Invitation

Invitation . . . 

The experts within the demon ox formation let out thunderous roars. Those enemy battle teams charging towards them were in for a shocking revelation. The demon ox avatar suddenly expanded to over ten times its original size, transforming into a deity-like ox adorned in resplendent runic armor that boasted an indestructible defense.

An evil devil avatar made a tyrannical rush from the side, but its assault was met with resistance from the layer of runic light. The impact violently jolted the experts within the devil formation.

"Go help them!" The Thousand Transformations Army's experts rushed to support when they saw numerous enemy battle teams converging on the formation controlled by Qin Wentian. Simultaneously, the demon ox avatar unleashed a palm imbued with wild, demonic power and unparalleled tyranny. It instantly shattered a hundred-strong enemy team formation, leaving the experts within the formation coughing up blood and their faces pallid from the injuries.

However, the moment Qin Wentian took control, due to the avatar's enlarged size, he also bore the brunt of counterattacks from others. The experts within his own formation were likewise jolted violently, their qi and blood flowing chaotically from the impact. Moreover, with Qin Wentian as the controller, the energy consumption rate spiraled to an incredible extent. For those with lower cultivation bases, it seemed they wouldn't be able to sustain the output of their immortal energy.

Allied battle teams steadily closed the distance, forming a protective circle with Qin Wentian at the center. Fierce battles erupted, leading to widespread chaos and a staggering number of casualties. Countless immortals fell, a sight that sent shivers down the hearts of those who witnessed it.

"Boom, boom, boom!" Qin Wentian advanced confidently. The demon ox continued to unleash devastating attacks, inflicting injuries on numerous experts in the enemy team formations. The Eastern Sage Immortal Sect's casualties neared 1,000, a truly terrifying toll. Qin Wentian was fighting against odds of ten to one, yet he continued to hold his ground.

Within the demon ox formation, some members roared with excitement, eager to continue the fight. They had never experienced such glory before. This time, the battle merit was attributed to their battle team, ensuring that everyone would receive a share of low-grade battle merits.

However, exhaustion was taking its toll on some of them. The tremendous strength unleashed by the demon ox avatar under Qin Wentian's control led to excessive energy consumption. While those around him enjoyed an advantage, many other battle teams in different locations were struggling. The Eastern Sage Army boasted numerous long-established battle teams, including the Flame Army commanded by the late Deepflame Immortal King and the Dream Demon Army. The newly recruited teams of the Thousand Transformations Army couldn't compare to their seasoned counterparts.

From above, the overall situation appeared unfavorable for the Thousand Transformations Army. Qin Wentian and his comrades had penetrated deep into enemy lines and were in a perilous situation. More enemy reinforcements were advancing, attempting to trap them.

It became clear that the strength of a battle team, if formidable enough, could sway the entire battlefield. The military governor's gaze sharpened as he fixed his eyes on Ye Qing's battle team. "Ye Qing's team, fall back."

He had noticed that several members of the battle team were on the brink of exhaustion, and if they continued, the formation would collapse, resulting in significant casualties.

Qin Wentian swiftly made the decision to retreat, cutting a path through the chaos. Although he lacked a clear view of the entire battlefield, he keenly sensed the disadvantageous situation they were in.

"For those of the Thousand Transformations Army who are separated, form into groups and retreat in an orderly fashion. Stay calm," the military governor bellowed. The Thousand Transformations Army began a well-disciplined withdrawal, displaying no signs of panic. Even in the face of defeat in certain areas, those whose formations had broken remained composed.

The Eastern Sage Army's generals refrained from issuing commands; their troops knew precisely what to do. They unleashed powerful attacks, intent on shattering more enemy formations. The battle's momentum gradually shifted in their favor. Their opponents were already retreating, and all the Eastern Sage Army needed to do was pursue without getting overly eager.

However, some soldiers, driven by their eagerness to earn merits, overstepped their boundaries, pursuing their foes deep into the heart of enemy lines. Suddenly, two grand formations, each comprising a thousand soldiers, radiated a brilliant light that effortlessly obliterated the Eastern Sage hundred-strong teams that had recklessly charged toward them.

"Do not rush! Beware of traps!" the Eastern Sage Army's military governor roared. Yet, due to their earlier mistake, the Thousand Transformations Army seized the initiative, halting their retreat and preparing to fight the Eastern Sage Army to the death. They managed to eliminate a significant number of enemy experts once more.

"Halt the pursuit!" thundered the general, causing the Eastern Sage Army to stop in its tracks. The two armies gradually separated and regrouped at different locations. The Thousand Transformations Army seized this opportunity to retreat once more, but the Eastern Sage Army no longer pursued them. Their previous blunder had come at a high cost, and they were not willing to kill a thousand foes at the expense of eight hundred of their own experts.

"Fall back!" ordered the Thousand Transformations Army's military governor. Clouds of dust billowed into the air as the battle between two colossal armies, each numbering one hundred thousand, came to an end.

The colossal figure of the Dream Demon King still appeared dormant, but his voice resonated in the minds of all present. "Clear the battlefield and retreat!"

The Eastern Sage Army's hearts quivered. The Dream Demon King's tone did not sound pleased.

This battle was supposed to deliver a devastating blow to the Thousand Transformations Army, even if they couldn't obliterate them in a single strike. Their aim was to inflict heavy casualties and force them out of Yuan City, allowing the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect to proceed with their plan to conquer Thunder Prefecture.

However, the reality on the battlefield didn't align with their expectations. Despite achieving a minor victory, the pursuit had unexpectedly resulted in more casualties. Engaging in a life-and-death struggle with the Thousand Transformations Army there and then would have meant suffering substantial losses, rendering them incapable of proceeding with their conquest of Thunder Prefecture.

From the perspective of both armies, this battle could only be viewed as a failure.

The Thousand Transformations Army dispersed after retreating to a safe distance. A collective sigh of relief swept through the ranks as fatigue weighed heavily on their bodies. Many had depleted their immortal energy during the intense battle.

However, a cloud of despondency hung over everyone. The casualties in this battle had been staggering, and it was evident that their enemy's overall strength surpassed their own.

"Tianwen, that was exceptional. Without you, we might have been in grave danger," Xiao Yehan commended, his gaze fixed on Qin Wentian. The battle between two armies, each boasting one hundred thousand soldiers, had been extraordinarily perilous. If Qin Wentian hadn't taken over as the formation's controller, they might not have survived.

It had been a formidable feat to emerge from such a fierce battle unscathed.

"You're absolutely right, Tianwen. Our survival today is all thanks to you," the battle team members chimed in, each casting appreciative glances at Qin Wentian. Previously, they hadn't held him in high regard, thinking he was inexperienced and lacked battle-tested skills. Yet, it turned out that Qin Wentian was astonishingly powerful, and without him, their battle merits might not have piled up so impressively.

In the nine-man challenge battle, Qin Wentian had dispatched his opponent with ease, igniting a surge in morale. Later, when he controlled the formation by himself, the impact had been so significant that it reverberated throughout the entire battle. Although he couldn't directly manipulate the course of the battle, the ripple effect he generated had been substantial.

"It's us who held Tianwen back," Ye Qing suddenly interjected. Her words prompted surprised looks from the others. Xiao Yehan nodded in agreement, "That's true. If we were elite team members, and Tianwen was our controller, our might would be even more terrifying. We could very well be invincible."

"Tianwen, with your performance and accomplishments today, I'm confident you're eligible to join the elite teams. How about I talk to General Lan about it?" Ye Qing suggested. The eyes of the entire team flickered as they looked to their captain.

"Captain," someone called out. Wasn't the captain being a bit too impartial? With an expert like Qin Wentian on their team, it was like having a guaranteed source of battle merits, and he could be a potent force on the battlefield. Who would have expected the captain to propose that Qin Wentian join the elite teams?

"Let's discuss this further after we return," Qin Wentian replied calmly. In the distance, they could already see the city gates of Yuan City.

Upon their return to the barracks and after accounting for the casualties, they distributed the battle merits. Surprisingly, everyone in Qin Wentian's battle team received a share of high-grade battle merits, causing great elation among them. High-grade battle merits could be exchanged for high-quality cultivation resources or even peak-grade immortal weapons.

"Tianwen, these merits are all thanks to your actions. You can use them as you see fit, and I hope no one objects," Ye Qing declared as the teams gathered on a large training ground. Some concurred with her words, while others remained silent, their discontent evident.

Qin Wentian was aware that there were individuals who weren't pleased. Moreover, he didn't lack resources. He shook his head and replied, "Captain, please go ahead and exchange for the rewards. Distribute them equally among the team members. I don't need anything."

"It seems you must be a core disciple of the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect," Xiao Yehan deduced.

At that moment, a group of people approached them. Ye Qing glanced in their direction and transmitted her voice to Qin Wentian. "They're experts from an elite battle team."

"What's your name?" The lead expert directed his gaze at Qin Wentian, who still wore his mask.

"I'm Tianwen," Qin Wentian responded.

"Our team is composed of elites. Would you consider joining us? We can put in a request with General Lan," the individual proposed.

Jun Mengchen, wearing his ever-enthusiastic expression, chimed in with a question, "If my senior brother here joins the elite battle team, will he get to control the formation?"

The person pondered for a moment before answering, "No, despite his remarkable performance earlier, we must proceed step by step. All the experts in our elite battle team are at the later three levels of immortal-foundation. We're already making an exception by allowing him to join. Granting him control of the formation would be impossible." He shook his head, firm in his response.

Jun Mengchen couldn't help but grimace, a trace of disappointment etching his features.

However, Qin Wentian, ever composed, smiled and replied, "There's really no need. I'm content right here with this battle team."

"Are you sure you won't reconsider?" the inquirer pressed.

"It's quite alright," Qin Wentian responded, shaking his head. With that, the other party bid them farewell and departed with his group.

"You probably shouldn't have turned down their offer," Ye Qing commented with a faint smile. Elite battle teams housed truly extraordinary talents.

"Don't worry about it," Qin Wentian reassured her, a smile gracing his features. "I have some friends who are currently on their way here. When they arrive, we'll establish an elite team of our own."