120: Strategies to defeat the enemy

After repelling the Crimson Flame Tribe's first assault, the Tianwaitian Headquarters immediately began comprehensive defense reinforcement and strategic deployment. Jun Xiaoyao summoned all core members for an emergency discussion in the council hall. The atmosphere in the hall was heavy, and everyone wore expressions of seriousness and vigilance.

"Although the Crimson Flame Tribe has temporarily retreated this time, they will certainly attack again, and their offensive might be even more ferocious," Jun Xiaoyao said with a cold, stern gaze as he surveyed the group. "We must quickly devise a countermeasure."

"Young Lord, the Crimson Flame Tribe's flame power is extremely potent. Ordinary defensive measures can hardly withstand it," Marshal of the Unruly was the first to speak, frowning. "The cold jade stones and water-element Magic Treasures we deployed earlier had some effect, but against a master like the Crimson Flame King, their efficacy is limited."

"Exactly. Their flames are not only of extremely high temperature but also carry a strange energy that seems capable of penetrating defenses," Dark Blade added, his eyes revealing a contemplative look.

"Then we shall start with this flame power," Jun Xiaoyao said with a slight frown, pondering for a moment. "Zhao Gao, The Net must gather detailed intelligence on the Crimson Flame Tribe's flame Cultivation Technique as quickly as possible, especially the characteristics and weaknesses of their flame power."

"Understood, Young Lord," Zhao Gao responded promptly, noting down the task.

"What about Ouyezi? How is the weapon forging progressing?" Jun Xiaoyao looked at Marshal of the Unruly.

"Ouyezi has already forged a batch of weapons with special attributes. Some of them have restraining effects against fire-element attacks," Marshal of the Unruly replied. "However, the quantity is still insufficient to equip every warrior."

"Increase the forging speed. Prioritize outfitting the frontline combat personnel," Jun Xiaoyao ordered decisively. "Simultaneously, research whether these special attributes can be integrated into our defensive installations."

"Understood, Young Lord."

"Dark Blade, West Gate Blows Snow, No Fate, lead your respective squads in conducting simulation training based on the Crimson Flame Tribe's combat methods," Jun Xiaoyao continued. "Identify weaknesses in their fighting style and formulate corresponding tactics."

"Yes, Young Lord!" the three responded in unison, their eyes filled with determination.

"Also, Wu Xingyun, you have studied various strange powers," Jun Xiaoyao looked at Wu Xingyun. "Find a way to decipher the strange energy within the Crimson Flame Tribe's flame power, or discover a method to counteract it."

"Rest assured, Young Lord. I will do my utmost," Wu Xingyun nodded, her eyes showing confidence.

After receiving their orders, everyone swiftly took action. The intelligence agents of The Net poured out, gathering information on the Crimson Flame Tribe everywhere; Ouyezi hammered away day and night in the forge; Dark Blade, West Gate Blows Snow, and No Fate led their squads, sweating profusely on the training grounds, simulating battle scenarios against the Crimson Flame Tribe; Wu Xingyun secluded herself in research, attempting to find the key to breaking the flame power.

Meanwhile, in the Crimson Flame Tribe's camp, the Crimson Flame King was in a furious rage.

"A bunch of incompetents! You couldn't even take down one Tianwaitian Headquarters!" The Crimson Flame King hurled the wine cup in his hand to the ground, glaring furiously at the Elders and generals below.

"Please calm your anger, Chief," an Elder said, trembling. "Beyond Heaven was well-prepared, and they have many powerful experts, especially that Jun Xiaoyao, whose strength is unfathomable."

"Hmph! I don't care how formidable Jun Xiaoyao is. In the next assault, we must capture Beyond Heaven!" The Crimson Flame King gnashed his teeth. "All of you, think of a way for this king—how to breach their defenses and defeat their experts."

"Chief, we can utilize the special flame Ore from the Southern Border to forge a batch of more powerful fire-element Magic Treasures," a general proposed. "At the same time, intensify the training of our warriors in flame Cultivation Techniques to enhance their strength."

"That's a good idea," the Crimson Flame King nodded slightly. "Execute it immediately. Spare no expense in preparing for the next attack. Also, continue sending scouts to closely monitor Beyond Heaven's movements. This king wants to know their every move."

"Yes, Chief!" everyone chorused, accepting the orders before withdrawing to begin preparations for a new offensive.

A few days later, The Net brought news: the Crimson Flame Tribe was collecting special flame Ore from the Southern Border on a large scale, seemingly to forge more powerful Magic Treasures. Simultaneously, the warriors within the tribe were training day and night in flame Cultivation Techniques, their morale high, ready to attack Beyond Heaven once more.

"It seems they are preparing to return with a vengeance," Jun Xiaoyao said, looking at the intelligence in his hand, his expression grave. "How is our preparation progressing?"

"Ouyezi has forged enough special weapons to equip an elite unit," Marshal of the Unruly reported. "The defensive installations have also been improved, incorporating some Materials that counteract fire attributes. The Net also discovered a weakness in the Crimson Flame Tribe's flame Cultivation Technique: after unleashing a powerful flame attack, they experience a brief period of weakness."

"Excellent," a glint flashed in Jun Xiaoyao's eyes. "That is a crucial flaw. Dark Blade, West Gate Blows Snow, No Fate, during combat, pay close attention. The moment they show signs of weakness, launch an attack immediately."

"Yes, Young Lord!"

"Also, Wu Xingyun, any progress in your research on deciphering the strange energy within the flame power?" Jun Xiaoyao looked at Wu Xingyun.

"Young Lord, I have discovered an Immortal Plant called ice spirit grass. The icy power it contains can neutralize the strange energy within the Crimson Flame Tribe's flames," Wu Xingyun said. "However, ice spirit grass grows in extremely cold regions and is very rare."

"Spare no expense in finding ice spirit grass," Jun Xiaoyao ordered decisively. "This might be the key to breaking the Crimson Flame Tribe's flame power."

"Yes, Young Lord."

Just as Beyond Heaven was intensively preparing for the Crimson Flame Tribe's return, the Crimson Flame Tribe's army had already assembled once more. The Crimson Flame King, mounted on a warhorse radiating flames all over, gazed in the direction of Beyond Heaven, his eyes filled with killing intent.

"Beyond Heaven, this time, you won't escape even with wings!" The Crimson Flame King brandished the flame spear in his hand and shouted loudly, "Advance!"

The warriors of the Crimson Flame Tribe let out earth-shaking battle cries, surging toward the Tianwaitian Headquarters like a crimson torrent.

Soon, the Crimson Flame Tribe's army arrived once more at the Tianwaitian Headquarters. This time, their Aura was even more menacing. Each warrior held brand-new fire-element Magic Treasures, emanating powerful flame Qi.

"Attack!" At the Crimson Flame King's command, countless Magic Treasures imbued with formidable flame power were hurled at the Tianwaitian Headquarters. Instantly, flames soared into the sky, scorching heat waves rolled, and the area around the headquarters was engulfed in a sea of fire.

"Activate defenses!" Marshal of the Unruly shouted loudly. The improved defensive installations proved effective. The cold jade stones released even more potent cold light, and the water jets from the water-element Magic Treasures became more turbulent, attempting to suppress the raging inferno.

Dark Blade, West Gate Blows Snow, and No Fate led the elite troops, standing ready on the city walls. They held the special weapons forged by Ouyezi, their gazes resolutely fixed on the enemies below.

"They're coming!" Dark Blade saw the Crimson Flame Tribe warriors beginning to scale the walls. He shouted, brandishing his black and white swords. Sword Qi crisscrossed, repelling the approaching enemies. West Gate Blows Snow's profound ice sword glimmered with cold light, icy Sword Qi shot into the sea of fire, attempting to freeze the flames. No Fate moved like a ghost along the walls, his iron sword precisely striking the vital points of the enemies.

Seeing the attack impeded, the Crimson Flame King was furious. He soared into the air, holding his flame spear, and charged toward the city wall.

"Jun Xiaoyao, come out and die!" the Crimson Flame King shouted loudly. With a sweep of his flame spear, a massive Flame Blade Qi slashed toward the city wall.

Jun Xiaoyao flew up to the top of the city wall, holding a golden longsword, his gaze cold and stern as he looked at the Crimson Flame King.

"Crimson Flame King, you remain incorrigible. Today is your doom!" Jun Xiaoyao shouted loudly. The Qi around him surged. With a swing of his golden longsword, a beam of golden Sword Qi shot toward the Flame Blade Qi.

The golden Sword Qi collided with the Flame Blade Qi, erupting in a burst of intense light. The two engaged in a fierce battle in mid-air. Flames and Sword Qi intertwined, the powerful energy fluctuations distorting the surrounding air.

"This time, you won't escape so easily!" Jun Xiaoyao said while attacking.

The Crimson Flame King snorted coldly, "Hmph! It's not yet decided who will prevail!" With that, the Crimson Flame King unleashed the Crimson Flame Tribe's top-tier flame Cultivation Technique. Flames blazed around him, forming a massive vortex of fire that swept toward Jun Xiaoyao.

Jun Xiaoyao sensed the immense power of this move. Not daring to be careless, he swiftly circulated his Internal Skill, forming a golden shield in front of him. The flame vortex crashed against the shield, producing a deafening roar. Cracks began to appear on the golden shield.

At that moment, Dark Blade seized the opportunity, executing the "Yin and Yang Twin Birth" ultimate technique. Black and white Sword Qi intertwined into a massive light blade, slashing toward the Crimson Flame King. West Gate Blows Snow also unleashed the "Flying Immortal from Beyond the Heavens" sword technique. The profound ice sword, carrying immense icy power, shot toward the Crimson Flame King like a meteor. No Fate took advantage of the moment to use "Ghost Step," his iron sword striking like lightning, aiming straight for the Crimson Flame King's back.

Under the combined assault of the four, the Crimson Flame King gradually felt strained. He inwardly cursed his misfortune, wanting to retreat, but he was now tightly entangled by the four, unable to break free.

"No! The Chief is in danger!" An Elder of the Crimson Flame Tribe, seeing this scene, was greatly alarmed. He hastily ordered the warriors to launch an all-out attack, attempting to rescue the Crimson Flame King.

However, Beyond Heaven's defenses were impregnable. The Crimson Flame Tribe's warriors could not breach the line. Meanwhile, under the fierce attacks of the four, the Crimson Flame King finally entered his period of weakness.

"Now is the time!" Jun Xiaoyao shouted loudly. The golden longsword in his hand thrust forward fiercely, a beam of golden light shooting toward the Crimson Flame King. Dark Blade, West Gate Blows Snow, and No Fate simultaneously launched their strongest attacks.

"Ah!" The Crimson Flame King let out a scream, struck by the combined attacks of the four, and crashed heavily to the ground.

"Chief!" Seeing the Crimson Flame King injured, the Crimson Flame Tribe warriors immediately fell into chaos.

"Press the advantage!" Jun Xiaoyao shouted loudly. The warriors of Beyond Heaven charged toward the Crimson Flame Tribe's army like tigers descending a mountain.

The Crimson Flame Tribe's army, having lost their leader's command, fell into disarray and retreated step by step. Jun Xiaoyao and the others pressed their advantage, thoroughly routing the Crimson Flame Tribe's forces.

"Retreat! Retreat quickly!" Seeing the situation was lost, the Crimson Flame Tribe Elder hastily ordered a retreat. The Crimson Flame Tribe warriors retreated in disarray, fleeing the Tianwaitian Headquarters in a sorry state.

"Hmph! Thinking of leaving? Not so easy!" Jun Xiaoyao snorted coldly, watching the retreating Crimson Flame Tribe, but did not pursue further. He knew not to chase a desperate enemy, lest they fall into an ambush.

"Young Lord, we've won!" Marshal of the Unruly said excitedly.

"This is only a temporary victory," Jun Xiaoyao said, his expression grave. "Although the Crimson Flame Tribe failed this time, they certainly will not give up. We cannot let our guard down. We must continue to strengthen our power to guard against their return."

"Yes, Young Lord!" everyone responded in unison.

After this intense battle, Beyond Heaven successfully repelled the Crimson Flame Tribe's second assault. But Jun Xiaoyao knew that the conflicts of the Jianghu were far from over. Beyond Heaven would face many more challenges in the future. And they must continuously grow stronger to stand firm in this ever-changing Jianghu.