117: Arriving at the front line

Su Jin descended from the watchtower, with Bai Xiao following him like a shadow.

"Lord Su, the Blue Star Alliance military is also here. It seems this Blood Tide Mist is indeed troublesome," Bai Xiao said from beside him.

"Hmm, for Eternal City to humble themselves and invite us 'outsiders,' I suspect the situation isn't as optimistic as they claim."

Su Jin nodded. "Let's go, first to check on our Infinite City's station, then to meet General Zhou."

Before long, Augustus, accompanied by several Radiant City officials, came to greet them.

He still maintained his gentle and composed demeanor, but a hint of fatigue was visible between his brows.

Clearly, he had expended considerable energy dealing with the Blood Tide Mist during this period.

"Lord Su, welcome to the Red Soil Plateau front line."

Augustus bowed slightly.

"Your army's camp has been planned and is located on the east side of Radiant City's defense zone, adjacent to the Eye of the Storm allied forces. Supplies have also been delivered according to the alliance agreement."

Su Jin politely said, "Thank you, Augustus. Infinite City's troops will move in immediately."

Augustus mentioned, seemingly casually:

"Lord Su has also seen that, besides our Eternal City, General Zhou Yong of the Blue Star Alliance has also led his troops here for joint defense. It seems, facing such a world-level calamity, everyone has reached a consensus."

"Oh? General Zhou also accepted Eternal City's invitation?" Su Jin feigned surprise.

"Precisely. In times of crisis, an extra force is always beneficial." Augustus smiled, not elaborating further.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Augustus took his leave, as he had many other matters to attend to.

Infinite City's army, under the command of Zhui Yun, Huo Jun, and other leaders, began to systematically move into their designated camp.

Although this force was not exceptionally large, the overall aura it exuded secretly alarmed the scouts from other factions in the vicinity.

Especially the several leaders and the faintly discernible Spirit Pivot Sword Envoys, who made them feel immense pressure.

Infinite City's efficiency was extremely high; in less than half a day, a fully functional and heavily fortified temporary military camp rose from the ground.

Watchtowers were erected, chevaux de frise were placed, and patrol teams were orderly.

After settling the troops, Su Jin, accompanied by Bai Xiao, walked towards Zhou Yong's defense zone.

From a distance, the style of the fortifications here was distinctly different from the native forces of Woma World.

Alloy bunkers, automatic turrets, and energy shield generators glowing with an eerie blue light filled the area with a sense of technology.

Soldiers in dark blue power armor occasionally fired deadly electromagnetic projectiles from their gauss rifles, shooting down the corrupted creatures attempting to approach.

Behind the front line, inside a temporary command post built from heavy armor plates, Zhou Yong was frowning, looking at the holographic sand table before him, continuously issuing orders.

"General, Lord Su Jin of Infinite City is visiting," a messenger reported.

Zhou Yong was startled by the news, looked up, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes: "Su Jin? Why is he here? Invite him in quickly!"

He put down what he was holding and quickly walked out of the command post.

"Lord Su!" Zhou Yong's face broke into a smile upon seeing Su Jin, and he extended his hand, "I didn't expect to see you here; what a rare guest."

"General Zhou, I trust you've been well." Su Jin shook his hand. "It seems we've both been drawn in by this 'Blood Tide Mist.'"

The two walked side by side towards the command post, and Zhou Yong got straight to the point: "Lord Su also received an invitation from Eternal City?"

"Indeed, Augustus of Radiant City came in person." Su Jin did not hide it. "What about you, General Zhou?"

"We were contacted by the Eye of the Storm," Zhou Yong explained.

"This Blood Tide Mist is spreading too quickly and is extremely corrosive; ordinary troops can become corrupted if they come into contact with it."

"Although Eternal City has deep foundations, facing a disaster of this scale, they are also struggling, which is why they are uniting various forces."

He paused, his tone somewhat grave:

"According to the intelligence provided by the Eye of the Storm, the source of this Blood Tide Mist..."

"...may be related to a long-forgotten forbidden area in Woma World. Rumor has it that place... seals an extremely ancient and terrifying existence."

Zhou Yong looked at Su Jin again, with a hint of warning:

"Lord Su, the people from the Eye of the Storm specifically mentioned one thing: that awakened ancient existence seems to have a special sensitivity to items like 'heart of god' fragments, which contain fragments of the world's primordial power."

"Those who possess such items might become its priority 'targets of interest.'"

Upon hearing this, Su Jin's eyes flickered. No wonder the people from Radiant City had casually mentioned the "heart of god" fragments back then; there was indeed more to it.

He raised an eyebrow slightly: "Oh? Is there such a claim? I thought that thing was just a hot potato."

"More than just a hot potato."

Zhou Yong gave a bitter smile.

"The Eye of the Storm had a squad of elite scouts who ventured deep into the edges of the Red Soil Plateau some time ago. One of them carried an amulet, excavated from ancient ruins, that contained a similar aura."

"Then it triggered a riot of red mist. If the Eye of the Storm hadn't been prepared and sent experts to rendezvous, that squad might never have returned."

"They speculate that the 'heart of god' fragments would only have a stronger pull on that ancient existence."

Su Jin gently rubbed the rim of his cup with his fingertips, deep in thought: "So, Radiant City invited me here, intending for me to be 'bait'?"

"That's likely part of their consideration."

Zhou Yong sighed, "Those beings in Eternal City have lived too long, and their minds are naturally profound. They want to use the power of the 'heart of god' fragments to combat the Blood Tide Mist, but they don't want to bring trouble upon themselves."

"And we, in their eyes, are undoubtedly the best 'bait.'"

"The risk of this 'bait' is not small," Su Jin said, putting down his teacup, his tone flat.

Zhou Yong continued,

"In short, this is not an easy mess to navigate. This time, the top lords of the Dark Star Empire and the Three-Eyed Clan are also unwilling to be left out; they are basically all in this vicinity. These guys, every single one of them, are not to be trifled with."

"Coupled with this eerie Blood Tide Mist... the situation ahead is likely to be very chaotic."

Su Jin pondered, "What benefits did Eternal City promise? Just the name of 'guarding the world' is probably not enough to make General Zhou lead his troops here, is it?"

Zhou Yong chuckled: "That's right, the slogan 'guarding the world' sounds grand, but what does it have to do with our Blue Star Alliance? The Eye of the Storm side did indeed put in some capital this time."

"They promised that after the event, they would share resource mining rights in some areas and provide us with some domain crests. Additionally, there would be some intelligence sharing and mutual support at critical moments."

"Our side is similar; Radiant City promised to transfer a batch of domain crests for prosperous and stable city-states."

Su Jin nodded, "It seems Eternal City has indeed gone all out to win us over."

"After all, the power of us 'outsiders' already puts pressure on them."

A strange light flashed in Zhou Yong's eyes, "Rather than letting us conquer cities and territories outside, it's better to pull us into this meat grinder for mutual consumption. Perhaps they can even use our hands to weaken their old rivals."

Su Jin smiled; Zhou Yong saw things very clearly.

Just as the two were conversing, a violent explosion suddenly erupted from the front line...