82: Chapter 82 The Four Symbols Legion, First Display of its Prowess

The 30th day since the establishment of Chaos Valley, early morning.

The rising sun cast golden brilliance across the valley, dispersing the last traces of the morning mist. After a month of construction, Chaos Valley had completely changed its appearance.

Five-meter-high stone walls surrounded the entire valley, the wall surfaces engraved with reinforcement runes, shimmering with a faint luster in the sunlight. At the east and west exits, four 15-meter-high defensive towers stood—three arrow towers and one Spell tower. The towers were built from a mixture of Azure Obsidian and Iron Cedar, hard yet lightweight and tough. The ballistae and Formations atop the towers were fully charged, ready to fire at any moment.

Inside the walls, various buildings were distributed in an orderly fashion.

The most prominent was the faction main hall located in the center of the valley. It was a three-story pavilion-style building with flying eaves and brackets, looking grand and imposing. The main frame of the hall was built from Iron Cedar, supplemented with Azure Obsidian for decoration, making it both sturdy and aesthetically pleasing. The roof was covered in cyan glazed tiles, reflecting a gentle luster in the morning light.

Above the main entrance of the hall hung a black plaque with gold characters, reading "Heavenly Court". The calligraphy was vigorous and powerful, with a faint Dao rhythm flowing through it; it was written by Lin Ye himself using Chaos Divine Power.

To the left of the hall was a nine-story cultivation tower. The tower was octagonal, each floor about three zhang high, built entirely of Azure Obsidian, with its surface covered in Spirit Gathering, Calm Heart, and Protection Formations. There were 360 cultivation rooms inside the tower, with Spiritual Qi concentration increasing layer by layer from bottom to top, and the highest level could reach eight times the base concentration.

To the right of the hall were auxiliary buildings such as the Pill Refining Room, Artifact Refining Workshop, and Scripture Pavilion. Although not large in scale, the facilities were complete and fully functional.

But the most eye-catching feature was the newly built Martial Arts Practice Field on the west side of the valley.

The Martial Arts Practice Field occupied about one square kilometer, with the ground paved with solid, flat bluestone. Eighteen stone pillars stood along the edge of the field, each engraved with different Formations capable of simulating various combat environments—desert, snowfield, jungle, water, high altitude...

At this moment, morning training was underway on the Martial Arts Practice Field.

Two thousand Heavenly Court members were divided into dozens of phalanxes, conducting basic training under the guidance of their respective instructors. Melee professions practiced with blades, spears, swords, and halberds; ranged professions practiced with bows, crossbows, and Spells; and support professions practiced healing and buffs. The orderly shouts, the sounds of weapons clashing, and the explosions of Spells were intertwined, full of vigor and strength.

On the high platform on the north side of the Martial Arts Practice Field, Lin Ye stood with his hands behind his back, overlooking the scene of training below.

He was dressed in a black robe with a dark gold belt around his waist, his long hair tied loosely behind his head, making him appear calm and restrained. After a month of cultivation, his aura was even deeper, and a Chaos halo faintly swirled in his eyes as they opened and closed.

【Player: Lin Ye】

【Level: 42 (Dao Palace Fourth Layer)】

【Realm: Dao Palace Realm · heart palace, Spleen Palace】

【HP: 298,600 / 298,600】

【Divine Power: 265,400 / 265,400】

【Attack: 13,280 - 15,160】

【Defense: 14,720】

【Dao Law Bonus: +270%】

【Divine Sense Strength: 2,050】

【Luck: 91】

【Talent: Chaos Heavenly Emperor Body】

【Current Divine Ability: Chaos Domain (Range 35 meters, enemy attributes -32%, friendly +22%)】

【Dao Palace Skills: Chaos Fire (heart palace), Chaos Earth (Spleen Palace), Earth Pulse (Active Recovery)】

【Other Skills: Chaos Soul Suppressing Seal, Void Step (Minor Achievement), Jie Character Secret · Fragment (3% five-fold critical hit)】

【Natal Artifact: myriad things mother qi cauldron embryo (Dao Palace level, Fusion 18%)】

【Equipment: Void Battle Armor Set (Epic), bodhi seed (Legendary), bronze ghost mask (Legendary)】

【Faction: Heavenly Court (Level 3)】

【Territory: Chaos Valley (Spiritual Qi concentration +300% - 500%)】

【Members: 1,850 (Core 500, New Members 1,350)】

In one month, rising from level 38 to 42, this speed was terrifying to the outside world, but under the seven-fold cultivation speed of Chaos Valley, it was only natural.

More importantly, Lin Ye not only raised his level but also completely stabilized Chaos Earth, and his Spleen Palace was fully formed. Now that two of his five internal organs had been opened, his strength had increased by at least 50% compared to a month ago.

"Boss, everyone is here."

Chen Hao walked onto the high platform, followed by Su Qingyue, Shi Potian, Zhao Wuji, Qin Ruoxue, Lu Ming, and the vice-hall masters of the four halls.

After a month of integration, the core management layer of the Heavenly Court had been established.

Lin Ye was the leader, in charge of everything.

Su Qingyue, Chen Hao, Shi Potian, and Lu Ming were the four great generals, each in charge of different fields.

Zhao Wuji was responsible for logistics and commerce, and Qin Ruoxue was responsible for intelligence and internal affairs.

The structure of the four halls was also further improved: Azure Dragon Hall Master Wang Iron Pillar, White Tiger Hall Master Shadow Blade, Vermilion Bird Hall Master Fire Dance, and Black Tortoise Hall Master Iron Wall. Each hall was divided into five teams of one hundred, with each team having one captain and one vice-captain.

"Let's begin." Lin Ye nodded.

The group separated to both sides, and Lin Ye walked to the center of the high platform, facing the Martial Arts Practice Field below.

He raised his hand and pressed down, and an invisible pressure spread out. On the Martial Arts Practice Field, everyone stopped training in unison, turned toward the high platform, and focused their eyes on Lin Ye.

The Martial Arts Practice Field with two thousand people became dead silent.

"Everyone."

Lin Ye's voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears.

"A month ago, we established our Foundation here. Over the past month, through your concerted efforts, we have built Chaos Valley from a wilderness into its current scale. This achievement belongs to every single one of you."

"But this is just the beginning."

His gaze swept across the field: "The world of 'covering the heavens era' is changing rapidly. Secret Realm riots, mutated Yao Beasts, the emergence of the Archaic Race, Holy Lands stirring... A chaotic era is coming, and the weak will be crushed like grass. Only the strong can control their own destiny."

"The Heavenly Court is not here to seek a corner of peace, but to become the leader of this era."

"For this, we need greater power, a tighter organization, and a more efficient combat System."

Lin Ye paused and raised his voice:

"Today, I officially announce—the four major legions of the Heavenly Court are established!"

As his voice fell, a System notification sounded in the ears of all Heavenly Court members:

【Faction Announcement: Leader Lin Ye announces the establishment of the four major legions.】

【Legion System unlocked.】

【Current number of legions that can be formed: 4】

【Maximum members per legion: 500】

【After the legion is established, exclusive functions such as legion battle Formations, legion skills, and legion missions will be unlocked.】

【Please, Leader, name the four major legions and appoint the legion commanders.】

Lin Ye brought up the faction management interface and began to operate.

【Please name the First Legion:】

"Azure Dragon." Lin Ye did not hesitate.

【First Legion name: Azure Dragon.】

【Please appoint a legion commander:】

Lin Ye looked at Wang Iron Pillar below the platform: "Azure Dragon Hall Master Wang Iron Pillar, step forward."

"Here!" Wang Iron Pillar strode out and knelt on one knee.

"I appoint you as the first commander of the Azure Dragon Legion. The Azure Dragon Legion is positioned as the main melee force, with heavy armor, long weapons, and shield combat as the core, responsible for frontal assault and position defense."

"This subordinate accepts the order!" Wang Iron Pillar's voice was loud and clear.

【Azure Dragon Legion commander appointment complete: Wang Iron Pillar (Level 45, Dao Palace Seventh Layer).】

【Azure Dragon Legion organization unlocked, currently recruitable members: 0/500.】

【Legion Trait unlocked: Azure Dragon's Might (Melee Attack +15%, Defense +10%)】

【Legion Battle Formation unlocked: Azure Dragon Mountain-Coiling Formation (Defensive battle Formation, after Formation, total legion defense +30%, HP recovery +20%)】

Immediately after, Lin Ye began to form the Second Legion.

"Second Legion, named: White Tiger."

"White Tiger Hall Master Shadow Blade, step forward."

Shadow Blade appeared in front of the high platform like a ghost and bowed.

"I appoint you as the commander of the White Tiger Legion. The White Tiger Legion is positioned for assassins and reconnaissance, with agility, stealth, and burst damage as the core, responsible for intelligence gathering, behind-enemy-lines sabotage, and decapitation operations."

"Understood."

【White Tiger Legion organization complete.】

【Legion Commander: Shadow Blade (Level 44, Dao Palace Sixth Layer).】

【Legion Trait: White Tiger's Speed (Movement Speed +20%, Critical Hit Rate +10%)】

【Legion Battle Formation: White Tiger Hidden Kill Formation (Stealth battle Formation, after Formation, total legion stealth effect +50%, first attack damage +100%)】

"Third Legion, named: Vermilion Bird."

"Vermilion Bird Hall Master Fire Dance, step forward."

Fire Dance, wearing a red dress, walked forward heroically.

"I appoint you as the commander of the Vermilion Bird Legion. The Vermilion Bird Legion is positioned for ranged Spell output, with fire, ice, thunder, and other elemental Dao laws as the core, responsible for area strikes, battlefield control, and long-range support."

"Fire Dance accepts the order."

【Vermilion Bird Legion organization complete.】

【Legion Commander: Fire Dance (Level 43, Dao Palace Fifth Layer).】

【Legion Trait: Vermilion Bird's Flame (Spell Damage +20%, Casting Speed +15%)】

【Legion Battle Formation: Vermilion Bird Heaven-Burning Formation (Area-of-effect battle Formation, after Formation, total legion Spell range +40%, continuous damage +25%)】

"Fourth Legion, named: Black Tortoise."

"Black Tortoise Hall Master Iron Wall, step forward."

Iron Wall was two meters tall with bulging muscles; the ground shook slightly as he walked up.

"I appoint you as the commander of the Black Tortoise Legion. The Black Tortoise Legion is positioned for defense and support, with shield combat, healing, and buffs as the core, responsible for protecting teammates, maintaining battle lines, and battlefield sustainability."

"Iron Wall complies."

【Black Tortoise Legion organization complete.】

【Legion Commander: Iron Wall (Level 46, Dao Palace Eighth Layer).】

【Legion Trait: Black Tortoise's Defense (Defense +25%, Control Resistance +20%)】

【Legion Battle Formation: Black Tortoise Sea-Suppressing Formation (Defensive battle Formation, after Formation, total legion damage reduction +35%, healing effect +30%)】

The four major legions were established!

The System notification sounded again:

【Congratulations to the faction "Heavenly Court" for successfully establishing the four major legions, becoming the third player organization on the server to complete the full legion organization.】

【Reward: Legion Construction Resource Pack x4 (Each contains: Standard Equipment x500 sets, Legion Mounts x50, Legion Battle Flag x1, Legion Station Construction Blueprint x1)】

【Unlocked Faction Exclusive Battle Formation: Four Symbols Combined Attack Formation (Requires the four major legions to perform in coordination)】

【Four Symbols Combined Attack Formation effect preview: After the four major legions form the Formation, they can summon the Four Symbols phantoms to fight in coordination, all attributes +30%, skill power +50%, duration: 30 minutes. Cooldown: 7 days.】

The server-wide announcement played three times in a row.

The World Channel boiled over again.

"Holy crap! Heavenly Court is about to take off! Four major legions, the third in the whole server!"

"Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, Black Tortoise, these names are domineering!"

"Four Symbols Combined Attack Formation, all attributes +30%, skill power +50%, this is a damn war machine!"

"Envious to tears, I want to join too..."

"Wake up, the Heavenly Court's assessment criteria are notoriously abnormal in the whole server. Last month, over 10,000 people applied, and only over 1,000 were accepted."

"By the way, who are the other two that completed the legion organization?"

"Who else could it be, the 'Twilight of the Gods' and 'Eternal Dynasty' from the West. But they are both single legions; the Heavenly Court is the first one to have all four legions complete."

Inside Chaos Valley, everyone was also extremely excited.

The establishment of the four major legions meant that the Heavenly Court had officially moved from a "guild" to a "military organization," possessing established combat capability. This was a milestone progress among the entire player group.

"Now, let's start assigning members." Lin Ye continued to preside.

The one-month new member training period had ended, and all members had passed the basic assessment, so allocation was not difficult.

The Heavenly Secret Pavilion had long formulated a detailed allocation plan based on everyone's profession, specialty, personality, and past performance.

Qin Ruoxue stepped forward, unfolded a Jade Slip, and began to read:

"Azure Dragon Legion, recruitment standards: Level ≥ 42, major in melee professions (sword, blade, spear, halberd, ax, hammer, etc.), Strength attribute ≥ 800, Stamina attribute ≥ 700. The following personnel, step forward—"

A series of names were read out.

The players whose names were called walked out of the queue one after another with pride on their faces. Being able to enter the Azure Dragon Legion meant they were the most elite melee force of the Heavenly Court.

In the end, the Azure Dragon Legion was fully staffed with 500 people, with an average level of 43.5, the highest average level among the four major legions.

"White Tiger Legion, recruitment standards: Level ≥ 41, major in agility or stealth professions (assassin, ranger, scout, etc.), Agility attribute ≥ 850, possess at least one stealth or reconnaissance skill. The following personnel, step forward—"

Shadow Blade coldly scanned the members who stepped forward, his gaze like a knife. The requirements of the White Tiger Legion seemed the lowest, but they were actually the strictest—in addition to attribute requirements, they also needed to pass the "Infiltration and Assassination" test personally designed by Shadow Blade.

In the end, the White Tiger Legion was also fully staffed with 500 people, with an average level of 42.8.

"Vermilion Bird Legion, recruitment standards: Level ≥ 40, major in Spell professions (fire mage, ice mage, thunder mage, wind mage, etc.), Intelligence attribute ≥ 900, Spell proficiency ≥ Advanced. The following personnel, step forward—"

Fire Dance looked at her team members with a smile. The Vermilion Bird Legion had the highest proportion of females among the four major legions, close to 40%. This was not gender discrimination, but rather that female players generally had more talent in Spell control.

In the end, the Vermilion Bird Legion was fully staffed with 500 people, with an average level of 42.1.

"Black Tortoise Legion, recruitment standards: Level ≥ 40, major in defense or support professions (shield warrior, paladin, priest, shaman, etc.), Stamina attribute ≥ 800, Spirit attribute ≥ 750, possess at least one defense or healing skill. The following personnel, step forward—"

Iron Wall's voice sounded like muffled thunder. The members of the Black Tortoise Legion were all burly and mainly male, standing there like a wall.

In the end, the Black Tortoise Legion was also fully staffed with 500 people, with an average level of 42.3.

Thus, the four major legions, each with five hundred people, totaling two thousand people, were all fully organized.

The remaining 350 people served as reserves and logistics personnel, uniformly managed by Zhao Wuji.

"The legion structure is formed, next—" Lin Ye's gaze swept over the four legion commanders, "I need to see your edge."

"Three days later, the first joint exercise of the four major legions will be held in the Martial Arts Practice Field."

"Exercise content: Simulated siege warfare. Azure Dragon and Black Tortoise Legions are the defenders, White Tiger and Vermilion Bird Legions are the attackers. Attacker's goal: Break through the defender's line within one hour and destroy the 'Core Crystal' located in the center of the Martial Arts Practice Field. Defender's goal: Hold for one hour, or completely annihilate the attackers."

"Rules: All attacks use training mode (causing pain but not fatal), those whose HP reaches zero are judged as 'killed' and exit the exercise. All skills, items, and battle Formations are allowed, but Legendary level and above items are prohibited."

"Winners will be rewarded with [Intermediate Cultivation Pill] x10 for all members, and Legion Commanders will receive an additional [Advanced Cultivation Pill] x5."

"Now, prepare yourselves."

With the order given, the four legion commanders immediately took action.

The Azure Dragon Legion and Black Tortoise Legion began to study defensive strategies, while the White Tiger Legion and Vermilion Bird Legion began to plan attack schemes.

The entire Chaos Valley entered a state of tense preparation.

Three days later, early morning.

The Martial Arts Practice Field was crowded with Heavenly Court members watching the battle. Although they could not participate in the battle personally, everyone wanted to witness this first confrontation between the four major legions with their own eyes.

In the center of the Martial Arts Practice Field stood a three-meter-high crystal. The crystal was pale blue with energy flowing on its surface; this was the simulated "Core Crystal," with durability set at one million.

Around the crystal, the Azure Dragon Legion and Black Tortoise Legion had already finished setting up their defenses.

The Azure Dragon Legion was divided into three phalanxes: the first phalanx, one hundred heavy armored shield soldiers, held tower shields as tall as a man to form a steel defensive line in the front; the second phalanx, two hundred spearmen, with spears like a forest, their cold light flickering; the third phalanx, two hundred axemen, acting as a reserve and counter-charge force.

The Black Tortoise Legion was divided into two parts: one hundred and fifty shield soldiers overlapped with the Azure Dragon Legion's defensive line, providing dual protection; two hundred healers and support classes were scattered behind the defensive line, ready to provide support at any time; and one hundred and fifty long-range support units (such as Talisman masters and Formation masters) set up buff Formations further back.

The overall commanders of the defending side were Wang Iron Pillar and Iron Wall.

Both were defensive-type generals with steady styles. Their strategy was clear: use the Azure Dragon Legion as the steel front and the Black Tortoise Legion as the sturdy rear guard, forming an iron barrel Formation to resist the attack head-on.

"Azure Dragon Legion, form up—Azure Dragon Coiling Mountain Formation!"

Wang Iron Pillar gave the order.

Five hundred Azure Dragon Legion members activated the battle Formation simultaneously. Cyan radiance rose from each person, weaving together in the air, vaguely condensing into a phantom of an Azure Dragon. The phantom circled down and merged into the entire legion.

In an instant, a layer of cyan light armor appeared on the bodies of all Azure Dragon members, and their defensive power skyrocketed.

[Azure Dragon Coiling Mountain Formation effect: Full legion defense +30%, Qi and blood recovery +20%]

"Black Tortoise Legion, form up—Black Tortoise Sea-Suppressing Formation!"

Iron Wall followed closely.

Deep blue radiance surged, a phantom of a Black Tortoise appeared, and a heavy aura shrouded the entire legion.

[Black Tortoise Sea-Suppressing Formation effect: Full legion damage reduction +35%, healing effect +30%]

With the two major defensive battle Formations superimposed, the defensive side's defense reached a terrifying level. A rough estimate suggested that ordinary attacks hitting them would see their damage reduced by at least sixty percent.

"How are we supposed to fight this?" someone in the crowd watching muttered.

"Let's see how the attacking side breaks the situation."

At the other end of the Martial Arts Practice Field, the attacking side's camp.

The White Tiger Legion and the Vermilion Bird Legion had already assembled.

The White Tiger Legion had all switched to light armor, holding short weapons, their figures flickering like ghosts. They were divided into ten squads of fifty people each, scattered at the edge of the Martial Arts Practice Field like lurking leopards.

The Vermilion Bird Legion was neatly lined up. Five hundred mages were uniformly dressed in red magic robes, holding staves or Magical Artifacts. They were divided into five phalanxes, with one hundred people in each phalanx, corresponding to the five elements of fire, ice, thunder, wind, and earth.

The overall commanders of the attacking side were Shadow Blade and Fire Dance.

"The defensive side's defense is very strong," Fire Dance observed the Formation opposite. "If we attack head-on, even if we can break the defense, the losses will be great, and the time may not be enough."

"That's why we need to use tactics," Shadow Blade's voice was cold. "The weakness of the Azure Dragon and Black Tortoise is mobility. Once their Formation is fixed, it is very difficult to adjust quickly."

"What do you mean?"

"Feint to the east, attack to the west," Shadow Blade pointed to the Martial Arts Practice Field. "The defensive side's defensive line focuses on the east side because the terrain there is flatter, suitable for heavy legions to deploy. The west side has undulating terrain, which is not conducive to large-scale charges, so their defense is relatively weak."

"The White Tiger Legion will infiltrate from the west side to create Chaos and attract the attention of the defensive side. The main force of the Vermilion Bird Legion will feign an attack from the east side to create pressure. When the defensive side's line shows signs of loosening, the White Tiger Legion will strike directly at the core, and the Vermilion Bird Legion will explode with full force to break the Formation in one fell swoop."

Fire Dance's eyes lit up: "Good plan. But the defensive side won't be fooled so easily, right?"

"That's why we need real pressure," Shadow Blade looked at the Vermilion Bird Legion. "The feint must be done realistically, so that the defensive side has no choice but to commit their main force to defense. Fire Dance, can you do it?"

"Don't worry," Fire Dance smiled. "The firepower of the Vermilion Bird Legion will make them think we are the main attack."

"Then let's begin."

Shadow Blade raised his hand and gave a gesture.

The ten White Tiger squads were like arrows leaving the string, disappearing silently from their original positions. Their concealment skills were enhanced by the speed of the White Tiger, and even the onlookers found it difficult to capture their traces.

Meanwhile, the Vermilion Bird Legion began to advance.

The five phalanxes maintained a neat Formation and slowly approached the defensive line. At the forefront was the fire-element phalanx, where one hundred fire mages raised their staves simultaneously and began to chant.

"Enemy attack! East side!" The lookout of the Azure Dragon Legion issued a warning immediately.

"Hold steady!" Wang Iron Pillar shouted, "First defensive line, raise shields! Second defensive line, spearmen prepare!"

The heavy armored shield soldiers of the Azure Dragon Legion inserted their tower shields into the ground together, forming a steel city wall. The spearmen placed their long spears in the gaps between the shields, the spear tips flickering with cold light.

The shield soldiers of the Black Tortoise Legion formed a second defensive line in the rear, and the healers and support classes began to apply buff states to the front row.

"Vermilion Bird Legion, first round of volley—Fire Rain Meteor!"

Fire Dance waved her staff.

The chanting of the fire-element phalanx was completed, and one hundred fire Spells were released simultaneously. In an instant, dense fireballs appeared in the sky, each the size of a human head, trailing tail flames as they whistled down.

The scene was like a meteor shower falling.

"Defend!" Wang Iron Pillar roared.

The shield soldiers of the Azure Dragon Legion activated their skills simultaneously, and a cyan light shield appeared on the surface of their shields. The healers of the Black Tortoise Legion also began to cast group shields.

Boom, boom, boom—the fireballs smashed into the defensive line, exploding into a sky full of flames. Although the damage was greatly reduced by the battle Formation, the impact still caused the Qi and blood of the shield soldiers in the front row to fluctuate.

"Second round of volley—Icebound Thousand Miles!"

The ice-element phalanx followed up.

Cold air permeated, the ground quickly froze, ice cones stabbed out from the ground, and an ice storm formed in the air. The movements of the defensive side were obviously slowed down, and some shield soldiers even had their feet frozen.

"Third round of volley—Thunderous Might!"

The thunder-element phalanx followed closely.

Lightning intertwined into a net, striking the defensive line, making crackling explosions. Lightning had a paralyzing effect, and many defensive members became stiff.

Three rounds of volleys, although they failed to break the defensive line, caused huge pressure on the defensive side. The commanders of the Azure Dragon and Black Tortoise had to pay more attention to the east side.

"It's about time," Shadow Blade observed from the shadows. "Seventy percent of the defensive side's troops are contained on the east side, and there are less than two hundred people on the west defensive line."

He gave a gesture.

The ten White Tiger squads lurking on the west side rose up simultaneously!

They did not choose to attack head-on but used smoke bombs, flash Talismans, illusion Talismans, and other props to create Chaos.

"West side under attack! Quantity unknown!" The lookout reported urgently.

"West side?" Wang Iron Pillar frowned, "How many people?"

"Not clear, there is smoke and illusions everywhere, there might be hundreds of people!"

"Divide the troops!" Iron Wall said decisively, "Azure Dragon Third Phalanx, transfer one hundred people to support the west side. Black Tortoise, divide fifty healers to go over."

"No!" Wang Iron Pillar shook his head, "The pressure on the east side is too great, dividing troops will cause the defensive line to collapse."

"But if the west side is lost, they can attack the core crystal directly!"

Just as the two were arguing, Shadow Blade saw an opportunity.

"Now!"

He personally led the most elite White Tiger squad, killing out from the shadows, heading straight for the junction of the defensive line—the connection between the Azure Dragon and Black Tortoise Legions.

Because the command was not unified there, a subtle gap appeared.

"White Tiger Stealth Killing Formation—Open!"

Shadow Blade whispered.

Fifty White Tiger elites activated the battle Formation simultaneously, their figures completely disappearing into the air. The next moment, they appeared like ghosts at the gap in the defensive line, short weapons all drawn.

Pfft, pfft, pfft—caught off guard, more than ten members of the defensive side were "killed," and a small gap appeared in the defensive line.

"Bad! They broke through!" Wang Iron Pillar was shocked.

"Fall back!" Iron Wall roared.

But it was too late.

The White Tiger squad led by Shadow Blade was like a sharp knife, piercing directly into the defensive line. Their goal was clear—not to entanglement with the defensive side, but to rush straight to the core crystal.

"Stop them!" Wang Iron Pillar led the team to intercept personally.

However, Shadow Blade did not want to fight. He left thirty people to cover the rear, and he took twenty of the most elite assassins to rush to the crystal at extreme speed.

"Vermilion Bird Legion, cover with full force!" Seeing this, Fire Dance immediately ordered.

All Vermilion Bird members abandoned the feint and began to output with full force. Spells poured down like a rainstorm, completely sealing the defensive side's return route.

"Damn it!" Iron Wall gritted his teeth and activated the ultimate skill of the Black Tortoise battle Formation, "Black Tortoise Protection—Open!"

A huge phantom of a Black Tortoise manifested, covering the core crystal. This was the ultimate defense of the Black Tortoise Sea-Suppressing Formation, which could temporarily immunize against all attacks.

But Shadow Blade was prepared.

"Formation Breaking Cones, throw!"

Twenty White Tiger assassins threw special Formation-breaking Magical Artifacts simultaneously. It was a cone-shaped metal, covered with Formation-breaking runes on the surface, specifically used to crack defensive Formations.

Twenty Formation-breaking cones were nailed to the Black Tortoise phantom simultaneously, runes flickered, and the phantom fluctuated violently.

"Not enough!" A cold light flashed in Shadow Blade's eyes, "Burn essence blood, second burst!"

He bit the tip of his tongue, spat out a mouthful of essence blood, and merged it into the short blade in his hand. The other nineteen assassins also did the same.

The aura of the twenty people skyrocketed instantly.

"White Tiger Killing Strike—Shatter Void!"

Twenty sword lights converged into one and slashed at the Black Tortoise phantom.

Crack—the phantom cracked.

"Again!"

The second slash fell.

The Black Tortoise phantom shattered with a bang!

"Charge!"

Shadow Blade took the lead and rushed to the core crystal. Behind him, nineteen assassins followed closely.

The reinforcements of the defensive side were suppressed by the firepower of the Vermilion Bird Legion and could not return in time.

Finally, in the thirty-seventh minute of the war—Shadow Blade's short blade rested on the core crystal.

"Attacking side, victory."

Lin Ye's voice sounded, declaring the result of the exercise.

The Martial Arts Practice Field was quiet for a moment, and then a thunderous cheer erupted.

The members of the attacking side hugged each other excitedly, and although the members of the defensive side were a little frustrated, they were convinced—Shadow Blade's tactics were indeed exquisite.

The Heavenly Court members watching were even more enthusiastic.

This exercise showed not only the combat effectiveness of the four major legions but also the tactical literacy and command level of the Heavenly Court. From the use of legion battle Formations to the execution of tactical cooperation, and then to the decision-making of on-the-spot contingency, all reached a very high level.

"Very good."

Lin Ye walked onto the high platform, a satisfied smile on his face.

"This exercise let me see the potential of the four major legions. The tenacity of the Azure Dragon and Black Tortoise, and the sharpness of the White Tiger and Vermilion Bird, all exceeded my expectations."

"But more importantly, I saw cooperation."

He looked at the four legion commanders: "No matter how strong a single legion is, there is a limit. Only when the four major legions fight together can they exert the true power of the Heavenly Court."

"Now, what I want you to show is this kind of synergy."

Lin Ye raised his hand and cast a Chaos Divine Power.

Above the Martial Arts Practice Field, four light seals appeared—a cyan dragon shape, a white tiger shape, a red bird shape, and a black turtle shape.

"Four major legions, listen to my order—"

"Form up, Four Symbols Combined Attack Formation!"

The four legion commanders were awe-struck at the same time.

"Azure Dragon Legion, return to position!" Wang Iron Pillar shouted.

"White Tiger Legion, return to position!" Shadow Blade whispered.

"Vermilion Bird Legion, return to position!" Fire Dance said clearly.

"Black Tortoise Legion, return to position!" Iron Wall roared.

Two thousand legion members moved quickly and stood in specific positions.

The Azure Dragon Legion was in the east, the White Tiger Legion was in the west, the Vermilion Bird Legion was in the south, and the Black Tortoise Legion was in the north.

Four-colored radiance rose from the four major legions.

Cyan, white, red, and black, the four beams of light intersected in the air, forming a huge light wheel. The light wheel rotated slowly, emitting terrifying pressure.

"Four Symbols return to position, combined attack Formation—"

Lin Ye formed seals with both hands, and Chaos Divine Power poured into the light wheel.

The light wheel suddenly brightened, and four phantoms manifested from it.

In the east, the Azure Dragon phantom was over a hundred feet long, with distinct scales and dragon eyes like electricity.

In the west, the White Tiger phantom was three feet long, all white, with king patterns on its forehead and a murderous aura.

In the south, the Vermilion Bird phantom had a wingspan of thirty feet, with feathers like fire and a clear cry.

In the north, the Black Tortoise phantom was as heavy as a mountain, with a turtle and snake entwined, and an aura that was condensed.

The moment the Four Symbols phantoms manifested, the Spiritual Qi of the entire Martial Arts Practice Field boiled. Two thousand legion members felt a majestic force pouring into their bodies, and their full attributes skyrocketed wildly.

[Four Symbols Combined Attack Formation effect: Full attributes +30%, skill power +50%]

[Duration: 30 minutes]

[Current status: Four Symbols Manifestation (Elementary)]

"Attack target—" Lin Ye pointed to a test rockery at the edge of the Martial Arts Practice Field.

That rockery was fifty meters high, carved from the hardest Azure Obsidian, and multiple defensive Formations were added to the surface, with durability as high as five million, specifically used to test the power of large-scale skills.

"Azure Dragon, Dragon Soaring Nine Heavens!"

"White Tiger, Tiger Roaring in the Mountains and Forests!"

"Vermilion Bird, Burning Heaven and Boiling Sea!"

"Black Tortoise, Suppressing the Sea and Holding up the Sky!"

The four legion commanders gave orders simultaneously.

The Azure Dragon phantom soared into the sky, turning into a cyan light and hitting the rockery.

The White Tiger phantom roared up to the sky, and the sound wave blasted out like substance.

The Vermilion Bird phantom opened its mouth and spat out monstrous flames, completely swallowing the rockery.

The Black Tortoise phantom cast a mysterious light, not for attack, but for suppression—firmly locking the rockery in place, unable to dodge.

Boom, boom, boom—four attacks hit simultaneously.

Cyan light pierced through, sound waves vibrated, flames burned, and mysterious light suppressed.

That test rockery, which claimed to be able to withstand the full blow of the Peak of the Four Extremities Realm, only lasted for three seconds under the attack of the Four Symbols Combined Attack Formation.

Three seconds later, the rockery burst into pieces and turned into rubble all over the sky.

After the dust settled, only a deep pit with a diameter of thirty meters remained in place.

The whole scene was silent.

Everyone was shocked by this terrifying power.

This was the true trump card of the Heavenly Court—the Four Symbols Combined Attack Formation!

"Withdraw the Formation."

Lin Ye waved his hand, the Four Symbols phantoms slowly dissipated, the light wheel faded away, and the amplification effects on the members of the four major legions also disappeared.

But in everyone's eyes, an excited flame was burning.

With this battle Formation, the Heavenly Court had the capital to confront any force head-on!

"Today's exercise ends here."

Lin Ye looked around the audience.

"Rewards for the winners, reflection for the losers. Three days later, the second round of exercises will be held, with offense and defense swapped."

"In addition, starting from tomorrow, the four major legions will take turns executing 'cleanup missions', aiming at—all Yao Beast nests within fifty miles of Chaos Valley."

"I want to turn the surroundings of Chaos Valley into an absolute safe zone within a month."

"Do you all understand?"

"Understood!" Two thousand people responded in unison, the sound shaking the clouds.

Lin Ye nodded, turned, and walked down the high platform.

Behind him, the four major legions began to withdraw from the Martial Arts Practice Field in an orderly manner.

Su Qingyue walked to Lin Ye's side and said softly: "The power of the Four Symbols Combined Attack Formation is even stronger than expected. If there is enough energy support, it may even threaten the existence of the Xiantai Realm."

"But the consumption is also large." Lin Ye looked at the System prompt.

That blow just now consumed an average of 30% of the Divine Power of the four major legion members. If it were a real battle, this big move could only be used once.

"Improve it slowly," Lin Ye said. "By the way, is there any new news from Pavilion Master Qin?"

Su Qingyue's expression condensed slightly: "Yes. The Heavenly Secret Pavilion has monitored that the Overlord Pavilion, the Blood Fiend Alliance, and the Eternal Dynasty have been in frequent contact recently. They seem to have reached some kind of agreement, and the target... is very likely us."

Lin Ye's eyes turned cold.

"Finally, can't help it?"

He looked outside the Chaos Valley, as if he could see the figures of those covetous people through the mountains.

"That's fine. Let this battle test the sharpness of the four major legions."