Legion, making them the most suitable for the first battle.
Qin Tian nodded and said: "Alright, then you lead the White Tiger Legion to move out, and I’ll personally back you up."
"Yes, Military Lord!"
Ran Tu nodded heavily, a gleam of uncontrollable excitement and bloodthirst flashed in his tiger-like eyes. Turning, he shouted loudly to the White Tiger Legion warriors behind him, "White Tiger Legion, full battle deployment!"
"Yes!"
The warriors of the White Tiger Legion shouted in unison, their momentum soaring.
As the White Tiger Legion set off, the main forces of Ice Extreme Pass did not halt their steps but continued to steadily advance towards the core direction of Zone D-23.
Meanwhile, Qin Tian, along with several key commanders, concealed their auras and quietly followed behind the White Tiger Legion, maintaining a certain distance.
Initially entering the secret realm, they lacked a clear understanding of the Stele Demons. This was an opportunity to observe the Stele Demons through the White Tiger Legion’s exploration, preparing for the subsequent cleansing war.
...
Thirty kilometers away, a steep cliff stood towering, the rocks gray-black, crisscrossed with sinister cracks, radiating a primeval and dangerous aura.
And in the shadow of the cliff’s midsection, numerous black silhouettes stealthily hid, their auras concealed, blending into the cliff.
These were the Stele Demons spawned within the Celestial Stele Secret Realm.
Some Stele Demons were hunched, their bodies covered with coarse black armor, limbs stout and short, with no apparent facial features, only a pair of dark eye sockets;
Some Stele Demons were slender as if pieced together from bones, displays of pulsating black demon cores within their bodies;
Yet others were towering like iron towers, their hands resembling immense stone hammers.
Unlike common demons, these Stele Demons lacked greed and bloodlust in their eyes; instead, each pair was incredibly calm, akin to seasoned hunters, quietly lurking in the shadows, patiently awaiting prey to wander into their traps.
Tap, tap, tap—
The crisp and orderly sound of footsteps broke the mountain’s tranquility.
The Stele Demons in the shadows immediately tensed, their bodies slightly crouching, preparing themselves.
Soon, a group clad in heavy armor entered the Stele Demons’ vision.
They wore Profound Iron Armor like moving steel cans, obscuring the faces of the warriors inside.
The warriors held various weapons in their hands, their steps resonant and methodical, surrounded by a rich aura of iron-blood and bravery—an aura precipitated from years of battlefield experience.
The Stele Demons in the shadows fixed their gaze firmly on this group of "prey delivered to their doorsteps," their once calm eyes finally showing a hint of agitation.
Virtually~
With a subtle sound, the Stele Demons lurking on the cliff immediately moved, their legs tensed, launching like streaks of black lightning toward the camp below.
They’ve finally come!
Under the White Tiger Armor, Ran Tu’s eyes flashed with intense evil qi and battle intent.
He had lingered at Peak Tier Six for far too long.
The Nine Stars Martial Arts Competition and Celestial Stele Light were his only opportunity and he must grasp it firmly.
"Kill!!!"
With Ran Tu’s command, the White Tiger Legion’s warriors, having long awaited, immediately formed a battle array, unleashing terrifying killing intent, their iron-blood aura sweeping in all directions.
The first battle of Ice Extreme Pass now unfolds.