The human cavalry and the demon cavalry faced off on the desolate north plains, marking the first time in the history of the entire human race and the two hundred over years of the Great Liang Dynasty.
The cavalry army which had penetrated deep into the desolate north from all the way south had already experienced more than one major battle. Now, almost every soldier in the entire cavalry army was exhausted. However, when they saw that unparalleled Great Liang Emperor, their originally fatigued bodies were infused with renewed strength.
The Great Liang's frontier army fought for the human race in the icy desolate north. In these frozen lands, they fought without complaints. Yet, who would not want to be recognized and praised, even just for a moment? So, even if they were to die here, they would feel content.
Before leading the cavalry force into battle, Li Changling had said that after completing this journey, he would make sure those scholars in the Divine Capital say a few good words about them and write some poems praising them. It was intended to boost morale, but at this moment, it seemed to have lost its significance.
Because they had already seen the Great Liang Emperor, the nominal leader of the human race, the true ruler of the Great Liang Dynasty. What an extraordinary figure! Now, he had come to the desolate north to fight side by side with them.
This honor, as long as they survived this time, would be something to boast about when they returned. It would definitely be more worthy of bragging than killing a few demons.
In simpler terms, this was something they could brag about for a lifetime!
Over on the demon army's side, there was a large army gathering. It was led by precisely the High Priest and that high-ranking demon general.
Previously, when they encountered the frontier army of Great Liang, they thought they could stop this cavalry army's northward advance no matter what. However, they did not expect that in the end, this cavalry army forcefully opened a gap, tearing through the barrier and continuing deeper into the desolate north. Unable to stop them, they could only continue to give chase and inform other demon armies to throttle this cavalry army in the desolate north.
But they were a step too late.
Now, that human monarch has met with his most loyal followers.
Riding on an aberrant beast, the High Priest arrived in front of the demon army. He looked at the currently miserable-looking Great Liang Emperor and said in admiration, "Your Majesty is extraordinary. You were able to safely escape from my lord. Now, I believe our demon army can't stop Your Majesty, so we'll let Your Majesty go south as you wish."
The moment these words were uttered, many demon generals present frowned, expressing their confusion at the High Priest's choice.
The fact that the Great Liang Emperor did not die at the hands of the Demon Emperor was naturally something that was not unacceptable. However, it did not mean they were willing to passively watch the Great Liang Emperor return south. Otherwise, why would they mobilize troops and create such a grand line-up? What was the purpose?
Of course it was to intercept the Great Liang Emperor who was destined to be heavily wounded after his battle with the Demon Emperor.
But the moment the High Priest spoke, it left them all puzzled.
Why let the Great Liang Emperor return south?
The High Priest did not explain. He simply waved his hand, signaling the demon army to make way, as if indicating that the Great Liang Emperor could leave.
He knew much more than the other demon generals. Previously, when the Great Liang Emperor traveled south, he had already encountered countless interceptions. Most of the demon armies were backed by a great demon, but even so, they failed to stop this human monarch. Since that time, the High Priest understood a truth: even if the Great Liang Emperor was an arrow at the end of its flight, no matter how depleted his strength was, wanting to keep him here would likely cost a terrible price. In fact, even if they paid a huge price, success was not guaranteed.
However, there was another reason for him to make this decision, and it was not just because of the Great Liang Emperor's unparalleled might.
There was another extremely important reason.
The Great Liang's frontier army was still here.
If the Great Liang Emperor were to leave like this, it would undoubtedly be a tremendous blow to the Northern Frontier Army.
Such a blow might not only be in terms of swallowing up this frontier army.
……
……
The Great Liang Emperor put away the purple wildflower and did not speak. He just silently faced the demon army.
Yu Xiyi could not help but lament, "This Great Liang Emperor's breadth of spirit is truly unrivaled. He can even make the demon race submit!"
Foreign cultivators had never considered themselves Great Liang's subjects, speaking like this was within reason.
Liu Banbi, who was seriously injured a long time ago, sneered upon hearing these words, "Silly boy, what do you understand?"
Yu Xiyi was taken aback, still immersed in endless admiration for the Great Liang Emperor. However, upon hearing this remark, he felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured over him, extinguishing the fervor. Only then, did he ask embarrassedly, "May I ask senior for clarification
Liu Banbi glanced at the dense demon horde ahead and spoke slowly, his tone relatively gentle, "The demon army is unsure whether they can stop His Majesty. In reality, when someone reaches His Majesty's realm, if they just want to leave, whether it's this few hundred thousand demon army or even if several more great demons come, it will be difficult to stop His Majesty too. To a peerless martial artist like him, if he's determined to leave no matter what, there aren't many people in this world who can do anything to stop him."
"Which is also to say that this High Priest is pragmatic? He doesn't want to put in too much effort and wants to avoid excessive casualties?"
Yu Xiyi nodded to himself, thinking that if it were like this, it could not simply be said that the demon race submitted. There must be his scheming involved in the process.
"Wrong, it's not so simple."
Liu Banbi narrowed his eyes and said softly, "The demon race put forth this line-up, will His Majesty leave? If he leaves, what about the Great Liang's frontier army behind him? Even if these frontier soldiers are willing to die for His Majesty, the demon race may not necessarily want to make them all remain here forever. They might kill most of them, leaving only three to five thousand to return to the Great Wall. Then, when they talk about today's events, do you think the military morale that has been built up in the Northern Frontier over the years will hold strong or scatter?"
Liu Banbi sighed, "In the Northern Frontier, fame and fortune can't keep anyone here. This bunch of people can persevere because of their pride. If this pride collapses, it won't be easy to assemble it again. At that time, the entire Northern Frontier will decay, and there will be no need for the demon race to invade on a large scale. It will slowly rot just on our side."
Yu Xiyi was shocked to hear this. He was just a sword cultivator who usually focused on sword training and killing demons, and he was adept at it. However, this kind of intrigue and scheming was too distant for him. He murmured, "These demons are all sorts of cunning."
Liu Banbi smiled, "In this world, if you want to live without any cunningness, it's actually simple. When your swordsmanship becomes transcendent and you can resolve everything with just one slash, then you won't need cunningness. Everything can be resolved using your sword."
Yu Xiyi rubbed his palms and did not answer.
……
……
On the snowy plain, both sides were waiting for the Great Liang Emperor to make a choice. In fact, Li Changling had long been prepared. If His Majesty chose to leave alone, he would lead the cavalry army behind him to fight. As for the final outcome, only the heavens knew!
However, in the end, Li Changling certainly would not think there was anything wrong with His Majesty's decision to leave alone. His Majesty's life was more precious than theirs in the first place. If their lives were exchanged for his, what was the problem?
Moreover, they had already accepted this when they ventured deep into the desolate north...
However, there must be some reluctance, right?
Li Changling looked at the Great Liang Emperor in the midst of the swirling snow.
The Great Liang Emperor raised his head, saying nothing. In fact, there was no need to speak.
Facing the High Priest on the other side, no matter how high his status was in the demon race, they were ultimately not at the same height. There was no need to say anymore.
In the midst of the wind and snow, he took two steps forward and suddenly beckoned his hand.
Then, the Great Liang Emperor uttered six words, causing the silent Great Liang frontier army to boil with fervor once again.
The expression on the High Priest's face became ugly.
At that moment, the Great Liang Emperor only spoke six words:
"Follow Us to break the formation."
……
