CHAPTER 440: CHAPTER 84 ACCIDENTS

While Chen Jiuge’s battle had concluded, Moya’s situation was entirely different.

Although Oriel was a member of the True Demon Clan, hailing from one of its noble families, this didn’t mean his strength was particularly formidable. In truth, Oriel’s abilities were at best comparable to those of an elite True Demon. While his splendid armament gave him an edge, that was its limit.

The Zhen Clan, however, was different. As one of the most ruthless races, the Zhen Clan members were not only emotionally detached, but their combat skills were also among the best. In a one-on-one fight, even the Asura Clan might not be assured victory.

Initially, relying on their numerical superiority, it seemed Moya’s forces might secure a hard-fought victory. However, just as they were on the verge of claiming success after a grueling battle that had wiped out most of the Zhen Clan—perhaps due to sheer misfortune, akin to stepping in dog shit—Zhen Clan reinforcements arrived, and it was a full army.

It turned out that this Zhen Clan camp was not an ordinary outpost but their main force. The Zhen Clan hadn’t shown great interest in the Star Sea Sky Battle, dispatching only this single contingent. Normally, this number would have sufficed for a Star Sea Sky Battle. But then the True Demon Clan arrived, and it turned out that killing True Demons yielded Law Crystals—a significant boon for the Zhen Clan. Upon realizing this benefit, the Zhen Clan’s Clan Leader had quickly assembled a massive army to provide support. As assembling the troops took time, this contingent had remained stationary, awaiting these reinforcements until today.

A silver tide of Zhen Clan warriors instantly engulfed the True Demon Clan army. The once-invincible True Demon Clan, upon encountering the indifferent Zhen Clan, was mercilessly slaughtered and scattered.

Moya, along with his trusted aides, swiftly evaded the enemy. As seasoned veterans forged on the battlefield, they were well-versed in the art of survival. After several near-death experiences, they finally managed to distance themselves from the combat.

Tossing aside his broken greatbow, Moya exclaimed resentfully, "Damn this prey for deceiving me!"

Rodan, clutching his arm, his expression grim but rational, said in a strangely calm voice, "General, perhaps that Cultivator didn’t deceive us. The Zhen Clan’s reinforcements also seemed surprised when they saw us. Besides, if it were a trap set by them, they wouldn’t have needed to sacrifice so many of their own."

Hearing this, Moya’s expression froze. Recalling the recent events, it indeed seemed to be as Rodan described.

Could it really be such bad luck?

Moya found it hard to believe. He had fought his entire life to reach this position, finally managing to latch onto powerful patrons and rise above his humble origins, only to encounter such an unforeseen disaster.

"General, what’s most crucial now is to confirm Young Master Oriel’s fate. The Great General’s rage is not to be trifled with," Rodan reminded.

Since Oriel was the commander-in-chief, if he perished, Moya would be inextricably implicated and would most likely have to pay with his life.

Moya gazed at the multicolored barrage of Magic Techniques in the distance, hesitation on his face. The Zhen Clan’s strength was formidable and their numbers vast. Yet, Oriel’s fate was inextricably linked to his own survival. Gritting his teeth, Moya was about to lead his men in another charge.

Suddenly, a distant, furious cry pierced the air: "Damn it, all you prey will accompany the Young Master in death!"

Moya’s face stiffened. Then, he slumped in dejection. "It’s all over."

Rodan also felt despondent. If Moya couldn’t escape, it was unlikely that he and the other surviving soldiers—now effectively deserters—would be spared death either. In the eyes of those nobles, commoners like them were no different from livestock.

Perhaps sensing their grim future, an eerie silence descended upon them, devoid of any joy from their narrow escape from death.

Unwilling to resign himself to fate, Moya wracked his brain, reviewing the nobles he knew and cross-referencing them with the Great Generals participating in this hunt. Finally, he focused on one possibility.

"Do you want to live?" Moya asked, his voice trembling slightly.

"General, who doesn’t want to live?" Rodan replied, a hint of resignation in his tone.

"I have someone in mind. It’s not certain they can save us, and even if we’re fortunate enough to survive now, we might very well meet a violent end later."

"Stop being cryptic, General," Rodan urged anxiously.

"The Ao Clan is powerful, but several Great Generals in this hunt are nearly their equal. However, almost none of them would accept people like us. There is only one exception."

Rodan’s eyes widened, his lips quivering. "General, are you thinking of seeking refuge with Wei Wu of the Wei Clan?"

"It’s the last resort," Moya said gravely.

Rodan wanted to refuse, but as Moya said, it was indeed the last resort.

Chen Jiuge was unaware that the new allies with whom he had just begun to build trust were already caught in a life-or-death crisis.

"Brother Chen, we’ve obtained so many Law Crystals this time," Mo Yu said, her face beaming with joy.

"After all, this camp was quite large," Chen Jiuge said, a trace of happiness on his face. This battle would significantly enhance his strength.

Soon, Yue Jun and Yaksha Jing arrived at the tent with the air of victors, beginning to discuss the next steps with Chen Jiuge.

「...」

Yu Heng hopped off Da Bai’s shoulder. His eyes glazed over slightly as he gazed at the True Demon Clan corpses scattered across the ground. I wonder how Sword Dance is doing, he thought.

POP.

Da Bai, curious, watched Yu Heng spacing out. He then playfully smacked the back of Yu Heng’s head, causing him to stagger. "Little Yu, what are you daydreaming about?"

Yu Heng turned and glared resentfully at the foolish Fire Qilin. If I weren’t afraid of exposing my true strength, I’d pin him to the ground and give him a good thrashing, he fumed internally.

「On the higher levels of the Infinite Star Sea,」

The Netherworld King opened his eyes, which radiated boundless divine light. He looked at Dao Yi, still in secluded cultivation. A multitude of emotions surged in his heart. Dao Yi, Dao Yi, you’ve finally succeeded!