Chapter 1390 - 702: The Strange Xiaohecang

Her eyes glinted with a cold light as she slowly said, "If we wait for instructions from the Forest Palace, it would take at least ten days for a round trip, and by then, the opportunity for battle would be lost. I have no rank in the military and cannot influence your decision, but I ask you... to carefully consider my request." With that, she turned and left, leaving Chi Bihu in silent contemplation.

With his experience, he naturally knew that Ning Xiaoxian’s suggestion was correct. However, he was the one facing a dilemma; he had to choose between preserving military merit, keeping his head, and aligning with the strategic needs of the Hidden Stream.

Both probabilities are fifty-fifty, Ning Xiaoxian told herself. Chi Bihu was naturally cautious, but the relationship between the Seven Great Generals and the Hidden Stream was one of mutual glory or mutual ruin. If the Hidden Stream were to lose face and its myth shattered, as one of the mainstays of the Demon Army, Chi Bihu’s future would not be bright. She didn’t say it out loud, but if Changtian learned that Chi Bihu had the ability to capture the Washing Sword Pavilion in the current situation but didn’t execute it, how would he handle Chi Bihu upon his return? What he sought was never mediocrity.

She didn’t say it, but Chi Bihu probably thought of it nonetheless.

Chi Bihu didn’t take long to decide. That night, in front of the envoy, he burned the peace proposal sent by the Washing Sword Pavilion to ashes, laughing heartily as he said, "Tell your Pavilion Master to wash his neck and wait!"

The negotiations broke down, and there was no longer any room for maneuvering between the two sides. For Chi Bihu, if he couldn’t capture the Washing Sword Pavilion within the set time, it would be his turn to wash his neck and wait for Changtian to cut it off; for the Washing Sword Pavilion, it was either open the gates and surrender or fight to the last man.

When the news reached her ears, Ning Xiaoxian was combing her hair, her fingertips turning white as she pinched the comb.

What she wanted had come true, so why did her heart feel so heavy?

Ahua, coming to play with her, jumped onto the dressing table and meowed incessantly. She gazed into the mirror for a long time before casually pinning her hair with a White Jade Hairpin, and said with a bitter smile, "I don’t know how much karma I’ve added to myself again." She wondered how many people would die in the coming battle, perhaps the tragedy of Taiwei Village would repeat. All this, just because of her frivolous words, yet what could she do?

In this world, everyone has their unavoidable reasons.

Ahua said with reluctance, "Benefactor, why not just leave and not participate in the upcoming battle?"

"The more debts you have, the less you worry. Ultimately, it’s a conflict I started. How could I stand by now?" Ning Xiaoxian said with a smile, "Besides, I have a persistent feeling that this great battle is crucial for me." The sudden impulses of a Cultivator are not unfounded. Hearing this, Ahua dared not persuade further.

Next, the Black Blade Army transitioned to a rapid march on the ground. At this point, the enormous potential of the Demon Army became evident. Whereas ordinary Cultivators might speed up by expending Spiritual Power to control flying artifacts, most of the demon soldiers in the Black Blade Army were inherently strong; by transforming into their True Bodies, even lazy demon species like Bear Demons could run long distances with greater ease than humans.

On the flying shuttle, the army still appeared in human form. Once on the ground, they transformed into all sorts of beasts, traversing mountains and valleys, advancing rapidly, leaving clouds of dust in their wake. Although Ning Xiaoxian had spent considerable time in the Hidden Stream, going to war like this was a new experience for her—it was like a young bride stepping into a sedan for the first time. Witnessing such a grand sight reminiscent of the Primordial era left her dumbstruck, for armies in her previous life emphasized discipline, combat strength, and coordination, yet never could infantry be used as cavalry so naturally.

At this moment, she finally understood the significant disparity between the Demon Army on the Southern Continent and her own knowledge.

While she was still dazed, a massive Golden Leopard leaped past her not far away, baring its teeth at her, and atop it sat a flirtatious woman with a fiery figure.

Xiling glanced at her, spurred the Golden Leopard, and in just a few leaps, surged ahead.

She just found it amusing when behind her, Hei Hao’s deep voice called out, "Lord Ning, let me carry you." He had already transformed into his True Body as a giant wolf, his black fur gleaming and without a single stray hair.

The giant wolf’s body was as large as a small elephant, evidently possessing a much deeper cultivation than during her entrance test into the sect. He bent slightly, allowing her to ride on his back, released his four paws to sprint, indeed running swiftly and steadily, leaving countless demon soldiers behind.

Ning Xiaoxian had just placed the little Cat Demon Ahua on Hei Hao’s back, commanding it to hold tight with all four paws, when she faintly heard a mocking voice beside her, sounding like Xiling’s, saying, "Hmph, sycophant."