CHAPTER 841: CHAPTER 851: OMINOUS SIGN

The middle-aged scholar behind the Vermilion Bird Emperor hesitated slightly after hearing Chu Feng’s battle plan, expressing some concern: "Hero Chu wants His Majesty to hold back the Azure Dragon Heavenly Kingdom’s army here while you seize the opportunity to lead elite troops straight to the Azure Dragon Imperial City when it’s internally undefended. The plan is good, but there are many variables." The fact that this man could deliberate with composure in such a setting, sitting at the left hand of the Vermilion Bird Emperor, indicated his high status.

"Let me introduce, my teacher, respected by all as the Ming Master!" The Vermilion Bird Emperor introduced with a smile.

"So it’s the Ming Master! I have long admired your illustrious name!" Chu Feng had indeed heard of the Ming Master’s renowned reputation.

It was rumored that the Ming Master was a top scorer in three exams and currently serves as the chief Grand Scholar of the Wenyuan Pavilion, concurrently holding the position of Crown Prince’s Tutor of the Eastern Palace.

Now that the Vermilion Bird Emperor is no longer a Crown Prince, the Ming Master’s status has naturally risen as well.

Promoted to Crown Prince Master, becoming a rightful Emperor Master of the current dynasty, his position is esteemed.

Such a figure, no wonder he spoke with immense confidence, his eyes gleaming with intelligence, quite extraordinary.

"The Panlong Heavenly Emperor is cunning and ruthless. Although the Azure Dragon Heavenly Kingdom has suffered heavy losses, its forces haven’t diminished much. It’s undoubtedly difficult for the Vermilion Bird Emperor to hold him back, but I’m still willing to take the risk. If we truly succeed in seizing the Azure Dragon Imperial City, it would greatly undermine the Azure Dragon Heavenly Kingdom’s fortune, accelerating its downfall."

Chu Feng didn’t want to wait any longer.

In the past two days since meeting with the Panlong Heavenly Emperor, he discovered that the Panlong Heavenly Emperor’s cultivation had greatly increased.

Chu Feng recalled when he first arrived at the Divine Martial Continent, the Panlong Heavenly Emperor was only at the Seven-star Sword God cultivation. Now, he’s at least at the First Tribulation Supreme Sword God level.

The Panlong Heavenly Emperor’s cultivation speed was terrifying.

More astonishing than even Chu Feng, this Devil.

The Panlong Heavenly Emperor swallowed that Immortal Pill of Longevity, despite its flaws, its effects were extremely remarkable.

Even Chu Feng, the one who personally refined it, didn’t fully know its wonders. He only knew that after consuming the Immortal Pill of Longevity, one could maintain eternal youth and extend life by at least a million years.

Throughout history, mortal Emperors have referred to themselves as "ten thousand years old," dreaming of living a thousand years.

The Immortal Pill of Longevity can increase lifespan by a million years, truly worthy of the term ’longevity.’

Chu Feng was willing to take immense risks to attack the Azure Dragon Imperial City, for another purpose as well.

It was said that within the Azure Dragon Heavenly Kingdom’s Imperial Palace, there was an underground Imperial Mausoleum where the founding Panlong Heavenly Emperor and his mount were buried—a true Azure Dragon.

After so many years, the dragon’s breath within that Azure Dragon might have evolved into an Abnormal Fire.

If Chu Feng could obtain it and devour it, the Nine Yang Strange Fire could be advanced again.

His Nine Yang Strange Fire currently was at Sixth-grade, capable of refining Ninth Grade ordinary Elixirs, as well as Eighth Grade Talismanic Elixirs, without issue.

To refine a super Ninth Grade Immortal Pill or Ninth Grade Talismanic Elixir, a bit more was needed.

According to Chu Feng’s estimate, as long as the Nine Yang Strange Fire reached Seventh-grade, it could surely restore his Alchemy Path Cultivation to the peak level of his past life. Perhaps even stronger.

By then, after refining a few Ninth Grade Talismanic Elixirs, what fear could a mere Panlong Heavenly Emperor instill?

The Vermilion Bird Emperor pondered deeply for a long while before looking up at Chu Feng: "Chu Feng, you are willing to take enormous risks to attack the Azure Dragon Imperial City, which deeply moves me. Moreover, on behalf of everyone in the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Country, I thank you for your selfless dedication."

After a pause, he added, "How many troops do you need?"

This question was crucial.

As the ruler of a nation, the Vermilion Bird Emperor is by no means as amiable as he appears on the surface. He would not agree casually on major decisions.

In his eyes, national interests probably come above all else.

Even if Chu Feng is willing to risk his life, the ultimate beneficiary would still be the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Country. If the cost is too high, he may not readily agree.

"I only need the original troops from the Demon Sea Battlefield!" Chu Feng naturally knew what the other party had in mind.

He was wary of chaotic actions resulting in heavy losses for the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Country’s troops, wasn’t he?

"Just seventy thousand troops, is it enough?" The Vermilion Bird Emperor’s expression softened, showing concern for Chu Feng instead.

The Demon Sea Battlefield initially had only forty thousand troops, and in the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Country, they were considered average in combat strength. The additional thirty thousand were captured and recruited by Chu Feng after breaching the Ancestral Demon City.

So, when Chu Feng proposed using just these seventy thousand troops for the venture, the Vermilion Bird Emperor immediately agreed.

The true elite troops of the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Country were concentrated at the Heavenly God Mountain Battlefield and at the barren battlefield personally overseen by the Princess.

If these seventy thousand were to confront the main forces of the Azure Dragon Heavenly Kingdom in open battle, it definitely wouldn’t be enough. One clash and they’d be wiped out. But for a raid, I think it should suffice."

Chu Feng had personally witnessed the terror of the Azure Dragon Heavenly Kingdom’s Dragon Guard.

The thirty thousand Dragon Guard exhibited combat strength equivalent to three million ordinary troops.

"I wish you great success on behalf of the Empire! Once you triumph and return, I shall personally welcome you. Rest assured, I will do my utmost to hold back the Azure Dragon Heavenly Kingdom’s main forces."

After sealing the agreement with Chu Feng, the Vermilion Bird Emperor entertained him before departure.

...

Half a month later, Chu Feng led the seventy thousand troops advancing unstoppably, sweeping everything in his path, reaching directly to the Dragon Slayer Pass.

As long as he captured this pass, Chu Feng’s sword would be hanging over the Azure Dragon Imperial City.

"Caw, caw, caw!"

Chu Feng, along with the Beixie National Master, Divine General Ling Feng, and others, surveyed the terrain around the Dragon Slayer Pass.

A crow flew across the sky, letting out sharp, mournful cries.

The Beixie National Master’s expression instantly changed, his brow furrowing.

"That damned crow, why now of all times, flying overhead making such a racket, irritating to hear. Let me cut it down," he remarked.

Divine General Ling Feng’s face changed as well.

These leaders who led troops particularly believed in such things.

For instance, when encountering dire omens like blood moons, landslides, or crow cries, they would pause their march.

"It’s just a bird, let it be!" Chu Feng was unconcerned, unfazed by such beliefs.

The Dragon Slayer Pass was right before them. According to reliable information, the Panlong Heavenly Emperor was leading his forces in battle with the Vermilion Bird Emperor at Song City.

For now, he had no time to worry about his rear.

Once they captured the Dragon Slayer Pass, it would be smooth sailing ahead. Conquering the Azure Dragon Imperial City would be only a matter of time.

With Chu Feng’s iron resolve, he wouldn’t abandon the attack on the Dragon Slayer Pass over a few crow caws.

Divine General Ling Feng had considerable faith in Chu Feng, snorting in anger, no longer concerned.

"Look, the garrison inside the Dragon Slayer Pass isn’t large. Though the pass is steep, with our forces, we can surely take it." Chu Feng, standing high, scanned the pass’s situation.

"Caw, caw, caw..."

Unexpectedly, at this moment, that damned crow returned.

It perched on a nearby branch, cawing at Chu Feng and the others, its cries particularly desolate.