Chapter 579: Entering the Celestial Pass Mountain Range

「Outside King Xiangg City, in the Celestial Pass Mountain Range.」

An army mounted on Gale Demon Wolves advanced into the mountain range, their murderous aura soaring to the heavens!

But at this moment, the entire Celestial Pass Mountain Range was deathly silent!

Everywhere, one could see signs of destruction. Ancient trees were snapped in half and blood flowed freely, as if a terrible battle had just taken place.

From the scene, it was faintly discernible that this was the result of a battle between countless humans and powerful Demon Beasts.

So much so that across the ten-thousand-mile Celestial Pass Mountain Range, not a single trace of a powerful Demon Beast or Demon King could be found.

"Could this be the work of the Lingxiao Army?"

A general at the very front of the column wondered aloud, his eyes flickering.

He had personally heard Ye Wushuang order the Lingxiao Army to clear all obstacles, so they couldn't help but connect this scene to them.

"Hmph. Just a disorderly mob. Do you really think they could clear out all the powerful Demon Beasts within ten thousand miles in just a few days? In your dreams. You actually believe that?"

Qian Heng snorted, his face full of disdain.

Although Ye Wushuang had seized military authority, he was still a Celestial Wolf Army Captain with considerable power. And with Vice Commander Huang backing him, he had no fear of Ye Wushuang at all.

Hearing Qian Heng's analysis, the others were also skeptical. After all, how could an army formed just a few days ago be so powerful?

Who would believe it if they were told?

"I hope this is the last time!"

Ye Wushuang turned his head and stared coldly at Qian Heng. Sowing discord among the troops was the greatest taboo in war, an offense punishable by death!

He couldn't be bothered to explain anything to the others and simply shouted, "All soldiers of the Celestial Wolf Army, use the Celestial Pass Mountain Range as a barrier and build up our defenses."

The Celestial Pass Mountain Range was the only way into King Xiangg City. Occupying it meant seizing the tactical advantage.

'Hmph. Now that you're all alone, let's see how long your arrogance lasts. The Celestial Pass Mountain Range will be your grave.'

Scolded by Ye Wushuang, Qian Heng's expression grew even more sinister. He was like a venomous snake, ready to strike and devour its prey.

The camp was set up. Just then, a shadowy figure flickered into existence out of thin air inside a tent.

"Master!"

The newcomer was none other than the Shadow Demon King!

"How did it go?"

Ye Wushuang turned and asked. He had previously sent someone to scout out the situation with the other Celestial Prides, and that person was the Shadow Demon King.

"Master, among the Major Influences, the Dragon King and a few others are the most significant!"

"The Dragon King has recruited Dragon List experts, including Xuan Wuji, for his own use. He has also invited some Nirvana masters to assist him. He's formed a powerful faction and has expanded his territory to one hundred thousand miles."

"As for Mo Wentian, he has the support of the Mo Family and some mid-tier powers. With their vast resources, he has also expanded to one hundred thousand miles."

"In addition, Dongfang Wudi and Jing Hui have also expanded to one hundred thousand miles with the help of their respective factions!"

"Among them, two are rather unique. The first is Zong Shuai. Although the Zong Family was wiped out, he is backed by a peerless Nirvana Great Power and has bought the allegiance of the armies of the Celestial Pass Thirteen Cities to form his own faction. He should not be underestimated."

...

Ye Wushuang listened quietly, his brow furrowed in thought as he analyzed all the information.

"You said two people were unique. Is the other one Young Master Xie Qing?"

Ye Wushuang asked.

"Correct. This Young Master Xie Qing has somehow gained the support of the Corpse Sect. The Corpse Sect is a Major Influence on par with the Noble Families. They fight by controlling corpses, and their methods are extremely bizarre!"

the Shadow Demon King explained.

"The Corpse Sect, eh? I wonder if Tu Qianqian is here."

The corner of Ye Wushuang's mouth twitched into a wicked grin. He'd had dealings with the Corpse Sect long ago; in fact, he had even enslaved Tu Qianqian.

"Right, what about the Beastman Empire?"

Ye Wushuang asked again.

"The Beastman Empire has dispatched a million soldiers this time, led by Prince Mor Ke. He possesses a Half-Demon bloodline and the Demon Luo Battle Body. While it's not as powerful as an Ancient Blood Physique, it is still terrifying."

"Currently, his army of a million has had a few minor clashes, but other than that, they've made no major moves, simply allowing the other factions to expand."

The Shadow Demon King recounted every detail he had gathered without omission.

'He commands a million soldiers, yet he's made no move. It seems this Prince Mor Ke must have another agenda.'

'Could he be planning to...'

At that thought, Ye Wushuang's eyes narrowed.

"Master, what's wrong?"

the Shadow Demon King asked, confused. He didn't know what had just occurred to Ye Wushuang.

"It's nothing. Just stay by my side from now on," Ye Wushuang said without explaining. His idea was only a guess, after all.

"Young Master Ye!"

At the same time, the anxious shouts of a group of generals came from outside the tent.

"Come in," Ye Wushuang called out. The Shadow Demon King's figure vanished into the void. The next moment, Yang Yan and several other anxious generals rushed inside.

"What is it?"

Ye Wushuang asked, looking at the anxious group.

"Young Master Ye, a Beastman Army unit of over a thousand soldiers is lingering about a thousand miles from the Celestial Pass Mountain Range. We believe they might be scouts sent to probe our forces. Should we annihilate them?"

Yang Yan inquired.

"No need. Reinforce our defenses first."

Ye Wushuang refused.

"But, Young Master Ye, if our troop strength and defensive positions are exposed, the Beastman Army might launch an assault."

one of the generals said.

"Follow my orders. That unit is likely a decoy. Let them be. As long as they don't approach the Celestial Pass, do not engage. We can figure everything out once the Lingxiao Army returns!"

Ye Wushuang said. 'If they were really scouting, why wouldn't they enter the Celestial Pass Mountain Range instead of just wandering around outside? It would be strange if there wasn't something fishy going on.'

'If we get greedy for merits and advance rashly, I'm afraid we'll walk right into a trap!'

"Hmph, coward!"

Qian Heng, who was standing among them, snorted coldly.

"Qian Heng, you're too impudent! How dare you speak to Young Master Ye like that?"

Yang Yan turned and stared at Qian Heng furiously.

"He's just a wet-behind-the-ears brat. He says a few words and you treat it like some masterstroke strategy? What do you take the Celestial Wolf Army for? Besides, I am also a Captain. What right do you have to reprimand me?"

Qian Heng looked at Yang Yan coldly, a flicker of contempt in his eyes. 'A mere Rebirth Level cultivator. I could kill him with ease.'

'After I kill Ye Wushuang, you'll be the first to go!'

Qian Heng vowed silently in his heart.

"Reporting to Young Master Ye, the Lingxiao Army has returned." Just then, a shout came from outside the tent!

Hearing this, Ye Wushuang shot a cold glance at Qian Heng and strode out. Some of the other generals followed, wanting to see for themselves if the situation in the Celestial Pass Mountain Range was really the Lingxiao Army's doing.

Seeing Ye Wushuang leave, Qian Heng immediately shouted, "The rest of you, who's willing to come with me to annihilate that Beastman Army unit and show that coward who's right and who's wrong?"

At his words, the generals who remained behind hesitated.

"If you're with this Captain, then let's go! I'm going to slap that little bastard's face hard and show him just how incompetent he is!"

Qian Heng said, full of resentment, then turned and walked out of the tent.

After a moment of hesitation, some of the other generals followed him out. After all, this was also a chance to earn merit.