87: The storm is brewing again

Inside the council hall, Su Jin gently tapped the table, lost in thought.

Before long, two figures entered the hall, one after the other.

It was Bai Xiao and Huo Jun.

“Lord,” both saluted in unison.

“Sit,” Su Jin raised his chin, signaling them not to be formal.

“I just spoke with Lord Zhou of Yong City and got some interesting intelligence.”

He briefly recounted his conversation with Zhou Yong, especially about Ka Mountain's peculiar 'pre-battle declaration' habit and the general situation of the Red Soil Plateau.

Huo Jun listened, then mused.

“In that case, Ka Mountain certainly didn't die unjustly. As for the Red Soil Plateau, a gathering place for the top lords of the three races, it's indeed worth paying attention to, but…”

He looked at Su Jin, “Should we deal with Marco first?”

Su Jin nodded: “That’s what I think too. First, remove this thorn, then consider the matters of the Red Soil Plateau.”

“After all, how can one allow others to snore beside their bed?”

“That Marco is sensitive to energy perception, and his construct army is also buffed by his talent.”

Su Jin added, “He shouldn't be underestimated, but there’s no need to overestimate him either. After all, a ‘top hundred strongman’ like Ka Mountain didn't last many moves against Bai Xiao.”

Bai Xiao was expressionless, only saying faintly: “He talked too much.”

Huo Jun listened from the side, his mouth twitching, barely suppressing a smile.

Su Jin smiled: “Since that’s the case, Huo Jun, gather your troops. This expedition aims for a swift victory, giving Marco no chance to breathe.”

He looked at the location of the Mind Nexus on the map.

“Since Marco specializes in constructs, we’ll use the cavalry's mobility and the Spirit Pivot Sword Envoy's explosive power to directly break through his defenses!”

After a pause, a sharp glint flashed in Su Jin's eyes, “As for how to breach the city, that will be left to me and Bai Xiao.”

“I want to see just how hard his ‘Mind Nexus’ turtle shell truly is…”

“Yes!” Bai Xiao and Huo Jun responded in deep voices.

Su Jin added: “Mu Yang will guard Adlan. Order Zhui Yun and Stone Rock to remain in Infinite City and strengthen their defenses.”

With the command given, Infinite City quickly went into action.

...

Outside the city drill ground, iron hooves pounded the earth, emitting a dull roar.

Four thousand Azure Lightning Cavalry Guards were clad in menacing iron armor, and four hundred Azure Thunder Dragon Riders were wreathed in lightning.

The inverse scale pattern of the thunder dragon on the knights' breastplates was lifelike, exuding a powerful aura.

Over a hundred Spirit Pivot Sword Envoys, dressed in snow-white robes, had plain longswords at their waists, yet they emanated a chilling sharpness.

Su Jin mounted his horse, standing shoulder to shoulder with Bai Xiao at the front of the formation.

Huo Jun commanded the main cavalry force, arrayed on both flanks. “Advance!”

At his command, the army, like a black raging tide, stirred up a sky full of dust.

They galloped towards the southeast of the Blackrock Wasteland, in the direction of Marco's territory.

...

Half a day later, during the march, a member of the 'Shadow' silently appeared beside Su Jin.

“Lord, there is an urgent military report from the north of Infinite City.”

The 'Shadow's' voice was hoarse and low.

Su Jin's gaze sharpened: “Speak.”

“Our ‘Shadow Three’ Squad, while scouting north, discovered a legacy-grade city belonging to the Woma World natives. This city is named Boulder City.”

Legacy-grade city!

As these four words were uttered, Su Jin's eyes deepened slightly.

The 'Shadow' continued to report: “Boulder City is not weak in strength, but the crucial point is that they harbor intense hostility towards us ‘outsiders’.”

The 'Shadow's' tone carried gravity.

“The ‘Shadow Three’ Squad was discovered by an unknown detection method when they entered the city for reconnaissance. Of the five members, only the captain escaped, severely wounded.”

“According to the last message relayed by the captain, Boulder City seems to have already detected our presence and has dispatched reconnaissance troops, who are currently searching in our direction.”

Su Jin listened, a cold curve forming on his lips.

“A legacy-grade city… an unknown detection method? And they made the first move against Infinite City.”

“It seems our ‘neighbor’ isn't very friendly.”

“Shadow One has already gone north to take charge, but he believes that since the enemy has already shown their claws, they cannot be allowed to act recklessly.”

“He requests instructions from the Lord on whether to immediately counterattack, eliminate their search party, and also requests reinforcements.”

Su Jin heard this, his voice turning cold.

“Counterattack? Of course, we must counterattack.”

“They've brought their faces right to our doorstep. If we don't respond, won't it seem like our Infinite City is too easy to bully?”

“As for Marco’s side, we will continue to advance according to the original plan; there’s no need to delay because of this.”

“As for this Boulder City that doesn’t know its place…”

A sharp glint flashed in Su Jin's eyes.

“Since they are so ‘hospitable’, we’ll return a ‘meeting gift’ first.”

He turned to the messenger beside him, his voice rising a few octaves.

“Order Zhui Yun!”

“Tell him to lead all the Riftwind Archers and the remaining Spirit Pivot Sword Envoys in Infinite City to swiftly head north and reinforce Shadow One!”

Su Jin paused slightly, his tone carrying a hint of killing intent.

“Tell him, I have only one demand—”

“Chop off every single one of those claws that Boulder City has extended, leaving none behind!”

“I want them to remember with blood that Infinite City is not a place just any cat or dog can casually snoop around!”

“However many troops they send out, leave me that many heads!”

“Additionally, have Stone Rock guard Infinite City, and notify Mu Yang, who is stationed in Adran World, to prepare for support, just in case.”

“Yes, Lord!” The messenger responded, quickly turned, and left with swift steps.

The army continued to advance.

...

Mind Nexus City, Central Control Tower.

Inside the tower, the light was slightly dim, with only countless runes flowing between the walls and suspended crystal screens, emitting a faint blue glow.

Marco sat cross-legged in the air on the sensing throne at the top of the tower.

His characteristic third eye was tightly closed, but his brow twitched slightly, and an inexplicable irritation lingered in his heart.

“Ka Mountain…” Marco muttered the name, feeling somewhat agitated.

How long had it been?

Ever since that guy Ka Mountain left with his so-called 'Spider' professional squad.

He had vowed to solve those problems, and since then, not a single message had come back.

At first, Marco didn't pay too much attention.

Although Ka Mountain was a bit conceited and talked a bit too much, his strength was a genuine tenth-tier.

He was somewhat famous among the younger generation of their clan, and dealing with an opponent who dared not show his face should, in theory, not be a problem.

But as time passed, the ominous premonition grew stronger.

“Damn it!”

Marco suddenly opened his third eye, a trace of ferocity flashing in his bloodshot pupils.

The rune light in the tower seemed to become chaotic for a moment as well.

He waved his hand irritably, once again using the amplification of the city's equipment to probe in the direction where the 'Spider Squad' had disappeared.

Suddenly, Marco's body shook violently, and he involuntarily floated upwards, almost hitting the metal dome!

“This is…”