Spirit Forest

In the Feathered Dynasty, within the grand and opulent throne room, the Emperor sat regally upon his golden throne. His face was stern and resolute, and the room was shrouded in a tense silence. A man clad in black knelt on the floor, delivering a report on the state of the Heavenly Flame Dynasty.

"Your Majesty, the Heavenly Flame Dynasty has been completely seized by Emperor Li Huang. He commands a powerful and formidable army, and the full extent of his strength remains unclear, as all our spies have been eliminated…"

The Feathered Dynasty Emperor pondered for a moment before nodding slightly and issuing a firm order. "Contact the Blade Dynasty and the Thunder Fist Sect. Inform them that I wish to form an alliance to destroy the Heavenly Flame Dynasty."

The man in black bowed deeply. "Understood, Your Majesty." He vanished into the shadows without a sound, leaving the Feathered Dynasty Emperor sitting with a faint smile on his face before he, too, disappeared from the throne room.

In the northern region of the Heavenly Flame Dynasty, the morning sun began to rise over a border town adjacent to the Spirit Forest. The town bustled with soldiers preparing for the sweep of the forest. The Black Dragon Cavalry, 2,700 strong, had already taken up their positions in the town, and Shadow Guards were stationed discreetly throughout the area.

Inside a large meeting room within the mayor's mansion, Hei Long, the general of the Black Dragon Cavalry, sipped tea calmly. His towering frame radiated authority and power. Across from him sat Qing Ying, leader of the Shadow Guards, her sharp eyes focused out the window, as though waiting for something.

Suddenly, a Shadow Guard appeared soundlessly, bowing slightly before delivering his report with deep respect.

"We have gathered all the intelligence from the Spirit Forest, Commander. Inside, there are no spirit beasts with a cultivation level higher than the Transcendent stage. However, there are approximately 500 beasts at the Transcendent level."

Qing Ying stood up in the center of the room, her piercing gaze fixed on the Shadow Guard standing before her, and she asked in an even tone, "Are there any spirit beasts capable of rapid reproduction, such as ants or insects?"

The Shadow Guard bowed his head before replying, "None at all, Commander. Most of the spirit beasts take a long time to produce offspring, and there are no rapidly reproducing species among them."

Qing Ying nodded slightly. "In that case, eliminate them and convert the land into agricultural fields. We'll begin immediately. I want this completed within a day."

Hei Long, who had remained quiet, stood up at once upon hearing Qing Ying's command. He followed her outside as she quickly disappeared into the shadows. Hei Long strode to the front courtyard of the mansion, where the Black Dragon Cavalry stood at attention, their eyes filled with respect as they looked to their general.

Hei Long took a deep breath before shouting, his voice echoing across the town, "People of the border town, hear me! By the decree of Emperor Li Huang, he has seen the hardships you have endured, suffering from the attacks of spirit beasts year after year! The losses have claimed many of our lives! But today marks the day of change. I, Hei Long, General of the Black Dragon Cavalry, vow to all of you that I will eradicate the Spirit Forest within a single day!"

Hei Long's proclamation rang throughout the town. The citizens, hearing his words, were filled with both confusion and astonishment. Yet, most were awed by Hei Long's courage and their unwavering faith in Emperor Li Huang. Cheers erupted across the town as the people shouted in support of the army, their hearts filled with hope.

Hei Long smiled slightly. He mounted his horse with graceful ease. "Prepare yourselves! March out!"

As the Black Dragon Cavalry prepared to move, Bai Xue, the former general of the northern forces who had recently recovered from her injuries, approached and spoke up. "May I join this battle as well?"

Hei Long turned to look at Bai Xue, his gaze calm yet sharp. "You may come, but let me warn you: take responsibility for your own life."

Bai Xue smiled slightly in understanding. She bowed respectfully and quickly went to retrieve her horse. "I won't trouble you," she replied confidently.

With that, the Black Dragon Cavalry began to move out of the town. The soldiers marched in perfect unison, the sound of horses' hooves thundering across the ground. The young woman accompanying Bai Xue, her assistant, hurriedly ran after her. "General, I think you should stay behind!"

But before she could finish her sentence, the Black Dragon Cavalry had already set off. Left with no choice, the young woman mounted her horse and quickly followed.