Chapter 0486 – Demonic-Eyed Diamond Spider
The Zerg forces, having crossed the Evergreen River and reached solid ground, split into two groups. The majority surged toward Rock City, while a smaller portion veered toward Ice City. Clearly, the Zerg's senses were exceptionally acute—they weren't merely reacting to the alien auras in Rock City but had also caught wind of the human presence in Ice City. To the Zerg, the nature of their prey was irrelevant. As long as it was alive, it was a target for slaughter and annihilation.
The mingled auras of humans and barbarians in Ice City proved to be an irresistible lure for the Zerg.
Even this "small portion" of the horde numbered in the millions—possibly tens of millions—sweeping in like a tidal wave. The oppressive momentum they brought was enough to weigh heavily on every heart within the city.
Even the bravest couldn't help but feel their breath catch at the sight of such an overwhelming force.
"Strategist, I leave the city's defense and arrangements to you. This time, I'll only focus on the battle itself and oversee Ice City," Yi Tianxing said calmly, glancing at Jia Xu.
In this battle, he had no intention of micromanaging. His role was to fight and command from the rear. As for how the battle unfolded, and how the soldiers maneuvered, he would not interfere. Jia Xu was a prodigious talent, one of the most brilliant strategists between heaven and earth. If he wasn't given the chance to shine, it would be a colossal waste.
A true leader must know how to delegate.
Every finger on the hand is of different length; every discipline has its master. Letting the professionals handle their domain—that is the ideal approach. That is true leadership.
Only by employing his ministers wisely could an emperor truly bring prosperity. Misplacing talent—assigning the wrong person to the wrong task—would only sow chaos. Yi Tianxing had witnessed this too many times in past lives through his experiences in the Reincarnation of Emperors. He no longer needed anyone to tell him his place or his responsibilities.
If he tried to handle everything himself, he would only block the growth of those under him. Far from gratitude, he would eventually attract resentment. That is not the act of a true emperor, but that of a meddler.
Take Zhuge Liang, for example. He was undoubtedly a top-tier minister, a peerless talent. And yet, after becoming prime minister, he insisted on doing everything himself, turning the emperor into little more than a figurehead, holding all authority in his own hands. He was second only to the emperor in name but held absolute control in practice. What became of him? He died young—coughing up blood, worn to death.
There are countless examples like this.
Human strength has its limits. Let the right people handle the appropriate tasks. The leader merely sets the strategic direction, and the rest can be left to the subordinates. This not only allows talent to bloom but also creates an irresistible stage for the truly gifted.
Yi Tianxing was determined not to interfere in matters his ministers could handle.
Maximizing benefits—that was what truly mattered.
To know and use people wisely wasn't just lip service. It had to be backed by real actions, by giving his people a chance to shine.
"Yes, my lord," Jia Xu replied with visible emotion and deep respect. Commanding armies and clashing with the Zerg—that was exactly what thrilled him. Only through real warfare could his blood boil and his strategic mind find expression.
Most importantly, he felt Yi Tianxing's trust and the composure of a true ruler.
"Go ahead. The entire garrison is at your command," Yi Tianxing nodded again.
"Awaiting your orders, Strategist," said Wang Dahu and Yang Yanding simultaneously, showing their readiness to submit to Jia Xu's command—proof of their trust in him.
"General Wang, remain in the city with your troops. General Yang, deploy the Divine Machine Battalion to man the walls. The moment the Zerg approach, rain death upon them. Also, I'd ask Chief Niu to lead his clansmen to join the wall defense."
Jia Xu issued orders swiftly.
In truth, this was not much different from their earlier arrangements.
"Heh heh, no worries. Our Man Niu Tribe already decided to follow your lead in this fight. Whatever you humans decide, we'll go along. We may not be good at everything, but when it comes to battle, we don't back down from anyone," said Niu Ben, grinning broadly.
He was bursting with confidence.
The barbarians were a natural warrior race, hardened by constant fighting. Their bodies were inherently strong, and they feared no one in combat.
During their stay in Ice City, they'd eaten well, played hard, and bonded easily with the human soldiers. Their tempers meshed, and they were practically inseparable now. They'd chat, swap tales of survival on the Eternal Continent, and grew deeply impressed with how the human race had risen from nothing to their current strength.
The barbarians knew that if the tables were turned, they might not have survived what the humans had endured. Their admiration was genuine, and it made them feel even closer to the humans.
Besides, physically, they weren't that different—just bigger. That commonality made camaraderie easier. Especially with the good food and drink they'd been enjoying—they were practically drunk on human hospitality.
Now, fighting shoulder to shoulder felt natural. They'd built up a solid rapport that would pay off in battle.
"And these Zerg won't find it so easy to approach Ice City either. Watch my divine ability," Jia Xu said, his eyes flashing coldly as he suddenly waved his hand.
A formless power surged silently from his body, spreading in all directions.
"What kind of divine ability is that?" Yi Tianxing asked aloud.
He could sense an invisible force permeating the air, shrouding the battlefield in front of Ice City. It was subtle, spreading like a contagion, eerie and indistinct. It was as if nothing had happened—no visible change in the air, no clear indication of anything—but Yi Tianxing was certain that Jia Xu had deployed a divine ability. Though imperceptible, its power now blanketed the entire front line. When the Zerg arrived, its effect would become clear.
BOOM BOOM BOOM!!
The Zerg were already charging in. At their terrifying speed, it took only a few breaths for them to arrive. A massive swarm surged onto the battlefield.
At the forefront was the Demonic-Eyed Diamond Spider, now in full view. Its golden body gleamed, and even the hairs on its limbs shimmered with golden light. Each one was like a needle of polished gold, and its magical eyes radiated a bizarre golden light—not divine, but deeply sinister.
The ground shook, and even Ice City itself trembled faintly.
The Zerg's charge made the entire earth quake.
"That's one huge Demonic-Eyed Diamond Spider. I can sense that its combat strength is absolutely terrifying!"
"Load the ballistae! Target: Zerg outside the walls!" Yang Yanping shouted.
The order barely needed to be given. The soldiers had already raised their Divine Machine Crossbows, arrows nocked and aimed. Once the Zerg entered range, a storm of bolts would be unleashed instantly.
WHOOSH!!
The Demonic-Eyed Diamond Spider surged forward, its eight limbs flailing wildly, its body a golden blur. It was like a moving mountain of gold.
All along the wall, soldiers held their breath, tensed for the opening clash.
But then something bizarre occurred.
The Demonic-Eyed Diamond Spider let out a shrill roar, and suddenly one of its golden legs lifted, turning into a golden spear that swept sideways—not at Ice City, but at the black beetles behind it!
WHAM WHAM WHAM!!
The power within that leg was overwhelming. Wherever the golden spear-leg struck, the beetles' armored shells shattered instantly, their bodies pulverized into bloody pulp. Dozens of beetles died in one stroke.
WHOOSH WHOOSH WHOOSH!!
Then the golden hairs on all eight spider legs stood on end. Each one glowed like a steel needle, and with a casual shake, hundreds of thousands—maybe millions—of golden needles shot out toward the dense beetle horde.
These fine, dazzling golden hairs pierced through the beetles like divine lightning. Even their tough shells offered no protection. Whether struck in the body or the head, every beetle hit fell dead on the spot.
Tens of thousands of beetles dropped in an instant.
The sight was chilling beyond words.