Supreme Sword Exalt

After the dragon’s cry, a touch of red appeared in the distant void. In less than half a breath, it completely transformed into a bloody hue. Following it came waves of heavy pressure. Within the red, five barbarians approached from afar and appeared before the man.

The five wore almost identical attire. They were bare-chested and barefoot, with dark skin. Their muscles knotted all over, brimming with explosive power. They seemed capable of tearing the very sky and earth apart with a single casual strike. Around their necks, each bore a differently shaped, rather strange pattern. The bloody hue came from the vast, abyss-like vital qi emanating from the five.

Facing the five’s provocation, the fury in the Flame Dragon’s eyes intensified. With another crisp cry, a wave of majestic dragon might descended, rivaling the five’s imposing aura.

From among the five, a barbarian with graying hair and beard said slowly, “Flame Emperor, same rules. I still need to ask on behalf of that one, do you truly intend to continue—”

Before he finished speaking, a flicker of cold intent flashed in the Flame Dragon’s eyes. It swung its massive tail, carrying a heaven-stirring blazing intent, and struck the barbarian.

A thunderous crash sounded, and the barbarian was sent flying, his vital qi scattering by more than half. From beginning to end, the Flame Emperor did not say a single word. This was his answer.

The other four seemed unsurprised. Right after that, the barbarian landed on the field again. Despite being a seventh-stage Saint body cultivator, he did not escape the Flame Dragon’s full-powered strike unscathed. His vital qi was somewhat weaker than before.

He stared at Yun Tian. “Flame Emperor, you are indeed very strong, no wonder the Great Elder died at your hands back then. You deserve the title of peak supreme expert for facing five alone and contending with us for so many years. Still, no matter how strong you are, what use is it? How many more years can the Great Flame Empire last? Is it worth it?”

Yun Tian said calmly, “You want us to bow? You think you can convince me with just the five of you?”

His voice was majestic and domineering, carrying a hint of disdain. As his words fell, the Flame Dragon roared, its blazing intent spread rapidly, suppressing the vital qi of the five.

The five’s expressions shifted slightly. They had fought against the Flame Emperor for many years and understood his strength very well. He had grown stronger again!

Without hesitation, the five let out a light shout, their vital qi expanding once more. Then, they threw their fists together, meeting the Flame Dragon head-on. The Flame Dragon roared, vital qi thundered, resounding across half the sky.

The Flame Emperor faced five alone and did not fall the slightest bit behind.

***

Within Yun Lie’s camp, Yun Lie’s injuries had fully recovered after a few days. Feng Xi had shown mercy that day. Nevertheless, even though his injuries healed, the hatred and anger in his heart only festered.

A flash of dragon-shaped qi erupted from him, reducing the desk before him into dust.

His eyes were bloodshot, on the verge of madness. “Why?! I won’t accept this! I am also his son, why does he treat me so differently?!”

Beside him, Ji Cheng and Song He watched as they shook their heads. The ninth prince was indeed unfit for great responsibility. It was for the best. He was now at a dead end, with no path left except to submit to that person.

Ji Cheng said, “Your Highness, it doesn’t matter. Since the Flame Emperor refuses to give you what you want, why not go and claim it yourself? By submitting to that person, you can gain ten times more than in the empire!”

Yun Lie’s expression twisted slightly. “You’re right! Everything I desire, I will take back with my own two hands!”

Song He sighed. “Your Highness, for now, we must absolutely avoid causing any more trouble. Once the battle begins, I will first eliminate Gu Han, then—”

Suddenly, a clear dragon’s cry came from the distant heights, reaching their ears. They were no stranger to such a commotion. The Flame Emperor had made a move and the barbarians had come again.

Ji Cheng lit up. “What perfect timing, Your Highness. Today is our opportunity!”

Yun Lie sprang to his feet. “Good! Father, since my empire shows me no kindness, do not blame me for being disloyal!”

Song He’s eyes blazed with killing intent. He was certain that Gu Han would take the field today. Then, it would be Gu Han’s moment of death, the time to avenge Song Jian!

***

In the central military camp, everyone’s excitement was instantly doused. After all, they had not only heard the dragon’s cry, but also felt the faint traces of saintly might emanating from the distant heights above.

The barbarians are attacking!

Liao Zheng’s expression turned serious as he looked at Fatty. “Brother Yulin, the ninth prince has been stripped of his command position. The Blazing Flame Army will temporarily fall under your jurisdiction!”

“Huh?”

“Aren’t you a marquis? And soon to be a prince?!”

Fatty grimaced. “What... Fighting, I’m your man, but leading troops... I have no experience.”

“It doesn’t matter. The border army cultivators who have survived this long are all elites seasoned in battle formations. They know what to do. Your task is to hold off the experts among the barbarians!”

“But my title...”

“Just make one up on the spot, or do you need me to teach you?”

Fatty was speechless.

Liao Zheng waved his hand. “Enough! Spare me the nonsense. Once you’re on the battlefield, you’ll figure out how to fight. We’ll go make arrangements. As for you, Vanguard Gu—”

Gu Han shook his head. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll adapt as needed.”

“Good!”

Without further hesitation, the few swiftly departed.

“Zhengyang Army, with me!”

“Chiyao Army, with me!”

“Dingxuan Army, with me!”

In an instant, cultivators from various camps quickly gathered. As expected of veterans of many battles, they showed no panic despite their nervousness.

Although they were nervous, they showed no panic. Soon they formed ranks and, led by their commanders, swiftly left the camps and marched to the battlefield. Murong Yan and Shen Xuan were among them.

After a few hasty instructions, Gu Han lingered no longer and vanished without a trace.

Fatty said with pained realization, “Just as I thought! Old Liao had it in for me from the very start! No way! I don’t mind risking my life, but this title business is no small matter. I’ve got to come up with a name that’ll dazzle everyone!”

***

Feng Xi removed her wine gourd before her camp, took a quiet sip, and glanced at Yun Fan. “Ready?”

Yun Fan’s expression grew solemn. “Yes. All Fengyi Army troops are fully assembled!”

Just then, a gust of wind swept past, and Gu Han appeared instantly.

“Brother Gu?”

“Senior Sister.” Gu Han was about to speak when he suddenly noticed Zhao Mengyou standing behind Feng Xi. He frowned deeply. “You’re going too?”

Zhao Mengyou let out a proud huff. “I elicited seven rings from the Dao Bell after all. My combat experience might not match yours, but it’s ten times better than Song Jian’s. Don’t underestimate me. Why can’t I go?”

Gu Han nodded and didn’t stop her. “Alright. Be careful. Don’t die.”

Zhao Mengyou felt secretly delighted. “O-okay.”

Getting a word of concern from him for going to the battlefield is quite worth it.

Yun Fan was about to make a teasing remark when Gu Han smacked the back of his head. “Go find Senior Xue! The first batch of successfully refined pills is far from enough for the entire army. Distribute the pills, and keep some on you to support the various units when needed!”

Yun Fan turned serious, and he left immediately. “Got it!”

***

Before the white camp, Li Xun was full of fervor upon seeing Yun Fan arrive. “Little Prince, now that I’ve joined the Great Flame Empire, I am a part of it. With the barbarians attacking, I have a duty to fulfill. You may not know this, but besides my alchemy skills, I also have some knowledge for combat. Today, I wish to join the border army in battle!”

These past days, he had thoroughly studied the Great Flame Empire’s military merit system. Exchanging for Transcendent Substance required a terrifying amount of military merit. Relying solely on alchemy was too slow, making enlisting a good choice.

Yun Fan was moved, sighing with emotion. “Court Master Li, you’re truly a paragon of benevolent heroism. If only everyone in the empire were like you!”

Li Xun laughed heartily. “We cultivators fear no battle! I seek glory!”

With those words, he soared through the air and departed, leaving Yun Fan with the image of an unrestrained back.