Chapter 420 Road to Glory
Chapter 420 Road to Glory
"I don't want to fight anymore. Now, I declare that this gate-blocking battle is over."
Zheng Qian said he didn't want to fight anymore. Every word seemed to carry immense power, instantly suppressing the boiling fighting spirit and endless clamor. The blood of the three races' prodigies, originally like a volcano about to erupt, fiery and wild, was now met with an unprecedented tsunami. Their fervent fighting spirit froze instantly upon Zheng Qian's declaration.
They stared wide-eyed in disbelief at the unyielding figure, a legendary being who had single-handedly intimidated the demons of three races. His gaze was firm and profound, without the slightest hesitation or retreat, yet he said he no longer wanted to fight.
"No, you think you can just say you won't fight and then not fight?" Lie Yi's anger erupted like a volcano, his voice echoing across the empty battlefield, filled with unwavering resolve and fury.
"You, an outsider, dare to act recklessly on the territory of our three races, killing countless of our monstrous brethren? Every single one of their lives is precious, yet you treat them like dirt!" His eyes seemed to burn with raging flames as he stared directly at Zheng Qian, each word seemingly squeezed out from between his teeth, filled with endless hatred and resentment.
"You not only murdered the innocent, but you also had the audacity to take the life of the Great General's son, Lie Long! He was the hope of our three clans, the future leader. You caused his untimely death, plunging countless families into grief. Do you think this blood debt can be wiped away with a simple 'I won't beat you'?" Lie Yi's voice trembled with anger, his fists clenched, as if ready to unleash his pent-up rage at any moment.
"And then there's Shadow Demon. He was a hero of the three races, a warrior who risked his life countless times for them, yet you ruthlessly took his life. Their sacrifice, their bravery—can't they earn even a sliver of remorse from you, a sliver of respect for the demon race?"
"Yes, we must continue!" The surrounding prodigies echoed, their roars coalescing into an unstoppable torrent, their sound reverberating across the land. "The gate-blocking battle cannot end. This is a battle for the dignity of our three races, a battle for which you must pay for your sins! Pick up your swords and continue!"
"You killed so many of our people! Every night, weeping echoes in our ears—a curse against you, an indictment of your crimes. You think you can just stop fighting like that? That's too much! That's too naive!" The roars of the three demon races were like thunder, shaking every inch of the land. Their eyes were filled with a yearning for justice and a determination for revenge.
On this battlefield stained with blood, there was no compromise, no retreat, only endless rage and an indomitable will.
Life goes on, the fight continues.
Bloodshot eyes welled up in Zheng Qian's eyes as he roared at the demon race, "So what?"
Then...how...how...Zheng Qian's roar echoed across Huaxu Cliff, still audible several miles away. The three races finally quieted down. They were unwilling and filled with hatred, yet helpless. Spirit and rules bound them. Fifty thousand ghost soldiers awaited them. If they dared to make a move, they would be met with a fatal blow.
Zheng Qian took a deep breath and said coldly, "I blocked the door but didn't kill him. But you killed my sect's genius, Xiong Haichang. When Tong Can pierced his heart with a sword and impaled him in the air, did you feel any pain? No, you cheered loudly and celebrated. In the battle that followed, you tried every means to kill me. Did I, Zheng Qian, back down even a step? No, I, Zheng Qian, will take on all your battles."
Zheng Qian's voice grew louder and louder, equally agitated: "Respect? Did your demon race respect our human race? We braved the demonic winds of the Ghostly Rift Valley and the scorching sun to start the gate-blocking battle, and you opened the gate when you wanted to fight and closed it when you didn't. Is that respect? I was fighting Shadow Demon, and you were thinking about how to kill me. If it weren't for my master's intervention, you would have used your superior cultivation level to kill me. Is that respect? Lie Yi, tell me, is that respect?"
Lie Yi's eyes were red. He knew that Zheng Qian was telling the truth, but he couldn't accept that Zheng Qian had ended the fight. They had already planned their killing move, and Zheng Qian was bound to die. How could he accept that Zheng Qian suddenly said he was not going to fight anymore?
Yin Kuang was equally unwilling. Before the battle, Lie Yuchen had promised him many benefits, and Zheng Qian was seriously injured. It was a game he was sure to win, so how could Zheng Qian not fight?
"Zheng Qian, you actually backed down and dared not fight after experiencing battlefield training. In my opinion, you are nothing special and not worthy of fighting me." Yin Kuang glanced at him with disdain. Zheng Qian's performance had greatly disappointed him.
"Oh, you've got some nerve, haven't you?" Zheng Qian pointed at Yin Kuang, his tone even more disdainful: "You dog, you're in the late stage of the Zen Demon Realm, right? You're a whole realm higher than me. If you have the guts, seal your realm to the late stage of the Demon Transformation Realm, and be at the same level as me. I'll kill you like slaughtering a dog."
"you……"
"What? Do you want me to call out someone at the late True Core Realm to fight you? They're a whole realm higher than you, do you dare to fight?" Zheng Qian didn't give Yin Kuang a chance to speak and shouted at Li Ming, "Li Ming, this dog Yin Kuang is pretty arrogant, you teach him how to be a dog."
"Yes, Master." Li Ming took out a long spear, its tip gleaming coldly and reflecting a chilling light in the sunlight. He moved steadily, each step following an invisible rhythm, slowly approaching Yin Kuang, his whole body exuding a cold killing intent.
"Yin Kuang, you dare to be so arrogant when you're only in the late stage of the Zen Demon Realm? Today, if you dare to come out and accept the challenge, I, Li Ming, will show you with my actions that killing you is as easy as slaughtering a dog." Li Ming's voice was calm and firm, quite different from his usual humble demeanor. At this moment, he was like a drawn sword, its sharpness fully revealed.
Yin Kuang's expression shifted between anger and uncertainty. He hadn't expected Zheng Qian to provoke him so directly, nor had he anticipated Li Ming's swift response and intense killing intent. Yesterday, Li Ming's spear pierced Lie Yi, displaying a combat prowess that terrified the demon race. How could he dare challenge Li Ming? He let out a cold snort, his eyes filled with humiliation.
He was a whole realm higher than Zheng Qian, yet Zheng Qian dared to fight him. Li Ming was at the late True Core Realm, also a whole realm higher, but Zheng Qian didn't dare to fight him. That's the difference.
"Alright, get lost." Zheng Qian waved his hand at Yin Kuang as if shooing away flies, then shouted loudly, "Listen up, you demon-transforming brats, I'm waiting for you in the battle at the Dragon Transformation Cliff."
After a thunderous roar, Zheng Qian turned around with a dashing air, as if the entire world trembled. Just then, Feng Yingte gracefully glided to Zheng Qian's feet, elegant and loyal. A knowing smile bloomed on Zheng Qian's face. With practiced ease, he flipped over and mounted Feng Yingte's back, his aura soaring, the war god returning in triumph.
"Brothers, back to Dawnhold!" Zheng Qian's voice was firm and powerful, filled with unquestionable authority.
"Haha, after blocking the gate for four days and slaying countless demons, we can finally go back to Dawn Fortress and have a good drink to celebrate!" Lei Ruichen shouted excitedly. His face was full of joy as he ran over and naturally became Zheng Qian's little follower. His admiration and devotion to the hero were evident in his words.
"Heroes are returning home! Let's go!" Ma Haoli shouted exaggeratedly, his voice filled with boundless joy and pride. He was truly overjoyed. In this battle, they not only proved their strength but also terrified the three races of demons from the Dragon Transformation Cliff. From then on, they dared not challenge anyone of the same realm and could only cower in the Transformation Cliff fortress like cowards.
"Welcome home, hero!" The 50,000-strong anti-deception army roared in unison, their voices deafening, filled with reverence and welcome for their hero. The weapons in their hands gleamed coldly in the sunlight, as if they too were cheering for the hero's return.
Lie Yi's eyes blazed with fury, yet he was helpless. Zheng Qian had started the gate-blocking battle, so naturally the gate-blocking battle would end. With Yun Youzi and the Ji Gui Army protecting him, even if all the demons of the three races attacked together, they would not be able to kill Zheng Qian.
Standing atop the Huaxu Cliff Fortress, Lie Yuchen gritted his teeth. He truly hadn't expected Zheng Qian to abandon the fight and end the gate-blocking battle directly. This willingness to retreat gracefully sent chills down Lie Yuchen's spine. If Zheng Qian were allowed to grow stronger, the three races would face a devastating blow.
"Zheng Qian, I, Lie Yuchen, swear that no matter the cost, I will kill you in your bud." Lie Yuchen's hatred for Zheng Qian was higher than the sky and deeper than the sea. The death of Lie Long was a pain he could never forget. Killing Zheng Qian was not only a personal grudge, but also for the sake of the clan's development. Therefore, Zheng Qian ranked first on his death list.
Just as Lie Yuchen was considering whether to take a risk and kill Zheng Qian directly, he raised his head and completely abandoned the idea.
A deep blue flag, blocking out the sunlight, flew in from the horizon. Against the backdrop of a deep night sky dotted with stars, a colossal silver dragon coiled and twisted, its piercing eyes revealing all-knowing wisdom. Encircled by the dragon was an ancient scroll, inscribed with intricate runes, symbolizing the Alliance's endless pursuit of knowledge and its inheritance of ancient wisdom.
This is the battle flag of the Strategic Alliance. When it flies over the sky, it spreads out and becomes a flag the size of a cloak when it reaches Zheng Qian. It is then draped over Zheng Qian's body.
"The War Banner of the Wise Alliance: The Wisdom of Emblems, laying out strategies for the world, tactics like chess pieces, advancing step by step. Heroes gather under the banner, pooling their wisdom and plans to achieve hegemony." Xiao Zhi, the leader of the Wise Alliance, his long robes fluttering in the wind, his voice seemed to transcend the shackles of time, carrying boundless wisdom and strategy, resounding throughout the heavens and earth.
"The Radiant Legion's battle banner: The oath of light illuminates the journey, courage burns like fire, lighting up the darkness. Heroes return, adorned with the battle banner, crowned with glory, vowing to uphold their oath, undaunted by difficulties, forging ahead bravely, fearless and undaunted." Radiant General Zhao Nuo, clad in silver armor, spoke with a warm yet resolute voice, like the rising sun illuminating every dark corner.
Before the words were finished, a dazzling golden light pierced the sky, and the battle flag of the Radiant Legion fluttered in the wind, its oath of light shining brightly, dazzling and full of hope and power.
The Radiant Legion's battle flag is predominantly a dazzling gold, with a blazing sun at its center, radiating light and symbolizing the legion members' unwavering faith in light and justice. Behind the sun is a brilliant sword of light, representing the sword of justice, fearless and invincible. Pure white feathers adorn the border, light and flowing, signifying the legion's swift and precise movements. The tail of the flag is embroidered with a phoenix soaring high, reborn from the ashes, symbolizing the Radiant Legion's ability to transcend itself and be reborn even in the face of adversity, through indomitable will and unwavering faith.
Two battle flags, one blue and one gold, slowly descended from the sky, encircling the hero standing in the center—Zheng Qian. At this moment, being adorned with these two flags was not only the highest praise for his past achievements, but also an infinite expectation for his future journey.
"Roar... Heroes are returning home." Feng Ying, with an air of dominance over the world, strode forward with a gait that disregarded all worldly constraints, his nostrils flaring to the sky, each step exuding endless majesty and glory, slowly walking towards the direction where Ma Yi was.
Ma Yi's voice boomed like thunder through the Youfeng Rift Valley, echoing and reverberating through every inch of space: "Zheng Qian, our human hero, after overcoming countless hardships and blocking the gate for four days, has finally returned in triumph! Fifty thousand Ghost-Slaying Army, listen to my command, stand in two rows, and welcome our hero home with the highest respect!"
As Ma Yi gave the order, he turned and stood shoulder to shoulder with Zhao Feng, like two unshakeable mountains, standing firm on either side of the passage. Behind them, the 50,000-strong anti-deception army seemed to be drawn by an invisible force, their movements perfectly synchronized, as if they were one person, quickly and orderly separating to form a straight and wide passage leading to the sky—a glorious path paved for heroes.
"Salute!" Ma Yi's roar rang out again, like a thunderclap, shaking people's hearts. At the same moment, the 50,000 elite troops seemed to be driven by an invisible force, raising their right hands in unison and forcefully slamming them against their chests, producing a uniform "smack" sound. It was not just the sound of arms hitting chests, but also the resonance of their endless admiration and loyalty to the hero.
At this moment, the Wind Rift Valley seemed to be shrouded in a solemn and sacred atmosphere, with every gust of wind carrying praise for the hero and every cloud crowning him.
Zheng Qian was completely bewildered by this momentum. Had you guys rehearsed this?
"Hehe, we were discussing how to welcome you back to Dawn Stronghold a couple of days ago. This setup was my idea, Fengyingte, and I strongly insisted that they carry it out. How about it, isn't it cool?" Fengyingte proudly raised his head and slowly walked forward on the road paved with loyalty and respect by 50,000 Ghost Soldiers. Every step he took touched people's hearts, igniting the passion and pride in everyone's heart.
Zheng Qian was deeply moved by Feng Yingte, as well as by the Radiant Legion and the Strategic Alliance. He was just a minor prodigy in the Dragon Shaping Realm, yet he was able to receive the highest honors from the two leaders of the Dawn Barrier, who were both high-ranking figures. This profound trust and respect filled Zheng Qian's heart with unprecedented shock and emotion.
He rode on Feng Yingte's back, small yet majestic, as if the whole world stood still for him at that moment. Feng Yingte's eyes shone with anticipation for the future, while the members of the Radiant Legion and the Strategic Alliance wove an invisible net with their most sincere emotions, tightly enveloping Zheng Qian, making him feel an unprecedented sense of belonging and power.
"Brothers!" Zheng Qian's voice boomed like thunder across the vast sky and earth, carrying an undeniable firmness and heroic spirit. At this moment, he was no longer that unknown nobody, but a hero in the hearts of all the anti-deception soldiers, the embodiment of their shared beliefs.
"Zheng Qian is good! Hero is good!" The response from the 50,000-strong anti-deception army was like a mountain roar and a tsunami, shaking everyone's hearts. Their voices converged into an unstoppable force, piercing through the clouds and reaching the heavens. This was not only a tribute to Zheng Qian personally, but also the highest ode to courage, wisdom, and fearless spirit.
"Brothers, you've worked hard!" Zheng Qian's words were full of affection and respect. He knew that behind this glory was the unremitting efforts and perseverance of every member of the anti-deception team, and the brilliance they had forged with their sweat, tears and even their lives.
"Welcome home, hero!" The 50,000-strong anti-deception army shouted in unison once again. This was not only a welcome to Zheng Qian, but also a testament to their pride and honor as guardians of the Dawn Barrier.
At this moment, Zheng Qian felt an unprecedented surge of excitement. His heart was filled with power and hope, as if the whole world was cheering for him and paving a path to greater glory for him.
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