Very soon, Tang San penned a letter in front of the Tang Sect gate, handing it to Tai Nuo. With the speed of the Speed Hall disciples, the news would reach the Clear Sky School within half a day. There would be absolutely no delays.
At the same time he also wrote an additional letter, also handing it to Tai Nuo, repeatedly reminding him to deliver it to the Moon Pavilion. With his aunt’s referral and his letter, there wouldn’t be a problem for the Clear Sky School to garrison in the imperial palace. No matter how it was said, back then he seemed to also have accepted the position as the crown prince’s tutor, so his words should still hold some authority. Now that the Heaven Dou Empire urgently needed elite spirit masters, there was even less of a reason to refuse.
“Xiao Wu, I’ll trouble you, we still have to keep traveling. Our wedding also……”
Tang San looked tenderly at Xiao Wu, his eyes filled with regret.
Xiao Wu smiled sweetly, holding Tang San’s hand,
“What are you saying, we’ve been through so many storms, what’s a bit of waiting? Major events are important. Spirit Hall is also the enemy that killed my mother, destroying them is my wish too. Let’s go.”
Tang San and Xiao Wu took their leave from Tai Nuo, and swiftly left Heaven Dou City. Tang San then pulled Xiao Wu close and flew off, heading directly southward. By Tang San’s calculations, even if the army had been on its way for ten days already, with his speed he should be able to converge with it before they reached the front line. There was no need to ask, the Shrek Seven Devils would also all be with the army. He just hadn’t expected he would be going to war with the Spirit Empire so soon. Even though he still hadn’t mentally prepared, he was still thirsting for this battle.
Five years had passed. Tang San very much wanted to know to what level the Tang Sect he had personally founded had advanced. Two thousand three hundred spirit masters, even though it sounded like a lot, it was still too flimsy when compared to Spirit Hall’s more than fifty thousand. But the key to whether the Spirit Empire could be defeated in this battle might very well be the Tang Army that Xue Beng had established. It was also the first time the Tang Sect’s hidden weapons would climb onto the stage of history. Without a doubt, the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires would go all out in this campaign, this might also be the final battle with the Spirit Empire. If they lost this war and the Spirit Empire could eliminate the elites of the two empires, then the two empires would never be able to turn it around, and their destruction would only be a matter of time. If they could weaken the Spirit Empire’s strength before they had fully stabilized, then there was great hope for the future.
…...
Spirit Empire capital, Spirit City, Supreme Pontiff Palace.
“What? A Nirvana Team was destroyed? More than five hundred spirit masters lost in five cities?”
Bibi Dong had just returned when she got the infuriating news. Standing in front of her was Hu Liena with a guilty and uneasy expression. Her clothes fluttered without wind, and if anyone else had stood in front of her, with her temper, she might have already killed them. But Hu Liena was different. In Bibi Dong’s heart, Hu Liena was not just her personal disciple, but more like her daughter. Even though Qian Renxue was her biological daughter, in fact, Qian Renxue was less important to her than Hu Liena. She had spent far too much painstaking effort on Hu Liena.
The bad news came one after another. Before she was back at the Supreme Pontiff Palace, Bibi Dong had already learned that the two great empires’ had revealed large scale military operations targeting the Spirit Empire in a pincer attack, their armies pressuring the borders.
“Fine, very well. It seems the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires have come prepared. They want to strike before my footing is stable. Fine! I’d like to see how you will face my Spirit Legion. Nana, pass on my orders. Gather the seven sect masters and all imperial spirit masters with Bishop or higher titles to discuss it. Since they want to end it in one stroke, I will help them accomplish it.”
“Yes, teacher.”
In the whole Spirit Empire, only Hu Liena didn’t have to address Bibi Dong as Her Majesty.
Seeing that her teacher didn’t intend to blame her, Hu Liena heaved a secret sigh of relief. She of course knew her teacher was good to her, but the more that was the case, the more pain she felt. In the depths of her heart, the silhouette of that man whose place wasn’t lower than her teacher’s still lingered, as if branded on her soul, and she couldn’t throw it off no matter how.
Since both sides will go to war, Tang San, will you appear on the battlefield? If, we come across each other there, what should I do? Why, must the two people I care most about have to meet on the battlefield?
While thinking to herself, Hu Liena was about to go pass on the orders, when she was called back by Bibi Dong,
“Xie Yu, you and Yan go pass on the orders. Nana, stay here. I have something to tell you.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Xie Yue and Yan glanced at each other. They were both helpless. They understood that their places in Bibi Dong’s heart couldn’t ever possibly match up to the holy maiden Hu Liena.
As only Bibi Dong and Hu Liena remained in the room, the ice cold lines on Bibi Dong’s face gradually gentled. Pointing to the seat next to her, she had Hu Liena sit.
“Teacher, I’ve disappointed you.”
Hu Liena hung her head.
Bibi Dong sighed,
“Nevermind, a few hundred dead spirit masters isn’t serious harm. This was definitely done deliberately by the Heaven Dou Empire to disrupt our morale. But it’s not that easy. This war would begin sooner or later, and even though we still haven’t yet caught our balance, on the battlefield the spirit master strength to truly dominate the two great empires is firmly in our hands. As long as we act appropriately and show its true effect on the battlefield, Heaven Dou and Star Luo basically won’t be able to stir any wind or waves. In times of defeat, don’t let one setback influence your confidence. Speaking of, this time I faceplanted too.”
“Ah? Teacher, you……”
Hu Liena looked shocked at Bibi Dong.
Bibi Dong said grimly:
“At first everything was going smoothly. The Titan Giant Ape and Sky Blue Bull Python were already at their last gasp. Just then we were attacked by a cloaked fellow armed with a strange trident, ruining my happy occasion. If I guess correctly, that person should be the now five years missing Tang San.”
“What?”
Hu Liena swayed, almost falling off her chair, her red lips trembling uncontrollably.
…...
Three days later.
Distantly, Tang San and Xiao Wu finally saw that army covering the land. Even though they overlooked it from the sky, the shock of the million strong army still made them a bit lifeless.
The number of people assembled seemed limitless, raised flags fluttering, all in perfect order. Advancing over the plains in units of ten thousand, it was like a vast river of steel.
Heavy cavalry with horses clad in thick armor was at the head of the army, while strong soldiers formed the heavy infantry legions on either side. In the center was the largest quantity of infantry. At least six light cavalry legions moved back and forth outside the army, responsible for screening and scouting, surrounding and protecting the center. They all advanced majestically.
In the rear of the army was an enormous provisions unit. As they say, the troops move where fodder and provisions go. Just the numbers of this logistical army surpassed hive hundred thousand, moving an uninterrupted flow of supplies. This still wasn’t including the logistics troops within the main army. By rough speculation, Tang San understood that this time the Heaven Dou Empire was using its standing army, its rear logistics, as well as prepared conscription, their total sum might reach two million. It was absolutely their full national strength.
At the same time, this was the largest army the Empire could support. Years of saved up strength was undoubtedly manifested as the Empire’s
national strength here. In fact, the resources consumed by an army of two million each day reached astronomical figures. To be able to equip such an army, the strength of the Heaven Dou Empire was obvious. Worthy of being a great empire that had towered over the Continent for so many years.
From the circumstances of the Heaven Dou Imperial army, one could also imagine the Star Luo Empire’s side. The Star Luo Empire might not be equal to the Heaven Dou Empire in terms of spirit master numbers, but their army would absolutely be larger than the Heaven Dou Empire’s. The Star Luo Empire was governed under a philosophy of iron and blood, that could be seen in Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing’s experiences. How could the military strength of such a nation be lacking? Even though spirit masters were formidable, spirit masters below the Spirit Sage level were still restricted by physical strength and spirit power. When facing such an army, if the numbers reached a certain proportion, then even spirit masters might not dare charged this steel river. Without a doubt, the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires would use their national strength to pull close the gap in spirit master numbers.
The Douluo Continent hadn’t seen war for many years now, even less experienced a conflict such as one with the Spirit Empire’s spirit master legions. Nobody could tell what the outcome of the battlefield would be, but the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires undoubtedly chose the best timing.
Just while Tang San was pondering, suddenly, his mental power reacted. Turning his gaze forward, an illusory figure had appeared in his line of sight in just the blink of an eye, wings slightly trembling, directly targeting Tang San and Xiao Wu’s position, a sharp bird cry instantly rising, charging at the skies.
Seeing this figure as well as his reaction, Tang San couldn’t help smiling wryly:
“Does this count as moving a stone only to smash my own foot? Even before our Tang Sect Speed Hall scout disciples can show their worth in battle, they’ve started by catching their sect master.”
Xiao Wu burst into giggles:
“This proves how elite the Tang Sect disciples are!”
Besides Speed Hall disciples with the Needle Tailed Swift spirit, what spirit masters could have such speed and react so quickly in the air? That Speed Hall disciple didn’t approach either, only circling Tang San and Xiao Wu at three hundred meters. Spirit master abilities basically couldn’t cover such a distance. He was clearly very confident in his speed, and basically unconcerned with the possibility of Tang San and Xiao Wu chasing him.
In just a few breaths of time, several dozen figures suddenly flew up from the center of the Heaven Dou Imperial Army and headed in this direction. They were all flying type spirit masters. After flying up, they immediately formed a semi circular formation, vaguely surrounding Tang San and Xiao Wu’s position. They not only cooperated cleverly, but even more didn’t make any unnecessary noise, their formation extremely orderly.
That Speed Hall disciple saw that his mission was already complete, and suddenly accelerated, flying into the distance. From start to finish, he hadn’t exchanged any words.
Very soon, Tang San and Xiao Wu were surrounded by those dozens of flying spirit masters. Flashing spirit rings appeared around them, each and every one trembling with excitement. Even the lowest ranked were four ring Spirit Ancestors, and the strongest one already had six rings of strength.
“Tie your hands and wait to be capured.”
The several dozen flying spirit masters shouted in chorus, their voices adjusted and uniform. Along with their shouts, their imposing manner also instantly rose, pressing down on Tang San and Xiao Wu.
Xiao Wu giggled:
“You’re not even asking who we are before having us captured?”
That sixtieth ranked Spirit Emperor spoke gravely:
“Whoever you are, spirit masters spying on our army will all be captured first. Follow us down.”
Xiao Wu’s easygoing manner made him a bit restless. Even though they had the numerical advantage, that didn’t matter if they encountered a true power. This Spirit Emperor was already prepared to call for reinforcements. Of course, he still absolutely wouldn’t cower back. With an army of millions as well as six thousand spirit masters behind him, he didn’t believe these two would dare do anything.
Tang San raised his cowl, smiling slightly:
“I am the Tang Sect master Tang San, I’ve come to join the army. Please bring me to see Grandmaster or the people of the Tang Sect.”
“You’re the Tang Sect master?”
That Spirit Emperor was more than fifty years old. Looking at Tang San his eyes were filled with disbelief,
“The Tang Sect disciples number more than two thousand, how would their sect master be as young as you? Even if you’re going to lie, at least make it believable. Less nonsense, first tie your hands and wait to be captured, or don’t blame us for being rude.”
Tang San shook his head and sighed softly, he wasn’t willing to delay here longer. The light in his eyes suddenly became pure, a halo of light even deeper blue than the sky instantly enveloped the surrounding spirit masters. The flying spirit masters only felt their bodies tighten, and immediately lost control of themselves. Let alone using spirit abilities, they weren’t even able to open their mouths to speak.
After easily restraining these spirit masters, Tang San erupted with a long howl, the surging clamor charging straight at the heavens. The deep and resounding sonorous howl travelled far into the distance, spreading out just like the endless army on the ground. This long howl actually spread to each person below, and every corner. The voice also didn’t fade as it passed, but instead grew louder and louder.
That surging clamor was like raging waves lashing the shore, striking the millions of soldiers below.
With a tearing sound, Tang San felt his spirit power abruptly surge, his howl instantly becoming a bit more resounding. He couldn’t help being surprised as he discovered his spirit power that had already been stuck at a bottleneck for some time had broken through, reaching rank ninety three.
Tang San’s spirit power had reached the peak of rank ninety two as early as when he absorbed those fifty thousand year spirit rings, close to rank ninety three, it had just never broken through. But recently he had first challenged the five Clear Sky School elders, erupting with his full strength under enormous pressure, and then while close to overdrawn helped his father connect his eight extraordinary meridians. These two experiences were undoubtedly enormous help in attacking the rank ninety three bottleneck.
Due to his spirit power rising too quickly these last few years, after Tang San left the Seagod Island his cultivation had mainly focused on conservation, as much as possible stabilizing what he had gained, and so didn’t recklessly go attacking the ninety third rank. Now it was unexpectedly this long howl that drew out his spirit power, channels forming where the water flowed, successfully raising his level.
Just at this moment, a few long howls simultaneously echoed from the army, the most resonant of them filled with infinite sharpness that seemed like it would cut Tang San’s howl in half. Charging at the sky, a seemingly piercing enormous blue sword energy rose high in the sky almost instantly, that sword energy seemed to connect heaven and earth, and along with a clear and melodious cry, it shot straight for Tang San.
Tang San laughed out loud. Flicking his wrist, the Seagod Trident’s cover burst like a cloud of butterflies, fluttering away. With a wave of his arm, those spirit masters awed by his mental strength were flung behind him. The long polearm swung out, dark light firmly shocking that enormous blue sword energy.
With a resounding explosion, the Seagod Trident erupted with a dragon cry. The main blade trembled softly, and golden light flowed out like ripples on water, the Seagod Trident unexpectedly automatically turned golden even without Tang San infusing it with Seagod’s Light. Tang San even felt the golden trident in his hand produce longing.
It was blasted by that one hundred eight thousand jin weight, but that tremendous sword energy showed how terrifying it was,
even awakening the Seagod Trident’s own competitiveness.
Blue light rose again, but this time it wasn’t an enormous sword shadow, but rather a real figure that soared into the sky along with the blue light. Like a shooting star chasing the moon, it shot straight for Tang San.
Tang San held the Seagod Trident horizontally in one hand towards that azure light. His hand spun the long polearm one turn, and a golden ring of light instantly left it. At the same time, a ray of Seagod’s Light poured from the brand on his forehead into the Seagod’s Heart. Instantly, the golden trident’s golden light flared. Even though that blue light attack was strong, it was still dissolved within that golden ring of light, and the figure flying together with the sword was blocked ten meters away from Tang San.
Tang San guarded his chest with the Seagod Trident, laughing:
“Start of leniently senior, or I can’t block.”
That figure was already revealed. Tall, single armed, holding a long sword that was entirely clear blue, as if carved from crystal. Most peculiar was that this sword had nine stars, in succession colored yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, black.
Even Tang San had no choice but to use the Golden Thirteen Halberds’ Unfixed Storm defense to block this sudden attack. Who was this but the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School’s elder, with spirit power at a frightening rank ninety seven, with the hailed as number one attack spirit, Sword Douluo Chen Xin? That bizarre sword in his hand was his spirit, the Seven Kill Sword. Having reached rank ninety seven, he already possessed the ability to command his sword to fly, and so could fly into the sky to attack the enemy.
Sword Douluo looked at Tang San and was also shocked. Tang San’s howl just now had shocked the entire army, and especially the spirit masters even more deeply sensed that terrifying pressure. Even an exceptional power like Sword Douluo Chen Xin had also felt his mental strength unexpectedly be completely suppressed. What kind of idea was this? Could the Spirit Empire’s High Priest have come over?
Consequently, Sword Douluo hadn’t hesitated to strike with his full strength. While still on the ground, he had already launched an attack targeting Tang San in the air, for fear that Tang San would launch some large scale attack on the army. In fact, if there really was a rank ninety nine Title Douluo here, their large scale attack would absolutely have devastating consequences. The war still hadn’t started, the Heaven Dou Imperial Army couldn’t take such losses.
Douluo Dalu - Volume 01-48 Page 470