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Chapter 1267: Separation of Brothers (II)

Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem

Separation of brothers might be common for other families; especially in families which had brothers. However, when Zhang Tie heard it from his dad, he still felt a bit strange.

Because Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang never scrambled for something at home. The family had tided over all the difficulties together since in Waii Subcontinent. Why would they separate from each other?

Zhang Tie exchanged a glance with his elder brother as they both saw suspicion in each other's eyes.

"Dad, have you and mom heard some gossips lately?" Zhang Yang asked while frowning.

Zhang Tie's dad and mom didn't directly answer Zhang Yang's question; instead, Zhang Tie's mom opened her mouth, "You brother don't think too much about that. As you're brothers, after having your own families, it's normal for you to separate from each other. It has nothing to do with those people outside. As your dad and I are old, you two have already got married and have a lot of children, we shouldn't fasten you to us for the sake of us and the jollification. After a few months, Zhang Yang would marry the daughter of Yanzhou provincial governor. Zhang Tie should also be engaged to Suxian as soon as possible. Last time, Suxian said that you would be engaged to Lord Guangnan's Mansion after she observed mourning for her grandmother's death for 3 years. She's already observed mourning for her grandmother's death for about 1.5 years. As the daughter of the Yanzhou provincial governor and the daughter of Lord Guangnan's Mansion will enter our family, you two need to separate from each other as soon as possible in case of troubles…"

"Yea, your mom and I both know that you two are filial towards us. You would not scramble for anything even if you're going to separate from each other. Additionally, it doesn't mean that our family is separated. You only need to reason through the properties that you've created over these years for the sake of the harmony of the family when you have more wives and kids!" Zhang Tie's dad added.

Zhang Tie's dad and mom were both clear about that. Their suggestion was also reasonable. However, watching the faint tiredness under their parents' eyes, Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang could still seize the keywords——we shouldn't fasten you to us for the sake of us and the jollification!

Their parents looked very serious, which meant that they were not joking and couldn't be treated in a perfunctory way.

'How could dad and mom bear such a great stress for the separation of our brothers?'

'Why?'

Zhang Tie was muddle-headed. However, now that his parents didn't explain it in details, he didn't feel convenient to ask about that. Therefore, he just maintained silence.

Zhang Yang was also in silence.

Zhang Yang's eye light sparkled as if he had thought about something from his parents' words.

"All the properties are made by you brothers, as your mom and I are at present, you two should talk about how to separate these properties first!" Zhang Tie's dad said seriously.

"Dad, don't you know the temperaments of Zhang Tie and me? I don't feel comfortable about hearing that. Can we not separate from each other? If we really separated from each other, outsiders would think that Zhang Tie and I don't get along well with each other." Zhang Yang said carefully. Even though their parents' words were reasonable, Zhang Yang still could not accept it emotionally as it came too suddenly.

"Don't try to be perfunctory in front of your mom and me today. Even if you separate from each other, you are still brothers. Your mom and I are still your parents. If you brothers don't reason through it today, your dad and I would not feel reassured even at home. We will move away from Jinwu City and live outside tomorrow!" Zhang Tie's mom said with a solemn look as she added, "I could still make rice brew. I will survive myself by selling rice brew; your dad could also continue to work in a factory!"

Their mom had not said such serious words for dozens of years. Zhang Yang threw a glance at Zhang Tie which meant, 'It seems that our parents have been determined to separate us today, what should we do?'

Zhang Tie revealed a bitter smile.

"Zhang Tie, I want to listen to your opinion first. How would you share the properties with Zhang Yang?" Zhang Tie's dad told Zhang Tie firstly.

"My elder brother looked after parents and my family members all these years. Jinwu Business Group is also expanded by my elder brother. Without my elder brother's care of home affairs, I would never be reassured outside. If we have to separate from each other, Jinwu City belongs to my elder brother; Jinwu Business Group belongs to my elder brother too. As for Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory, my elder brother could have 5 cities!"

Zhang Tie immediately poured out what he wanted to say.

As for Zhang Tie, money and land were nothing but sh*t compared to the brotherhood between him and Zhang Yang. For the sake of his wives and kids in Ice and Snow Wilderness, he could even abandon the throne, not to mention the brotherhood.

Soon after hearing Zhang Tie's words, Zhang Yang had become anxious, "No, no. Jinwu Business Group's business is about all-purpose medicament, which is invented by Zhang Tie. Without Zhang Tie, I could at most be a boss of a small firm. It's my responsibility to look after my parents. Additionally, dad and mom are still young. They don't need to be looked after at all. Actually, they're always looking after me and helping me stabilize this home. Over these years, although Zhang Tie was outside, he had promoted to a knight and become the grand elder of Huaiyuan Palace. Zhang Tie is the greatest backup and reliance of Jinwu Business Group. Although being his elder brother, I was just helping Zhang Tie look after the business. Strictly, Jinwu Business Group and Jinwu City both belong to Zhang Tie. Even Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory is made by Zhang Tie and has nothing to do with me. No matter how shameless I am, I would never scramble over my younger brother's properties!"

"Elder brother, if you say so, I will take my wives and kids back to Ice and Snow Wilderness tomorrow. Without you, Zhang family would never be so prosperous. If you regard yourself as an employed worker, do you intend to make me embarrassed?"

"Easy, bro, think about your wives and kids. If I shared Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory with you, I would not raise my head in front of your wives and kids. If you insist on this, I will also leave Jinwu City together with your elder sisters-in-law. I will do my own small business…"

The two brothers pretended to glare at each other.

The other brothers would always fight and quarrel with each other for properties, even in imperial households and major clans; however, in Zhang family, the two brothers behaved very modestly as they urged to push the properties to the opposite as if the business group, cities and land felt blazing hot.

Watching the two brothers' performance, their parents both smiled with relief. They let out a sigh inside as they threw a glance at each other as if they had long predicted it.

"Fine, you brothers don't decline any more. I have a solution, if you feel it doesn't work, we can further negotiate with each other…"

"Fine, dad, go ahead!" Zhang Yang and Zhang Tie said in unison.

"Jinwu Business Group is founded and developed by you two brothers. You share with it, fifty-fifty. Later on, Jinwu Business Group will be managed by Zhang Yang and Zhang Yang's descendants. Jinwu City is our earliest foundation in Taixia Country. According to the custom of Taixia Country, Jinwu City is the "old real estate" of Zhang family. Your mom and I will live inside for the rest of our lives. Zhang Yang is the eldest son; therefore, Jinwu City and the surrounding land would be inherited by Zhang Yang. Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory is made by Zhang Tie himself; therefore, it should belong to Zhang Tie. I know that the business of Fiery Oil is large. However, Jinwu Business Group is not involved in the business of Fiery Oil yet. Later on, this business will not be merged into Jinwu Business Group. As to the business of Fiery Oil, Zhang Tie, you manage it yourself…"

Zhang Tie's dad paused for a second before continuing, "When Zhang Tie held his rotating chakra ceremony last year, he received many gifts; of course, those gifts belong to you. However, one gift from Huaiyuan Palace is 60,000 square miles' land outside Jinwu City. As this land is far away from Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory and neighbors the original land of Jinwu City, I suggest you to transfer it to Zhang Yang at a price. What do you think about it?"

Zhang Tie estimated that his parents had been thinking about it for a few days. 'This method covers the businesses, cities and lands. As for the 60,000 square miles' land, just transfer it to my elder brother for free. If my elder brother bought it, it would be a laughingstock…'

"Do you agree?" Zhang Tie's mom asked.

Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang exchanged a glance with each other.

Zhang Yang expressed his opinion, "I agree!"

Zhang Tie replied with a bitter smile, "Dad, mom, you're going to live in Jinwu City for the rest of your lives together with my elder brother. Are you leaving me alone? Why do I feel that I'm driven out of home…"

"Nonsense. How could we leave you alone? Later on, your dad and I would live wherever we want, Jinwu City or Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory. You'd better prepare a residence for your dad and me over there. I will go there to see my grandchildren!" Zhang Tie's mom patted Zhang Tie's head with complex moods.

"If you brothers agree, I will invite your elder uncles and Elder Muyuan to have a dinner and tell them about this decision a few days later!"

"Fine!"

…

The separation of the great properties only took Zhang family a few minutes. It was as smooth as buying a furniture in a store.

…

'I've not imagined that elder brother and I are called back to Jinwu City for separation. Later on, dad and I would be independent economically.' Zhang Tie thought as he walked out of the main mansion together with Zhang Yang a few hours later. At the sight of the stars over the sky, Zhang Tie felt a bit weird as he didn't know whether he should be pleased or sad about that.

"Elder brother, what do you think about it?" Zhang Tie couldn't help but ask Zhang Yang.

"Due to the event of the grandson of Shengzhou provincial governor, there're some evil gossips in Jinwu City. Dad and mom might want to be responsible for those gossips; therefore, they worked out the opinion to separate us for the sake of us…" Zhang Yang felt a bit depressed after experiencing such a sudden and "sharp change" at home. Therefore, he didn't want to say anything anymore, "It's already too late. I will go to bed. You'd better sleep earlier!"

"Fine!"

Zhang Tie nodded as he returned to his own residence.

As Zhang Tie's wives were in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory, there were only maids and male servants in Zhang Tie's residence. The moment Zhang Tie returned to his residence, Zhang Gui had appeared like a spirit, "This old humble slave welcomes master back…"

Zhang Tie immediately asked Zhang Gui through a secret means, "What's wrong with those gossips in Jinwu City?"

The event about the grandson of Shengzhou provincial governor was a bit severe. As the castellan of Jinwu City, of course, Zhang Tie's dad had known that and cared about it himself. However, the words of the grandson of Shengzhou provincial governor spread over Jinwu City in a very vicious way. It was said that Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang shared wives and properties with each other. Therefore, Zhang Tie's wives delivered babies after Zhang Tie left home for 1 year…

Zhang Tie finally understood why his parents said those severe words today.

Their parents felt that they ruined the fame of Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang by fastening the two brothers to them and caused the gossips. Therefore, they requested the two brothers to separate with each other…

Zhang Tie was driven infuriated while the bricks under his foot shattered completely…

'F*ck, the Gobbling Party is too excessive!'

Chapter 1268: The Border

Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem

The eastern continent was vast and boundless. Outside Taixia Country, there was a large, unpopulated wild area, which was covered with venomous animals and mutated beasts. With the sharp increase of the population in Taixia Country, Taixia Country's territory almost expanded every year. However, no matter how Taixia Country expanded its territory, there were always large gray-black areas outside those barren provinces in the north and the west, which indicated that they had not been exploited and explored yet.

Taixia country was adjacent to the ocean in the east and the south. Therefore, the unidentified gray-black areas were mainly in the north and the west.

It was said that there was only one continent on this planet before the Catastrophe, namely Kun'ang Continent. The Catastrophe caused sharp geological movement and broke apart Kun'ang Continent. Those small pieces were the current subcontinents while the Eastern Continent and the Western Continent were the main pieces of the original continent. Eastern Continent was the eastern region of Kun'ang Continent; Western Continent was the western region of Kun'ang Continent. The two main pieces neighbored each other previously. After the Catastrophe, there was an unimaginably large unpopulated zone between the two continents. Additionally, there was a large black iron world in the unpopulated zone which was known as the no-life zone. Being isolated by the black iron world, the Eastern Continent and the Western Continent looked like two continents. Therefore, people traversed between two continents mainly by sea instead of land.

Before the first holy war, the black iron world was also called the realm of catastrophe. This place was where God's Star fell down over 900 years ago and where God's Star released its terrifying power. Until now, that place was still the terrifying forbidden zone in people's eyes. Even knights could barely survive that place. It was the only place on the surface of the earth which was riskier than the Earth-elements Realm.

Those knights who could survive the realm of catastrophe always described this region as a terrifying area!

The bizarre power brought by the god's star would not reduce as time passed by. In the realm of catastrophe, the dangers and terrors caused by earth element, water element, wind element, fire element and the weird power of time and space were out of the imagination of commoners.

In the realm of catastrophe, there were absolutely zero super ice storms, flame volumes which could melt gold and iron, cracks which could shatter shadow knights through movement, monstrous billows that could drown everything, full of mutated venomous living beings and fatal traps caused by invisible space cracks…

Nobody would like to go there; even knights.

Because of this reason, that place was originally called realm of catastrophe.

Realm of catastrophe was where black iron age started from. As for humans, black iron age was the start of a wholly new age of humans, which carried a positive meaning. Therefore, after the first holy war, realm of catastrophe gradually won the widely accepted neutral and commemorative expression "black iron world" in all the official human documents.

…

Besides the established provinces of Taixia Country, the border of Taixia Country was about 100,000 miles away from the black iron world in the west and the north. Within this distance, there were vast wild areas which could be further exploited and developed.

According to the preliminary research made by the financial and farming ministry of Taixia Country a few years ago, the current territory of Taixia Country basically occupied half of the available land area on Eastern Continent. It meant that another Taixia Country could be held between the realm of catastrophe and the current border of Taixia Country.

Therefore, Taixia Country was never worried about overpopulation. The official of Taixia Country was always encouraging childbirth…

Therefore, there would be new cities every day in Taixia Country. In each decade, those former barren provinces in the border of Taixia Country would be promoted to lower provinces after absorbing enough population…

Therefore, Taixia Country formulated the policy to absorb border inhabitants. The major clans in Taixia Country would participate in trading border inhabitants and constantly purchasing manpower from subcontinents for the development of the barren provinces in Taixia Country…

…

However, although that available region was vast, it couldn't be visited for free. Being 6,000 miles away from the barren provinces of Taixia Country, many places had been basically unpopulated for hundreds of years. Even medicine diggers who sought for treasure medicines in the wilderness and those powerful animal controlling masters who would like to look for mutated mounts would not easily deepen into the region which was 6,000 miles away from barren provinces of Taixia Country. The region neighboring the black iron world was at least 100,000 miles away from the barren provinces of Taixia Country. Therefore, fewer people would go there. Usually, only knights or clan members of very few major clans in Taixia Country could approach the black iron world.

Being also affected by the god's star, there were also many high-level mutated beasts in the wilderness being less than 6,000 miles away from the border of the black iron world. These high-level mutated beasts were favored by many knights of major clans in Taixia Country.

In black iron age, knights' positions were determined by their chakra-based cultivation base. Mount was not a necessary factor for becoming knights. From this aspect, knights in black iron age were utterly different than those knights before the Catastrophe. However, due to the word "knight", some knights always felt that they should have a powerful mount to make it cool and better according to their identity of knights and the tradition. Therefore, mutated beasts above LV 13 were always best-sellers among some knights and a few playboys of major clans in Taixia Country.

People could also catch many mutated beasts above LV 13 in the hundreds of millions of mountains in the south border of Taixia Country. However, in the south border, besides dealing with mutated beasts, they should also deal with those hostile local aborigines and powerhouses who would jump out at any time. Those local aborigines and powerhouses would always treat the mutated beasts in the hundreds of millions of mountains in the south border of Taixia Country as their own properties or spiritual beings and were always hostile towards outsiders who came to the southern border for hunting mutated beasts. They were tricky. Therefore, those able men would always come to the region being close to the black iron world to hunt for mutated beasts.

Since the turmoil in Xuanyuan Hill last year, Taixia Country had experienced catastrophe of bloody figures and turmoils across the country. As a result, fewer people felt like catching mutated beasts by airboat here; especially this June, when the bloody figures had not been completely pacified, Taixia Country started to suffer from a large-scale summer crop failure. From then on, fewer people would come to this place for mutated beasts. Even so, there were always some playboys and someone who didn't care about the secular world as there were so many major clans across Taixia Country. These people were born to be rich. Bloody figures or grain shortage seemed to not exist in their world.

In early July, a red airboat longer than 500 m slowly moved in the sky being over 1,200 miles away from the black iron world.

On the ground, the 2 m-high weeds rolled as six LV 13 fighters flashed by…

All the 6 fighters wore quality rune leather armors with weapons in hands. Someone held a customized heavy crossbow, someone held a shield, someone held a saber or a sword…

Being over 100 m away in front of these fighters, a 2 m-longer huge and strong beast with fiery mane was escaping rapidly in the grass.

It was a LV 13 mutated beasts——wind lion.

In the former fight with the 6 human fighters, the LV 13 wind lion had been injured. Therefore, its speed was reduced. Even so, it could still run 3 times faster than ordinary galloping horse. Flashing in the lush weeds, it looked like a fiery wind.

The wind lion kept escaping as it sprayed blood from its legs. It even roared now and then, revealing its dismal and despairing look in the dilemma as the king of the wilderness.

The signal lamps of the airboat in the sky reminded those human fighters of the trace of the wind lion and the possible dangers by sparkling every now and then.

The fighters cooperated with each other tacitly as they moved rapidly. With the help of the signal lamps on the airboat, they finally surrounded the wind lion when it turned around and moved about 10 miles forward in an open land being surrounded by some shrubs…

"Net…" The head of the 6 fighters sent an order in low voice.

Being over 50 m away, the 6 fighters targeted their heavy crossbows at the wind lion and pressed the triggers at the same time.

When the wuthering bolts entered the sky, the blunt arrowheads exploded as they covered the wind lion in terms of a net from 3 directions.

With a roar, the wind lion accelerated abruptly as it revealed its fangs and sharp claws and dashed towards the direction where there was no net.

"Shield…"

With another order, two fighters holding shields immediately rushed forward and prevented the wind lion from breaking out.

The shields were rune weapons, which carried the effect of dizziness. After being hit back by the shields, although the wind lion didn't pass out at once, it slowed down. During this interval, 3 bolts were shot towards the wind lion once again.

This time, the wind lion was not as lucky as last time, it was immediately covered by 2 of the 3 nets. As a result, it immediately fell down when it was going to charge forward. Only after it struggled for a few seconds, the fighter who had sent the two orders just now had charged at it as he stabbed a long sharp needle into the neck of the wind lion. After kicking its legs for a couple of times, the wind lion finally became still…

Chapter 1269: The Fall of the Dark (I)

Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem

After the 6 human fighters caught the wind lion for less than half a minute, the airboat had slowly landed onto a lush meadow which was over 200 m away from this open land.

When the hatch door of the airboat was opened, a 20-odd years old handsome man who looked slightly green due to overconsumption of alcohol and plenty of sex got off the airboat.

This young man was only LV 8. However, he wore an expensive boa silk robe. As it was hot. He held a folding fan in an arrogant and personable manner.

An old man in the clothes of steward followed the young man.

Seeing the young man getting off the airboat, the 6 human fighters bowed towards the young man and the old man behind him at the same time.

The playboy seemingly had not seen their movement. He just slightly raised his folding fan to have them straighten up their bodies before hurriedly coming to the front of the wind lion whose head was still covered by the nets and starting to check the mutated beast.

"Ahh, you've not killed this wind lion, have you?"

"Childe Deng, this wind lion has just passed out after being drugged by the anesthetic. It will wake up in 1 day. After waking up, it would be a bit fatigued; however, 3 days later, as long as it could eat and drink, through careful nurture, it would recover. As for the wounds on its legs, just daub some medicament on them…" One of the 6 human fighters said.

The young man was not an idiot. After hearing his words and checking the situation of the wind lion, he had known that the wind lion was still alive.

With a sound of "pah", the young man folded his fan as he looked at the 6 fighters with a smile, "You 6 brothers of Mangshan Mountain are really good. I've been here 3 times in vain; I've not imagined that you could catch one only after coming here for 2 days. Good, I will pay you 20% more. I was told that there are rarer golden-crown bloody boa living beings less than 1,200 miles away from the border of the black iron world. Can you catch one for me? I will pay 10 times higher, how about that?"

"Childe Deng, the golden-crown bloody boa is a LV 14 mutated living being. Its ability is close to LV 15. Our 6 brothers are really not enough to catch it…"

"You can't…" The young man revealed a hopeless look. However, at the sight of the wind lion at his foot whose tail was longer than 2 m, he felt a bit better, "It doesn't matter. After all, with this wind lion, I could also be imposing for a period in Huaiyin Prefecture…"

After hearing his words, the 6 brothers lowered their heads without an empty look. They were serving people for money within their own abilities.

"Childe, we've been out for almost 1 month. As this wilderness is close to the black iron world, it's very dangerous. It's inconvenient for us to stay here too long. As we've already caught a wind lion, we'd better go back home as soon as possible in case that old madam is worried about us…"

"Fine, let's go back then. Oh, contact Qionglou Pavilion. After coming back, have them send me a set of saddle and armors according to the size of this wind lion. I don't care about the price. It must be cooler than that of the mount of the 3rd son of Liu Clan that I saw last time…" Childe Deng's eyes flickered with hope.

"Yes, young master!" The old steward behind Childe Deng threw a glance at the 6 brothers of Mangshang Mountain before walking towards the airboat with Childe Deng.

The 6 human fighters carried the wind lion and followed them towards the airboat.

Soon after they walked a few steps forward, the earth quaked suddenly. The 6 fighters became shocked at once. Childe Deng also looked around with a vacant look, "Ahh, is it an earthquake?"

When the earth quaked, the surrounding flocks of birds flew off at once.

The quake seemingly happened under their foot at an increasing frequency. The leaves of the shrubs on the surface of the earth quivered constantly.

The old man behind Childe Deng tightly frowned. Only after a few seconds, he suddenly changed his face greatly as he shouted, "Childe, hurry up, leave out of here…"

Closely after that, he grabbed Childe Deng's waistband as he shot towards the hatch door of the airboat as fast as a lightning bolt.

This steward was a black iron knight.

The 6 human fighters also responded to it rapidly. However, they could never match a knight in speed.

Not until the old man flew into the hatch door with Childe Deng did they realize what happened and hurriedly run towards the airboat.

The 6 human fighters didn't know why the earth suddenly quaked. Now that the knight had changed his face and escaped away, they realized the severity of the event as they made the same response to it.

"Drop the wind lion and all the heavy equipment…" The eldest brother roared. These hunters who usually stayed in the wilderness understood what was most valuable for them.

The moment the steward rushed into the airboat, the airboat had started to ascend rapidly as if it had received the order of the steward. Before the arrival of the 6 brothers, the hatch door had been closed.

When the 6 brothers arrived at where the airboat landed, the airboat had already reached 100 m high in the sky.

The 6 brothers could only see the airboat accelerating towards the direction of Taixia Country like a stray dog with pale looks.

"F*ck your ancestors…" The eldest brother roared.

"Eldest brother, what should we do?" As the earthquake intensified, the other 5 brothers became flurried.

"Run…" The eldest brother replied. Closely after that, the 6 brothers ran towards the east at their full efforts. At the same time, they took out a vial of full-purpose medicament respectively and drank it.

…

Only after 1 minute, when the airboat was only over 12 miles away and the 6 brothers were only about 1.8 miles away, the earth within 1 mile where they caught the wind lion suddenly bulged. Closely after that, a black monster as huge as the huge deep-sea monster being covered with steel scales broke out of the earth like a submarine that rapidly floated up from the bottom of the ocean.

Chapter 1270: The Fall of the Dark (II)

Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem

Only after a few minutes, the airboat had been hundreds of miles away; additionally, it was still ascending constantly. Sitting in the airboat, Childe Deng looked completely pale. Quivering all over, he saw those giant, despairing monsters drilling out of the earth one after another through the optical imaging device.

They looked like huge earthworms or centipedes.

After these monsters drilled out of the earth, they left many huge and pitch-dark bottomless holes which seemingly led to the abyss in the hell and looked like the mouths of devils which were going to devour everything.

Even the huge airboat became slim compared to those things.

Childe Deng's teeth were quivering.

The airboat was constantly ascending. However, the higher he was, the more fearful would Childe Deng feel. Such a terrifying monster would drill out of the earth every hundred miles. There were not only 1 or 2 monsters, but there were also numerous monsters as far as he could see.

It looked like a pile of earthworms drilling out of the earth. Childe Deng was scared so much.

Soon after these things drilled out of the earth, all the birds within thousands of miles had flown off. At this moment, numerous mutated beasts just escaped towards far like tides instead of attacking each other.

At this moment, even the least intellectual wild beast had sensed the fear of the doomsday as they escaped in all directions.

The old man was shouting as loudly as he could in the command room with a pale look, "Ascend…ascend…ascend it to the highest altitude at the greatest speed…"

The greatest speed of the airboat was just close to the sonic speed in the air. However, the airboat could only reach the middle region of the stratosphere at most.

Everybody in the airboat had been scared so much that their faces had turned completely pale.

"What…what…are…those things…drilling out of the earth?" Childe Deng stammered.

"They…they are demons' war fortresses…" The steward replied in a quivering voice.

Soon after he finished his words, the steward had felt something as he changed his face greatly. Before he made any response, the airboat had been collapsed. Childe Deng and the others on the airboat were directly shattered by the unimaginable power together with the airboat…

The steward was severely injured as he flew backward at his utmost effort towards the east…

Bang…

A black light flashed by while the steward who was less than 500 m away from the airboat immediately exploded into blood foam in the air. In the strong wind of the stratosphere, it soon disappeared.

At such a high altitude, a 4-m higher wing demon with 6 wings and a longhorn in a crown that represented that it was a demon prince suspended in the stratosphere, releasing the powerful qi of a heavenly knight. He looked at the east at the end of the wilderness with flickering, bloody eye light quietly and icily. It seemed that it was just a piece of cake for it to shatter the airboat and kill that human knight.

Beneath this wing demon, a flock of wing demons suddenly flew out of a dark, bottomless cave.

There were 400-500 wing demon knights. Wing demon knights could even fly without the help of wings. However, they could fly faster in a more flexible way by flapping wings…

After flying around the wing demon prince for a few seconds, they flew towards 4 directions by batches…

After these wing demon knights flew away for a few seconds, tens of thousands of wing demons started to fly out of the caves like rats that flew out of deep mountains and woods. They flew towards all directions like locusts over the sky and black clouds…

Those wing demons were at least LV 9. They were more than that Zhang Tie had seen in Waii Subcontinent. Actually, they were numerous…

The wing demon prince turned around and looked at his back while the 6 brothers of Mangshan Mountain lost their qi of vitality immediately.

On the vast land covering hundreds of millions of square miles, tens of thousands of demon corps, large batches of demon knights and overwhelming wing demons constantly poured out of the black holes, which seemingly linked the earth surface to the demon's world…

On this occasion, the black human knight who had disappeared in the sky and the 6 brothers of Mangshan Mountain who had disappeared on the earth just looked like a trivial ripple in the huge billows.

When the demon corps and demon knights constantly poured out of the earth, those demons' war fortresses were also converting their forms.

Their "steel scales" fell off the demons' war fortresses first.

Those "steel scales" were not dead. All the "steel scales" were living beings like hermit crabs and spiders. Being as large as a millstone, they were flat with a scale-like hard shell on their back. They could completely hide their limbs under their shells in order to live on the demons' war fortresses.

After these "steel scales" fell off the demons' war fortresses, they scattered in all directions, exposing the tender and tangled bloody flesh inside the demons' war fortress. The huge demons' war fortress then started to shrink while its long feet deepened into the earth like crisscrossed roots of a towering odd-look tree. At the same time, it injected its blood and body fluid into the earth through its feet. After a short while, the land had gradually become dark brown. Meanwhile, it smelt bloody; the plant leaves on the earth started to change their colors too…

During this process, the land was changing its color. The demons' war fortresses were also slowly turning gray and as hard as wood.

Bloody, thick, sliced tree leaves grew out of the demons' war fortress. The huge mouthparts of the demons' war fortress started to exhale black smoke which gradually suffused in the air…

Only after a short while, clusters of bizarre fruits had grown out beneath those leaves. As a result, the demons' war fortress turned into a plant form from an animal form…

…

Those "steel scales" that fell off the demons' war fortresses could move as flexibly and fast as LV 6 human fighters. The moment those "steel scales" started to move, they had started to capture all the living beings on the earth.

When those "steel scales" met weaker animals, they would rapidly siege and nip preys by their huge pliers which looked like that of cancers; when they met stronger animals, they would spit glue-like mucilage, which could fly over 50 m and gradually glued those preys, poisoning them, weakening them and making them unable to move. After that, all the "steel scales" would swarm up and draw the preys back into their fortresses…

A swarm of hundreds of springboks was captured by those "steel scales". After being captured, those springboks would be thrown into the demons' war fortresses' huge mouthparts which were full of black mucilage…

As a result, those fruits beneath the thick leaves grew faster…

It was a catastrophe on the earth…

In a few hours, more and more demons' war fortresses had completed their form transformation and more and more demons corps had poured out of the earth.

The land was changing its color while the black smoke turned increasingly thicker and wider, forming a black heavenly curtain that covered hundreds of millions of square miles…

In the center of all the demons' war fortresses, a larger war fortress as high as 10,000 m completed its final form transformation. 9 crowned demon knights were standing on the platform at the highest point of the war fortress which had just completed its form transformation. Over 100,000 demon knights in some major formations were standing still in the sky facing a knight who wore a grim, full black armor while holding a huge fork which was giving out black flame at the highest throne of the fortress.

With an illusory and disorderly imposing manner, the look of the demon knight at the highest throne was not clear. After the 9 demon princes gave a salute to that demon knight, he moved his hand while a meters high diamond-shaped crystal being covered with bizarre runes appeared in his hand while giving out purplish-red light. After injecting a bizarre qi into that crystal, the demon knight tossed that crystal high and had it suspend at the highest point of the war fortress. Closely after that, a blurry vertical eye appeared in the crystal, which directly looked at the east…

"The dominating demon god's eye is watching you and protecting you. Go, go destroy the enemies that the dominating demon god abhors most…"

The demon knight pointed the burning huge fork to the east…

Chapter 1271: Ice and Flames

Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem

In early July, the news that Zhang Tie shared properties with each other aroused a shock in Youzhou Province. It was normal for brothers in ordinary families to share properties with each other; however, Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang were almost the most popular ones in Youzhou Province. Of course, this news was attractive in Youzhou Province.

Additionally, Zhang Tie declared a message in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory soon after sharing properties with his elder brother——Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory was looking for business groups and clans across Taixia Country to produce Fiery Oil through cooperation. This news made the news that Zhang Tie had shared properties with his elder brother more shocking.

Soon after this message was released, many major clans became spirited.

In the past months, perhaps even Zhang Tie had not realized that Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory had become the focus of many clans across Taixia Country.

Except for idiots, anyone could realize the great value of Fiery Oil in economy and military; especially, Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory had already proved the value of Fiery Oil with new engines and airplanes. As a result, those major clans couldn't wait to cooperate with Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory.

However, those who were qualified to be involved in the business of Fiery Oil in Taixia Country were definitely not ordinary business groups or clans. Besides focusing on the cooperation with Fiery-Dragon Bounty Territory on Fiery Oil, they were also focusing on Xuanyuan Hill.

In Xuanyuan Hill, Meng Shidao the leader of the Gobbling Party was destined to take over the position of prime minister of Taixia Country, which was one of the most remarkable positions in Taixia Country.

Everybody had known the animosity between the Gobbling Party and Zhang family of Huaiyuan Palace; especially Zhang Tie.

As Meng Shidao was going to ascend to the peak of his power in Taixia Country, many major clans in Taixia Country were weighing the advantages and disadvantages of cooperation with Qianji Hermit and Huaiyuan Palace on Fiery Oil.

Because of the hesitation, wait-and-see attitude of those major clans in Taixia Country towards Fiery Oil, Fiery Oil which had an extremely sensational effect and a time-epoching significance in black iron age didn't arouse too much attention across Taixia Country except in Youzhou Province and the northeast military region.

Of course, it was just a superficial and temporary phenomenon; in the final analysis, the great value of Fiery Oil couldn't be ignored.

Those major clans were slowly considerating and weighing the advantages and disadvantages of cooperation with Fiery-Dragon Bounty Territory on Fiery Oil as none of them would like to offend the top three chancellors in Taixia Country first; however, in Taixia Country, there were always many people who didn't care who were top three chancellors.

After Lord Guangnan's Mansion and Heavens Fortune Sect declared that they started to produce Fiery Oil within their own territories, those major clans in Taixia Country gradually became relaxed.

The current situation was as follows: a group of hungry kids was drooling as they watched a cage of steamed stuffed buns. However, when they saw an adult with a whip in hand a few meters away, they hesitated at once. Those kids exchanged glances with each other and were itching for a try; however, nobody dared rush out first. They were all waiting for someone brave to rush out…

Those kids were clear that they would not be punished if they all rushed out at the same time; however, the one who rushed out first would be punished for sure.

When these kids were hesitating, two adults walked over there and picked up the steamed buns before enjoying them.

Those kids kept swallowing their saliva as they longed for the steamed buns.

Those kids were major clans in Taixia Country while steamed buns referred to Fiery Oil. Of course, the 2 adults were Heavens Fortune Sect and Lord Guangnan's Mansion.

When these kids were hesitating, another one walked to the table and started to enjoy the steamed buns.

This one was Guan Clan of Mingwu Palace, the very clan of Guan Qianchong the commander of Black Armor Army of Taxia Country.

Guan Clan was the third partner of Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory on Fiery Oil. Guan Clan of Mingwu Palace's participation in the feast of sharing Fiery Oil made those hesitating major clans relaxed at once. Besides preparing to cooperate with Qianji Hermit to produce Fiery Oil, Guan Clan also brought the orders for Fiery Oil and airplanes to Fiery-Dragon Bounty Territory. Later on, Black Armor Army even assigned 2,000 crews of airships to learn how to drive airplanes in the aviation academy in Fiery-Dragon Bounty Territory…

Black Armor Army was one of the top 4 armies in Taixia Country. Such an army was almost a good model of all the other armies in Taixia Country. To a certain extent, the attitude of Black Armor Army was as same as that of the top 4 armies, the military and the commander-in-chief, one of the top 3 chancellors in Xuanyuan Hill.

Black Armor Army needed Fiery Oil, what did this mean?

It meant that the military and the commander-in-chief of Taixia Country thought that the value of Fiery Oil to armies was much more important than the reputation of the Gobbling Party even the moods of Meng Shidao.

Now that Black Armor Army had expressed their stance, of course the other 3 top armies in Taixia Country stood on the side of Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory. Now that the top 4 armies had expressed their attitude, not to mention the provincial and prefectural armies across Taixia Country. As a result, the market of Fiery Oil in Taixia Country was opened at once.

Except for profit, those private armies of major clans would also regard the top 4 armies of Taixia Country as their good models and try their utmost efforts to enhance the military capability of their private armies by Fiery Oil. Even Lord Guangnan's Mansion, Heavens Fortune Sect and Guan Clan had stood on the side of Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory, not to mention the other major clans.

Right then, the news that Qianji Hermit and his elder brother shared properties with each other spread over. Closely after that, the news that Qianji Hermit was looking for cooperators to produce Fiery Oil spread over Taixia Country.

Especially the second news which was really a timely rain for those major clans who had been longing to cooperate with Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory. Now that Qianji Hermit had thrown out the olive branch, many people's dream would come true.

Therefore, Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory was filled with airboats once again.

Only after a few days, Qianji Hermit had declared in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory that all the major clans that had cooperation and marital relations with Tang Clan the Shengzhou provincial governor's clan would be excluded from this feast for Fiery Oil. Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory would never collaborate with these clans.

After hearing this news, someone was muddle-headed; someone felt pleasant; however, those major clans which collaborated with Tang Clan in Shengzhou Province became dumbfounded completely.

Everyone knew that the Tang Clan was the backbone of the Gobbling Party. But why Qianji Hermit fired Tang Clan this time? After inquiring about it secretly, they had known the reason. It turned out that a grandson of Tang Gaolin the Shengzhu provincial governor talked rubbish in Jinwu City by slandering the relation between Qianji Hermit and Zhang Yang a few days ago. Later on, he was put behind upon bars in Jinwu City. After this event deteriorated, the Supreme Court assigned an exclusive official to save him out of there. Even so, his ramblings and this event still spread over Jinwu City and Youzhou Province. Qianji Hermit even shared properties with his elder brother due to this event.

Qianji Hermit was infuriated. Of course, he would vent his spite on Tang Clan.

Provincial governors' clans like Tang Clan must have marital relations with a lot of clans. Now that they had marital relations with each other, it was normal for them to have trade ties. Actually, major clans in Taixia Country were always close to each other through marital relations and trade ties.

Therefore, Qianji Hermit directly prevented these major clans which had relations with Tang Clan from sharing the feast of Fiery Oil out of fury…

Only after Qianji Hermit released the message for 2 days, the marital relation between Tang Clan and another major clan in Shengzhou Province had blown up…

Zhang Tie's one sentence sent many clans in Shengzhou Province and the neighboring provinces in general turmoils…

Fiery Oil, crop failure, the aftermath of the catastrophe of bloody figures, the threat brought by the remnants of Heavens Reaching Church. This July was not only hot but also berserk…

Among disruptions, the news that demons corps appeared outside a barren province in the west of Taixia Country and many cities collapsed in one day struck everybody in Taixia Country like a basin of icy water in winter…

Chapter 1272: The Return of Minling Swordsmanship Sect

Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem

An airboat slowly landed at the airport of Xuantian Peak of Iron-Dragon Sect…

Zhang Tie, Mountain Lifting Hermit and Bai Suxian were all standing in the airport, followed by Zhang Tie's disciples and some stewards in Iron-Dragon Sect. It was a grand scene in Iron-Dragon Sect.

It had been late July. At about 1 pm, the sun was right above their heads. However, as there were many tree shadows in Xuantian Peak, it was not very hot over there. Additionally, cicada's chirps sounded very melodious, leisure and pleasant. However, a solemn atmosphere still diffused among those disciples unconsciously.

This airboat belonged to Bai Suxian. After Lu Zhongming and Lin Huanxi dealt with the affairs of Minling Swordsmanship Sect in Guzhou Province, they returned to Iron-Dragon Sect officially today by this airboat.

Without this airboat, it would take Lu Zhongming and Lin Huanxi at least 4 more months to make a round trip from Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory to Guzhou Province.

Watching the slowly declining airboat, Zhang Tie revealed a faint smile.

After receiving the news that demons invaded the barren province of Taixia Country, Zhang Tie had ended up his short period with his wives and kids and returned to Iron-Dragon Bounty Territory.

Thankfully, with the establishment of Iron Heart Pavilion and the adjustment of the liquors' taxation of Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory, the domestic affairs and businesses in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory were also gradually on the right track. Although some aspects still needed adjustment, Zhang Tie didn't need to be worried about that. Iron Heart Pavilion and Donder had gradually controlled Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory.

He always stayed with his family members for short periods. Over these years, Zhang Tie really had less time to accompany his family members as a husband or a father. Take this time, a few months, as an instance, it was the longest period that he had ever accompanied with his family members. Therefore, Zhang Tie always felt a bit guilty when he left his wives and kids.

However, he had to leave them. Zhang Tie was the real man at home, a human fighter, a knight in Taixia Country and the master of Iron-Dragon Sect and the owner of Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory. Numerous people were focusing on him. Each of his movements could influence the fates of millions of families and tens of millions of people. When the demons corps appeared in the barren province in the west of Taixia Country and the battle flames and smokes of the holy war covered the land of Taixia Country, Zhang Tie had to assume the corresponding responsibilities for each identity.

As the force of demons was still in the westernmost part of Taixia Country, Youzhou Province in the northernmost part of Taixia Country seemingly became the rear area of Taixia Country. That was to say, demons would not arrive at the northernmost part of Taixia Country in a few years even dozens of years. However, if Zhang Tie didn't make a response to it until the demons arrived at the northeast military region or Youzhou Province, how could Zhang Tie and Iron-Dragon Sect resist the demons corps which had swept over the most part of Taixia Country?

Therefore, the appearance of demons corps in Taixia Country meant the start of the second fight between Zhang Tie and demons since the fight in Waii Subcontinent.

Zhang Tie felt a bit guilty about O'Laura and Linda; however, he was a bit moved by Bai Suxian who was on his side.

Over these months, Bai Suxian had been cultivating quietly in her own mansion on Immortalsgathering Peak of Iron-Dragon Sect instead of scrambling for Zhang Tie's care with the other women. Zhang Tie knew that Bai Suxian wanted to compensate O'Laura and the other wives by having them stay with Zhang Tie alone.

Zhang Tie had not imagined that Bai Suxian could be that considerate and understanding.

After realizing the lovely aspect of Bai Suxian, Zhang Tie suddenly pulled Bai Suxian's hand and pinched it forcefully regardless of the eye light of his disciples behind them.

Bai Suxian turned around.

"It's my honor to have you on my side!" Zhang Tie directly told Bai Suxian through a secret means.

"You bet?" Bai Suxian replied while blinking her eyes.

"Ahem…ahem…" Mountain Lifting Hermit pretended to cough twice. Zhang Tie and Bai Suxian then looked at each other with a smile tacitly.

…

When the airboat landed and the hatch door opened, Lu Zhongming and Lin Huanxi got off the airboat immediately.

"Master…"

The deep bow that Lu Zhongming and Lin Huanxi made towards Zhang Tie also meant that the identities between both parties had been fixed. From then on, Lu Zhongming and Lin Huanxi joined Iron-Dragon Sect officially.

"It's nice that you've come back. It's nice that you've come back. From now on, we will be of the same family. Your residences and courtyards on Immortalspring Peak have been completed. You're welcome to come back. From then on, you two will be the elders of Iron-Dragon Sect and the owner of Immortalspring Peak!" Zhang Tie smiled as he helped Lu Zhongming and Lin Huanxi stand up.

Lu Zhongming and Lin Huanxi then nodded towards Mountain Lifting Hermit and Bai Suxian.

There were over 1,000 disciples behind Lu Zhongming and Lin Huanxi, who were original disciples of Minling Swordsmanship Sect. They tidily got off the airboat in lines before kneeling down and kowtowing towards Zhang Tie, "Master…"

These disciples of Lu Zhongming and Lin Huanxi might have understood their identity in Iron-Dragon Sect. As Zhang Tie was a legendary figure in Taixia Country. All the disciples of Lu Zhongming and Lin Huanxi would like to join the sect of Qianji Hermit. With the protection of Qianji Hermit, they would be safe.

It was the first time for most of the disciples of Minling Swordsmanship Sect to meet Zhang Tie. Therefore, many people couldn't help but glance at Zhang Tie stealthily. Zhang Tie's young look shocked everyone greatly. Facing the fame and imposing manner of Qianji Hermit, those people dared not breathe smoothly at all.

Zhang Tie threw a glance at these disciples of Minling Swordsmanship Sect. 'These disciples of Lu Zhongming and Lin Huanxi were not bad. The lowest rank among over 1,000 people were LV 6 fighters while the highest rank was LV 14 battle demon. After these people joined Iron-Dragon Sect, it would be more boisterous here. Immortalspring Peak might have most disciples in one period in the future.

"From today on, you will be the disciples of Iron-Dragon Sect in Immortalspring Peak. As the master of Iron-Dragon Sect, I will be fair in giving out rewards or punishments. Additionally, all the resources in Iron-Dragon Bounty Territory will be open to you. All the rules in Iron-Dragon Sect originate from filial piety, obedience, loyalty and righteousness. When you are in the Iron-Dragon Sect, be filial to the seniors; when you are outside, you need to follow your superiors like how you do at home. In Iron-Dragon Sect, you need to respect seniors and be friendly to your fellow apprentices sincerely. As Taixia Country was going to break out a large-scale war and the battle smokes of the holy war had been suffusing in the northwest border of Taixia Country, as human cultivators, you should shoulder the responsibilities voluntarily. The ultimate loyalty and righteousness is to kill demons and eliminates moles as soon as possible in order to protect your home and country. You should practice hardly in Iron-Dragon Sect and be ready to join in the war at any time so as to live up to what you've learned. Additionally, you should make military exploits in the chaotic world. You have to believe in karma. In the void, universal laws manifest in an extremely fantastic and mysterious way. If you want to promote to a knight and form chakras, you have to choose the bright way no matter what you're pursuing for, wealth or position. Bear my words in mind."

Zhang Tie encouraged these new disciples with a solemn look.

His words sounded genuine and plain as if they contained endlessly deep meaning. Not only the 1,000-odd disciples, even Lu Zhongming, Lin Huanxi and Zhang Tie's disciples were shocked by his words.

"Yes, master!" The 1,000-odd disciples bowed towards Zhang Tie once again.

Zhang Tie let some of his favored disciples show around these new disciples in Xuantian Peak so that they could be familiar with the environment in Iron-Dragon Sect. Closely after that, Zhang Tie, Lu Zhongming, Lin Huanxi, Mountain Lifting Hermit and Bai Suxian entered the main hall to discuss issues.

The main hall of Iron-Dragon Sect was even more magnificent than that of the shrine palace of Huaiyuan Palace. The diameter of the huge sandalwood pillars in the main hall was about 4 m. The obsidian floor in the main hall reflected the shadows of these people.

After entering the main hall, Zhang Tie sat down in the main seat. All the other 4 people sat on Zhang Tie's two sides respectively.

Just now, these knights still revealed a faint smile. The moment they entered the main hall, the atmosphere became solemn at once.

Before opening his mouth, Zhang Tie put his hand in his coat and pretended to fumble for a short while before taking out 2 finger rings and pushing them in front of Lu Zhongming and Lin Huanxi.

As black iron knights, Lu Zhongming and Lin Huanxi immediately identified that they were precious space-teleportation equipment at the sight of the nanobeads and bizarre runes.

Although having promoted to knights for so many years, Lu Zhongming and Lin Huanxi had not received any precious space-teleportation equipment yet.

The couple then exchanged a glance with each other.

"Master, these…" Lu Zhongming asked hesitantly.

"These are for elders of Iron-Dragon Sect. From now on, the two space-teleportation finger rings belong to you. As elders of Iron-Dragon Sect, you could have 6 earth-element crystals per month. Additionally, Iron-Dragon Sect would allocate 2 million gold coins to Immortalspring Peak each year. The amount of money would be dominated by you two…"

Black iron knights could have 6 earth-element crystals per month as same as the treatment in Lion Fortress. It was a rich treatment for any black iron knight. Additionally, 2 million gold coins a year was also a big amount of money. Actually, when in Guzhou Province, Minling Swordsmanship Sect had never made so much money a year.

Lu Zhongming and Lin Huanxi were shocked so much by Zhang Tie's generosity…

Chapter 1273: Xuanyuan Command

Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem

"Erm…the two space-teleportation equipment…is too expensive. Additionally, the monthly provision of our peak is too much…" Lu Zhongming said bashfully.

"This is the treatment for the owner of each peak and each elder of Iron-Dragon Sect. Don't decline any more. The space-teleportation equipment belong to Iron-Dragon Sect; however, you have the usage right. Don't have any mental burden. As for the monthly earth-element crystals, Iron-Dragon Sect has countless money; additionally, Lord Guangnan's Mansion and Heavens Fortune Sect will convert some of my profits into element crystals and send them to me every year. So will the other cooperators. Therefore, you don't need to worry that such a bit provision would drag down Iron-Dragon Sect. If you two could promote to an earth knight in the future, it might also be a good thing for our Iron-Dragon Sect…" Zhang Tie threw a glance at Mountain Lifting Hermit quietly after saying that.

Mountain Lifting Hermit directly showed the space-teleportation equipment that Zhang Tie gave him to them as he said, "I've also got a space-teleportation equipment presented by the master. Don't decline any more. As Taixia's overall situation is becoming more and more chaotic, it's safer if we could have a space-teleportation equipment. Now that we've joined Iron-Dragon Sect, just follow the rules!"

"If so…we will… keep them…"

Lu Zhongming and Lin Huanxi threw a glance at each other before taking their space-teleportation finger rings.

There were 72 earth-element crystals and gold notes which were worth 1 million gold coins in each space-teleportation finger ring. These provisions could meet the demand of Immortalspring Peak and the cultivation of Lu Zhongming and Lin Huanxi in next year.

Lu Zhongming sighed with feelings inside as he looked at Zhang Tie, 'What a Qianji Hermit! Although it has just been a few months, Zhang Tie has become more profound and more imposing than before. It seems that his cultivation base had entered a mysterious realm. At the sight of him, I will regard him with reverence.'

Over these months, although Lu Zhongming and Lin Huanxi were not in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory, they had also heard about what Zhang Tie did in the Sacred Iceland Kingdom. When they thought about Zhang Tie's influence in the Sacred Iceland Kingdom and the mysterious heavens knight on his back, Lu Zhongming and Lin Huanxi both felt that Zhang Tie had other secrets. They could never seek through Zhang Tie.

When Zhang Tie manifested his trump cards such as immortal bloodline and Fiery Oil before they left, Lu Zhongming and Lin Huanxi both felt that they had known Zhang Tie pretty well. However, a few months later, they both felt that they seemingly knew nothing about Zhang Tie.

As Qianji Hermit often manifested his new trump cards, he was more awe-inspiring.

After considering such a rich treatment, the couple exchanged a glance with each other. They both felt that they had made a correct decision by joining Iron-Dragon Sect a few months ago.

"That's it!" Zhang Tie finally revealed a faint smile after seeing Lu Zhongming and Lin Huanxi put away their space-teleportation finger rings as he added, "Thankfully, you came back today; if you came back two days later, you might not meet me for a period as I have to leave Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory 2 days later."

"Master, you've also received the Xuanyuan command?" Lin Huanxi realized it at once.

"Huaiyuan Palace is a major clan in Youzhou Province. The head of Huaiyuan Palace is Youzhou provincial governor. Additionally, I have a bounty land in Youzhou Province. I received the message 3 days ago. According to the request of the Xuanyuan command, each clan with knights in Youzhou Province should at least assign 1/3 of its knights to receive the order of gathering. This time, I will go to the west border of Taixia Country to fight demons together with the other 2 elders of Huaiyuan Palace, Mountain Lifting Hermit and Suxian!" Zhang Tie said calmly.

Being issued by Xuanyuan Hill, Xuanyuan command was an emergency mobilization order to gather knights in Taixia Country, which represented the authority of the imperial court of Taixia Country and Emperor Xuanyuan. All the major clans, aristocratic official families, noble families of power and influence, sects, churches and knights who had one more city or over 6,000 square miles' land should receive Xuanyuan command, including the top 7 clans in Taixia Country.

It only took Xuanyuan Hill less than 10 days to deliver the emergency Xuanyuan command since demons were found in a barren province in the west of Taixia Country.

Last time, Taixia Country delivered Xuanyuan command since the second holy war had broken out for over 30 years. Given the emergency of this Xuanyuan command, it must indicate the extremely critical situation outside the barren provinces of Taixia Country in the west. The demon corps and knights in the west of Taixia Country could not be resisted unless all the knights across Taixia Country were mobilized.

It was not a good omen for anyone living in Taixia Country. Those knights who were experienced in fighting demons immediately realized the great dangers. At this moment, human knights were urgently needed to resist demons in the west of Taixia Country. It was so urgent that Xuanyuan Hill had to deliver Xuanyuan command to gather human knights in Taixia Country regardless of the shocks and panics.

Actually, shocks and panics were inevitable after the Xuanyuan command was delivered!

…

"We will leave with you too, master!" Lu Zhongming immediately said.

"If you leave too, nobody would be responsible for Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory and Iron-Dragon Sect anymore. Additionally, you couple have been busy moving homes these months, you'd better be familiar with the current situation facing Iron-Dragon Sect and Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory first…"

After finding that Lu Zhongming still wanted to urge, Zhang Tie interrupted him calmly, "Each holy war would last long. It will not end in 5 years or 1 decade. Although our Iron-Dragon Sect is a bit famous, it's not a major clan in Taixia Country; neither could it stand any large consumption. Iron-Dragon Sect should not assign all the knights in order to respond to the Xuanyuan command. 3 knights are enough. We should spare some strength to respond to more dangerous situations. You could go there by shifts in the future!"

Looking at Zhang Tie's calm expression, Lu Zhongming and Lin Huanxi finally nodded.

…

This summit of Iron-Dragon Sect only lasted less than 1 hour. After confirming some other affairs of Iron-Dragon Sect, they adjourned. Lu Zhongming and Lin Huanxi returned to Immortalspring Peak; Mountain Lifting Hermit left one sentence before flying towards Pines Peak, "Remember to call me when we're leaving…".

The Pines Peak had the fewest population among all the 18 mountain peaks. As Mountain Lifting Hermit preferred to be quiet, he only kept some servants on his peak.

Only Zhang Tie and Bai Suxian were on Xuantian Peak.

Standing on the top of Xuantian Peak and watching the prosperous scenery at the foot of the mountain together with Bai Suxian, Zhang Tie finally let out a sigh, "What if we could have 2 more years to prepare?"

Although Zhang Tie knew that demons would come sooner or later, he still sighed with emotions about such a fierce and swift attack of demons.

These days, Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory was developing fast in all aspects. There were already 4 high-power alcohol production bases and 3 air cavalry training academies. Besides that air cavalry training academy in Xuantian City, Zhang Tie increased another 2 air cavalry training academies outside Ningan City and Wugong City respectively. Those aviation students of Fire-Dragon Corps who had just grasped how to drive airplanes immediately became aviation coaches so as to barely meet the demand of the new aviation academies.

Starting from Commander Cheng, each major clan in the northeast military region had started to have their clan disciples learn how to drive airplanes in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory. Even though Zhang Tie rose the training fee of the pilot to 10,000 gold coins per person, he could still not weaken the passion of those major clans in the northeast military region.

After black armor army assigned people to learn how to drive airplanes, the aviation academy outside Xuantian City became more popular.

As for the first batch of aviation pilots trained by Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory, besides those who were kept for instructing new students, Zhang Tie had already assigned all the others to cooperate with clans and business groups within the northeast military region to build other aviation academies. Commander Cheng also supported it very much. However, it was still too hasty…

Besides aviation academies, except for meeting the basic demand for teaching in aviation academies, all the air cavalry type-I airplanes produced in Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory during this period had been purchased the moment they left the factory even though Donder priced it as high as that of an airship.

Generally, those business groups and clans only bought 1 or 2 airplanes. Therefore, they didn't care about the price of the airplane. Zhang Tie also knew what did they want to do by purchasing those airplanes. All the air cavalry type-I might have been demolished after being purchased for the sake of learning, imitation and modification, etc… Therefore, Zhang Tie supported them pretty much instead of opposing them.

Given the large size of Taixia Country, even though Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory expanded its airplane production capacity by 10,000 times, it couldn't meet Taixia Country's demand for airplanes. Zhang Tie only wanted to stimulate it. As there were so many elites in Taixia Country, Zhang Tie even expected that the official and some clans in Taixia Country could manufacture better engines, airplanes and Fiery Oil depending on their powerful accumulations in manufacturing as soon as possible…

If they could have 2 years' development, they would face an utterly different situation; however, demons didn't spare them 2 years…

Chapter 1274: Gathering

Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem

2 days after Lu Zhongming and Lin Huanxi officially returned to Iron-Dragon Sect and became the owner of Immortalspring Peak, Zhang Tie, Mountain Lifting Hermit and Bai Suxian had to leave for gathering.

2 days flashed by. During that period, Zhang Tie returned to Jinwu City and bade farewell to his dad, mom and elder brother. After hearing that the old man Zhang Haitian was getting worse these days, Zhang Tie paid a visit to the old man in Yiyang Prefecture.

Since he participated in Zhang Tie's rotating chakra ceremony, the old man had been getting worse in the latest months. At the sight of so many age spots on the face and hands of the old man and his much dimmer eye light, Zhang Tie felt grieved more or less.

No matter what animosity it was in the last generation, Zhang Tie was still blood-related to the old man. Additionally, the previous small conflict between Zhang Tie's family and the old mansion had long faded away after Zhang Tie became an elder of Huaiyuan Palace.

The old man was very happy to see Zhang Tie. After taking medicine, he talked with Zhang Tie for quite a while at his full spirit. After that, he became sleepy. Therefore, Zhang Tie bade a farewell to Zhang's old mansion.

After leaving Zhang's old mansion in Yiyang Prefecture, Zhang Tie returned to Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory. After telling his wives something, he went back to Iron-Dragon Sect and waited for the arrival of the airboat.

After Lu Zhongming and Lin Huanxi joined Iron-Dragon Sect, Iron-Dragon Sect had 2 more knights. This event could definitely arouse a shock in Youzhou Province in normal times; however, at this critical moment, due to the arrival of demons, it didn't win too much attention of the public.

At a bit later than 3 o'clock on the afternoon of July 28th, a provincial governor's airboat approached Xuantian Peak of Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory when it was sunny with leisure clouds…

All the disciples of Iron-Dragon Sect were crowding outside the main hall of Xuantian Peak. After Lu Zhongming and Lin Huanxi returned to Iron-Dragon Sect, the disciples on Immortalspring Peak immediately accounted for most of the disciples in Iron-Dragon Sect.

Zhang Tie's disciples, Zhang Su, Donder, Li Tao, Lu Yishan and the hit-plane brotherhood were all here.

Zhang Tie looked up at the airboat before telling Lu Zhongming and Lin Huanxi, "When we're not here, please look after Iron-Dragon Sect and Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory for us".

"Don't worry, master, we will definitely safeguard the foundation of Iron-Dragon Sect and Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory for the master!" Lu Zhongming told Zhang Tie while cupping his hands with a decisive look.

Zhang Tie nodded as he looked at Zhang Su and Liu Xing, "You should lose no time in training Fire-Dragon Corps. Continue to recruit soldiers and military officers. Although Fire-Dragon Corps don't need to fight on the battlefield this time, you might have to take action next time…"

"Don't worry, master…" Liu Xing promised solemnly as Zhang Su nodded.

Looking at those familiar faces, Zhang Tie became silent although he had a lot of words to say.

The members of hit-plane brotherhood were watching him silently with complexed eye light.

The hotel business managed by Barley and the other guys of hit-plane brotherhood was growing much better. Only after a few years, their business had spread over Youzhou Province. However, this business was still too trivial compared to Zhang Tie's undertakings, insight and layout.

They bore brotherhood deep in mind. However, over these years, as Zhang Tie grew stronger with an increasingly high position, the difference between him and the other members of hit-plane brotherhood grew sharper. They could barely have any common language. It was not one's problem; the only problem was that commoners such as Barley made a bosom friend with a knight who was famous among humans.

After coming to the front of the members of the hit-plane brotherhood, Zhang Tie revealed a faint smile silently. He just patted the shoulders of Barley, Bagdad, Irving, Hista and Leit one after another.

Although Zhang Tie remained as young as before in Blackhot City, the members of hit-plane brotherhood had been over 30 years old and changed their looks. Even Irving kept his beard as he grew much stronger and maturer than before.

When Zhang Tie patted their shoulders one after another, their eyes turned red as they felt warm inside. They knew that Zhang Tie still regarded them as brothers.

"I was told that you've been a dad for 2 months!" Zhang Tie asked as he patted Doug's shoulder. Doug threw a customary glance at Barley with slightly red eyes as he took in a deep breath and stroked his head. He wanted to say something; however, he didn't know whether it was the proper moment for him to say that.

Zhang Tie glanced around these years as he said with a smile, "If you believe in me, you could send your sons to Iron-Dragon Sect. I'm sure I will help you teach them well. I dare not say all of them could promote to knights but I'm sure that they would be greater than their father!"

Doug nodded forcefully. So did Barley and the other members of the hit-plane brotherhood. They had been longing for that for a long time; however, they didn't know how to say. Because they knew that all the disciples in Iron-Dragon Sect came from major clans across Taixia Country or had rich experience in fighting demons in the earth-elements realm. As outsiders, Barley and the other members of hit-plane brotherhood had just got a firm foothold in Taixia Country these years. They could never match these people on Zhang Tie's side. Even Bagdad who was most diligent in cultivation was only LV 7. Bagdad's cultivation speed was normal for commoners. The others didn't share the miracles with Zhang Tie.

"I've told Donder. This year, a piece of land will be divided from Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory for building a city. Besides hotel management, you will also be responsible for managing the new city. I hope you could have a real foothold in Taixia Country. As we're all so busy, you guys couldn't continue to be indolent in duty!" Zhang Tie smiled as he said casually which shocked the members of hit-plane brotherhood pretty much.

From hotel management to city management, it was a tremendous leap for these members of hit-plane brotherhood in their lives.

After saying that, Zhang Tie waved his hands towards them as he flew off towards the airboat in the sky with Bai Suxian and Mountain Lifting Hermit before they made any response to him.

"Wish suzerain (master) (owner) to safeguard humans by killing more demons on behalf of our country…" Thousands of people said in unison.

…

That airboat suspending above Xuantian Peak was exclusive to Zhang Taixuan. It only took Zhang Tie, Mountain Lifting Hermit and Bai Suxian over 10 seconds to arrive at the open deck at the entrance of the airboat.

Zhang Taixuan the Youzhou provincial governor, Elder Muray and Elder Muyu of Huaiyuan Palace and a lot of knights in Youzhou Province were on the deck.

The moment Zhang Tie landed, he had cupped his hands towards the surroundings as he said, "Sorry for being late, provincial governor and all the other friends…"

Zhang Taixuan was here to pick those knights of the clans in Youzhou Province who had received the Xuanyuan command as Youzhou provincial governor according to the regulation. Therefore, Zhang Tie didn't call Zhang Taixuan clan head, but provincial governor.

Besides Zhang Taixuan, Zhang Tie knew most of the knights on the deck.

Lu Dingzhi the clan head of Lu Clan and the other two elders of Lu Clan nodded towards Zhang Tie.

Gu Clan assigned 3 knights here too. However, Gu Dashou the clan head of Gu Clan and Gu Qingyun the one who was regarded as the future star of Gu Clan were not here. The head of the 3 knights of Gu Clan might be Elder Gu Qinglong whom Zhang Tie got acquainted with in the competition for the title of Youzhou provincial governor 2 years ago. It was Zhang Tie's first time to see Elder Gu Qinglong since the competition for the title of Youzhou provincial governor.

At the sight of Elder Gu Qinglong, Zhang Tie had discovered that this Gu elder might always be in closed cultivation these years. This time, Elder Gu Qinglong's power looked much greater than that 2 years ago as his chakra grew thicker. He had just promoted to 5 change realm of the black iron knight.

Previously, Zhang Tie was unable to see through the realm of the black iron knight; however, after grasping Purgatory Samsara Method, having lotus-flower eyes and promoting to an earth knight, Zhang Tie already had an exceptional sensing capability about the realm of black iron knights. Generally, only by throwing a glance at the opponent, he would know the cultivation base of that person.

Generally, one's cultivation base and forming schedule of one's chakra could be barely known by outsiders. Therefore, Han Zhengfang could hide his real identity and cultivation base for so many years with the secret methods of Bloody Soul Sutra. However, this situation seemingly didn't exist for Zhang Tie as he could almost see through all the low-level knight's cultivation bases.

Zhang Tie wondered whether it was related to the Purgatory Samsara Method, his lotus-flower eyes or his great spiritual energy. He had asked Mountain Lifting Hermit and Bai Suxian about that; however, the two people had not heard that any other knights in Taixia Country could have this special ability.

After Zhang Tie arrived at the deck, Elder Gu Qinglong threw a glance at Zhang Tie for a short while. As the muscles near his eyelids jumped, he nodded towards Zhang Tie in a reserved way.

During the past 2 years, Elder Gu Qinglong had just reached one realm higher as a black iron knight. However, this insidious "junior" knight who yelled "win people by virtue" in the White Tiger Platform of Youzhou City had promoted to an earth knight unconsciously. When Gu Qinglong left his back room, Qianji Hermit's fame had already spread over the country. Even Elder Gu Qingyun who was always Gu Clan's pride was also dwarfed by Zhang Tie's brilliance. Therefore, Elder Gu Qinglong felt pretty embarrassed…

Chapter 1275: An Enlightenment

Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem

Besides Lu Clan and Gu Clan, Zhang Tie was also familiar with a couple of elders of Yan Clan of Chaoyang Prefecture, Liu Clan of Changshan Prefecture, Ximen Clan of Xingbei Prefecture, Sun Clan of Guide Prefecture in Youzhou Province at present. Of course, there were also some strange faces. However, Zhang Tie was familiar with over 3/4 of the 40-odd knights on the airboat.

Although Gu elders felt complexed, the other clans' elders didn't think as much as them; instead, they all nodded towards Zhang Tie with smiles as they came over here to greet Zhang Tie and Mountain Lifting Hermit. Zhang Tie immediately felt like being a moon surrounded by a myriad of stars. As the clan disciples of many knights on the airboat were Zhang Tie's indoor disciples, of course, they treated Zhang Tie much better.

Not to mention that Zhang Tie was an earth knight. In the knight's world, people won respect by battle strength. As an earth knight and Qianji Hermit who enjoyed a great reputation among humans, of course, Zhang Tie was especially venerated.

Guo Hongyi was also at present.

Zhang Tie remembered that Guo Clan might only have 3 knights. He had not imagined that Guo Hongyi could come here alone.

Being independent among those male knights, Guo Hongyi was distant, arrogant and pretty eye-catching.

When Zhang Tie looked at Guo Hongyi, Guo Hongyi was looking at him too.

Soon after Zhang Tie threw a glance at Guo Hongyi, his arm had been tightly embraced by Bai Suxian and pasted onto her plump and soft breasts. Guo Hongyi turned around at once.

It took them 2 minutes to greet Zhang Tie.

…

"Qianji Hermit and the other two knights of Iron-Dragon Sect have arrived. 38 knights should arrive; however, 43 people actually arrived. Please take a rest for the time being. We will set for Yanzhou City now!" Zhang Taixuan in provincial governor's uniform said. Closely after that, the movable cover slowly covered the deck while the airboat left for Yanzhou Province.

As Zhang Tie's Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory was between Yanzhou Province and Youzhou Province, Zhang Tie, Elder Muray, Elder Muyu, Bai Suxian and Mountain Lifting Hermit boarded the airboat in the end.

Mountain Lifting Hermit and Bai Suxian actually didn't need to come.

Mountain Lifting Hermit was always alone. Although being an elder of Iron-Dragon Sect, he didn't have any undertaking in Youzhou Province. Neither did he have any family in Taixia Country. Even if he didn't come here, nobody would blame him.

Bai Suxian's another identity was the princess of Lord Guangnan's Mansion. As Lord Guangnan's Mansion also responded to the Xuanyuan command by assigning many knights to join the war. Therefore, Bai Suxian didn't have to come.

Additionally, some clans assigned 3 knights when they only needed to assign 2. With 1 more knight, although it seemed that these clans had contributed more to the war, actually, it was just a method for the clans to protect themselves. Because on the battlefield, 3 clan knights who were familiar with each other could form a 3-in-1 battle formation. Through long-term practice and cooperation, the 3-in-1 formation was far more powerful than average. After forming a 3-in-1 formation, the 3 clan knights could have a much greater viability in the battlefield. That was to say, 3 clan knights could have a greater chance to survive back than 2 clan knights.

After Zhang Taixuan's words, they all entered the airboat from the deck.

There was also a lobby inside the provincial governor's airboat. Some drinks and food were put on the tables. This lobby still looked very spacious after holding fewer than 50 knights. After Zhang Tie's group arrived, all the knights who responded to the Xuanyun command within Youzhou Province had arrived.

If it was in peaceful time, when so many knights across Youzhou Province gathered, they might feel like chatting with each other. However, at this critical moment, of course, they didn't feel like having a party anymore. It would take them over 3 hours from Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory to Yanzhou City by airboat. After greeting each other and Zhang Taixuan's brief speech as Youzhou provincial governor, they had taken seats. With closed eyes, they entered meditation with crossed legs or took out earth-element crystals from their portable storage bags and absorbed them.

On the battlefield, if they could have a bit greater battle strength, they would have a bigger chance to survive themselves. On this occasion, of course these human knights wouldn't like to waste their time. Only the personages Zhang Taixuan and Lu Dingzhi seemingly shared the same interest as they felt like playing the game of go.

Mountain Lifting Hermit and Bai Suxian also found a place to sit down respectively. Under the "admiring" looks of those people, Mountain Lifting Hermit took out a water-element crystal from his portable space-teleportation equipment and started to absorb it.

After finding that all the others were cultivating with crossed legs, Zhang Taixuan and Lu Dingzhi left the lobby too. Zhang Tie called Elder Muray and Elder Muyu out of the lobby by a secret means.

They didn't feel strange when the 3 people left. After all, Zhang Tie was the grand elder of Huaiyuan Palace. It was too normal for a grand elder to talk something to two elders of the same clan.

After being far away from the lobby, Zhang Tie drew the two people into a mini-conference. The moment they entered the room, Zhang Tie had pretended to fumble something in his coat before taking out something and putting an item on each elder's hand.

"Erm, we're all elders of Huaiyuan Palace…I got these items from Earth-element Realm by good fortune. I will…lend it to you. You could have a greater chance to survive on the battlefield with it. When you come back and don't need it…you could give it back to me then!"

After saying that to the two elders, Zhang Tie directly opened the door and left before the two elders made any response.

At the sight of the item in their hand, Elder Muray and Elder Muyu were shocked greatly, mentally and spiritually…

"This is…" Elder Muyu swallowed his saliva forcefully as he looked up at Elder Muray.

Elder Muray's hand also quivered as he said, "There is something inside it…"

In the two space-teleportation finger rings, there were various medicaments, food, water and over 200 earth-element crystals, which could enable a knight to survive 10 years in Taixia Country without any supply. Additionally, there was a brilliant silver secret longsword which was used for close combat floating in the space of each finger ring.

Except for Zhang Tie, only Zhang Taixuan the clan head of Zhang Clan obtained a provincial governor's space-teleportation finger ring when he took the chair of Youzhou provincial governor.

Zhang Tie gifted 2 space-teleportation finger rings for one time; additionally, there was a silver secret item in each space-teleportation finger ring. What a generous deed!

Elder Muray and Elder Muyu had not imagined that Zhang Tie could give them such a rarity after calling them out.

"Qianji Hermit could always bring us surprises…" Elder Muyu sighed with emotions as he was completely convinced by Elder Mushen…

"Put it away, it's Elder Mushen's sincerity…" Elder Muray also sighed with feeling.

As this equipment could bring them a greater chance to survive themselves on the battlefield, of course, the two people would not decline it.

The moment Elder Muyu was going to put on the finger ring, he found that Elder Muray directly strung it onto a mithril rune necklace before hiding it under his clothes carefully. Elder Muyu became hesitated for a second before taking off the finger ring from his finger and hanging it over his neck with a necklace.

Being low-key was always good!

If a black iron knight wore a portable space-teleportation finger ring, it would be too eye-catching as only some powerful elites in very few super clans and top 7 sects of Taixia Country could wear it.

After putting on the finger ring, the two elders smiled at each other before opening the door and returning to the lobby…

…

Zhang Tie and the two elders of Huaiyuan Palace had not noticed that the finger of Zhang Taixuan which wore a colorful finger ring slightly moved when Zhang Tie took out the two space-teleportation equipment from Castle of Black Iron.

Besides Zhang Taixuan who was walking, nobody else had noticed that.

"Brother Lu, here we are…" Zhang Taixuan pushed open the door of the silent room, revealing one table and two cattail hassocks which were folded with each other.

"Hahaha, it's my first time to play the game of go with brother Taixuan, brother Taixuan, hope you do not reserve your skills…" Lu Dingzhi laughed.

"Brother Lu must have a great psychological diathesis as you're still interested in playing the game of go before going to fight demons on the battlefield in the west border of Taixia Country. Through having "hand talk" with brother Lu, I'm also learning how to be quiet in the chaos and nourish my vital spirit like you…" Zhang Taixuan said modestly.

"I'm overpraised; my ability to nourish my vital spirit is far worse than that of the late sages of Taixia Country. Hope you do not laugh at me!"

The two people laughed as they started the game of go…

…

This time, Zhang Tie didn't mean to show off his wealth by presenting two space-teleportation equipment and two silver secret items to Elder Muray and Elder Muyu; neither would like to draw the two elders over to his side. He just did that for his conscience. On the battlefield between humans and demons, even knights would be killed easily. As a member of Huaiyuan Palace, Zhang Tie just expected that the two elders of Huaiyuan Palace could have a greater chance to survive on the battlefields on the premise of his own ability. If Zhang Tie didn't give any favor to the two elders of Huaiyuan Palace and the two elders finally died on the battlefield, Zhang Tie might be conscience-stricken for the rest of his life.

Zhang Tie knew that Elder Muray had a silver secret longbow; however, the longbow was only suitable for long-distance combat; instead of close combat. Therefore, he directly left a weapon that was suitable for close combat in each space-teleportation finger ring.

Only in a few days, Zhang Tie had gifted 4 space-teleportation equipment. However, he still had a lot of space-teleportation equipment. Others would definitely be shocked greatly if they knew that.

After gifting two space-teleportation equipment to Elder Muray and Elder Muyu, Zhang Tie also returned to the lobby and sat next to Mountain Lifting Hermit with eyes closed. He visualized dozens of abacuses in his mind and started to calculate at the same time.

In the next 1 minute, Elder Muray and Elder Muyu came back too. They also sat somewhere with common looks and started to cultivate quietly.

After a short while, the lobby had been quiet although over 40 knights were inside it.

…

Zhang Tie was carrying out four arithmetic operations by 27 abacuses at the same time in mind.

After coming back from Ice and Snow Wilderness, Zhang Tie's spiritual energy roared once again. As a result, Zhang Tie could do 27 tasks at the same time.

However, Zhang Tie felt that he had reached the upper limit of "thousands of beads mental sutra" and his multi-tasking ability. After reaching this step, even though he could visualize more abacuses at the same time, he couldn't operate the 28th abacus at the same time.

27 was a miraculous figure.

Hua people said that 9 was the extreme of numbers. 27 was three times that of 9. 27 was also the cube of 3. 27 was a natural number, odd number, composite number and the 7th number of Lucas Sequence. 1/27 was an infinite number of circles whose repetend was 037…

Like that the numbers of fruits bore by the small tree were limited, Zhang Tie knew that multi-tasking skill was also limited.

Through constant attempts, Zhang Tie could also visualize over 1,000 abacuses in his mind at the same time, even more. Zhang Tie felt that he still had surplus spiritual energy. However, no matter how much he tried, he could only manipulate 27 abacuses independently at the same time. He could have all the other abacuses move; however, he could only calculate 20 kinds of equations by all the other abacuses at the same time instead of doing independently.

After trying it for quite a while and confirming that he couldn't operate 28 abacuses independently at the same time, Zhang Tie finally gave it up. The moment Zhang Tie prepared to eradicate those abacuses in his mind, the scene that over 1,000 abacuses gathered with each other suddenly reminded Zhang Tie of something.

Zhang Tie ran his spiritual energy while over 1,000 abacuses in his mind moved at the same time.

However, this time, Zhang Tie didn't use those abacuses to do any arithmetic calculations; instead, he gathered those abacuses and turned them into some huge walls being covered with beards of abacuses…

These huge walls immediately reminded Zhang Tie of those dense calculation gears like sugar-coated haws on sticks in those steam computers…

They were so similar.

'What if I could visualize those round beards as gears and all the other components of a steam computer? If so, I could visualize a steam computer in my mind.'

An enlightenment flashed across Zhang Tie's mind…

…

"We're arriving at Yanzhou City…"

Before Zhang Tie tried it, a voice had sounded…

Over 3 hours had passed so fast…

Zhang Tie opened his eyes at once…

Chapter 1276: Gathering (II)

Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem

"We're arriving at Yanzhou City. You will set for the west border of Taixia Country with all the other knights across the northeast military region from here. Zhang Taixuan wishes you could give a big blow to the demons for the safety of Taixia Country; hope you could return safely as soon as possible. I'm waiting for you with a banquet!"

The moment Zhang Tie opened his eyes, he had seen Zhang Taixuan standing in the lobby and talking to them. After saying that, Zhang Taixuan deeply bowed towards them.

The hatch door of the airboat had been opened. All the knights from Youzhou Province started to get off the airboat one after another. Zhang Taixuan just stood on one side of the hatch door with crossed hands in front of his body as he saw off those knights.

Zhang Tie also stood up and walked towards the exit with Mountain Lifting Hermit, Bai Suxian, Elder Muray and Elder Muyu. However, he became hesitated slightly when he passed by Zhang Taixuan.

'I've not received the news of Lan Yunxi for a long time. I wonder whether Lan Yunxi has become the goddess of Yaogong Palace of Taiyi Fantasy Sect? Will Lan Yunxi go to the battlefield in the west border of Taixia Country this time?'

Not until Zhang Tie found that he could not see Lan Yunxi anymore did he realize that he had forgotten to leave a remote-sensing communications device in the necklace of patron for the sake of communication.

Sometimes, when you missed someone for too long, you might be accustomed to it. When that person stood in front of you, you would forget how to catch her.

Zhang Tie couldn't help but want to ask Zhang Taixuan about Lan Yunxi; however, he finally said——

"Clan head…after I leave Youzhou Province, please take care of Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory and Jinwu City for me!"

Zhang Taixuan threw a deep glance at Zhang Tie before revealing a faint smile, "Elder Mushen, don't worry!"

After such a brief talk, Zhang Tie got off the airboat.

Not knowing why, Zhang Tie always felt being estranged from the clan head of Huaiyuan Palace. The feeling was utterly different than that marked by the other elders of Huaiyuan Palace.

'Is it the stress like how a young man meets his father-in-law or because Zhang Taixuan is hard to approach due to deep considerations as the clan head of Huaiyuan Palace?' Zhang Tie was perplexed…

When Zhang Tie got off the airboat, he had long forgotten about those distracting thoughts. A huge military camp appeared in front of him under the setting sun.

Being outside Yanzhou City, the camp was within the jurisdiction of Yanzhou City. It was about 20 miles away from Yanzhou City. Right on the hillside in the camp outside Yanzhou City, the high and magnificent city walls of Yanzhou City in the far turned glow under the setting sun.

Yanzhou City was both the provincial city of Yanzhou Province and the hub of the northeast military region. Yanzhou City was also a class-A city; however, Yanzhou City was much larger than Youzhou City. As Yanzhou City had developed for hundreds of years, its prosperity could never be matched by that of Youzhou City which had just been established.

Zhang Tie could see many open uncultured lands; however, Zhang Tie saw many uneven buildings outside Yanzhou City. The density of population around Yanzhou City was definitely over ten times even dozens of times greater than that around Youzhou City.

Airboats were rising and falling in the training fields which covered over 80 square miles. Whenever an airboat landed, someone would get off it.

Zhang Tie got off one of these airboats.

All the people who got off these airboats were imposing human knights in different costumes. They all looked around as if they were something.

Needless to say, Zhang Tie knew that they were also called here by Xuanyuan command like him.

The moment Zhang Tie got off the airboat, he had felt the intense atmosphere filling the military camp.

…

"Knights from Youzhou Province gather in the blue region on the training field… Knights from Youzhou Province gather in the blue region on the training field…"

…

"Knights from Mozhou Province gather in the black region on the training field… Knights from Mozhou Province gather in the black region on the training field…"

…

"Knights from Chaozhou Province gather in the green region on the training field… Knights from Chaozhou Province gather in the green region on the training field…"

…

The moment he got off the airboat, Zhang Tie had heard a loud sound. Zhang Tie looked up and saw a human knight in battle armor suspending in the sky above the military camp while fully releasing his qi and repeating those monotonous decrees in a majestic manner like a huge humanoid loudspeaker.

Mountain Lifting Hermit looked up as his pupils contracted. At the same time, he muttered, "Shadow knight…"

"If not a shadow knight, how could he control so many knights?"

"That's true!" Mountain Lifting Hermit nodded.

"This knight is a high chancellor in Black Armor Army…" Bai Suxian whispered.

"How do you know that?"

"High chancellors of Black Armor Army always have evident features on their battle armor. I've seen that in Lord Guangnan's Mansion!"

Zhang Tie threw a glance at that shadow knight as he nodded and said, "Let's go gather in the blue region first…"

Perhaps Zhang Tie would feel that shadow knight was awe-inspiring previously; however, after defeating a shadow knight himself, Zhang Tie had not been afraid of shadow knights anymore although shadow knights were still powerful in Zhang Tie's heart.

Zhang Tie looked around and found the other knights getting off airboats were also shocked by that humanoid loudspeaker. Hearing that sound, they went to their own region consciously.

43 knights from Youzhou Province also walked towards their own region in the training field. Only after a short while, they had arrived at their location.

It was a drill ground in the military camp. It was a high rostrum on the opposite of the drill ground. The drill ground had been divided into 8 regions. Each region had an eye-catching color and could be easily identified. They were respectively red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, purple and black which corresponded to Youzhou Province, Gaozhou Province, Mozhou Province, Tongzhou Province, Qiongzhou Province, Yanzhou Province, Huizhou Province and Chaozhou Province respectively. After getting off their airboat, those knights went to gather in different regions.

After arriving at the drill ground, Zhang Tie immediately realized that too few knights came from Youzhou Province. Each region on the drill ground covered dozens of mu and could hold thousands of people. The other regions were crowded as they all held 300-1000 knights. Only the blue region for Youzhou Province contained 43 knights, forming a sharp contrast with the number of knights in the other regions…