Storming the Mountain

Everyone was both shocked and furious, not expecting the enemy to arrive so quickly, giving them no chance to react.

One moment they were discussing things inside the hall, and the next moment the other side stormed in.

"You scoundrel, how dare you disturb the old alliance leader's seclusion!"

Fu Jingmen was in a bad mood.

Han Xie, the sect leader of the Thousand Machines Sect, looked up at the sky, squinted, and carefully examined it. His expression changed slightly as he said:

"There are flying magical Law Artifact in the sky."

Cao Qingyang and other high-ranking figures looked up and, sure enough, saw a black dot frozen in the azure sky.

Even with their keen eyesight, they could only barely make out that it was a boat-shaped magical Law Artifact.

Cao Qingyang's heart sank as he looked at the flying Law Artifact, but he didn't panic. He had set up checkpoints and scouts on Quanrong Mountain and the surrounding roads, and he had also set up many ballistae on the mountain.

The cavalry of the military town were always ready for battle, able to launch surprise attacks or retreat into the mountains to defend against powerful enemies.

The combined strength of the martial arts alliance's experts and soldiers is a formidable force.

"Sound the retreat!"

Cao Qingyang turned to give an order to the vice leader Wen Chengbi, then looked around at everyone:

"The nine of you will come with me to the back mountain to defend against the enemy. The rest of you will gather the disciples and be on guard, in case any other enemies take the opportunity to cause trouble."

After saying that, he leaped onto the roof and glanced at the disciples of various gangs who were stirring up trouble in the square outside the mansion.

If the number of enemies is small, and they are all top-notch experts, then these people can save their lives and simply observe from the sidelines.

After that, whether the martial arts alliance wins or loses, it has nothing to do with these lower-level disciples.

If the airship carries the enemy's vanguard, and a large-scale enemy attack follows, then the direct descendants of the Martial Alliance outside the square will face a life-or-death crisis.

The leaders of the nine affiliated gangs, including Fu Jingmen and Xiao Yuenu, followed Cao Qingyang and headed towards the back mountain.

They could all briefly fly, but the most Movement Method among them was the sect leader of the Divine Travel Sect. This sect leader was thin and wiry. He did not ride the wind, but instead swiftly walked on the treetops.

Each time his toes lightly touched the treetops, his body shot out like an arrow. As the momentum subsided, he would lightly step on the treetops again, repeating this cycle. His speed was much faster than that of fourth-rank martial artists who flew at a constant speed.

Soon, they finally arrived at the back mountain, where the roars of beasts were incessant and the sounds of exploding energy echoed in layers.

Cao Qingyang and the others suddenly rose into the air and looked down at the situation on the back mountain.

Before the stone gate on the cliff, a monster about four zhang long and shaped like a dog was fiercely fighting with a golden figure.

It has a face similar to a human's, its body is covered with short black fur, and its eyes are blood red, like two red lanterns.

"Roar!"

The Quanrong pounced on the golden figure, attempting to tear him apart.

Unexpectedly, the golden figure was exceptionally agile, dodging the barbarian's repeated attacks and strikes with agility and nimble movements.

Boom boom boom.

The hard rock cracked under the barbarian's blows, and the golden figure seized the opportunity, sliding in from the barbarian's belly and instantly appearing behind it.

Click!

The golden figure shattered the ground, transforming into a golden streak of light as it hurtled towards the stone gate, as if to smash it to pieces.

When!

With a resounding crash that sent a chill down one's spine, the golden figure was sent flying backward by the six thick tails of the Quanrong.

Jingyuan crashed through several large trees, barely managing to steady himself. He casually tore his tattered clothes, revealing a muscular physique as if cast in gold.

After defeating the enemy, the Quanrong raised their heads and roared, venting their anger; the sound waves echoed throughout the entire Quanrong Mountains.

With a thud, Cao Qingyang led everyone to land and approached the Quanrong. While comforting the giant beast, he said:

"The Vajra Divine Skill, indeed befits Buddhist School."

"Heh, a fourth-rank martial monk? The main character hasn't come down yet, who among you will go and meet him?"

The sect leader of Shenxing Sect stepped forward and pondered for a moment:

"My Movement Method can counter him, I'll handle it."

Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by the Ironclad Sect Master, who said irritably:

"Circling around him? Your Divine Speed Sect is good at escaping, but not at fighting. If he just stands there and lets you hit him, even if you're bald, you won't be able to hurt a single hair on his head."

This was a man as imposing as an iron tower; he wasn't tall, but his horizontal size was quite intimidating.

The monk was bald to begin with. The leader of the Divine Travel Sect muttered to himself, but did not insist on his own opinion, because what Tie Wushuang said was true.

"You Shi, be careful."

Cao Qingyang said something, then looked up, wary of the wind-riding boat in the sky.

There's an awkward situation here. Although a fourth-rank martial artist can briefly fly, their altitude and speed are limited. The Wind-Riding Boat is clearly beyond the limits that a fourth-rank martial artist can reach.

"Rest assured, Alliance Leader, I have long wanted to test whether the Buddhist School Vajra Divine Skill is more powerful, or whether my Ironclad Sect's protective divine skill is stronger."

The short, stocky You Shi's eyes gleamed as he stared intently at the golden figure in the distant dense forest.

Jingyuan stood beside a broken tree trunk, staring expressionlessly at the members of the Martial Alliance, his eyes cold and arrogant, as if he didn't take them seriously.

"What an arrogant monk!" Xiao Yuenu and the others frowned.

With a series of thumping sounds, You Shi rushed out, leaping up halfway and crashing towards Jing Yuan like a meteorite.

When!

You Shi punched Jing Yuan in the cheek, causing his body to lean back violently. Just as he was about to fall, Jing Yuan straightened his back like a roly-poly toy, pulling himself back sharply after leaning back at an exaggerated angle.

When!

Another loud bang, and You Shi felt a sharp pain in his forehead. His brain instantly went into a state of dizziness, and his body was thrown backward.

Jingyuan, who had sent his opponent flying with a headbutt, simply rubbed his forehead and said in somewhat broken Mandarin:

"It's not quite right."

Yang Cuixue and the other fourth-rank martial artists showed serious expressions. Just from the exchange just now, they could tell that You Shi's physique was inferior to that of this Buddhist School martial monk.

Of course, You Shi was still holding back and hadn't gone all out, but no one could be sure that the monk had used his full strength.

Cao Qingyang, looking up at the sky, proclaimed. "Even the warrior monks leading the charge possess such cultivation!"

"Friends on the ship, now that you're here, why hide yourselves?"

The sound echoed.

A moment later, as if in response to his call, five figures leaped down from the wind-riding boat.

They were a young monk in a traditional robe, with gentle features and deep-set eyes, clearly showing the characteristics of people from the Western Regions; and a burly man with a missing arm, with tiger-like eyes and a square face, exuding great majesty, surrounded by a swirling breeze.

A middle-aged man with slightly curly hair, blue eyes, and brown skin, wearing a colorful robe, belonging to the Southern Frontier ethnic group.

A beautiful, aloof young woman stood on a branch, holding a curved knife, looking down coldly.

There was also a stunningly beautiful woman in a long red dress, with a charming face and a graceful figure.

"Liu Hongmian?!"

Xiao Yuenu's tone changed slightly.

Liu Hongmian swayed her hips as she gracefully approached, giggling, "Senior Sister, how have you been?"

Xiao Yuenu said calmly, "You have already betrayed the Ten Thousand Flowers Pavilion. I, the Pavilion Master, cannot bear to be called 'Senior Sister'."

A flash of resentment crossed Liu Hongmian's eyes, and she sneered:

"If it weren't for your interference, my dear senior sister, how could I have betrayed the Wan Hua Lou? It's time to settle that score from back then."

"White Tiger, I told you Xiao Yuenü was a beauty of unparalleled grace, didn't I?"

The one-armed white tiger scrutinized Xiao Yuenu and slowly nodded:

"Although she's wearing a veil, she's truly a rare beauty among humans. I'm very satisfied."

Liu Hongmian's smile was charming:

"Fine, I'll capture her and make her your slave girl for your amusement."

"Sigh, Young Master Ji Xuan and Qi Huan Dan Xiang are not interested in women, and Xu Yuan Huai is clueless about romance. You're lucky."

Baihu nodded. "Thank you, I owe you one."

As the king of beasts, women are merely tools for him to vent his desires; he doesn't even bother to show any drooling or lust.

This made Liu Hongmian very unhappy. She needed a lecher to join her in attacking Xiao Yuenü.

Cao Qingyang's steady gaze swept over the five fourth-rank officials present, neither taking them seriously nor underestimating them, before pausing briefly on Liu Hongmian.

Liu Hongmian. All the high-ranking members of the martial arts alliance present recognized her.

Back then, the struggle for the position of Master of the Ten Thousand Flowers Pavilion caused quite a stir.

It's perfectly normal for sect disciples to compete for the positions of sect leader and guild master. However, it's not uncommon for them to turn against each other.

However, the competition for the position of the previous leader of Wan Hua Lou was quite interesting. Liu Hongmian and Xiao Yuenu were both disciples of the former leader and important figures in the struggle for the position.

Xiao Yuenu was hailed as the most beautiful woman in Jianzhou, so Liu Hongmian, who could rival her, was naturally no less stunning.

However, Liu Hongmian was later excluded from the competition due to her dissolute behavior.

As a sect composed entirely of women, Wan Hua Lou places great importance on the private morality of its leader; how could it allow a dissolute person to control the sect?

But Liu Hongmian disagreed, saying she was wronged.

Not long after, he defected from the brothel and disappeared without a trace.

I never expected that returning to Jianzhou today would bring back a group of enemies.

"Tsk!"

Disturbed, Ironclad Sect Master You Shi silently retreated to Cao Qingyang's side.

The two sides entered into a standoff.

On the flying boat, Ji Xuan looked down at the towering mountains below and stroked his chin:

"There's not enough bait; even with just them, Xu Qi'an won't come out."

Dongfang Wanrong, standing at the bow of the ship, offered her opinion:

"It's also possible that he had no idea what was happening here."

Ji Xuan smiled and shook his head:

No, I bet he's definitely here.

"The destruction of the Martial Alliance was the Imperial Preceptor's intention, which means it involves a power struggle between the Imperial Preceptor and the Supervisor. The Supervisor will not allow the Martial Alliance to be destroyed."

"The only warrior the Great Feng can currently employ is Xu Qi'an. If he doesn't come, who will? At most, we can add Sun Xuanji."

Dongfang Wanrong tilted her head and listened for a moment, then slowly nodded in agreement with Ji Xuan's words.

Ji Xuan continued:

"Now it's like two armies facing off, testing each other. Xu Qi'an is wary of the Grand Preceptor, and he won't make a move until he crosses our bottom line or figures out our hand."

"We're in the same boat. Who knows how many other tricks the Supervisor has up his sleeve besides Xu Qi'an?"

Dongfang Wanrong smiled sweetly, her beauty captivating. She turned her head to look at the Seven Constellations of the Azure Dragon behind Ji Xuan and said:

"Then let's push him to the limit and force him to come out."

Ji Xuan nodded, turned around, and said respectfully:

"Azure Dragon, please trouble yourself to meet with the masters of the Martial Alliance."

Canglong strode to the ship's side and leaped down, followed by the seven cloaked figures behind him.

Eight cloaked figures lunged forward headfirst, their robes billowing in the wind.

Below, Cao Qingyang suddenly looked up, staring at the eight black dots swooping down, and slowly said:

Eight people?

Eight more fourth-rank experts? Have the three factions mobilized so many fourth-rank powerhouses to attack the Martial Alliance?

He was somewhat puzzled, because in any system, the fourth rank was the backbone, the true ruling class.

However, in the current battlefield, fourth-rank martial artists are merely an appetizer; this battle will clearly involve third-rank transcendent realm warriors.

Sending fourteen fourth-rank officials as the vanguard at once—aren't they afraid of being wiped out in one fell swoop by the lurking Xu Qi'an?

"Alert!"

Cao Qingyang's expression suddenly changed, because he realized that there might be an extraordinary expert hiding among these eight people.

Just then, the eight people who were swooping down adjusted their posture during the process, forming a straight line from head to tail.

The energy suddenly expanded, transforming into a phantom dragon shadow, baring its fangs and pouncing down.

Almost immediately, a terrifying aura descended from the sky, like a mountain collapsing.

"Third rank?"

Cao Qingyang clenched his fists, his robes instantly bulging like balls, streams of energy converging towards his fists, rising with intense heat.

A punch aimed at the sky.

A small sword flew out from Xiao Yuenu's sleeve, carrying a burst of energy, and met the Azure Dragon Seven Constellations with the force of Cao Qingyang's fist.

Other fourth-rank gang leaders either attacked with both fists, drew their swords and unleashed sword Sword-Ray, or continuously unleashed a rain of energy arrows to meet the enemy in the sky.

Boom!

The two forces collided, and a thunderous roar erupted from the mountaintop. The energy of the forces transformed into a hurricane, causing the trees on the entire mountain to sway.

This scene is quite spectacular when viewed from a distance.

The dragon's shadow faltered slightly, weakening somewhat, but it didn't dissipate. Seeing that it couldn't be stopped, Cao Qingyang roared:

"Retreat!"

The crowd scattered like birds and beasts, allowing the seven constellations of the Azure Dragon to descend.

As the illusory dragon shadow descended, the entire mountain trembled.

Canglong Qisu drew his long sword from his waist and turned to look at the stone gate in the distance, where there was no movement.

"The old man is definitely not in good shape. You guys hold off these scoundrels from the Martial Alliance, I'll go and kill the old scoundrel."

From within the cloak came the hoarse voice of the Azure Dragon.

"Roar!"

The barbarian roared and pounced, its claws, larger than a grown man's head, slamming down.

With a flick of the Azure Dragon Blade, it slashed upwards, producing a teeth-grinding sound as sparks exploded, severing the Quanrong's claws.

Bang!

Taking advantage of the brief moment when the man and the beast were fighting, Cao Qingyang appeared like a ghost behind a man in black robes, unleashing a ferocious burst of fist intent.

But at that moment, he suddenly sensed that the target's aura surged, breaking through to the fourth rank in an instant and reaching a realm that mortals could not reach.

The martial artist's sense of impending danger was overwhelming, and Cao Qingyang decisively withdrew his fist and slid backward.

Almost simultaneously, the man in black robes unleashed his longsword, the blade striking the spot where Cao Qingyang had originally stood, creating a deep, bottomless crack.

What's going on? This is also a third-rank official?

Cao Qingyang's expression changed slightly. He turned to look at the black-robed man at the head of the group and found that he had just exchanged blows with the Quanrong again. The blade that could have easily cut through the Quanrong's claws had only managed to leave a string of sparks on the giant beast's body.

"My strength has weakened." Cao Qingyang suddenly realized this and shouted:

"They are not true third-grade cultivators; they have achieved the explosive power of the extraordinary realm by using a combined attack formation."

"Everyone, attack together and sever the connection between them!"

The power of these eight people can be merged into one, flowing through any one of them, and each of them can be a third-rank individual, but not all of them can be a third-rank individual at the same time.

Therefore, by employing a human wave tactic and attacking eight people simultaneously, the opponent can be effectively contained.

P. S.: There's a fan art contest in the book review section with prizes. The requirements aren't high; even amateur artists and stick figures are welcome. Feel free to participate in the book review section if you're interested.