Bai Ye, while keeping an eye on the demon Kurumit, was also monitoring Li Jiayi.
Regrettably, neither of them appeared, but...
Rimuru had arrived!
A deafening roar suddenly erupted on the battlefield, followed by a colossal, almost transparent barrier of light that enveloped a large area.
Then...
BOOM!
Within the massive light barrier, explosions thundered, and terrifying black flames erupted.
Instantly, vast numbers of Orcs were engulfed and incinerated by the black flames!
They were utterly defenseless!
"Who are you?"
Some Orcs, filled with dread, looked back into the swirling smoke from which figures were slowly emerging.
"Hey, hey, hey, that wounds me deeply. Didn't you devour our village? And now you claim not to recognize me."
Benimaru spoke as he walked out of the smoke, black鬼火 (Onibi - Ghost Fire) reappearing in his open palm.
"Those demon horns... a survivor of the Great Oni tribe? Why have they changed like this? Have they evolved?"
"Who knows?"
In response to the Orcs' bewildered questions, Benimaru hurled the ghost fire from his hand forward again.
BOOM!
Another explosive roar echoed, the giant light barrier once more encompassing the battlefield. Black flames raged, instantly consuming the Orcs.
Meanwhile, the other Oni also launched their attacks.
The elder Hakurou leaped forward, his figure a blur as he appeared behind a dozen Orcs. Intersecting sword lights flashed, and the Orcs were all sliced into pieces.
Shion charged forward, shouting, then leaped high, smashing her greatsword downwards.
CLANG!
The earth shattered, and the immense impact transformed into layers of shockwaves that radiated outwards, sending the Orcs flying.
"Hmm?" Bai Ye raised an eyebrow. "They've grown stronger again."
Bai Ye wasn't entirely sure about Benimaru and Hakurou's strength, but he knew Shion quite well and her abilities. When she had been with him, she certainly hadn't been this powerful. While she could take down a dozen Orcs, she couldn't have done it with a single sword strike.
"As expected, the Jura Tempest Forest and the Monster Kingdom, this region has significant potential for growth."
Bai Ye murmured, then looked into the distance.
Since Rimuru's trusted elite, the Six Demon Lords, had appeared, Rimuru himself should be here.
Meanwhile...
At the edge of the forest, the demon Kurumit glared at a crystal ball, filled with rage.
The crystal ball was displaying the ongoing battle, and with the arrival of the Chosen Ones and the Six Demon Lords, the Orcs were being pushed back.
Then...
Suddenly, black tornadoes swept across the battlefield, each one connecting heaven and earth, incredibly terrifying. As they swept through, they utterly annihilated the surrounding Orcs!
The Black Tempest Storm!
Howling sounds erupted from the center of the battlefield.
Rimuru's mount, Gariyu, roared upwards. Immediately, its body was enveloped in light, its size increasing dramatically, its single horn on its forehead transforming into two!
It had evolved!
With the battle, Gariyu evolved into the Black Tempest Star Wolf!
This became the straw that broke the camel's back. The Black Tempest Star Wolf's ability to control wind currents was too terrifying. Over a dozen black tornadoes, erupting from the ground, were unstoppable. Thousands of Orcs were instantly slaughtered.
"Damn it!"
Kurumit, in his fury, smashed the crystal ball to the ground, shattering it.
"This cannot continue!" Kurumit exclaimed anxiously. "If this continues and the plan fails, that person will not forgive me. Never!"
Kurumit gritted his teeth, then shot upwards, transforming into a red streak of light and ascending into the sky.
Bai Ye squatted on a small hill, enjoying the show.
Because the Orc Lord had arrived!
The Orc Lord was taller than any other Orc, wearing a gem-encrusted helmet and wielding a cleaver.
Apart from being larger and more robust, the Orc Lord looked no different from an ordinary Orc.
However...
"Orc Lord!"
When enemies meet, their eyes burn with hatred!
Shion roared in anger and charged at the Orc Lord, leaping high and bringing her greatsword down upon him.
But...
CLANG!
That seemingly fearsome sword had no effect on the Orc Lord. With a casual swing of his cleaver, he knocked Shion's greatsword away, the immense force sending her flying.
Hakurou, one of the Six Demon Lords, intervened at this moment, leaping forward and brushing past the Orc Lord.
Silver sword lights suddenly erupted in the air, and then...
CLANG!
The Orc Lord stood motionless, while Hakurou looked in horror at his short sword, which had snapped into several pieces.
"As expected..." Bai Ye murmured. "This guy is probably meant for Rimuru to handle!"
At this very moment...
A red meteor streaked across the sky, capturing everyone's attention.
BOOM!
The meteor passing through the sky shattered a black tornado, emitting a massive sound before descending.
RUMBLE!
Upon impact with the ground, a second explosion occurred, creating a deep crater. Layers of shockwaves pushed outwards like a passing typhoon, forcing those nearby to instinctively raise their hands to shield themselves.
A moment later, Kurumit emerged from the dust, his face contorted with fury, shouting outwards.
"You damnable wretches, why did you ruin my plan?" Kurumit roared, raising his staff. "All of you shall die and become nourishment for the Orc Lord..."
Red light suddenly emanated from the staff.
"Today, I will show you the power of a High Demon!" Kurumit shouted loudly. "No one can stop the birth of a new Demon Lord!"
The red light suddenly exploded, transforming into countless red magic bullets that shot forward, precisely targeting Shion, who had been sent flying and knocked down earlier.
Panic flickered in Shion's eyes. She reached out to her side, only to find emptiness. Her greatsword had been knocked away earlier!
As the magic bullets were about to strike...
Suddenly...
A figure descended from the sky!
BOOM!
Accompanied by silver sword light, a terrifying blade swept downwards. The thunderous roar coincided with the magic bullets being instantly pulverized!
Bai Ye grinned, resting his sword on his shoulder, and turned towards Shion's direction.
The next instant, Bai Ye smiled and said, "I will fight for those who cannot fight!"