Battlefield

Battlefield . . . 

As they gazed out into the vast expanse before them, another colossal figure emerged in the distance. This figure, however, appeared as though it were in a deep slumber. It was none other than the Dream Demon King.

The Eastern Sage Immortal Sect, in response, mustered their own army of a hundred thousand immortals, rushing towards their designated battlefield. The experts on both sides stood in stark opposition, their eyes locked onto one another from a distance. The sheer, terrifying pressure that permeated the area gave the eerie sensation of an impending apocalypse. The power was simply too overwhelming. Two hundred thousand immortals faced off, each exuding an aura of formidable might.

Among the assembled forces were Qin Wentian, Jun Mengchen, Zi Qingxuan, and Purgatory. However, they were not donned in the typical armor of the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect. Instead, they wore the puppeted armor acquired from the Battle Saint Tribe beneath their outer attire. Additionally, they concealed their identities with masks designed to obstruct the senses of immortal beings, rendering their features indistinguishable.

Little Rascal, on the other hand, had transformed into a fearsome-looking gigantic white tiger mountain. Ye Qing, their captain, couldn't help but be astonished by their unconventional appearance, though she refrained from questioning them further about their choice of attire.

In these armies, whether fighting on behalf of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect or the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect, many sought to conceal their identities. In an immortal war, the consequences of killing an opponent and inviting retaliation were dire. Even within Ye Qing's relatively small team of around a hundred members, there were already several individuals who shared this concern. Nevertheless, Ye Qing found herself particularly surprised by the extraordinary caution displayed by Qin Wentian and his companions, especially given that this was their first time in battle.

"Captain, can you explain how the calculation of battle merits works?" Jun Mengchen inquired, casting an inquisitive glance at Ye Qing.

"Do you see the immortal kings positioned alongside the generals? They are using their immortal senses to observe the battlefield, recording all aspects of the battle in their minds. They will keep track of how many enemies each of you has slain," Ye Qing explained. Jun Mengchen nodded as he looked up at the immortal kings hovering in the air. Immortal kings possessed immense power, and their ability to survey the battlefield and analyze countless scenarios in an instant made them ideal for calculating the battle merits of those in the fray.

"This battle will be fought at full strength, with even the immortal kings joining the fray. General Ox is here to oversee the battle personally," Xiao Yehan remarked with a sigh. "Brothers, exercise extreme caution. Even for me, a large-scale battle of this magnitude is a first. The dangers are simply too great."

"It appears you've recruited quite a few new soldiers," the Dream Demon King's voice echoed, though he still appeared to be in a slumber. His words, however, resounded in the minds of all present.

"But these are nothing more than a group of inexperienced juniors. Do you truly believe that you can gain an advantage by facing the disciples of my Eastern Sage Immortal Sect in battle?" The Dream Demon King's voice dripped with chilling disdain. His words sent shivers down the spines of all who heard them, affecting their battle readiness.

"Cease your attempts to beguile the minds of the people!" General Ox thundered, his voice resonating throughout the heavens. "In the immortal realms, all immortals strive incessantly for strength. Without experiencing the intense perils of life and death, how can one surpass their limits? My troops will use your army as a sacrifice to honor the path of the strong!"

"What arrogant words. I shall ensure that you etch the painful memory of this battle into your minds for eternity," the voice of the Dream Demon King retorted. Beside him, another immortal king transformed into a colossal figure as he issued a command, "Flame Army, advance!"

As his command echoed, a regiment of a thousand individuals emerged from the Eastern Sage Army. Each member was clad in fiery armor, exuding an imposing presence.

"This is the army formerly under the command of the Deepflame Immortal King. After his demise, most of his forces were divided among the other immortal kings. These thousand soldiers are the cream of the crop," Ye Qing remarked, her expression growing grave. She knew that facing them would not be a straightforward task.

Their actions amounted to a challenge—a dare. If the Thousand Transformations Army wished to respond, they could also deploy a regiment of a thousand soldiers. If not, if they were too afraid to do so, the morale of their troops would undoubtedly suffer.

"These are all elite Immortal Foundation Realm cultivators," Qin Wentian observed, his eyes glinting with resolve. It was evident that this regiment of a thousand elite soldiers had been specially selected to confront the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect's army.

"Crazed Ox Army, advance!" the military governor beside General Ox ordered. Simultaneously, a troop of a thousand soldiers moved forward, halting at the boundary to face the elite forces from the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect.

The members of the Crazed Ox Army were robust and imposing, exuding a wild aura. They were an elite force of formidable power, and every single member possessed beast-type astral souls.

Similarly, in the Flame Army, its members all had astral souls attuned to fire, experts in wielding heat and flames. When united in formation, these individuals could unleash formidable power.

"Form up!" both sides' generals roared in unison. In an instant, the two regiments of a thousand soldiers each fell into formation. A searing heat surged forth from the Flame Army, conjuring a ten-thousand-meter fire dragon that blotted out the sun. The ground beneath them was scorched and turned fiery red, the extreme heat almost unbearable.

"ROAR!" A thunderous roar shook the heavens as the Crazed Ox Army's formation conjured a colossal demon ox with curved horns reaching towards the sky. A palpable malevolence radiated from it, creating a tempest of demonic energy as smaller versions of the demon ox manifested, charging through the air. Ferocious roars echoed as these smaller oxen charged headlong into the body of the fire dragon. Despite being severely scorched, they continued their relentless assault.

"The power of a formation is truly astonishing," Qin Wentian mused as he watched the battle unfold. The fire dragon was menacing and domineering, while the demon ox exuded frenzy and ferocity. As long as the formation's experts could maintain their energy supply and the formation remained intact, these manifestations could persist indefinitely. However, once a formation was disrupted or its energy flow interrupted, that army would suffer a devastating defeat.

"Retreat!" At last, the commander from the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect ordered a withdrawal; they couldn't overcome the might of the Crazed Ox Battle Formation.

"Back to base," the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect's governor likewise commanded.

"The Life-Death Group, forward!" The Eastern Sage Immortal Sect's commander spoke once more. A moment later, nine experts from their ranks stepped forward. These nine individuals all exuded an air of exceptional prowess, their sharp expressions leaving no doubt about their competence. Qin Wentian's gaze narrowed as he locked eyes with one among them. His countenance turned icy, and his latent killing intent surged. It was none other than the disciple of the Dream Demon King who had harmed Luo Huan and Qin Yao.

His impulse urged him to rush forward and exact vengeance while wearing his puppeted armor, but the battlefield left no room for impulsive actions. Nevertheless, he vowed to seize an opportunity to end that man's life sooner or later, for the conflict between them was far from over.

Qin Wentian noticed that these nine individuals coincidentally spanned the entire range from the first to the ninth level of the Immortal Foundation Realm.

"Captain, does this constitute a challenge?" he inquired.

"Yes, it's a challenge aimed squarely at us. We must send nine individuals of corresponding levels to respond or choose to retreat, which would severely damage our morale. During this challenge, we must secure victory at all costs. The Eastern Sage Immortal Sect is clearly well-prepared this time. Moreover, this challenge battle format is a fight to the death. Only the victor can leave the battlefield alive," Ye Qing explained. She continued, "In that case, since there are nine combatants, a draw is impossible. One side will emerge victorious."

"A life-and-death battle, where the winner lives and the loser dies. Victors earn a share of low-grade merit. Who among you will step forward?" the military governor of the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect proclaimed from the skies. In this battle, defeat meant certain death. However, victory would grant each participant a share of low-grade battle achievement merit.

Several figures immediately stepped up, eager to engage in combat. Numerous cultivators of various levels in the army yearned for personal growth and the acquisition of battle achievements.

Qin Wentian and Jun Mengchen boldly stepped forward and declared, "We are willing to fight."

The eyes of Ye Qing and the others widened in astonishment as they watched the two audacious young men. These juniors had surprising courage. They were ready to partake in a life-and-death battle just for the chance to earn a share of low-grade merit.

The military governor cast his searching gaze across the assembled warriors, carefully selecting participants for the impending challenge. "You, you, and you," he declared, pointing out the chosen individuals.

Ultimately, his discerning gaze fell upon Qin Wentian and Jun Mengchen. "You two," he said, singling them out, "can participate as well."

"Understood," the nine selected combatants acknowledged their orders, heading towards the battlefield ahead.

"Do your best, and stay alive out there," Ye Qing transmitted her voice to Qin Wentian and Jun Mengchen.

Qin Wentian turned to give her a reassuring nod, his determination evident in his gaze.

"Don't worry, Captain," Jun Mengchen chimed in, brimming with confidence.

Nine men advanced, each matched against an opponent of their own level of cultivation. Qin Wentian faced off against a second-level immortal, while Jun Mengchen squared off with a first-level immortal. Qin Wentian couldn't help but size up the Dream Demon King's disciple. The man who had captured Luo Huan and Qin Yao possessed the strength of a seventh-level immortal, a force to be reckoned with.

"Commence the battle!" A resounding voice echoed, and both armies watched with bated breath as the fight erupted.

Facing Qin Wentian was a young man with a wicked grin. He taunted, "Hiding your face, are you? Afraid that even if you win, you'll be hunted down in the future? If you dared to enter this battle, do you think you can escape with your life?"

Qin Wentian's eyes, visible through the slits of his mask, gleamed with resolve. He didn't lock eyes with his opponent but instead observed the other ongoing battles. As he had suspected, the Dream Demon King's disciple was extraordinarily formidable, his demonic gaze capable of entrancing his opponents. Qin Wentian knew that this man would likely emerge victorious in his battle.

Though he burned with the desire to avenge Luo Huan and Qin Yao, the rules of engagement in a war between two armies were strict. Even immortal kings had to abide by these rules. If an immortal-foundation character like him dared to break them, the immortal kings on his own side might strike him down first.

The opponent before Qin Wentian studied him closely, a glint of interest in his eyes as he noted that Qin Wentian seemed to have the leisure to watch other battles. In his view, Qin Wentian was tempting fate. He himself was a disciple of a powerful immortal king from the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect and had been chosen as one of the rare nine participants in this life-and-death challenge. He exuded confidence that their side would secure victory.