Chapter 419 I Don't Want to Fight Anymore
Chapter 419 I Don't Want to Fight Anymore
The soldiers of the three races retreated to Huaxu Cliff Fortress, and the gate of Huaxu Cliff Fortress slowly closed. Lie Yuchen said that he was preparing for the gate defense battle tomorrow, which was announcing that Zheng Qian would also succeed in blocking the gate on the fourth day.
Zheng Qianqiang sheathed the Dragon Scale Void-Breaking Sword, took out a table and chairs, set out a fruit platter, and finally took out a parasol and put it in place. He then lay down on the chair and started his vacation mode.
Since the three races weren't fighting, he could focus on recovering from his injuries. Li Zun and the group of young people sat down around him. They had developed a habit of stepping back to cheer Zheng Qian on during battles and preparing for any potential enemy counterattacks. When there was no fighting, they would come up to eat and drink; Zheng Qian had a spatial ring, so he wouldn't have to worry about food or drink.
"Why doesn't Lie Yuchen let his geniuses take turns playing, in a relay battle?" Ma Haoli wondered. If he were in Lie Yuchen's position, he would definitely let other geniuses challenge Zheng Qian, even if it meant risking their lives to wear Zheng Qian down and end the gate-blocking battle.
Zheng Qian was already seriously injured. Although he refused any help with bandaging and had taken medicine, he could not possibly recover. If he did not act now, but acted tomorrow, the gate-blocking battle would last another day, and the damage to the morale of the three clans would be even more severe.
"What kind of war of attrition? They've been using war of attrition for the past two days, and Zheng Qian hasn't backed down for a single second. How could they possibly be willing to let a prodigy come out and die?" Lei Ruichen felt that Lie Yuchen's refusal to fight was the right thing to do. Rather than letting a prodigy come out and die, it would be better to wait for a prodigy in the late stage of the Zen Demon Realm to come out and fight tomorrow.
Zheng Qian tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest of the chair. He was indeed seriously injured, and if Lie Yuchen sent out a prodigy, he might not be able to defeat him. Most importantly, fighting while injured would inevitably leave hidden dangers in his foundation, causing irreparable damage to his future growth.
Zheng Qian pondered carefully. As a second-tier demon saint, which is also a second-tier pseudo-god of the human race, Lie Yuchen must be able to see that he was seriously injured and unable to continue high-intensity combat. So why didn't he send out a prodigy to fight him?
If I were Lie Yuchen, what would I do? Zheng Qian closed his eyes. If he were in Lie Yuchen's position, what would he do?
Inside the solemn and somber council hall of the Huaxu Cliff Fortress, the powerful figures of the three races sat in a circle, the atmosphere so tense that even the air seemed to freeze. Their gazes frequently and sharply fell upon Lie Yuchen, who sat at the head of the table, their eyes filled with both doubt and interrogation.
Why did you choose to withdraw your troops and return to defense at this critical moment?
Lie Yuchen's face was gloomy. He glanced at the Yuren Clan expert and the Youying Snake Clan expert sitting next to him and sighed in his heart: They are all a bunch of idiots. With Yun Youzi around, how could they possibly kill Zheng Qian without any schemes?
Facing the puzzled and eager gazes of the crowd, Lie Yucheng slowly stood up. His voice was gloomy and filled with murderous intent, capable of penetrating the hearts of everyone: "Gentlemen, I understand your doubts and dissatisfaction. This is my decision, and you only need to carry it out. Those who do not comply will die."
At this moment, everyone realized that their displeasure with Lie Yuchen's retreat had already angered him, and they all lowered their heads in submission.
The demon race reveres strength; those who do not choose to submit face death.
Lie Yuchen looked around, quite satisfied, and continued, "First of all, we must face the fact that Zheng Qian is extremely talented, invincible among those of the same realm, and adept at concealing his strength. He is a human with both wisdom and power, and our conventional tactics are no longer effective. If we continue to blindly engage in battle, it will only lead to more warriors sacrificing themselves in vain."
Lie Yuchen's gaze deepened: "Secondly, my order to retreat is not an escape, but a preparation for a greater victory. Huaxu Cliff Fortress is our strategic location. It possesses an ancient and powerful defense mechanism and is our last line of defense against the human invasion. We must ensure that it is indestructible in order to provide a solid backing for future counterattacks."
He paused, then his tone became even more resolute: "Our current retreat is so that we can more accurately and effectively combat human evil and protect our homeland in the future."
As Lie Yucheng finished speaking, the atmosphere in the council hall gradually eased. The powerful figures of the three races began to re-examine the current situation. They realized that Lie Yucheng's decision was not a rash one, but the result of careful consideration. Every action he took was for a longer-term victory and fewer sacrifices.
The strongest individuals sitting here are at least at the Demon Emperor Realm, which is equivalent to the Domain Realm in the human race. Their intelligence is no weaker than that of humans. Although Lie Yuchen's explanation was somewhat cryptic, they all understood its meaning.
With Yun Youzi's formidable strength on display, killing Zheng Qian was virtually impossible for them; only strategy could defeat him. And Lie Yuchen naturally had a strategy in mind to kill Zheng Qian.
Night fell quickly, and the gates of the Huaxu Cliff Fortress remained tightly shut until the sun rose again on the horizon. The powerful figures of the three races remained silent.
Clang... The lingering sound of the bell gradually dissipated under the vast sky, yet like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, it stirred ripples that resonated in everyone's hearts. This was not merely an update in numbers, but the highest praise for Zheng Qian's personal strength and willpower, and a tremendous boost to the morale of the entire human race.
"Four days—this is not just an accumulation of time, but a challenge and transcendence of the limits!" Ma Haoli's voice trembled slightly with excitement. His eyes shone as he witnessed the wheels of history leaving a deep imprint here.
All around, whether they were prodigies from the Heavenly Vein Sect or warriors from the Radiant Legion, they all fell silent for a moment before erupting into thunderous applause and cheers—the most sincere respect for the strong.
"Haha, Zheng Qian, you've successfully blocked the door for four days!" Lei Ruichen roared, jumping up and down, sharing in this supreme glory.
"Zheng Qian truly lives up to his reputation as the disciple of the Space Demon King. He actually completed the four-day gate-blocking battle all by himself, one day more than the original seventy-two Qilin sons." Ma Yi exchanged views with Colonel Zhao Feng beside him. There was a flame of hope in his eyes. With a prodigy like Zheng Qian, how could the human race not prosper?
Zhao Feng's gaze was profound. A being capable of rewriting records single-handedly was a war milestone for the entire human race. He clapped his hands and said excitedly, "Zheng Qian's appearance is not only a source of pride for the human race, but also the best proof of the human race's unity and cooperation in fighting against external threats and strengthening the race. His achievements will inspire more young people to strive for a more glorious tomorrow."
Amidst the cheers of the crowd, Zheng Qian simply smiled faintly, his eyes gleaming with even greater determination. He waved to everyone in gratitude.
At this moment, Zheng Qian really wanted to shout: "Hello, comrades!"
Squeak... Boom...
The heavy and ancient gates of Huaxu Cliff Fortress slowly opened after the bells rang, accompanied by a thunderous roar that shook the earth, as if the floodgates of history had been suddenly pushed open, releasing endless fighting spirit and determination.
Lie Yi's entire body was tightly wrapped in layers of white cloth, the mottled plasters revealing the fierce battle he had fought the previous day. Every wound was a declaration of his hatred for Li Ming. Yesterday, Li Ming had driven him into the ground with a thunderous spear, but today he had miraculously stood up. Dragging his still-healing body, he stood like an unshakable mountain, resolutely at the forefront of the group.
His eyes were sharp as an eagle's, filled with murderous intent, as if they could pierce through all obstacles and strike straight at the enemy's soul.
"Zheng Qian, listen carefully! Today is the day your life ends!" Lie Yi's roar echoed like thunder above Huaxu Cliff for a long time. Every word contained endless power, indomitable will, and boundless anger.
Behind them, soldiers from the three races followed closely, their eyes equally determined, their steps perfectly synchronized, like a pack of ferocious beasts poised to pounce on their prey.
"Oh." Zheng Qian responded with a short and steady "Oh," just like yesterday, and then continued to tidy up the chairs and stools at his own pace, as if the impending battle had nothing to do with him.
Li Zun, Feng Yingte, and Lei Ruichen left without a word, tacitly retreating to the human camp. They knew that their retreat was not out of fear, but rather in accordance with Zheng Qian's earlier teachings. In battle, morale is of paramount importance. Although the demon race was currently displaying overwhelming momentum, like oil being poured on a raging fire, just as the tide, once it reaches its peak, it will inevitably recede.
Witnessing this scene, Lie Yi couldn't help but spit out two streams of anger from his nostrils. Zheng Qian's indifferent attitude, treating him and the entire demon race as nothing, deeply wounded his pride. So, he roared, his voice filled with resentment and anger, as if to vent the humiliation of being looked down upon.
"Roar... Zheng Qian, how dare you look down on me like this when our armies are facing off! I, Lie Yi, am a general of the demon race, how can I allow a mere human like you to be so presumptuous!"
Upon hearing this, Zheng Qian's gaze remained calm as still water, a faint smile playing on his lips, mocking Lie Yi's anger as futile. He slowly raised the Dragon Scale Void-Piercing Sword in his hand, its tip trembling slightly, as if responding to its master's will.
Shaking his head, Zheng Qian sheathed the Dragon Scale Void-Piercing Sword and continued packing his things. He said slowly, "Lie Yi, I don't mean to belittle the demon race, nor do I mean to belittle you personally. Rather, I've never taken you seriously, so there's no question of belittling you. If you can understand this, perhaps our battle will be more interesting."
Lie Yi laughed in fury, a ruthless glint in his eyes: "Hmph, Zheng Qian, stop putting on airs! Today, I'll show you what the power of the demon race truly is!"
As soon as he finished speaking, a man in yellow stepped out from behind Lie Yi. Each step he took was on a special rhythm, causing ripples in the air and conveying a deadly danger signal.
"Remember, the one who killed you was Yin Kuang." A ruthless glint flashed in Yin Kuang's eyes. His body trembled, and a powerful demonic aura surged around him, causing the surrounding air to hum. He gripped the enormous demonic axe tightly with both hands, the blade gleaming with a chilling light, wisps of yellow mist swirling around it.
"Yin Kuang, he is Yin Kuang, ranked third in the Zen Demon Realm. I didn't expect him to come and support Huaxu Cliff as well."
"It is said that Yin Kuang's yellow robe was made from the skin shed by a thousand-year-old demon snake. After being refined by countless secret methods and demonic power, it can greatly enhance the wearer's demonic power and speed. It is at least a seventh-grade magic weapon."
"His demonic axe, named 'Earth-Splitter,' was forged by him personally and through the sacrifice of countless demon souls from a piece of ten-thousand-year-old cold iron deep in the Ghost Wind Rift Valley. The axe blade not only condenses his own demonic power and resentment, but also contains the terrifying power to tear apart the earth and cleave the void. It should also be a seventh-grade magic weapon."
Zheng Qian's lips twitched involuntarily as he listened to Lei Ruichen and the others. Lie Yuchen's killing move had finally been unleashed. He had ordered the three races' prodigies to retreat to the fortress to give him enough time to recover and prepare for the next battle. He had one chance to be rescued, and whether it was Li Ming, Zhao Minghang, or even pseudo-god level experts like Ma Yi, the demons of the Zen Demon Realm would have no chance of killing Zheng Qian.
After a day of rest, Lie Yuchen concluded that Zheng Qian would become overconfident and fight Yin Kuang to the death. Then, Yin Kuang would use up the opportunity for the human race to save Zheng Qian. Regardless of whether Yin Kuang won or lost, they would still have the strongest warriors ranked first and second in combat power to take action and kill Zheng Qian.
Zheng Qian had been saved once, so Lie Yuchen wasn't afraid that Yun Youzi and the others would come to Zheng Qian's rescue in the next battle. Even if the fortress formation was activated, he would still spare Zheng Qian's life.
Lie Yuchen needs to have a legitimate reason for his actions, to follow the natural order, and to abide by cause and effect.
All things grow in their own way, but the creatures at the bottom of society are often trapped by their narrow vision, and the light of wisdom cannot penetrate the thick fog of ignorance. Only with a just cause can one unite people's hearts, follow the way of heaven, and make one's actions conform to righteousness.
The Heavenly Dao is the coldest and most ruthless law in the universe. It doesn't distinguish between good and evil, but only follows cause and effect. For those peerless powerhouses who have climbed to the level of pseudo-gods, every step forward must be taken with extreme caution, lest they offend the might of the Heavenly Dao. They know that the saying "cultivating causes yields results" is not an empty phrase. Every action must be carefully planned to create a chain of cause and effect, and only when the time is ripe can they reap the deserved fruit. Otherwise, they are going against the heavens and will ultimately suffer divine retribution.
"Heh, what a clumsy and childish tactic." Zheng Qian's lips curled into a contemptuous smile. Lie Yuchen's plan was not a conspiracy, but a perfectly legitimate and open scheme. Lie Yuchen had calculated Zheng Qian's competitive spirit and also calculated that he would definitely try every means to defeat Yin Kuang.
Lie Yuchen stood atop the fortress, looking at Zheng Qian through the clouds with a cold smile: "Zheng Qian, you're just being competitive by blocking the gate all by yourself. I'll give you a day of rest and merit for blocking the gate. With this endless glory, you should be even more arrogant, right?"
At the fortress, Zheng Qian waved his hand lightly, and the parasol in his hand turned into a wisp of green smoke, quietly disappearing into the spatial ring worn on his finger.
Yin Kuang watched as Zheng Qian finally finished collecting his belongings. He couldn't wait to fight and kill Zheng Qian. He hadn't forgotten the tactics Lie Yuchen had taught him: he had to elevate Zheng Qian before engaging in battle, looking for an opportunity to kill him with poison.
"Zheng Qian, raise your sword." Yin Kuang's eyes narrowed into slits, his fighting spirit surging like a volcano. He had longed for this battle, eager to use Zheng Qian's blood to commemorate his endless pursuit of power. In his eyes, Zheng Qian was no longer a simple opponent, but a whetstone on the path to becoming stronger.
*Clap.* With a loud and powerful clap, Zheng Qian, with an undeniable air, casually pulled his coat behind him, displaying his fearless courage and determination. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, his abdomen, tightly bandaged, was faintly visible, and his belt, though taut, did not diminish his imposing presence; rather, it added to his resolute warrior's demeanor.
With an almost ritualistic gesture, Zheng Qian steadily carried the Scale-Breaking Void Sword on his back. At this moment, Zheng Qian's face did not show fatigue or anger, but rather a detached indifference, a calm and composed demeanor that came from weathering storms and seeing through the ways of the world.
Yin Kuang's face was serious, his heart filled with killing intent, and he was also a little nervous. He gripped the demon axe tightly and split the ground with both hands.
Finally, is it time to face the challenge?
"Yin Kuang." Zheng Qian's voice was clear and loud, penetrating every inch of the space present, each word like a resounding piece of metal.
"I don't want to fight anymore. Now, I declare that this gate-blocking battle is over."
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