Chapter 109: Strategic Redeployment, the Overlord’s Assault on the Camp

"Dragon lineage?" Lü Dongxuan's heart trembled with astonishment."The Immortals designated eight Dragon Nurturing Grounds, intimately tied to the second secret realm. Only those who seize these grounds are granted the opportunity and right to enter the second secret realm." Lu Fan propped his chin, his slender fingers lightly tapping the armrest of his wheelchair. "In truth, these eight Dragon Nurturing Grounds are the Immortals' grand design. Yet… I have disrupted their scheme, which is why I commanded the Celestial Secrets Pavilion to send the message."

Lü Dongxuan drew a deep breath. The young master was about to orchestrate another momentous event. He had heard whispers of the Wolong Ridge secret realm before—its bloodstained fate had arisen because Lu Fan broadcast the news far and wide, attracting numerous factions eager to claim the immortal fortune. This time, dragons were involved. Dragons—what did they signify?

In this fractured world, where warlords vie for supremacy, whoever claims the Dragon Nurturing Grounds and obtains the dragon's seed shall become the rightful sovereign, their legitimacy indisputable. This conflict would be far more terrifying than the last. Having witnessed the horrors of the Wolong Ridge secret realm, the world now comprehended the terrifying power of cultivators, thus placing even greater importance on this new secret realm.

Lü Dongxuan rubbed the golden chain around his neck, a surge of excitement bubbling within. His Celestial Secrets family was poised to enact a grand scheme once again.

After a brief frolic on the island, the little yellow flood dragon slipped back into the lake.

"Young master, you mentioned six more Dragon Nurturing Grounds... where are they located?" Lü Dongxuan inquired with curiosity.

Lu Fan glanced at him: "Set by the Immortals—how would I know?"

Lü Dongxuan faltered.

"You dispatch Celestial Pigeons to send word across the realm: six Dragon Nurturing Grounds remain. Those who discover them may enter the second secret realm."

"These grounds serve as the gateway—like the 'Heaven and Earth Qi Decree' of Wolong Ridge—a prerequisite for entry." Lu Fan explained.

Lü Dongxuan rubbed his hands together, then grinned broadly, revealing his yellowed teeth. "Consider it done. Leave it to this old fox."

He then turned and sought out Lü Mudu, who was cultivating, and spoke briefly. Lü Mudu rose, bowed to Lu Fan, and departed by boat, bound for the imperial capital.

Naturally, Lu Fan knew the precise locations of the remaining six Dragon Nurturing Grounds—they were his own designs. Yet he kept silent, letting the world seek them on their own.

Leaning back in his wheelchair, Lu Fan gazed at the tranquil Beiluo Lake. Stirred, he summoned the system panel.

Host: Lu FanTitle: Qi Refiner (Permanent)Qi Refinement Stage: 2 (Progress to Stage 3: 550/1000 strands)Soul Strength: 60 (Redeemable: 0)Physical Strength: 6 (Redeemable: 6)Spiritual Qi: 500 strandsEnhancement Rewards: "Primal Qi Refining Manual," "Alchemy Technique," "Immortal Demon Body (Entry Level)"World Rating: Five Phoenix Continent [Low Martial]Permissions: [Quests], [Preaching Platform], [Spiritual Qi Deployment]Branch Permissions: [Myriad Laws Furnace (Lv1)]Spiritual Tool: Spirit Pressure Chessboard (Mysterious Grade, Lower)Mind Technique: "Heavenly Strategy" (Mysterious Grade, Lower)

Seeing his Qi Refinement still linger at stage two, Lu Fan narrowed his eyes. With this secret realm deployment, he intended to elevate Baiyu Capital into a transcendent force. Indeed, Baiyu Capital was but one layer away from true transcendence.

…

Late at night, a fine steed galloped swiftly into the West County's grand camp.

Disguised as the Overlord, Xu Chu hurriedly welcomed him into the main tent.

Xiang Shaoyun's face betrayed no emotion, his expression unreadable, like a storm-darkened sky heavy with thunderclouds before the tempest.

The Overlord entered the tent, which was eerily empty save for flickering candlelight. Xiang Shaoyun sat in a high seat, staring into the flames, seemingly lost in thought.

Long moments passed before he rose, a surge of black demonic energy bursting forth, snuffing out the candles.

Outside, Xu Chu dared not even breathe; many generals exchanged glances. They all knew the Overlord had gone to Beiluo City.

Seeing his current state, did he suffer a crushing defeat there? Even an overlord of his stature could falter—just how formidable was Beiluo's young lord?

As murmurs flew among the West Liang generals, the tent curtain was abruptly pulled aside.

Clad in black armor, bearing the emblematic halberd, Xiang Shaoyun strode forth.

"Governor!""My lord!" the generals called out.

Xu Chu's heart surged as he saw Xiang Shaoyun don his armor anew, sensing something monumental was imminent.

"My lord intends to march straight into the imperial capital?"

"I have intelligence—Chancellor Zhao Kuo's rebellion was crushed. The capital is in chaos. Now is our chance to seize the moment." Xu Chu reported.

Xiang Shaoyun glanced at him but shook his head.

"The capital remains beyond our reach—for now."

"Jiang Li has returned to guard the capital and earned the emperor's favor. Zhao Kuo's troops have been absorbed by Jiang Li, breathing new life into the previously stagnant capital defenses."

"Our assault now may fail, and the Northern Prefecture watches with greedy eyes."

"Therefore…" The Overlord's voice grew hoarse. The generals' eyes sharpened; the two spiked hammers Xu Chu held trembled slightly.

"Tonight, we strike the Northern Prefecture army."

Excitement flickered in the generals' eyes, but the Overlord continued, dampening their fervor.

"However, tonight's attack on the Northern Prefecture… will be undertaken by me alone. I have something to prove."

The tent fell into stunned silence. Had they heard correctly? The Overlord would assault the Northern Prefecture camp single-handedly?

The Northern Prefecture army stationed outside the old Red City numbered tens of thousands. Was the Overlord mad?

Xu Chu's face paled, and he quickly sought to dissuade him.

Yet the Overlord's steely gaze swept across the tent, silencing every word before it could be spoken.

"My will is resolute."

All remained silent.

…

Within the Northern Prefecture camp, Dantai Xuan, Mo Ju, and Mo Beike sat solemnly, contemplating the unfolding situation.

With Zhao Kuo's rebellion crushed, the capital's chaos had slipped beyond their control.

"Jiang Li truly lives up to being a disciple of Bai Feng Tian… summoned back by the Nine Heavenly Emperor's decree, he seized the moment to absorb Zhao Kuo's rebels, forging the new defensive core of the Great Zhou." Mo Beike sighed.

"What shall we do?" Dantai Xuan frowned.

"Reoccupy the old Red City, controlling one of the six key fortresses…" Mo Ju gently fanned himself, "If Lu Ping'an of Beiluo truly intended to meddle in worldly affairs, he would have done so long ago. Since he remains inactive, we cannot relinquish the old Red City—it's our foothold, our future gateway into the capital."

Mo Beike nodded slightly, appreciating Mo Ju's insight.

Mo Ju pointed to a spot on the sand table.

"Besides, the West County army has arrived…"

"Report!"

At that moment, a soldier burst into the tent, kneeling before Dantai Xuan.

"Report, Governor!"

"Enemy forces are attacking the camp!"

Dantai Xuan sprang up sharply.

"Xiang Shaoyun has mobilized troops? Madness!"

"How many enemies?" he asked, steadying himself.

The soldier hesitated, then replied,

"Only one!"

Dantai Xuan's face stiffened; the atmosphere turned tense.

With a clang, Dantai Xuan drew his sword, pressing it to the soldier's throat.

"Speak clearly!"

The soldier trembled, hastening his words.

"From the direction of the West County army, sentries spotted a lone rider charging directly toward our camp…"

"He stands nine feet tall, bears a halberd, mounted on a black Xiliang steed!"

Dantai Xuan's grip tightened, his expression shifting.

"The Overlord… it's the Overlord!"

"What does he mean?"

"To assault our Northern Prefecture camp alone? Is he courting death?!"

"Does he think he is an Immortal?!"

Dantai Xuan seethed.

Mo Ju's face was equally incredulous—had the Overlord truly lost his mind?

Mo Beike's heavy eyes twitched as he pondered the Overlord's motive.

Having known Xiang Shaoyun, he understood well that the man was neither a reckless fool nor merely brave without wisdom…

There must be a reason for this solitary assault.

…

The night wind swept, stirring the yellow dust.

Xiang Shaoyun rode his black Xiliang horse, patting its exposed ribs. No matter how much the horse ate, its ribs remained visible—an indication of pure bloodline and unparalleled speed.

The desolate moon hung high, casting a cold, clear light.

Clad in black armor and bearing his halberd, the Overlord resembled a demon god emerging from the abyss.

His face was solemn, eyes fixed on the vast array before the West County camp.

His gaze flickered, memories shifting to the young boy in the wheelchair on Beiluo Lake's heart island, who exuded terrifying spirit pressure, white robes billowing, a face full of disappointment.

"You still fail to grasp the true meaning of cultivation…"

"You are a cultivator—an Overlord of West County enlightened by Immortals and guided by the Demon Lord. You disappoint me."

"Your identity as a cultivator is your greatest advantage, capable of crushing any scheme or conspiracy…"

"In this world, strength is all that matters."

The Overlord closed his eyes, Lu Fan's words echoing in his mind.

A fire burned within him. Clenching his spear, he resolved to prove something.

His vision shifted again, revealing Lü Dongxuan's golden chain turning as it divined a hexagram for him.

That omen… filled him with defiance.

"I am a cultivator…"

"I, Xiang Shaoyun, do not believe in fate!"

His eyes snapped open, sharp as thunder tearing through the night.

With a low roar, he pulled the reins.

The black Xiliang horse reared, neighing fiercely, as the Overlord charged into the Northern Prefecture camp alone, halberd raised high, ready to shatter all barriers.

The night air trembled with the coming storm.