Chapter 249: Empire Situation
Xiao Ling not only provided the empire's strongmen with an opportunity to break through with his outstanding alchemy skills, but also won people's admiration with his unique personality charm and loyalty to the empire. His name has become a legend in the Jia Ma Empire, inspiring countless young practitioners to forge ahead.
In every corner of the Jia Ma Empire, Xiao Ling's deeds were praised by people. He not only had amazing talent in alchemy, but also showed amazing potential in cultivation. Many people believed that in time, Xiao Ling would become the top powerhouse in the Jia Ma Empire and even the entire continent.
Xiao Ling, who was in seclusion in the training room, knew nothing about the changes in the outside world. But even if he knew, Xiao Ling would not care too much.
All his energy was focused on refining the Turtle Spirit Earth Fire. This was a challenge to his own limits and a test of his will.
……
After October...
On the vast plain, two towering mountains rise from the ground. They are like guardian gods, rushing straight into the sky and towering into the clouds. The peaks of these two mountains are steep and the rocks are jagged. For ordinary people, they are insurmountable natural barriers.
Right between these two mountain ranges, a grand fortress stands tall. Its existence is like a giant beast from ancient times, lying quietly on the ground, guarding the northern gate of the Gama Empire with its huge body.
This fortress named Black Mountain, located on the northeastern border of the Gama Empire, is the most majestic military fortress in this vast land. It is not only a solid line of defense, but also a spiritual symbol in the hearts of the people of the Gama Empire, representing an indestructible will and strength.
Since the day Black Mountain Fortress was built, it has been like an eternal watchman, having experienced hundreds of years of wind and rain and the baptism of war, but it still stands tall. The passage of time does not seem to have left too many traces on its indestructible stone walls, but has added a sense of historical heaviness. Its solidity, like the will of the people of the Gama Empire, has become stronger after going through trials.
However, as the wheel of history rolled forward, Black Mountain Fortress once again faced new challenges. This time, it faced a powerful enemy from afar, the coalition forces of the Chuyun Empire, the Mulan Empire, and the Luoyan Empire, who were like dark clouds, slowly approaching with the shadow and threat of war.
On the city wall, the army of the Gama Empire was as dense as a dense forest. The soldiers' eyes were firm and alert, and the weapons in their hands flashed coldly in the sun. The huge crossbow carts were arranged in an orderly manner, and each one was equipped with fine steel arrows that could penetrate the hardest armor. These arrows were like the sharp teeth of the soldiers, ready to give the invading enemy a fatal blow at any time. Under the protection of these troops, the defense line of the Black Mountain Fortress was like an insurmountable natural moat, solid as a rock.
At the highest point of the city wall, several Dou Wang warriors who were guarding this place stood, including Mu Tie of the Mu family. Their eyes were as sharp as eagles, penetrating the fog in the distance and observing the movements of the enemy.
In the distance, the enemy army was like a surging black ocean, their flags fluttering in the wind, the poisonous scorpion flag of the Izumo Empire, the fierce beast flag of the Mulan Empire, the golden goose flag of the Falling Goose Empire, the flags of the three empires intertwined in the sky, forming a picture full of oppression. These flags were not only a symbol of their identity, but also a declaration of their power.
There was a tense atmosphere in the air, as if even the wind had stopped breathing, waiting for that moment to come.
"The news from our scouts is true. The Triple Alliance is indeed preparing to launch an attack on our Gama Empire." A middle-aged man wearing a general's armor said with a hint of displeasure in his tone.
"The latest intelligence shows that the other side not only has Dou Zong-level experts, but also a number of Dou Huang-level experts." Another person standing next to the middle-aged man added with a serious expression.
“Fortunately, our Jia Ma Empire has also welcomed three new Dou Zong masters, and we have also formed an alliance with the Snake People. Otherwise, facing the siege of the Three Kingdoms Alliance, I’m afraid we would really find it difficult to resist.” An officer nearby said with a hint of relief in his tone, but his eyes still showed worry.
“Indeed, our strength has been enhanced by the new Dou Zong masters, but we must not take it lightly.” Mu Tie said in a deep voice, his eyes penetrating the city wall and looking at the distant horizon, as if he could foresee the coming storm.
Not long ago, the spies planted by the Gama Empire between the three countries sent back urgent intelligence that the three-nation alliance had completed its assembly and was preparing to launch a full-scale attack on the Gama Empire.
This news exploded among the high-ranking officials of the Jiama Empire like thunder, and the empire immediately took action and sent elite soldiers to the Black Mountain Fortress to strengthen the defense. Even Mu Tie, the iron-blooded general who had served as the commander-in-chief at Zhengui Pass, received the transfer order and rushed to the Black Mountain Fortress to take charge.
However, the three-nation alliance took action much earlier than Xiao Ling had said before. He had said before that the three nations would take action more than a year after the end of the Alchemist Conference, but now it has only been more than ten months since the end of the conference. This change has made the top leaders of the Gama Empire a little confused.
But they did not think that Xiao Ling's prediction was wrong. Not to mention that with Xiao Ling's identity, there was no need to deceive them. Moreover, now, with the approach of the three-nation coalition, Xiao Ling's Xiao family is also facing threats. Now Xiao Ling is practicing in seclusion in the Xiao family. This is no secret. It is impossible for him to stay out of the three-nation coalition attacking the Jiama Empire.
In fact, the information that Xiao Ling had previously revealed to Jia Xingtian and others was accurate, and this information was all obtained from Xie Yun’s memory.
However, ever since three Dou Zong-level warriors suddenly appeared in the Jia Ma Empire, the top leaders in the Three Kingdoms Alliance began to feel uneasy.
They originally planned to join forces to squeeze the weak Gama Empire. After all, among the surrounding countries, the Gama Empire was at the bottom of the rankings, and there was not even a Dou Zong-level expert.
However, the situation changed dramatically in less than a year. The Gama Empire suddenly gained three Dou Zong-level warriors. If we count the queen of the snake people, Medusa, who was allied with the Gama Empire and also had Dou Zong strength, then the Gama Empire now had four Dou Zong-level warriors. Such strength undoubtedly put pressure on the Three Kingdoms Alliance.
You know, in their three-nation alliance, there are only two Dou Zong-level strongmen, Yan Luotian, the leader of the Golden Goose Sect, and Xie Bi Yan, the leader of the Ten Thousand Scorpions Sect, who are holding the scene, while the Mulan Empire relies on the special "Three Beasts Savage Art" to barely allow one of them to briefly possess Dou Zong-level combat power.
In just one year, three Dou Zongs were born in the Jia Ma Empire. Such a rapid rise made them feel an unprecedented threat.
If the Jia Ma Empire is allowed to continue to develop, who knows when a new Dou Zong strongman will suddenly emerge. The recent rapid development of the Jia Ma Empire has undoubtedly increased the sense of urgency of the Three Kingdoms Alliance. They must take action, otherwise they will not be able to rest assured.
This tension spread among the decision-makers of the Triple Alliance, who realized that if they did not act quickly, the rise of the Gama Empire might break the existing balance of power and affect their own interests and status. Therefore, they decided not to wait any longer and must take decisive measures before the Gama Empire becomes a greater threat.
Although the Jia Ma Empire and the Serpent People formed an alliance, which enabled them to have four Dou Zong-level warriors, which indeed exceeded the Dou Zong combat power of the Three Kingdoms Alliance in terms of number, the Three Kingdoms Alliance did not take this matter to heart. They knew that the leader of the Golden Goose Sect, Yan Luotian, was already a two-star Dou Zong, and the leader of the Ten Thousand Scorpions Sect, Xie Biyan, had even reached the realm of a four-star Dou Zong.
In comparison, the Dou Zong masters of the Jia Ma Empire and the Snake People, although their strength should not be underestimated, are all newly promoted breakthroughs after all, and there is still a certain gap compared to the experienced old Dou Zong. At the Dou Zong level, even a small difference in star level means a world of difference in strength.
As a four-star Dou Zong, Xie Biyan was confident in facing the four Dou Zongs from the Jia Ma Empire and the Snake People. In his opinion, even if the other side had the advantage in numbers, it would be difficult for them to compete with his strength.
What's more, he is not fighting alone, and the strong men from the other two countries will also join the battle, which makes them more confident of victory. In their eyes, it is only a matter of time to conquer the Gama Empire, and everything is under control.
Everyone stood on the city wall, their eyes piercing through the thick dust in front of them, staring at the dark mass of enemy troops. In the front ranks of the enemy troops, several figures spread their fighting spirit wings, soaring in the air like birds of prey. Their auras were powerful and overbearing, and they were obviously Dou Wang-level warriors.
The soldiers on the city wall could all feel a depressing atmosphere. The enemy's lineup was stronger than they had expected, which indicated that the upcoming battle would be extremely brutal.
Mu Tie's voice rang out on the city wall, firm and powerful: "It seems that we are about to face a tough battle. The vanguard sent by the Three Kingdoms Alliance is much stronger than we expected."
The middle-aged general standing by, his armor gleaming coldly in the morning light, said in a deep voice: "We must immediately notify the royal family and request reinforcements. Judging from the current situation, if we don't get timely reinforcements, I'm afraid we won't be able to hold out for long."
"Indeed, this is the only way." Mu Tie nodded, his expression solemn. Then, an urgent piece of information, like a sharp arrow, pierced through the smoke of the battlefield and headed straight to the heart of the Jiama Empire, the Jiama Holy City.
On this vast battlefield, the two armies faced each other, and the atmosphere was tense and solemn. In the sky, dark clouds gathered, as if paving the way for the upcoming conflict. The land stretched out under the feet of the two armies, and every inch of the land was filled with the power that was about to explode.
With the enemy leader's order, a few harsh words cut through the tranquility of the battlefield like a sharp blade, and the prelude to the war began.
The enemy's war drums began to roar, the rhythm was rapid and powerful, like the heartbeat of the god of death, making everyone's blood boil.
As the first drumbeat sounded, soldiers on both sides shouted loudly, and their voices merged into a torrent that swept across the battlefield. War, this cruel beast, finally showed its fangs.
On the front lines of the Jiama Empire, the soldiers held their weapons tightly, their eyes determined. Their shields shone coldly in the sun, and their spears stood like a forest, ready to meet the impact. The archers drew their bowstrings to the full, their arrows pointed to the sky, ready to deliver a fatal blow at any time.
In the enemy's formation, several Dou Wang-level warriors flapped their wings and flew high. Their Dou Qi wings were like the wings of a falcon, spreading in the air, ready to swoop down at any time. Their aura was strong and violent, gathering into a gust of wind above the battlefield, making everyone feel a fear of being swallowed by the storm.
Facing such an opponent, Mu Tie and several other strong men of the Jia Ma Empire did not retreat at all. They also spread their fighting spirit wings and bravely rushed forward to meet the strong men of the enemy.
In the sky, the strong men of both sides fought fiercely, their fighting spirit bloomed in the sky like gorgeous fireworks, and every collision made a deafening roar.
……
Deep in the Jiama Palace, a tranquil atmosphere permeated Jia Xingtian's study.
Jia Xingtian was sitting behind his desk, concentrating on dealing with a mountain of official business.
Since he broke through to Dou Zong, his originally pale hair has returned to black, his skin has become tighter, and he seems to have reversed the erosion of time, from an old man back to a middle-aged man. But his eyes still show the vicissitudes of time.
Suddenly, a guard hurried into the study, his steps steady but hurried. He knelt on one knee, and said in a hurried but clear voice: "Master Jia, there is urgent news from the front line."
As he spoke, the guard took out a sealed letter from his waist and handed it to Jia Xingtian.
Jia Xingtian stopped writing, took the letter, opened the seal with his fingertips, and began to read.
As the words on the letter came into view, although Jia Xingtian's face remained calm, a slight fluctuation inevitably flashed across his eyes. The content of the letter was obviously extraordinary, enough to make this usually calm strong man feel a sense of urgency.
The joint offensive launched by the three countries against the Gama Empire is undoubtedly a severe test. No matter how the war ends, the Gama Empire will face huge losses.
Although the Gama Empire has made significant progress in recent years, it still lacks the foundation compared to the Three Kingdoms Alliance. In this context, winning this war is undoubtedly a difficult task.
Jia Xingtian sighed softly in the study, his eyes revealing a trace of worry. He looked up and said to the guard, "Go and call Yaoye."
The guard nodded respectfully, answered concisely "yes", and then turned and left.
Not long after, the door of the study was pushed open again, and Yao Ye walked in. She was wearing a black robe, and her temperament revealed a coolness, as if it was a wisp of cold wind in winter, making people feel both calm and sharp.
As the eldest princess of the Jiama Empire, Yao Ye had long known about the joint attack of the Three Kingdoms Alliance against the Empire. Facing Jia Xingtian's solemn expression, she had roughly guessed the purpose of her great grandfather summoning her.
She walked firmly to Jia Xingtian and said calmly and firmly, "Grandfather, you called me here to discuss the Three Kingdoms Alliance, right?"
Jia Xingtian nodded slightly, his expression solemn: "Yes, the coalition forces of the three countries have launched an attack on us. As the guardian of the royal family, I must go to the battlefield immediately without delay."
"After I leave, the affairs of the royal family will be handed over to you. You must handle everything properly." His words revealed his trust and expectations for Yao Ye.
Yao Ye nodded, his eyes gleaming with determination: "Grandfather, don't worry, Ye Er will not let you down and will handle everything properly."
Jia Xingtian nodded slightly, then picked up a few pages of letter paper from the desk, quickly wrote a few lines, and then handed the letters to Yao Ye, with a hint of seriousness in his tone: "Ye'er, you will send people to deliver these letters to the Mitel Family, the Yunlan Sect, and... the Xiao Family later."
Yao Ye took the letter, a trace of doubt flashed in his eyes: "Grandfather, isn't Master Xiao Ling of the Xiao family still in seclusion? Is it inappropriate for us to disturb him like this?"
She continued, "After all, apart from Master Xiao Ling, the rest of the Xiao family has not reached the Dou Wang level. I'm afraid they can't provide much help in the current war."
Jia Xingtian pondered for a while, then slowly spoke: "Although Master Xiao Ling is still in seclusion and cannot attack the Three Kingdoms coalition, the outside world does not know that his three companions are not simple in strength."
"The woman named Xiao Yixian and the girl named Zi Yan you met before, both of them are Dou Huang-level warriors, and they are also outstanding among Dou Huangs. As for the girl named Qing Lin, although she is only Dou Wang-level, I can feel that she is not simple. She must have some hidden cards. Even I feel a little afraid. If we can invite them, it will undoubtedly be a powerful force for our Jia Ma Empire."
Yao Ye was surprised when she heard what Jia Xingtian said. She knew something about Zi Yan, but she didn't know about Xiao Yixian and Qing Lin.
She originally thought that the other two women were by Xiao Ling's side only because of their beauty, but she didn't expect that they actually had such amazing talents. They looked only in their teens, but they had already reached such a high level of cultivation, which made Yao Ye feel a little frustrated.
However, Yao Ye did not dwell on this matter too much. Facing the joint offensive of the three-nation alliance, the Jiama Empire was in a precarious situation, and the safety of the country was far more urgent than anything else.
She took a deep breath and suppressed her emotions. She nodded seriously and said to Jia Xingtian, "Grandfather, I understand. I will try my best to ask them for help."
Jia Xingtian looked at Yao Ye, with a glimmer of approval in his eyes: "Ye'er, you have always been my proudest junior. I believe you can handle these things, and I have to leave first."
(End of this chapter)