"Reinforcements?"
Lin Zhao frowned, his sword brows knitted together.
"Yes."
Beside him, Mu La floated down and said, "The demon race completed their troop deployment two days ago. Now, in addition to the ninth and tenth military tents in the Panyun Mountain area, two new tents, the eleventh and twelfth, have been added. Therefore, the demon race's stationed troops near Xueyu Tianchi have reached 800,000. And it's not just the demon race. According to our scout cavalry's reports, the demon race's army has also moved south. About a hundred miles north of Gu Xiaoguan, the demon race has set up several military tents, with approximately 200,000 demon cavalry eyeing us menacingly."
"Understood."
Lin Zhao pondered for a moment and said, "Shall we go take a look at the Flood Dragon Boat?"
"Alright!"
Thus, Lin Zhao, accompanied by Mu La, Chu Yu, Xiang Ji, and Xu Sheng, headed to the Flood Dragon Boat. The Flood Dragon Boat had already been moved to the foot of the mountain, on the flat ground of Xueyu Tianchi. Its mast towered high, and it emanated a dense Mohist formation's aura. The pores on both sides of the spirit boat were densely packed with colossal spirit crystal cannons. Soldiers from Xueyu Tianchi were already on board, sweeping away dust.
Lin Zhao stepped onto the spirit boat from the stairs below its side, ascending step by step. A few minutes later, he reached the deck, immediately taking in the entire upper structure of the Flood Dragon Boat. Not far away, Zhu Zhi descended gracefully, her aura exuding a potent sword intent. She seemed to have achieved success in her cultivation, her strength having reached a new level.
"My lord."
Zhu Zhi said softly, "The Mohist ancestral court has left two disciples to teach the people of Xueyu Tianchi how to control and pilot the Flood Dragon Boat, as well as how to operate spirit crystal cannons and other equipment. This Flood Dragon Boat requires about a thousand people to pilot and fight. Mu La and I have already selected a group of dexterous and quick-handed soldiers from the army. Additionally, we have selected a group of soldiers skilled in long-range shooting and archery to be responsible for defense on the deck. A total of one thousand people have been assigned to form an army to pilot the Flood Dragon Boat."
"Good."
Lin Zhao smiled with satisfaction and said, "This is how it should be. Zhu Zhi and Mu La, discuss the matters of the Flood Dragon Boat. It doesn't matter if you spend a bit more money, as long as the Flood Dragon Boat's combat power is guaranteed. Back then, Lin Xuanzhi, leading 500 cultivators of the Great Shang Dynasty, couldn't defeat the twelfth-level sword immortal of the demon race, Feng Quan. My requirements for you are not high; our Flood Dragon Boat must be able to contend equally with a twelfth-level sword immortal of the demon race. Otherwise, all the money we've spent will have been wasted."
Zhu Zhi smiled charmingly and replied, "Yes, subordinate understands."
Mu La touched his nose. It was easy to say. How powerful was a twelfth-level demon sword immortal? For this Flood Dragon Boat to reach such combat power, it would likely require a long period of training. Furthermore, the cultivators piloting the Flood Dragon Boat must also be strong. It seemed... the cultivators on the mountains of Xueyu Tianchi needed to be even stronger, otherwise, they would never meet Lin Zhao's requirements.
After descending from the Flood Dragon Boat, Lin Zhao looked towards the south.
Within the vast blue sky, a Kunpeng Immortal Boat was ascending from Luoyan Mountain, laden with spirit stones, heading back to the Mohist ancestral court. He smiled and asked, "What's the situation with the spirit stone mines at the Mohist ancestral court?"
Xiang Ji smiled and replied, "Reporting to my lord, the Kunpeng Immortal Boat from the Mohist ancestral court has already made one round trip, returning to the ancestral court with heavy spirit stones. It is said that the workshops there have already begun operating day and night to mint currency. We believe the first batch of Jinziqian and Feiyuqian will arrive at our Xueyu Tianchi soon."
"Oh?"
Lin Zhao smiled and asked, "Extracting the spiritual energy from the spirit stones, are there any specific considerations when minting Jinziqian or Feiyuqian?"
"Yes."
Zhu Zhi explained, "Spirit stones longer than an arm's length have rich and abundant spiritual energy reserves, suitable for minting Jinziqian. Mid-sized and smaller spirit stones can only be used to mint Feiyuqian. As for the scraps left after cutting the spirit stones, they can only be used to mint Qingfuqian. My lord need not worry about the minting of currency; the Mohist ancestral court has its own set of rules."
"Mm-hmm, good."
...
Just then, a troop of flying cavalry ascended the mountain from the south. It was a group of Vermilion Bird Cavalry from Shanhai Pass, belonging to Han Yetang's forces, numbering around 500+. The weakest among them were Gold-tier NPCs, with levels starting from 100, all considered elites of the Vermilion Bird Cavalry. They were led by a female Cavalry Commander, and as they were about to enter the mountain gate, they were stopped by a scruffy man raising his arm.
"Xueyu Tianchi, a vital military stronghold. Who are you people?!"
"..."
The female Cavalry Commander gave a slight start. Her eyes fixed on the gatekeeper of Xueyu Tianchi, and her heart began to pound. This fellow was truly extraordinary; she couldn't discern his cultivation level. She surmised that his realm must be higher than hers, a Golden Core cultivator. Therefore, she respectfully cupped her fists and said, "Under the order of Commander Han Yetang of Shanhai Pass, we are to camp on the northern mountain of Xueyu Tianchi to assist in its defense, and also to ensure the fastest possible communication with Shanhai Pass."
"Is that so..."
Tang Guangjun frowned slightly. "Han Yetang has a profound friendship with our Mountain Lord. In that case, you may proceed."
"Thank you!"
The female Cavalry Commander smiled slightly and, leading her men, rode through the small town, arriving in front of Lin Zhao, Zhu Zhi, Mu La, and the others. She dismounted and cupped her fists, smiling, "Recently, the demon and demon races have been amassing their armies. Therefore, Commander Han Yetang has ordered us to camp on the slopes of the northern mountain of Xueyu Tianchi to assist in its defense, and also to let the demon race know that Xueyu Tianchi is not solely defended by the Lin family army."
"Thank you!"
Lin Zhao smiled with joy and said, "Please feel free. All Vermilion Bird Cavalry are free to move around Xueyu Tianchi without restriction. If you require provisions, you can find Mu La."
"No need, thank you."
The female Cavalry Commander chuckled lightly. "We have a convoy carrying provisions and supplies following behind us."
"Mm, then... please help yourselves?"
"Alright."
Not long after the Vermilion Bird Camp departed towards the northern mountain, another army ascended the mountain, also numbering around 500. There were no cavalry, only a group of people clad in green armor, carrying green heavy shields and steel spears, bearing a large banner with the character "Lin" on it. This army consisted entirely of heavy shield and spear soldiers, with only a few archers. At first glance, it was evident that they were renowned for their defense.
Lin Zhao took one look and knew who it was.
One of the Six Great Hall Divisions, the Rock Army that guarded Yangping Pass. Their former commander was Li Conghai, who later died heroically in the great battle of Xueyu Tianchi. Now, the commander of the Rock Army was Lin Ruo, a kinsman of Lin Zhao. It was said that he was an outstanding young Heavenly Yuan martial artist, whose combat power was not inferior to Chen Xi's.
This Rock Army was led by a Commander. After passing Tang Guangjun's scrutiny, the Commander approached Lin Zhao and the others, cupped his fists, and said, "The demon and demon races have both reinforced their troops. Lord Lin Ruo is concerned about the safety of Xueyu Tianchi, so he has ordered us to camp on the northern mountain of Xueyu Tianchi, so that Yangping Pass can gain early intelligence on the northern threat."
"Mm."
Lin Zhao nodded, feeling a touch of warmth in his heart. It was normal for Han Yetang to send people, as he was already familiar with Lin Zhao. As for Lin Ruo from Yangping Pass, they had never met before. Yet, he had dispatched troops to the mountain. Though the numbers were small, it showed his sincerity. If nothing else, Lin Ruo was acting for the good of the human race, and such people were the most valuable.
"Please help yourselves. If you have any needs regarding provisions, accommodations, or anything else, feel free to tell us directly." Lin Zhao said.
The Commander's face was filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Lord Baiyi. We will proceed now."
"Mm!"
...
Soon after, another group of people ascended the mountain from the south. However, this time they were not NPCs, but a group of players with IDs above their heads. There were over 200 people in the group, and each of them bore the same guild emblem on their chest: a fierce, clawing azure dragon. This was the Azure Dragon Guild from Baidi City, and they were personally led by their alliance leader, Yi Shi Cang Liang. Clearly, the Azure Dragon Guild had likely given up some of the terrestrial boss resources in Baidi City, and many elite players had directly followed Yi Shi Cang Liang to Xueyu Tianchi.
After all, Yi Shi Cang Liang harbored a dream of the martial world! He had personally witnessed a world-shattering battle in Xueyu Tianchi and seen countless human saints sacrifice themselves bravely. The impact on him was not a small one. In fact, Yi Shi Cang Liang's longing for the martial world on Xueyu Tianchi might have surpassed anyone else's.
"Halt!"
Tang Guangjun once again raised his arm and said sternly, "Who are you? How dare you trespass upon Xueyu Tianchi? State your name immediately!"
"Hmph..."
Yi Shi Cang Liang glanced at the scruffy man. He could tell he wasn't some peerless master, so he coldly scoffed, "I was once a traveler to Xueyu Tianchi. Now, an old acquaintance is visiting. What right do you, a gatekeeper, have to demand my name?"
Tang Guangjun narrowed his eyes, his hand moving towards his sword hilt, and calmly said, "I have a sword, named..."
"Alright, alright!"
Yi Shi Cang Liang said helplessly, "I get it, you're formidable. Everyone on Xueyu Tianchi is a hidden dragon and a crouching tiger, okay? I was presumptuous. My name is Yi Shi Cang Liang, a good brother of Lin Baiyi of Xueyu Tianchi. I've brought my brothers to Xueyu Tianchi this time to kill demons."
"Oh?"
Tang Guangjun lowered his hand and said calmly, "Since you are a brother of my junior's lord, you may pass."
Yi Shi Cang Liang nodded.
The players from the Azure Dragon Guild rode past, looking down at Tang Guangjun with condescending gazes. What was wrong with this NPC? He had hidden his level and stats, but he was just a gatekeeper, why was he acting so important?
Tang Guangjun frowned. These young people from another world were somewhat impolite. Their self-important and arrogant demeanor made Tang Guangjun wish he could strike each of them with his sword. Coming to this world but not adhering to its martial world's rules, these people would eventually suffer.
...
After passing through the small town, Yi Shi Cang Liang spotted Lin Zhao sitting on a rock, roasting fish. He immediately rushed over and cupped his fists, smiling, "Lin Zhao, long time no see!"
"Ah?"
Lin Zhao looked at him and couldn't help but smile. "Alliance Leader Cang Liang leading people up the mountain... is it for leveling up? Or for quests?"
"We'll see."
Yi Shi Cang Liang replied, "If there are quests, we'll take them. If not, we'll farm monsters. As a part of the human race, with the demon race about to advance south, it would be inexcusable not to contribute."
"Mm!"
Lin Zhao nodded with a smile. "Excellent, excellent!"
He pointed in the direction of the northern mountain and said, "The Vermilion Bird Camp and the Rock Army are setting up camps over there. You can go take a look later; perhaps you can receive some quests. I won't be able to entertain you, as I still need to roast some food. My hunger level has dropped below the acceptable line."
"Mm, alright!"
Yi Shi Cang Liang rode past.
Behind him, a young swordsman clad in exquisite armor, with a handsome and rugged appearance, rode a spirited horse. His ID was Fu You Du Hai, a group leader of the Azure Dragon Guild. He looked up at Lin Zhao for a long time, unable to discern anything. He thought Lin Zhao's appearance was slightly inferior to his own, and his demeanor lacked refinement. Chen Xue was currently serving as Lin Zhao's vice alliance leader; could she truly have fallen for him?
He frowned, opened his friend list, and intended to send Chen Xue a message saying he had seen her alliance leader. But after thinking about it, he ultimately did not send it. He decided to let her cherish her unspoken love and not to disturb her life unnecessarily.
He drooped his head and followed his alliance leader down the northern mountain.