85: Chapter 85 Pre-battle Planning, Surprise Attack

The fourth day after the blood contract was signed, late at night.

Chaos Valley, third floor of the Power Hall, combat command room.

This was a secret chamber ten zhang in length and width, with walls constructed from soundproof and anti-detection Azure Obsidian, its surface carved full of concealment runes.

There were no windows in the room; only a fist-sized "Night Pearl" hovered in the center of the ceiling, emitting a soft yet bright light that illuminated the entire room like daylight.

In the center of the room stood a huge sand table, five zhang long and three zhang wide.

The sand table was refined using secret techniques, its surface flowing like mercury, capable of changing terrain in real-time according to the input information.

At this moment, what was displayed on the sand table was a miniature real-life scene of the Meteorite Plain.

The plain was irregularly circular, with a diameter of about a hundred li.

The terrain was generally flat, but not entirely so, having slight undulations.

In the center of the plain was a distinct depression, about three li in diameter and ten zhang deep; that was the legendary "Star Meteorite Crater," said to be formed by the impact of an ancient star falling.

The bottom of the crater was dark red, and the soil was mixed with tiny metallic lusters—that was the residue of "Star Meteorite Iron."

Although the mineral vein had long been mined out, there were still trace fragments scattered about.

Around the plain, low hills and stone forests were sparsely distributed, the highest being no more than ten zhang.

Several dried riverbeds meandered like spider webs, and the riverbeds were paved with smooth pebbles.

The entire plain was marked with dense symbols: red triangles represented possible ambush points, blue circles represented areas suitable for setting up Formations, yellow dashed lines marked blind spots in vision, and green arrows were suggested marching routes.

Beside the sand table stood Lin Ye, Qin Ruoxue, and Lu Ming.

Qin Ruoxue held a Jade Slip, from which light points constantly flowed out, injecting into the sand table and updating intelligence information.

Lu Ming held several Formation Flags, gesturing over the sand table, deducing the Formation layout.

"According to the latest intelligence, the participating lineups of the three major guilds have been basically determined."

Qin Ruoxue pointed to three gathered light clusters on the sand table.

"The Imperial Dynasty is sending six hundred people, mainly melee professions, including two hundred heavy armored shield warriors, two hundred spearmen, and two hundred axemen."

"The Guild Leader 'Son of Heaven' (Rank 50, Four Extremities Realm First Layer) is leading the team personally."

"'All Under Heaven Society' is sending five hundred people, taking the elite route."

"Two hundred Sword Cultivators, one hundred assassins, one hundred archers, and one hundred mages."

"Guild Leader 'Dugu' (Rank 49, Dao Palace Peak) is leading."

"'Misty Rain Tower' is sending four hundred people, with a mix of professions, but equipped with a large number of support and crowd control professions."

"One hundred healers, one hundred Talisman masters, fifty Formation Masters, fifty summoners, and the remaining one hundred are melee guards."

"Guild Leader 'Linglong' (Rank 48, Dao Palace Peak) is leading."

"A total of 1,500 people, consistent with the blood contract agreement."

Lin Ye listened quietly, his gaze wandering over the sand table: "What about their Formation positions?"

"According to the news sent back by the reconnaissance team, the three major guilds have already begun to enter the Meteorite Plain in advance to familiarize themselves with the terrain."

Qin Ruoxue pointed out several positions on the sand table.

"The Imperial Dynasty occupies the east side of the plain, where the terrain is relatively flat, suitable for heavy troop deployment."

"'All Under Heaven Society' occupies the southern hilly area, which is convenient for hiding and surprise attacks."

"'Misty Rain Tower' is in the western stone forest area, where the terrain is complex, suitable for setting up Formations."

"What about the north side?" Lin Ye asked.

"The north side is the Star Meteorite Crater."

"That place has the strongest residual star power, but the terrain is depressed, making it easy to attack but hard to defend."

"None of the three major guilds chose it as their main position."

Lin Ye nodded and looked at Lu Ming: "Brother Lu, any discoveries regarding Formations?"

Lu Ming put down the Formation Flag, his expression solemn: "I personally went to the Meteorite Plain and did indeed sense the residual fluctuations of the 'star guiding altar' base."

"The base is ten zhang underground in the very center of the Star Meteorite Crater."

"To activate it, three conditions must be met: First, sufficient star power guidance—this can be achieved through the 'Star Battle Formation Diagram'; Second, at least one hundred Cultivators who Cultivate star-attribute Cultivation Techniques as nodes; Third, a treasure containing star power as the Formation eye."

"The three major guilds should be able to meet the first two conditions."

"As for the third... since they dared to propose this bet, they must have already prepared the Formation eye treasure."

"Correct." Lu Ming nodded.

"Moreover, once the star guiding altar is activated, the star power of the entire Meteorite Plain will be chaotic."

"Cultivators with star-attribute Cultivation Techniques will receive a boost, while Cultivators of other attributes will be suppressed."

"The suppression range, according to my calculations, is between 15% - 25%."

Qin Ruoxue added: "Among our participating team, fewer than ten people Cultivate star-attribute Cultivation Techniques."

"On the side of the three major guilds, at least one-third of the people mainly or supplementarily Cultivate star-attributes."

"As one rises and the other falls, the actual combat power gap will further widen."

The situation was not optimistic.

But there was no panic on Lin Ye's face.

"Star power... it may not necessarily be their patent." He said softly.

Qin Ruoxue and Lu Ming looked at each other, both somewhat puzzled.

Lin Ye did not explain, but asked: "How is the selection of our five hundred people going?"

"It's already done."

Qin Ruoxue pulled up the list: "Azure Dragon Legion has 125 people, average Rank 44.5, all melee elites."

"White Tiger Legion has 125 people, average Rank 44.2, mainly assassins and rangers."

"Vermilion Bird Legion has 125 people, average Rank 43.8, half mages and half archers."

"Black Tortoise Legion has 125 people, average Rank 44.1, shield warriors and support professions."

"The four major legion commanders are leading the teams personally."

Lin Ye nodded: "What about equipment and supplies?"

"Zhao Wuji has completed eighty percent of the procurement."

"Five hundred sets of fine-grade standard equipment are all in place, including fifty sets of 'Meteorite Iron Suits' (Rare grade, Defense +800, Resistance +15%)."

"Medicinal Pills, Talismans, Formation Materials, etc., are also basically prepared, and all distribution is expected to be completed tomorrow."

"Very good."

Lin Ye walked to the sand table, his gaze deep: "Now, let's formulate the tactics."

He stretched out his finger and slid it across the sand table.

"First, clarify our advantages and disadvantages."

"The disadvantages are obvious: a three-fold troop gap, unfavorable terrain, environmental suppression, and the opponent has the star guiding altar as a trump card."

"What about the advantages?" Qin Ruoxue asked.

"There are three advantages."

Lin Ye held up three fingers: "First, our individual combat power is stronger."

"Five hundred elites, average Rank 44 or above, and they have undergone strict training and screening."

"The 1,500 people of the three major guilds, although numerous, are uneven in quality, with an average Rank estimated at around 42."

"Second, our command is more unified."

"Heavenly Court has only one voice, while the three major guilds, although allied, act independently, and command coordination will inevitably have problems."

"Third—" Lin Ye paused, "We have a trump card they don't know about."

Qin Ruoxue and Lu Ming both looked at him.

Lin Ye did not explain clearly, only saying: "The core of the tactic is to play to our strengths and avoid our weaknesses, and win by surprise."

He began to deploy on the sand table.

"Our five hundred people cannot be concentrated together, or they will be surrounded and annihilated by the opponent's superior forces."

"We must disperse, but not too much, and be able to support each other."

"My idea is: the four major legions, each performing its own duties, forming four tactical pivot points."

He pointed to the Star Meteorite Crater on the sand table: "Black Tortoise Legion, 125 people, led by Iron Wall, deployed on the north edge of the Star Meteorite Crater."

"Mission: Hold the front, attract the enemy's main force."

"The Star Meteorite Crater terrain is depressed, easy to defend and hard to attack."

"Iron Wall will lead the Black Tortoise Legion to build a defensive line there, creating the illusion that 'the main force is here', attracting the three major guilds to attack."

"Requirement: Hold for at least one hour, buying time for the other legions' actions."

Lu Ming frowned: "But the Star Meteorite Crater is the area with the strongest star power."

"Fighting there, the Black Tortoise Legion will suffer the greatest suppression."

"I know." Lin Ye nodded, "So the Black Tortoise Legion's equipment should be prioritized with 'Anti-Spell Amulets' and 'Star Resistance Potions'."

"In addition, Brother Lu, you need to set up some interference Formations in the Star Meteorite Crater to weaken the environmental suppression as much as possible."

"Can do." Lu Ming noted it down.

Lin Ye continued the deployment: "Azure Dragon Legion, 125 people, led by Wang Iron Pillar, deployed in the hilly area on the east side of the Star Meteorite Crater."

"Mission: Flank assault."

"When the Black Tortoise Legion attracts the enemy's main force, the Azure Dragon Legion will kill out from the east side and strike directly into the enemy's flank."

"The goal is to disrupt their Formation and create Chaos."

"Requirement: Strike and retreat, do not get entangled in battle."

"The Azure Dragon Legion's advantage is impact, not a protracted war."

Qin Ruoxue marked on the sand table: "The east hilly area... that distance is not far from the Imperial Dynasty's position."

"After the Azure Dragon Legion's assault, it is very likely to attract the Imperial Dynasty's heavy troops to encircle and suppress."

"So we must be fast." Lin Ye said, "Azure Dragon Legion will all be equipped with 'Swift Wind Talismans' and 'Burst Potions', and the assault time will be controlled within three minutes."

"Regardless of the battle outcome, they must retreat after three minutes and transfer to the predetermined second position."

He pointed to the south side of the sand table: "White Tiger Legion, 125 people, led by Shadow Blade, will sneak into the southern hilly area in advance."

"Mission: Infiltrate behind enemy lines, carry out sabotage and decapitation."

"'All Under Heaven Society's' position is on the south side, and the White Tiger Legion's target is their command System and support professions."

"Prioritize killing healers, Talisman masters, and Formation Masters."

"Requirement: Concealment first, damage second."

"The White Tiger Legion is not going to fight head-on, but as assassins."

"Flee immediately after success and look for the next target."

Qin Ruoxue reminded: "'All Under Heaven Society' is known for its elites, and their anti-stealth ability is very strong."

"The White Tiger Legion's infiltration risk is very high."

"That's why we need the cooperation of the Vermilion Bird Legion."

Lin Ye pointed to the west side of the sand table, "Vermilion Bird Legion, 125 people, led by Fire Dance, deployed in the western stone forest area."

"Mission: Long-range coverage and firepower suppression."

"The stone forest area has complex terrain, suitable for mages to hide and maneuver."

"The Vermilion Bird Legion has two tasks: First, use long-range firepower to suppress 'Misty Rain Tower's' position, preventing them from setting up Formations leisurely; Second, at the critical moment, use large-scale Spells to cover the battlefield, providing cover for the White Tiger Legion's infiltration and withdrawal."

"Requirement: Keep distance, maneuver while fighting."

"The Vermilion Bird Legion must never get close to the enemy; once stuck by melee professions, it will be a disaster."

The deployment of the four major legions was initially completed.

But Lin Ye hadn't finished yet.

"The actions of the four major legions require unified coordination and command."

He looked at Qin Ruoxue: "Pavilion Master Qin, Heavenly Secret Pavilion needs to form a battlefield intelligence hub to monitor the battle situation in real-time and provide intelligence support for each legion."

"Understood." Qin Ruoxue nodded, "I will lead the team personally and establish observation points on the periphery of the battlefield."

"At the same time, each legion will be equipped with three intelligence officers from the Heavenly Secret Pavilion, responsible for communication and intelligence transmission."

"Brother Lu, I leave the Formations to you."

Lin Ye looked at Lu Ming: "I need you to set up 'Teleportation Formations' (small, one-time use) at several key locations for emergency evacuation and tactical transfer."

"In addition, set up some 'Illusion Formations' and 'Confusion Formations' to interfere with the enemy's judgment."

Lu Ming pondered: "The setup of Teleportation Formations takes time, and the Materials are expensive..."

"Zhao Wuji will provide the Materials." Lin Ye said, "Time... we still have three days."

"Within three days, all Formations must be set up and tested."

"I will do my best."

Lin Ye finally looked at the Star Meteorite Crater in the center of the sand table.

"The tactics of the four major legions are all for one final goal: destroy or... seize the star guiding altar."

Qin Ruoxue and Lu Ming were both stunned.

"Seize it?" Qin Ruoxue was shocked. "The star guiding altar is in the center of the Meteorite Crater. That place must be heavily guarded by the three major guilds. How could we possibly seize it?"

"That is why we need 'surprise troops'." A flash of light flickered in Lin Ye's eyes.

He took out a communication Jade Slip and entered a message.

A moment later, the Jade Slip lit up.

Lin Ye finished reading the reply and said to the two, "Tomorrow, a reinforcement force will arrive at Chaos Valley. There are not many people, only fifty. But every one of them is the elite of the elite."

"Reinforcements?" Qin Ruoxue asked in confusion. "The Blood Pact stipulates that third-party forces cannot intervene..."

"They are not a third party," Lin Ye said. "They are 'lone Cultivators' who are not bound by any faction. Moreover, they will not directly participate in the war, but will act as... 'mercenaries' who accept commissions from the Heavenly Court."

"Mercenaries..." Lu Ming was thoughtful. "The game does indeed have this setting. Players can accept commissions in their own names. As long as it doesn't involve faction affiliation, it doesn't count as violating the Blood Pact."

"That's right." Lin Ye nodded. "These fifty people will be the surprise troops I have reserved. Their mission is to raid the Meteorite Crater when the battle is at its most intense and seize control of the star guiding altar."

"The person leading them is named Shi Potian."

Shi Potian.

Both Qin Ruoxue and Lu Ming were hearing this name for the first time.

"Who is he?" Qin Ruoxue asked.

"A very interesting person." Lin Ye didn't say much more. "You will know tomorrow."

The tactical meeting lasted until the early hours of the morning.

When Lin Ye walked out of the combat command room, the horizon was already turning white.

He didn't rest, but instead went to the cultivation tower on the west side of Chaos Valley.

The top floor, the ninth level.

This was the place with the most dense Spiritual Qi in Chaos Valley, with a concentration eight times the base value. Lin Ye sat cross-legged in the center of the Spirit Gathering Formation, but he didn't start cultivating immediately. Instead, he took an item from his bosom.

It was a bronze ancient mirror the size of a palm.

The mirror surface was mottled, the edges were damaged, and the back was engraved with blurry star patterns. This was his biggest harvest in the Primal Ancient Mine, besides the Five Elements Divine Stone.

[Item: Broken Star Mirror (Legendary Grade Fragment)]

[Type: Special Prop / Formation Core]

[Description: A fragment of a Magical Artifact used by ancient star observers, containing a faint Origin of stars. Although broken, it can still sense and guide the power of stars.]

[Effect: Wearer's affinity with star attributes +10%, can slightly mobilize the power of stars (effect depends on the environment).]

[Special: Can be used as a Formation core to activate star-type Formations.]

[Status: Damaged (Integrity 27%)]

This Star Mirror was the confidence Lin Ye had to compete with the three major guilds for the power of stars.

The Chaos Heavenly Emperor Body embraces all things, naturally including stars.

As long as he was given time, he could comprehend the star Origin contained in this Star Mirror, and even... use it as a core to set up his own "Star Battle Formation."

"Three days..." Lin Ye stroked the cold mirror surface. "There are still three days left."

He closed his eyes, and Chaos Divine Power surged into the Star Mirror.

The mirror surface shone slightly, and specks of starlight appeared on the surface, as if a starry sky had been condensed into a small space.

Lin Ye's consciousness sank into it, and he began to comprehend that faint Origin of stars.

At the same time, on the Meteorite Plain.

The camps of the three major guilds were brightly lit.

In the Imperial Dynasty camp, inside a temporarily erected military tent. The Son of Heaven sat in the main seat, with Golden Halberd and over a dozen core members standing below.

"Are there any movements from the Heavenly Court?" the Son of Heaven asked.

An intelligence officer stepped forward: "According to reports from scouts, the Heavenly Court is stepping up preparations for war. Each of the four legions has selected one hundred and twenty-five people, totaling five hundred, and they have already begun targeted training."

"Additionally, they have sent multiple reconnaissance squads into the Meteorite Plain, seemingly surveying the terrain and setting up Formations."

The Son of Heaven sneered: "Just a deathbed struggle. Five hundred against one thousand five, plus the advantage of the star guiding altar, what do they have to win with?"

Golden Halberd frowned: "Guild Master, we must not be careless. That Night Emperor is not a fool. If he dares to accept the challenge, he must have something to rely on."

"Something to rely on?" The Son of Heaven was disdainful. "It's nothing more than that so-called Four Symbols Combined Attack Formation. But under the suppression of the star guiding altar, the power of their battle Formation will be reduced by at least thirty percent. And we have the blessing of the star battle Formation; with one side weakening and the other strengthening, they have no chance of winning."

"But..."

"There are no 'buts'," the Son of Heaven interrupted him. "According to the original plan, after the battle begins, the six hundred people from the Imperial Dynasty will mainly attack the Meteorite Crater, and must defeat the main force of the Heavenly Court within one hour. All Under Heaven Society and Misty Rain Tower will flank from both sides to cut off their retreat."

"In this battle, I want the Heavenly Court to be erased from the Yan State!"

All Under Heaven Society camp, Sword Pavilion. Dugu was wiping the long sword in his hand, the blade reflecting his cold, stern face.

"Guild Master, the Imperial Dynasty is urging us to speed up our defensive preparations," a Sword Cultivator reported.

"Understood," Dugu said indifferently. "Tell the Son of Heaven that the All Under Heaven Society has its own arrangements, and he should mind his own business."

The Sword Cultivator hesitated: "Guild Master, are we really going to cooperate with the Imperial Dynasty and the Misty Rain Tower? Those two families... cannot be trusted."

"Cooperate?" The corners of Dugu's mouth curled into a sneer. "It's just mutual utilization. The Imperial Dynasty wants territory, the Misty Rain Tower wants resources, and what we want... is the lives of those elites from the Heavenly Court."

He sheathed his sword, cold light flickering in his eyes: "What the All Under Heaven Society lacks is not territory or resources, but true Sword Cultivator geniuses. Those five hundred people from the Heavenly Court, having passed through layers of screening, are all good seedlings. If we can capture them and Cultivate them, the strength of the All Under Heaven Society will be upgraded by a level."

"Therefore, after the war starts, our primary goal is not to attack the stronghold, but to capture. Especially that Night Emperor... I want him alive."

Misty Rain Tower camp, luxurious military tent. Linglong leaned on a soft couch, toying with a jade abacus in her hand, the collision of the beads making a crisp sound.

"Pavilion Master, the Imperial Dynasty and the All Under Heaven Society are both urging us to set up the Formation," Qian Duoduo reported, bowing.

"What's the rush?" Linglong said lazily. "Setting up a Formation takes time. Will urging us make it any faster?"

She flicked the abacus beads: "Besides, the task of our Misty Rain Tower was never to be the main attacker. Those five hundred people from the Heavenly Court, no matter how powerful, are just trapped beasts. Once the Imperial Dynasty and the All Under Heaven Society have exhausted them, we can step in to clean up the mess. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Qian Duoduo smiled bitterly: "But the Blood Pact stipulates that the three parties must cooperate in the battle. If we don't put in the effort, I'm afraid we will be squeezed out by those two families when distributing the benefits after the war."

"Rest assured," Linglong chuckled. "I have my own sense of measure. The Formation will be set up on time, and people will appear on the field on time. But how we fight, and to what extent... that is our own business."

She sat up, a flash of light in her eyes: "Remember, our goal is not the Heavenly Court, but the thing beneath the Meteorite Crater."

"The base of the star guiding altar is just an appearance. What is truly valuable is the 'Star Core Fragment' buried beneath the base. That is the essence left behind after the ancient stars fell, and it is worth a fortune."

"After the war starts, while the Imperial Dynasty and the All Under Heaven Society are focused on the Heavenly Court, you take an elite squad to secretly excavate the Star Core Fragment. Once you succeed, evacuate immediately. Do not linger in battle."

Qian Duoduo's eyes lit up: "Star Core Fragment... Pavilion Master is brilliant!"

The three major guilds each had their own thoughts.

The Alliance seemed strong, but it was actually incredibly fragile.

And this was the most critical link in Lin Ye's plan.

The next day, at noon.

Chaos Valley East Gate.

A team of dust-covered people appeared in view.

There were not many people, only over fifty. But each of them had a fierce aura, sharp eyes, and carried a murderous air as they walked.

The leader was a burly man eight feet tall. He wore simple animal skin armor, and the muscles on his exposed arms were knotted like the roots of an old tree. On his back was a black giant axe almost as tall as him, with a heavy blade and a handle as thick as an adult's wrist.

What was most eye-catching were his eyes—the left eye was normal, but the right eye was dark golden, and it seemed as if magma was flowing deep within the pupil.

[Player: Shi Potian]

[Level: 48 (Dao Palace Peak)]

[Profession: Berserker (Hidden Advancement: Tyrant Body)]

[Faction: None (Lone Cultivator)]

[Title: Wilderness Butcher (Solo killed Four Extremities Realm Yao Beast x 3)]

[Known Talent: Hegemon Blood Awakening (Strength Attribute +50%, Defense +30%, enters Berserk state when HP is below 30%)]

The Azure Dragon Legion members guarding the gate were as if facing a great enemy. The aura emitted by these fifty-plus people was more dangerous than any enemy they had ever seen. Especially the burly man with the axe on his back; even though he was just standing there, he gave people the illusion of facing a prehistoric beast.

"Stop! Who goes there?" the guard captain shouted sternly, while his hand rested on the hilt of his sword.

Shi Potian stopped, his dark golden right eye sweeping over the city wall, his voice rough like grinding gravel: "Tell the Night Emperor that Shi Potian has come as agreed."

The guard captain didn't dare to be negligent and immediately sent word. A moment later, Lin Ye personally arrived at the city gate.

"Brother Shi, I have heard much about you." Lin Ye clasped his hands.

Shi Potian sized him up, a flash of surprise in his dark golden eyes: "You are the Night Emperor? You are younger than I thought."

"Age is not important, strength is," Lin Ye smiled. "Brother Shi, you've had a hard journey, please come in."

Shi Potian didn't move, but asked straightforwardly: "What is the content of the commission? How is the reward calculated?"

"Let's talk inside." Lin Ye stepped aside. "Chaos Valley has the best wine and the fiercest meat. We can talk while we eat."

Shi Potian hesitated for a moment, then nodded: "Lead the way."

The fifty-plus people entered Chaos Valley.

Along the way, members of the Heavenly Court looked on. Shi Potian and his subordinates had a temperament completely different from the Heavenly Court members. If the Heavenly Court members were a well-trained army, then Shi Potian and his people were a pack of wolves in the wilderness—wild, dangerous, and unrestrained.

Faction main hall, side hall.

The banquet was already prepared. It wasn't any exotic delicacies, but large chunks of roasted meat and whole jars of strong wine, which were just right for the appetites of Shi Potian and his people.

After three rounds of drinks, Lin Ye got to the point.

"Brother Shi, I need you to do one thing in the battle on the Meteorite Plain three days from now."

"Speak."

"Raid the center of the Meteorite Crater and seize or destroy control of the 'star guiding altar'." Lin Ye spread out the topographic map of the Meteorite Plain and pointed to the depression in the center. "This is where the trump card of the three major guilds lies. Once they activate the star guiding altar, the power of the stars across the entire plain will be used by them, and we will have no chance of winning."

Shi Potian looked at the map, his rugged face showing interest: "star guiding altar? Interesting. But that place must be heavily guarded. Are fifty of us enough?"

"A frontal assault is naturally not enough," Lin Ye said. "That's why we need timing. After the war starts, I will have the four legions launch feints from three directions to attract the attention of the three major guilds. When their main force is tied down, you will raid the Meteorite Crater from the fourth direction—the north side."

"The north side is an extension of the Heaven Burial Mountain Range, and the terrain is treacherous and difficult for ordinary people to pass. But with your strength, Brother Shi, it shouldn't be a problem."

Shi Potian grinned, revealing a mouthful of white teeth: "Treacherous? Treacherous is what I like best. But what about the reward?"

"Three things." Lin Ye held up three fingers. "First, five million Spirit Stones, to be paid immediately after the battle."

"Second, choose any three Earth Rank Cultivation Techniques from the Heavenly Court's collection."

"Third—" Lin Ye paused. "If we win this battle, the cultivation resources of Chaos Valley will be open to you for three years. Within these three years, you can Cultivate freely in Chaos Valley and enjoy the same treatment as the core members of the Heavenly Court."

A flash of light flickered in Shi Potian's eyes.

The first two items were fine, but the third was the true heavy gift. The +300% Spiritual Qi concentration in Chaos Valley had a fatal attraction for any Cultivator. Three years was enough to raise their strength by a major tier.

"Generous enough." Shi Potian nodded. "But the risk of this mission is worth this price."

He stood up and extended his hand. "Deal."

Lin Ye also stood up and high-fived him as a pledge.

"Pleasure working with you."

"However, I have one request," Shi Potian said.

"Please, go ahead."

"I want to enter the Meteorite Plain early to familiarize myself with the terrain," Shi Potian said. "Especially that path on the north side; I want to walk it myself."

"Very well." Lin Ye nodded. "I will have Pavilion Master Qin assist you and provide detailed maps and intelligence."

"Also—" Shi Potian looked at Lin Ye, a trace of Battle Intent flashing in his dark golden right eye. "Before we start the war, I want to spar with you."

"Hmm?"

"I heard you have the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Body, the only one in the entire server." Shi Potian licked his lips. "My Hegemon Blood hasn't met an opponent yet who could satisfy me. I want to see if your Chaos Body is stronger or my Hegemon Body is harder."

Lin Ye smiled.

"I was just thinking the same."

"When?"

"Tonight, at the Martial Arts Practice Field."

"Good!"

The two locked eyes, flames burning within them. It was the recognition of one expert for another, and the prelude to boiling Battle Intent.

After Shi Potian left, Qin Ruoxue walked into the side hall.

"Leader, do you think this person... is reliable?" She was a bit worried.

Shi Potian gave off a feeling that was too wild, like a Vicious Beast that could go berserk at any moment.

"Whether he is reliable or not is not important," Lin Ye said calmly. "What matters is that he has strength and desire."

"Desire?"

"A desire for power." Lin Ye looked out the window. "For a person like this, as long as you give him enough benefits and challenges, he will be the best blade."

"And we happen to need a blade sharp enough to cleave through the Three Major Guilds' defensive line."

Qin Ruoxue seemed thoughtful.

"Right." Lin Ye turned around. "Is the tactical layout map finished?"

"Ninety percent complete." Qin Ruoxue handed over a Jade Slip. "The deployments, marching routes, and tactical objectives of the four major legions have all been marked. The raid route for Shi Potian's squad still needs to be finalized after he finishes surveying the terrain."

Lin Ye took the Jade Slip and extended his Divine Sense into it.

Inside the Jade Slip, a three-dimensional tactical map slowly unfolded. The arrows of the four major legions were like four sharp blades, piercing toward the Meteorite Plain from different directions. Meanwhile, the route for Shi Potian's squad was like a venomous snake, silently circling to the rear to strike directly at the heart.

[Tactical Layout Completion: 90%]

[Remaining Undetermined Items: Shi Potian's squad raid route, locations of some Formation nodes, emergency evacuation plan.]

"Very good." Lin Ye put away the Jade Slip. "Continue to refine it. At this time tomorrow, I want to see one hundred percent completion."

"Yes."

Qin Ruoxue left.

Lin Ye stood alone by the window, looking toward the Martial Arts Practice Field.

There, Shi Potian had already started training his men. Over fifty people, all like wolves and tigers, with a simple and brutal training method—hacking at each other, hand-to-hand combat, trading injuries.

It was a style completely different from the Heavenly Court, barbaric, but effective.

"Hegemon Body..." Lin Ye muttered to himself, "The Physique from legend that proves the Dao through strength and achieves sainthood with the Physical Body. I didn't expect someone to actually awaken it."

"Tonight, let me see if your Hegemon Body is harder, or my Chaos Body is stronger."

He clenched his fist, and Chaos Divine Power surged within his body.

Night fell.

Chaos Valley, Martial Arts Practice Field.

Torches were lit all around, illuminating the entire venue as bright as day. The sidelines were crowded with Heavenly Court members who had heard the news. Everyone wanted to witness the duel between their leader and that mysterious Hegemon Body expert.

In the center, Lin Ye and Shi Potian stood ten zhang apart.

Lin Ye was dressed in black, his figure tall and straight, his aura restrained like an abyss.

Shi Potian was shirtless, his bronze skin shimmering with a metallic luster under the firelight, his muscle lines as if carved by a knife or chisel, filled with explosive power.

"Rules?" Shi Potian asked.

"No rules needed," Lin Ye said. "Fight until we're satisfied. But stop at the limit, do not take lives."

"That suits me perfectly." Shi Potian grinned. "Then... start?"

"Start."

The moment his voice fell, Shi Potian moved.

No fancy footwork, no complex techniques, just the simplest, most direct charge.

But the speed was astonishing!

Ten zhang distance, crossed in a flash. The giant axe tore through the air, carrying a dull whistling sound, and cleaved down toward his head!

The momentum was like Mount Tai pressing down!

Lin Ye did not take it head-on; he shifted his feet, his figure moving sideways like a ghost by three feet.

Boom!

The giant axe smashed into the ground, and the bluestone-paved Martial Arts Practice Field was cleaved with a three-zhang-long crack, gravel flying everywhere.

Missing his first strike, Shi Potian flipped his wrist, and the giant axe swept horizontally. Wherever the axe blade passed, the air was cut open, emitting a sharp whistling sound.

Lin Ye dodged again, simultaneously raising his hand to strike with a palm.

Chaos Divine Power condensed, transforming into a one-zhang-sized Chaos palm, pressing toward Shi Potian's chest.

Shi Potian did not dodge or avoid, blocking horizontally with his left arm.

Bang!

The Chaos palm slapped solidly onto Shi Potian's arm, yet it emitted the sound of metal clashing against metal. Shi Potian's body swayed, retreating half a step, with only a shallow red mark left on his arm.

"What a hard Physical Body!" the onlookers exclaimed.

Lin Ye was also slightly surprised. Although he hadn't used his full strength in that palm strike, it was enough to shatter refined iron. Yet hitting Shi Potian was like slapping ten-thousand-year black iron.

"My turn!" Shi Potian roared low, his dark golden right eye suddenly brightening.

His aura surged, his muscles expanded further, and dark red patterns appeared on the surface of his skin, like magma flowing under the skin.

Hegemon Blood, activated!

The giant axe was raised again; this time, a faint blood-colored light appeared on the blade.

"Mountain Breaker!"

He cleaved down with the axe, the momentum more than twice as strong as before!

Lin Ye's eyes narrowed; he stopped dodging.

He gripped the air with his right hand, Chaos Divine Power surged, and the myriad things mother qi cauldron embryo appeared in his palm, transforming into a small, mysterious yellow shield.

Clang—!

The giant axe struck the small shield, erupting with a deafening roar.

The shockwave spread out from the center of the two, blowing the clothes of the onlookers on the sidelines into a frenzy. The bluestone under Lin Ye's feet shattered inch by inch, sinking three inches.

Shi Potian was shaken back three steps by the rebound force, his tiger's mouth cracked, and blood seeped out.

But instead of being angry, he laughed: "Satisfying! Come again!"

The two fought together again.

This time, it was no longer a one-sided offense and defense, but a true exchange of blows.

Lin Ye's Chaos Divine Power was unpredictable, sometimes becoming a palm, sometimes a sword, sometimes a cauldron, bringing the all-encompassing characteristics of Chaos into full play.

Shi Potian's Hegemon Body was simple and brutal—strength, speed, defense, all maxed out. Every axe strike had the power to split mountains and crack rocks, every blow carrying violent Battle Intent.

On the Martial Arts Practice Field, figures intertwined, and Qi energy crisscrossed.

The onlookers were dazzled.

This duel had no flashy Spells, no intricate techniques, only the most primitive collision of strength and the purest clash of Battle Intent.

A full half-hour passed.

When the two separated again, the Martial Arts Practice Field was already a mess, full of cracks and potholes everywhere.

Lin Ye's breathing was slightly rapid, and his black clothes were damaged in several places.

Shi Potian was even more disheveled, with many bruises on his body and blood spilling from the corner of his mouth, but his dark golden right eye was getting brighter and brighter, his Battle Intent growing stronger and stronger.

"Still want to fight?" Lin Ye asked.

"Fight!" Shi Potian wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, "Not satisfied yet!"

Lin Ye smiled.

He put away the myriad things mother qi cauldron embryo and formed seals with both hands.

Chaos Divine Power surged within his body, the five viscera divine vaults glowed simultaneously, the Origin of Chaos Fire and Chaos Earth merged, and an aura several times stronger than before slowly rose.

"Then this strike will decide the outcome."

Shi Potian felt that terrifying aura and was not afraid, but delighted. He gripped the axe with both hands and roared to the sky. His dark golden right eye turned completely crimson-gold, the dark red patterns on the surface of his skin moved as if they had come alive, and his entire aura climbed to the peak.

"Hegemon Blood Burning—Heaven Opener!"

Both of them struck at the same time.

Lin Ye pushed out a palm, and the Chaos Divine Power transformed into a gray, hazy palm print; wherever it passed, space distorted slightly.

Shi Potian cleaved out with an axe, the blood-colored axe light tearing through the sky, carrying a forward-looking determination.

The two attacks collided in mid-air.

There was no loud noise, no explosion.

Only a blinding light erupted, swallowing the entire Martial Arts Practice Field.

When the light dissipated and everyone saw the scene in the center, they couldn't help but gasp.

Lin Ye stood in place, his sleeves tattered, but his expression was as usual.

Shi Potian knelt on one knee, the giant axe stuck beside him, blood constantly spilling from the corner of his mouth, but his face carried a satisfied smile.

"I lost." He admitted frankly, "The Chaos Heavenly Emperor Body, it lives up to its reputation."

Lin Ye reached out and pulled him up: "The Hegemon Body is also very strong. If it weren't for my Realm being one level higher than yours, the outcome would have been uncertain."

Shi Potian shook his head: "Lost is lost. However—"

He looked at Lin Ye, the Battle Intent in his eyes undiminished: "When I break through to the Four Extremities, let's have another fight."

"Anytime."

The two smiled at each other, cherishing each other's talent.

On the sidelines, there was thunderous applause.

This battle not only allowed the members of the Heavenly Court to see their leader's strength, but also gave them confidence in Shi Potian, the "outside help."

With such an expert joining, the chances of winning the Meteorite Plain battle in three days had increased by another point.

The night grew darker.

The crowd at the Martial Arts Practice Field dispersed.

Lin Ye and Shi Potian walked side by side on the road back to their quarters.

"Brother Shi, I'll be counting on you in three days," Lin Ye said.

Shi Potian grinned: "Take people's money, eliminate disasters for them. Don't worry, as long as I'm alive, the star guiding altar will never fall into the hands of the Three Major Guilds."

"However—" He paused, "There's something I must say beforehand."

"Please, go ahead."

"I, Shi Potian, and my brothers are all people who lick blood off the edge of a blade. We only recognize strength, not rules. In battle, if we feel your tactics are problematic, we might act according to our own ideas." Shi Potian looked at Lin Ye, "Can you accept that?"

Lin Ye was silent for a moment, then nodded: "Yes. I only want the result—control over the star guiding altar. As for the process, you are free to improvise."

"Direct!" Shi Potian laughed, "Then it's settled!"

The two parted at the intersection.

Lin Ye returned to the faction's main hall, climbed to the top floor, and looked up at the night sky.

The stars filled the sky, starlight spilling down, draping a layer of silver veil over Chaos Valley.

Three days. Three more days.

This battle would decide the fate of the Heavenly Court in the Yan State.

It would also decide whether he could truly establish a firm foothold in this rapidly changing world.

"Come on then." Lin Ye whispered to himself, "Let me see exactly how much weight these so-called Three Major Guilds have."

The night wind blew, bringing the roars of Yao Beasts from afar.

In Chaos Valley, the lights were bright, and preparations for war continued.

And three hundred miles away at the Meteorite Plain, the camps of the Three Major Guilds were also keeping their lights on.

The aura of the decisive battle was growing stronger and stronger.