Chapter Twenty-Four: Parting Ways

  "Brother, don't say that. Our lives are in your hands. From now on, just let us know if there's anything we can do for you. We'll rush into boiling water or walk through fire without hesitation. That old scoundrel Wang is really something else! When I get back, I'll report to the Emperor and see how he deals with him. Four fallen angels have already been taken care of, let's see what he has left to fight us with."

  I apologized: "I've delayed you for quite some time, if you're in a hurry, then go ahead and leave first, with Ziyan taking care of me here, it's fine."

  Gu Yun said firmly, "How can this be? Even if we have to leave, we must wait until your injury is fully healed before leaving. If we leave like this, how can we put our minds at ease? Although it's delayed, I think His Majesty will understand us. Don't say any more, you should rest now."

  I secretly cursed in my heart, originally wanting to find an opportunity to get rid of them. Otherwise, how could I deal with their invitation to the Demon Clan's large camp? Unexpectedly, these two brothers were so righteous, it seems I still need to think of another excuse.

  "Brother, I've thought of a way," Gu Feng said suddenly. "Our injuries haven't healed yet, and yours are particularly severe. To recover as soon as possible, why don't the three of us heal together? It might be faster that way. Although I've never tried it before, it should have some effect."

  I nodded and said, "Everything will be arranged by the two of you." "Alright, you just woke up, rest for today. My brother and I will set up a boundary nearby, we'll start early tomorrow."

  Three of us, Gu Feng brothers and I, sat in a triangular shape with our legs crossed, while Zi Yan stood guard beside us. I circulated the dark magic within my body according to the Tian Mo Jue, then transmitted it to Gu Feng, who circulated it once before transmitting it to Gu Yun, who finally returned it to me. I then transmitted it back to Gu Feng, forming a large cycle based on the three of us.

  At first, due to the different levels of time spent training with their brothers, there were some clashes, but as time passed, the three dark magic forces gradually formed a whole.

  The speed of operation has been greatly accelerated, that is to say, the energy of three people is running in each person's body, which can't improve the level of Tianmo Quan, but it's very beneficial for treating injuries and repairing meridians.

  One day passed, two days passed, three days passed, and we were still constantly practicing. The thick black fog completely enveloped our bodies, making Ziyan dare not get close, she anxiously waited aside, boredly gnawing on dry rations.

  ……

  On the fifth day, three clear whistles rose from where we sat cross-legged, and the dark mist that enveloped us surged back into our bodies. The whistling was loud and powerful, causing the ancient trees around us to tremble violently.

  Our wounds suddenly healed at the same time. In a flash, we stood beside Ziyuan. These five days have been the most rewarding for me, because Gu Shi brothers' cultivation is much deeper than mine. Under their leadership, the three forces merged into one, not only healing our wounds but also dividing all dark magic power equally into three parts when we finished.

  That is to say, I evenly divided their magic power, making my Tianmo Secret directly enter the fourth layer of the late stage. The dark magic power has already approached the fifth layer, and as long as I practice a little more, breaking through the fifth layer is just a matter of time. As for the Gu brothers, although they have recovered from their injuries, their dark magic power has dropped to the level when they first practiced the fifth layer.

  Actually, Gu Feng had long known this outcome. His brothers were taking the opportunity to repay me for saving their lives. Anyway, it was a free gift, and I didn't expose them.

  Ziyan excitedly said: "Are your injuries all healed?"

  I nodded with a smile: "Thanks to the care of both of you, my injury has healed. Look, I'm not as energetic and fierce as before, haha."

  Ziyan pouted and said, "I knew it, all you think about is fighting and killing, it's getting on everyone's nerves."

  I smiled and said, "Fighting and killing is also for your protection."

  Ziyan burst out laughing and said, "With you three great masters around, who would dare to bully me? I'm so bored staying here. Since you're all better now, let's hit the road."

  Speaking of going on the road, I felt a tightness in my heart and said to the Gu brothers: "Two elder brothers, how are you going?"

  Gu Yun said, "We must go to the Demon Clan's camp anyway. The task entrusted to us by Your Majesty has not been completed yet. Afterwards, we might return directly to the Imperial City to report the assassination attempt to His Majesty. This concerns the safety of our clan and is extremely important. You should come with us to the Demon Clan's camp."

  I thought to myself, I'm here. Shaking my head, "No, I won't go, what's the point of going there? To see my sister? Maybe she won't even recognize me, I'd better finish the task His Majesty assigned to me first."

  The old man patted my shoulder and said, "Brother, don't be sad. With your character and martial arts skills, you'll have a chance to stand out one day. Since you're not willing to go, we won't force you. Let's part ways when we reach the boundary."

  Hearing him say that, I couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief and smiled as I said: "Don't worry, two brothers, we'll meet again someday. Let's get going."

  We rode slowly on the main road, Gu Yun smiled and said: "On the road again, now I really have a feeling of being reborn after a disaster. The first time I was so close to death. At that time, when that dark energy ball came towards me, I thought it was over. As an imperial soldier, I didn't die on the battlefield but died at the hands of my own people. My greatest feeling is shame."

  I smiled and said: "Don't say that, Brother Gu. The other side has been plotting for a long time, and it's hard to guard against. If we survive this disaster, we'll surely have good fortune later on. Maybe this is an opportunity."

  Gu Feng said, "Originally I thought that our brothers' martial arts on the mainland were also impressive, but now I realize how ridiculous we are. My brother and I have decided, after completing these tasks, when this war is over, to find a place to cultivate in seclusion, even if we can't break through to the fourth wing, we must reach the sixth layer."

  Ziyan smiled and said, "Both of you brothers have such ambition, in the future you will definitely achieve great things. As long as you work hard, even if you can't reach the Emperor's level, you won't regret it. I believe that Commander will be delighted with your efforts to practice."

  Gu Yun smiled and said, "Thank you, little sister, for your kind words. We also hope so." Upon hearing Gu Yun's words, Zi Yan's face suddenly became as charming as a ripe red apple, and she buried her head in my chest without making a sound. Even the usually serious Gu Feng couldn't help but burst out laughing along with his brother.

  Two days later, we stood on a small hill. "You see, that's our Demon Clan's large camp over there. The continuous city wall opposite is the fortress built by the Dragon God Empire with Estro City as its foundation. Your destination is right there, be careful."

  It's morning now, and the camp of the Allied Forces of Azeroth is very quiet. The dragon flag of Stratholme is flying high on the opposite side, it seems that there has been no war for several days.

  I sighed and said, "I really don't know what they're thinking. After fighting for so many years, neither side can do anything to the other. Why must they continue to fight? Such a huge waste, doesn't it have any impact on their own country?"

  Gu Yun said with a strange look, "Brother, you're wrong to say that. Exterminating humans and dominating the continent is the hope of every member of our demon clan. Don't be so negative, one day we'll break through the Stru Fortress."

  My heart skipped a beat, knowing I had just misspoken. Fortunately, they didn't press the issue, but what's this about eradicating humanity being the hope of every demon citizen? I suppose it's only the hope of you ruling imperial families, isn't it?

  I'm finally back here, although the Dragon God's place isn't my home, seeing the fortress makes me feel extremely intimate. It's as if I've been transported to another world. The purple swallows in my arms have a desolate gaze, I don't know what she's thinking about.

  "The old man's ears perked up, and he said in a low voice: 'Someone is coming.'"

  Gu Yun smiled and said, "Little brother, you don't have to be so tense. This place, only our own people might appear." Gu Feng's old face turned red as he said, "Maybe, but it's still better to be careful."

  I concentrated my ears and indeed heard a group of about twenty people moving quickly towards this side. From their neat footsteps, it can be inferred that they must be a well-trained army.

  Before long, a group of infantrymen carrying long spears appeared in our line of sight. As expected by Gu Yun, they were indeed the demonic tribe's army, with the demonic tribe emblem on their uniforms being extremely conspicuous.

  The soldiers quickly surrounded us after seeing us, with their guns pointed at us and a vigilant look on their faces. A small team leader-like soldier stepped forward two steps and shouted: "Who are you? What are you doing here?"

  Gu Yun smiled and said: "You say we are what kind of people, can outsiders still stand here?"

  The squad leader's face changed, and he shouted: "So they're spies! Everyone, take action, don't let them get away!"

  I secretly laughed, it seems that this little captain has misunderstood the meaning of Gu Yun. Gu Feng coldly snorted, for these ordinary soldiers, even the weakest Zi Yan could easily deal with them, and now they were being shouted at by people at their own doorstep, Gu Feng was already holding back his temper, and now these soldiers had run into trouble.

  Gu Feng took a step forward, and with a loud slap, the small team leader was heavily slapped out, knocking down several soldiers who came together. The other soldiers saw their captain being beaten and immediately rushed up. Gu Feng spun around in place, and all the long guns stabbing at him fell empty.

  Bang, bang, bang, bang, twenty infantrymen were all knocked to the ground by Gu Feng, and for a while, they couldn't get up.

  An old saying goes, "Take two steps forward," as he grabbed hold of the old-fashioned wind that still wanted to fight on and advised, "Forget it, Second Brother. They're just doing their duty too, you bunch of blind fools." As he spoke, he tossed out a token-like object.

  The squad leader covered his face, took the token and looked at it, suddenly scared to kneel on the ground, tremblingly said: "I didn't know you were coming, I was so rude, please spare my life."

  Gu Feng let out a cold hum and said, "From now on, keep your eyes open. Wait here for a while, then we'll head back to camp together." The squad leader quickly tidied up his disheveled team, all of whom stood off to the side with their heads hung low.

  Gu Yun grasped my hand and said, "Brother, this farewell, I don't know when we'll meet again. Be careful with everything when completing the task. If it can't be done, come back as soon as possible. No matter what time, we brothers will support you."

  I nodded and said: "I know, thank you for your concern, both of you."

  Gu Feng also walked over, and we shook hands: "Take care."

  "Take care." The two of them left with this unlucky infantry squad in the direction of the Demon Clan's large camp.

  As I watched them leave, I couldn't help but feel a little downhearted. Although we weren't of the same kind, they had indeed been very good to me. Ziyan smiled and said, "Those two demons were quite nice to you, I dare say that even if they knew your true identity, they wouldn't do anything to you."

  I shook my head and said, "Not necessarily, each has their own master. Although the beastmen and the demon clan are allies, when it comes to interests, no one knows what will happen. Alright, we should also leave now, following the demon clan's camp, we should be able to bypass them."

  Ziyan's eyes reddened, and she nodded silently. At this moment of parting, neither of us wanted to say anything more, we just silently savored the feeling of being by each other's side. Although the demon tribe's camp was vast, it still had boundaries. After circling around the demon tribe's large camp, we arrived at a place not far from the fortress.

  I pulled the reins of the black dragon to a stop, tightly embracing Ziyuan. I felt my sleeves were already wet. The sun in the sky was covered by a thick layer of clouds, and an inexplicable sense of oppression filled my chest.

  Ziyan suddenly turned around, hugged me and burst into loud crying. I stroked her light blue long hair, comforting: "Don't be like this, as long as you're willing, as long as I don't die, we'll have a day to meet again, right? It should be relatively safe here, just a little further ahead is the checkpoint, and I can only send you off here. Good girl, stop crying."

  Ziyan raised her head and said with tearful eyes: "You mustn't die, you have to come back and find me, definitely."

  "Definitely. You should take good care of your own body."

  Ziyan leaned tightly against my chest and said sorrowfully: "We haven't even parted yet, but I've already started missing you, what to do?"

  I gently rubbed my face against her temples and whispered: "When you think of me, just look at that piece of amethyst, my heart is inside."

  Yan Zi took out two crystal stickers and stuck them on my face, saying dazedly: "I want to make them smell like you, best not to fade away forever, I love you, Ah Xiang."

  As soon as I heard her words, my heart was boiling, and I heavily kissed her head. As a result, it can be imagined that I was bounced back by the unknown energy in her body again. However, now I am in my prime state, and that invading force cannot cause me any harm, but embarrassment is inevitable.

  Ziyan jumped down from Heilong and helped me up, saying with a scowl: "Before you return, I will definitely control this annoying thing well."

  I smiled wryly and said, "I hope so, although looking at the plum blossom can quench one's thirst, but I'd rather eat this plum of yours that's unknown whether it's sour or sweet."

  Ziyan smiled bleakly and said, "Regardless of whether it's sour or sweet, this plum will forever be yours."

  I held her in a tight embrace and said with deep emotion: "Ziyan, I love you too."

  Ziyan clung tightly to me: "With your words, it's enough, plum blossoms will never wither, even if they rot, they'll still keep their core, waiting for you to come back forever and ever."

  After a long while, I gently pushed her: "It's getting late, you should go."

  Ziyan plucked a strand of her own long hair, drew out my Mo Ming and lightly cut it off, tied the long hair with a strip of cloth, and solemnly handed it to me: "This is my promise to you, think of me when you look at it."

  The light blue ribbon fluttered in the wind, I carefully tucked my long hair into the close-fitting jacket and said firmly: "I will, until we meet again, I won't be apart from it for a moment."

  Ziyan's tearful eyes looked at me dazedly as she retreated step by step, and when she reached a distance of ten meters, she suddenly turned her head and ran towards the direction of the fortress. In the air, the crystal tears she scattered as she left floated, and under the sunlight, they shimmered with colorful light, so beautiful, yet so heart-wrenching to me.

  I stood still, and even after Ziyan left, I was unwilling to believe that the girl who had captivated me had already gone. Heilong walked up to my side and nudged me with his big head.

  I stroked the brown fur on its neck, murmuring: "Black Dragon, Ziyan has left, we should also set off." Putting aside my sorrowful thoughts, I mounted my horse and shouted loudly: "Go, Black Dragon, let's head home."

  I rode the black dragon to rush towards the beastman camp. But was that really my home? I moved quickly along the edge of the fortress, bypassing the demon tribe's large camp and entering the beastman territory smoothly.

  The land within the Beastman territory was desolate, and as far as the eye could see, there wasn't even a decent forest or grassland, let alone any signs of beastmen. Although this had a lot to do with the war, I couldn't help but feel that the management was still lacking. No, it wasn't just lacking - perhaps it didn't exist at all. This place was so far from the Beast Emperor's city, who would even think about it? Every time we beastmen launched a war against the Dragon God Empire, we were always following behind the Demon Clan, listening to their orders and instructions.

  In terms of intelligence, the beastmen are indeed inferior to the demon tribe, but a more important reason is that almost all of the war materials and logistical equipment were provided by the demon tribe. The demon tribe has grasped our economic lifeline, so they naturally have more say in the matter. As I thought about this, I urged the black dragon to rush towards the rear of the beastmen's large camp.

  The beastman's camp and the demon clan are connected. Compared to the familiar cowhide tents of the demon clan, our canvas tents look so simple and thin. If this continues, it won't be long before the beastman nation is invaded by other tribes. Although I don't have much affection for the beastmen, I am a member of the Bimon family after all. No matter what, I couldn't just watch the beastmen decline like this. The task that the Beast Emperor gave me has been completed, and from this task, it can be seen that the Beast Emperor is still thinking about reforming.

  Go back and see if you can help. If they trust me, I will wholeheartedly help the beastmen become stronger, at least not having to suffer under the oppression of the demon tribe anymore. Three years, this is my promise to the Ziyuan sisters, and it's also the last time I'll stay in the Beastmen Country, this life doesn't suit me.

  "Halt, who goes there." Suddenly, several holes appeared on the ground, and a dozen wolfmen jumped out, each holding a halberd. They should be the vanguard, probably afraid that the dragon god's people would sneak up from behind to launch a surprise attack. Looking at their cautious appearance, they were quite loyal to their duties. I took out the token symbolizing my identity from my pocket and threw it over. The leader of the wolfmen hastily received the token, saw the emblem of the deputy commander of the Bimon Army on it, and was shocked, looking at me in surprise and doubt.

  I snorted coldly and said, "What, don't you believe my identity? I am Bei Meng Jun's deputy commander, the third son of Bei Meng Wang Lei Ao, Lei Xiang. Go quickly and report."

  The werewolf leader didn't dare to be slow and respectfully said, "That's troublesome for you to wait here first, I'll go report to you." This was also a necessary procedure, after all, I had the appearance of a human.

  I nodded, the werewolf leader instructed a werewolf soldier with two sentences, and turned to run towards the direction of the main camp. The other werewolf soldiers no longer surrounded me, standing straight to one side. I asked: "What's the recent situation at the front?"

  A dozen or so werewolves looked at each other, none of them willing to answer my question. It seemed that their suspicions were still quite strong, and I didn't want to make things difficult for them either, so I just quietly waited for the leader of the werewolves.

  The werewolves ran very quickly, and in a short while, several tall figures appeared within my line of sight. Although I couldn't see their faces clearly, one thing was certain - they were definitely from the Bimon tribe. Their height of over four meters on the plain was absolutely eye-catching.

  "Third brother, how did you come back?" The leader of the Bimon giant beast was actually my older brother, Leilong.

  I nodded expressionlessly and said, "The task Father entrusted to me has been completed, I'm back to report. Eldest brother, why have you come to pick me up personally?"

  Lei Long burst out laughing and said, "It's been over a year since we last met, you've become even more robust. The situation at the front line isn't too good right now, Father is worried that something might happen, so he had me bring a few brothers along. Let's go, let's head back to camp, Father is still waiting for my report."

  Even if I ride on a black dragon, I am still much shorter than this big brother. After the baptism of war, it can be seen that big brother is more brave and fierce than before.

  "Big brother, what's going on with the bad situation at the front line?" Lei Long let out a furious hum and said: "It's those damned demons again. Originally our allied army had gained an advantage, but those demon bastards suddenly retreated during the battle a few days ago, causing our troops to become isolated and surrounded by the human dragon knights, suffering heavy losses."

  "We lost over 200 of our own, and the total casualties among all beastmen tribes exceeded 100,000. It was a huge blow to us." I furrowed my brow and said, "Didn't Father confront the Demon Tribe about this afterwards?" "How could he not? But they claimed it was because we didn't retreat in time, blaming us for it. Third Brother, you also know that once our beastmen charge forward, there's no way to easily fall back. The Demon Tribe is just making excuses; if they had followed up with a joint attack at the time, who knows, maybe we would have already taken down Stru Castle."

  "For this matter, your second brother almost got into a fight with those people from the demon tribe." "Got into a fight?" The ruling class of the opposing side was almost all fallen angels. With the strength of my two brothers, could they resist them? Leilong nodded and said: "Yes, you don't know, my second brother's kung fu has surpassed mine now, and is catching up with Father's. He has practiced Tianlei Xiaji to the third level, and in a one-on-one fight, he is not inferior to a dragon knight. In this war, my second brother has made many achievements, and has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant general." I looked at my big brother's shoulder, and saw that he was still wearing the badge of a major general. This military ranking system was also learned from the demon tribe by the beastmen. The highest-ranking military leader among the beastmen is now my father, Bimon King Leio, who is a general. My second brother is indeed a good fighter, and in terms of wisdom, he surpasses my big brother. According to my estimate, my big brother's efforts in battle are not less than those of my second brother, but the credit has probably all been taken by my second brother. As for the improvement in strength, I don't understand it. Originally, there was always a certain gap between my second brother and my big brother, so why did he improve so quickly? Unless Father had favored him and given him special guidance.

  "Third brother, from the aura around you, I can see that your skills have improved a lot over the past year. I can no longer see through to your true abilities. Now that you're back, let's work together with our brothers and take down Stru Fortress."

  I sighed inwardly upon hearing his words. My big brother is indeed straightforward and fearless in battle, but he's also too slow-witted. It's clear that the demon tribe is manipulating our people to fight on the front lines and die, while they reap the benefits from behind. Even if we lose this war, it will be us beastmen who suffer the greatest losses. Why can't he see through this? He just keeps charging forward without a care.

  Although I understand all of this, there's no way for me to persuade him. Beastmen value strength above all else. If I told him to hold back and not charge so recklessly, he would definitely think that I look down on him.

  "Big brother, be more careful in battle from now on. I estimate that the final result of our assault on Stru Fortress will still be a mutual defeat. We've been doing this for years, but have we ever succeeded? Let's conserve our strength and wait for another opportunity."

  Even with my subtle persuasion, Leidong's face changed greatly, and he shouted angrily: "Third brother, what are you talking about? As a member of the Bimon army, we should be at the forefront, killing as many enemies as possible. What saving strength, letting me live in hiding? Is this what our Bimon army should do? From now on, I don't want to hear you say such things again."

  I sighed and said: "How's my mother doing?"

  Leidong's mind is very straightforward, and he immediately forgot his anger when I changed the subject. He nodded and said: "She can't be said to be well. Before we went on expedition, she was still the same as before. I often go over there to send her some food."

  "Thank you for taking care of my mother, big brother. Has... has she asked about me?"

  Lei Long shook his head and said, "She hardly ever talks to me. Every time I go there, she just looks at me once, but she does accept the things I bring her. After all, she's human, so don't think too much about it. We've arrived at the big camp, look, that largest tent is where Father lives, let's go over." The beastmen's camp was arranged by rank, with the lower-ranking soldiers on the outside and the highest-ranking ones in the center. Only the two armies, our Bimon Army and the Emperor's Kyoshin Army, had tents made of cowhide like those of the demon tribe.

  Lei Long rushed into the large tent, which was over seven meters high, with several Moonguard warriors: "Father, I'm back. It's really me, Lei Xiang."

  I followed closely behind him and entered the tent. The interior of the tent was very simple, with most of the space empty, except for a huge table in the center. Father sat on a dragon-skin chair, just lifting his head as we approached.

  He looked almost unchanged, only slightly tired, wearing simple yet sturdy leather armor, with a large golden shoulder guard on his left shoulder - the symbol of his identity.

  Father saw me and asked in a deep voice: "How did you come back? Can't stand it over there anymore? Do you know how important the task His Majesty entrusted to you this time?"

  I didn't have a single good feeling towards him, nor did I make any courtesy, the fierce and powerful aura spread throughout my body, emitting an intimidating atmosphere. I replied calmly: "I've already completed my mission." Originally, when Father saw that my aura was much stronger than before, his facial lines softened a bit, but as soon as he heard me say that I had completed my mission, he suddenly stood up, his eyes bursting with fierce light, and shouted: "What did you say? You've completed your mission? So quickly." I raised my right hand, saying in a cold voice: "I, Lei Xiang, swear on the honor of the Bei Meng tribe that I have already completed all the tasks entrusted to me by Your Majesty. If I'm lying, may I be bitten to death by ten thousand snakes."

  When my father heard the oath, he gradually calmed down and said to Leilong: "Get a chair for your brother, then take everyone else out. I have something to ask him." "Yes, Your Majesty." Sitting on the chair set up for Bimeng, I looked very small and a bit ridiculous. This might be the best treatment I've ever received in front of my father. After my elder brother left, my father's eyes shone with excitement: "Quickly tell me, how did you complete the task, and what was your experience with the Dragon God during this period?"

  I sat up straight, took a deep breath and said: "To make a long story short. At first I entered the Dragon God Empire with the identity you gave me and successfully enrolled in Tiandu College, one of the four major academies of the empire. During a conflict with nobles, the vice president of Tiandu College locked me up in the college library. I spent three months there, during which time I memorized all the useful things recorded in the library, including magic training, various military strategies and governance policies. At the same time, during my stay in Longshen for over a year, I also learned a lot from their management. This time Tiandu College sent students to participate in battles, in order not to conflict with people of my own kind, I pretended to be dead and escaped from the battlefield, and now I'm back to report to you." My father looked at me thoughtfully, his eyes uncertain.

  I continued: "Are you suspecting that the things I got have quality issues? You can rest assured, I picked out the best parts from the entire library and brought them back. After reporting to you, I plan to rush back to the imperial city immediately and transcribe these things for His Majesty's reference."

  His father nodded and said, "I hope you have indeed completed your task. Alright, I'll assign a few people to you, take them and hurry back to the Imperial City immediately. As for whether your task is complete or not, it's up to the Emperor to decide. I'm busy with the battle against the Beastmen here and don't have time to talk to you more. Get out, call your older brother in."