New Crisis

The smoke of battle had yet to clear when the system's notification suddenly rang out in Fang Yan's mind:

Ding! The host performed exceptionally in the battle at Black Wind Canyon, turning the tide with the strength of the Great Martial Master Realm, helping repel the Dark Demon Race army several times his own size, and slaying two King-level Exotic Beasts. Special reward: Martial Emperor Realm Trial Card (1 hour) x1, stored in the system space and available for extraction and use at any time.

A Martial Emperor Realm Trial Card? Fang Yan's heart stirred. The Martial Emperor Realm was an existence far beyond the Great Martial Master Realm, only one step away from the legendary Martial Ancestor and Martial Venerable Realms. Experiencing the strength of the Martial Emperor Realm for an hour was undoubtedly a trump card.

He calmly stored away the trial card and turned his gaze toward the distance. Although the Dark Demon Race had temporarily withdrawn, no one knew when they might return in force. With this trial card, he at least had a little more confidence to deal with unexpected situations.

"General Zhao." Fang Yan walked over to Zhao Gang, who was counting the casualties, and said in a deep voice, "Although we repelled the Dark Demon Race this time, their main force is still intact and could launch another attack at any moment. I suggest immediately reinforcing the canyon's defenses and dispatching more scouts to monitor their movements."

Zhao Gang nodded, approval showing on his face. "You're right. I've already arranged it. However, after these two great battles, the soldiers are all utterly exhausted and need time to recuperate. If the Dark Demon Race attacks again in the short term, our situation will be very dangerous."

Fang Yan understood. After two consecutive bloody battles, everyone had reached their limits, both physically and mentally. He pondered for a moment before saying, "General Zhao, I have an idea. We can take advantage of the canyon's terrain and set up more traps and defensive fortifications. For example, we could install catapults and arrow towers on the cliffs along both sides of the canyon. That way, even if the Dark Demon Race attacks again, we can use the terrain to mount an effective defense."

"Good idea!" Zhao Gang's eyes lit up. "I'll have people prepare immediately. Fang Yan, you're more familiar with the terrain here than we are, so I'll leave this matter to you."

"No problem," Fang Yan replied. He immediately summoned several experienced Martial Masters and began planning the construction of the defenses.

Over the next few days, the human soldiers recuperated while working feverishly to build the defensive fortifications. Catapults and arrow towers rose from the cliffs on both sides of the canyon, while the canyon entrance was covered with all kinds of traps and obstacles. Everyone knew that the next battle would be even more brutal, and they had to make every possible preparation.

Fang Yan did not remain idle either. In his spare time, he constantly familiarized himself with his strength while studying how to use the Profound Ice Domain. He discovered that as his understanding of the domain deepened, the power of his Profound Ice True Qi continued to grow. Moreover, he could clearly feel that he was still a long way from the true Martial Emperor Realm. Yet this trial card might allow him to experience the power of that realm ahead of time.

At dawn that day, when the sky had only just begun to pale, a scout came rushing over in a panic and shouted, "General Zhao, Captain Fang Yan! This is bad! The Dark Demon Race has gathered a huge force, along with several even stronger Exotic Beasts, and they're heading this way!"

"What?" Zhao Gang and Fang Yan's expressions changed at the same time.

Zhao Gang immediately ordered, "Everyone, take your battle positions! Prepare to meet the enemy!"

The soldiers sprang into action, rushing to their posts, taking up their weapons, and standing ready for battle.

Fang Yan stood on high ground in the middle of the canyon, gazing at the dense, shadowy army of the Dark Demon Race in the distance. His heart sank to the bottom. This time, the Dark Demon Race outnumbered the previous two forces combined—there were at least thirty thousand of them. At the very front of the formation, several enormous Exotic Beasts were advancing with heavy steps. One of them looked like a gigantic lion, but it had three eyes and was covered in golden fur, radiating a hair-raising aura.

"Is that... a Sect-level Exotic Beast?" Zhao Gang's voice trembled faintly. The strength of a Sect-level Exotic Beast was equivalent to that of a human in the Martial Ancestor Realm—far stronger than a King-level Exotic Beast.

Fang Yan was startled as well. The appearance of a Sect-level Exotic Beast meant that the difficulty of this battle would rise geometrically. He drew a deep breath and secretly took out the Martial Emperor Realm Trial Card.

System, use the Martial Emperor Realm Trial Card, Fang Yan silently recited in his mind.

Ding! The Martial Emperor Realm Trial Card has been used. Trial time countdown begins: 59:59.

As the system notification sounded, a vast power instantly surged into Fang Yan's body. His aura climbed sharply, breaking through from the Great Martial Master Realm, passing the Martial King Realm, and directly reaching the level of the Martial Emperor Realm. The air around him seemed to freeze beneath his aura. The Profound Ice Domain automatically unfolded around his body, expanding several times farther than before, while the temperature dropped even lower.

Zhao Gang and the surrounding Martial Masters all sensed the change in Fang Yan and revealed stunned expressions.

"Is this... the aura of the Martial Emperor Realm?" Zhao Gang asked in disbelief.

Fang Yan offered no explanation. His gaze remained locked on the Sect-level Exotic Beast. He could sense that its strength was incredibly formidable. Even among those in the Martial Ancestor Realm, it was at least of intermediate level.

"Roar!"

The Sect-level Exotic Beast let out a roar that shook heaven and earth before charging into the canyon. Its speed was astonishing. In an instant, it crossed several hundred meters and reached the canyon entrance.

"Stop it!" Zhao Gang shouted and led twenty Great Martial Masters in a charge.

Yet their attacks struck the Sect-level Exotic Beast like mud cows plunging into the sea, unable to inflict the slightest harm. The Sect-level Exotic Beast merely flicked its tail, sending several Great Martial Masters flying. They spat blood, their fates unknown.

"Useless!" Fang Yan shouted. He leaped into the air and landed in front of the Sect-level Exotic Beast.

At that moment, Fang Yan's entire body radiated the might of the Martial Emperor Realm as he faced the Sect-level Exotic Beast.

"Human, you are strong." The Sect-level Exotic Beast actually spoke, its voice hoarse and deep. "But you cannot stop our advance. Surrender, and I may spare your life."

"If you want to pass through here, you'll have to get past me first!" Fang Yan said coldly. The Little Black Sword in his hand gathered immense Profound Ice True Qi, and a thick layer of ice covered its blade.

"You don't know whether you live or die!" The Sect-level Exotic Beast roared and suddenly pounced at Fang Yan. Its enormous claws tore through the air with a shriek as they swiped toward Fang Yan's chest.

Fang Yan's eyes sharpened. He neither dodged nor retreated, driving the Little Black Sword straight forward.

"Clang!"

A thunderous crash rang out as the Little Black Sword collided with the Sect-level Exotic Beast's claws. A tremendous force surged over. Fang Yan's arm went faintly numb, but his body remained as steady as a mountain.

A flicker of surprise passed through the Sect-level Exotic Beast's eyes. Clearly, it had not expected Fang Yan's strength to be so formidable. It launched another attack, and its three eyes simultaneously fired golden beams toward Fang Yan.

Fang Yan let out a cold snort and unleashed the Profound Ice Domain with all his might, freezing the golden beams in midair. Then he leaped up, the Little Black Sword in his hand carrying an aura capable of destroying heaven and earth as he thrust it toward the Sect-level Exotic Beast's head.

"Pfft!"

The Little Black Sword pierced precisely into the Sect-level Exotic Beast's head. Profound Ice True Qi surged inside in an instant, frantically freezing its brain.

The Sect-level Exotic Beast let out a shrill, tragic howl. Its enormous body crashed to the ground and never moved again.

After killing the Sect-level Exotic Beast, Fang Yan's aura became slightly disordered. The power of the Martial Emperor Realm was formidable, but it consumed an enormous amount of energy as well. He glanced at the system countdown. More than fifty minutes remained.

When the Dark Demon Race saw that the Sect-level Exotic Beast had been slain, they immediately fell into chaos. Fang Yan seized the opportunity and shouted, "Kill!"

He charged at the Dark Demon Race first, the Little Black Sword in his hand like the Grim Reaper's scythe, constantly reaping the lives of his enemies. Zhao Gang and the other Martial Masters also reacted and followed Fang Yan into the charge.

With Fang Yan of the Martial Emperor Realm leading the way, the Dark Demon Race was utterly outmatched. They collapsed like a receding tide, fleeing toward the canyon's exit.

Fang Yan did not order a pursuit. He knew that the trial card's duration was limited and that he had to conserve his strength. As he watched the backs of the fleeing Dark Demon Race, a cold glint flashed through his eyes.

This time, the Dark Demon Race had suffered a heavy blow and should not launch another attack for a short while. But Fang Yan also knew that this was only a temporary calm. The true great battle still lay ahead.

When the trial card's duration ended, Fang Yan's aura fell back to the Great Martial Master Realm. He felt a wave of exhaustion, but his heart was filled with excitement. The power of the Martial Emperor Realm had shown him a higher realm and strengthened his resolve to become stronger.

Zhao Gang walked over to Fang Yan and said admiringly, "Fang Yan, you're truly incredible! You actually killed a Sect-level Exotic Beast. With strength like that, there probably aren't many people in the entire alliance who could do it."

Fang Yan smiled. "You flatter me, General Zhao. It was only a stroke of luck. Right now, we must recover our strength as quickly as possible and prepare for the next battle."

"Mm." Zhao Gang nodded. "I've already sent people to prepare food and medicine. Everyone should get a good rest. With you here, I believe we can definitely hold Black Wind Canyon."

Fang Yan gazed in the direction beyond the canyon and silently made up his mind: No matter how great the difficulties I encounter in the future, I will persevere and protect humanity's homeland.