Black Water Plain, within the Human Clan's camp.

"Report... Reporting to Vice General Lee, Commander Huo, according to the scouts' report from the frontline, the Demon Clan stationed at the border of Black Water Plain has made another move!"

The communication soldier rushed into the commander tent, breathlessly delivering the latest news to the high-ranking generals in Sky Peak Camp.

Because Ling Feng, the main commander, had left without notice, the highest-ranking officers in Sky Peak Camp were temporarily Vice General Lee Bufan and the direct commander of the Black Armored Cavalry Army, Huo Yuanyi.

Of course, there was also King Jing Moo Feng, who, although not holding any position, was viewed as Ling Feng's superior in name due to being a prince, thereby possessing some decision-making power.

Besides them, there were commanders like Xu Zhongda, who had long experience on the battlefield and could offer Lee Bufan the most direct assistance.

Upon hearing the news, Lee Bufan frowned involuntarily. According to Ling Feng's claims, the Demon Clan at Black Water Plain should not invade within a month!

Yet now, only half a month had passed.

The Demon Clan indeed cannot be trusted!

Although Lee Bufan had great respect for Ling Feng, viewing him as a lifelong friend and rival, this did not mean he would also trust the Demon Clan.

He had little faith in any so-called agreement between Ling Feng and the Demon Clan.

Now that Ling Feng was absent, he had to hold the fort, at least until Ling Feng returned.

Upon hearing this, Xu Zhongda immediately asked, "What exactly is the situation?"

"The Demon Clan unexpectedly reinforced a troop at dusk and then began moving troops to a stronghold on the northwest side. At their speed, they will likely reach within an hour..."

"Report!"

Before the communication soldier could finish speaking, a blood-drenched soldier charged into the camp frantically. "Reporting to Vice General Lee, the sixth stronghold on the northwest side has been wiped out, and nearly all the 3,600 stationed soldiers have perished!"

"What!" Lee Bufan's pupils contracted as he abruptly sprang up from his seat.

The Demon Clan's actions were astoundingly swift!

"Vice General Lee, the situation is extremely urgent. Given the Demon Clan's strength, it's likely they will quickly overrun the third, fourth, and fifth strongholds after the sixth!"

Xu Zhongda took a deep breath and said through gritted teeth, "Vice General Lee, the situation is critical; should we inform General Ling..."

"No, there's no need to alarm General Ling for now."

Lee Bufan furrowed his brow and said in a low voice, "Commander Huo, Commander Xu, immediately muster your forces, lead 30,000 troops to assist in defense, and directly abandon the fourth and fifth strongholds, concentrating all forces at the third stronghold!"

"Yes!"

Huo Yuanyi and Xu Zhongda nodded in agreement and quickly withdrew from the tent.

Then, under Lee Bufan's orders, the other commanders also began mobilizing all forces. These past two weeks had been too peaceful; the real tough times were just about to begin.

After everyone left, only Lee Bufan, Jiang Xiaofan, Moo Feng, Tuoba Yan, and Lin Xian'er remained in the tent—those who truly were trusted confidants.

Only they knew the truth about Ling Feng's "secluded cultivation." If the soldiers discovered the commander was not in the camp, morale might collapse.

Undoubtedly, Ling Feng was taking a significant risk this time.

"Bufan, what should we do? Brother won't be back for another half a month!"

Jiang Xiaofan frowned. Over this period, he had frequently led troops to support friendly armies around Black Water Plain. After the trials of war, Jiang Xiaofan had matured significantly from his once simple ways.

"No matter what, hold out! Even if it means fighting to the last soldier!"

Lee Bufan took a deep breath and said slowly, "The Demon Clan's forceful entry this time, taking out a stronghold on the first day but not declaring war outright, is intriguing in its intention. Moreover, Your Highness, please write a letter to Tianmang Fortress requesting reinforcements!"

"Hmm." Moo Feng nodded, showing a worried expression. "However, that old fox Yuan Tiangang may not send troops. At this time, Brother Feen is too mighty in his stance. That old fox would prefer to see us defeated!"

"Whether or not they send troops is their matter. We must not relinquish even the slightest hope."

A glimmer of determination flashed in Lee Bufan's eyes as he spoke resolutely.

"Hmm, that's all we can do."

The crowd gave Lee Bufan a long look. Because Ling Feng was so brilliant, he overshadowed Lee Bufan completely.

In fact, Lee Bufan was also a scion of a military aristocratic family, with not insignificant talents in various areas.

He was equally worthy of being called a "universal talent!"

...

The war had already ignited around Black Water Plain, yet in the Dark Flame Mountain Range, Ling Feng remained unaware of the situation at Sky Peak Camp.

After all, due to Ling Feng's outstanding performance in the battle of Black Water Plain, his name was already known among the high ranks under the Silver Wolf Demon Emperor.

After the mysterious Yunluo Sacred Land's expert Shen Xiao departed, Ling Feng and Bai Ling'er sat silently by a campfire all night.

Not a word was spoken all night.

The sky finally brightened!

As the east turned pale, Ling Feng and Bai Ling'er returned to the camp. On the way, they encountered an early-rising disciple from Purple Dragon Hall. Seeing Ling Feng and Bai Ling'er returning together, the disciple shot Ling Feng a knowing glance and chuckled, "Brother Long, Senior Sister Bai, good morning!"

Apparently, he mistakenly thought Ling Feng and Bai Ling'er had gone "for a wild encounter."

Bai Ling'er's cheeks flushed as she glared at Ling Feng before leaving.

As for Ling Feng, he shrugged, inwardly grumbling about how open-minded the Demon Clan's thinking still was.

In fact, the Demon Clan was generally unreserved about matters of reproduction; otherwise, Ling Feng wouldn't have "encountered" the situation where maidens of the Scaled Demon Clan collectively sought courtship.

Before long, everyone gradually woke from sleep or cultivation. Today, the elite disciples of Dark Dragon Palace, champions of the competition among the Three Great Holy Temples, would enter the Ancient Demon Clan's ruins to explore.

The first to enter the ruins were the elite disciples of Black Dragon Hall. With a wave of his large hand, the Black Wind Demon Emperor led the disciples of Black Dragon Hall into the Ancient Ruins.

Immediately after, the other hall leaders followed suit. The Hurricane Demon Emperor said little more and also led the disciples of Purple Dragon Hall onward.

Before long, they arrived at a dark, shadowy cave entrance.

This entrance was the true access point to the Ancient Ruins, usually sealed by a great formation known only to the demon emperors of the Three Great Holy Temples.

The entrance was pitch dark. Ling Feng took a deep breath, focusing his gaze forward as he pondered: If the Dragon Emperor Seal is truly here, it might be worthwhile to try collecting all five Five Emperor Seals if he can obtain the second one.

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