Ye Zhongming reveals he can craft Red Condensation-grade equipment, a secret that could get him killed. To manage this danger, he plans to sell the equipment through shops operated by Jie Su's clan members, ensuring profits benefit both them and Ye Zhongming. He also provides Jie Su with Weapons of War, Purple Luo Zinc, and substantial funds to aid his advancement within the Su Clan.
"Sister Lei, shall we continue the fight?"Little Tiger stood motionless, his previous restlessness gone, exuding a stillness as profound as a mountain.This was the inherent aura of a supreme lifeform.Seventy percent of Cloud Peak's formidable fighting strength was currently amassed around this small urban center, Mei City.Within its confines, a staggering 5.5 million diverse parasitic worms teemed.Indeed, 5.5 million—a significant surge of half a million from the initial reconnaissance figures.The people of Cloud Peak were unaware of the cause for this increase, but recent, costly reconnaissance missions confirmed these numbers.Cloud Peak's primary combat divisions, with the exception of those assigned to secure captured territories in the China region and protect the main manor, were predominantly deployed here. The aggregate number of warriors surpassed one million, not even accounting for approximately two hundred thousand gene-modified combatants.In addition to them, two million evolved individuals from various other factions were present.These individuals served as expendable troops.Although the total population fell short of the parasitic worm count within Mei City, the city itself was not vast, allowing the entire Cloud Peak organization to establish a tight encirclement.Curiously, the parasitic worms inside, including the distinctly blue-skinned monstrosities, had ceased the aggressive behaviors observed during reconnaissance. They remained within the city limits, exhibiting an unnerving level of calm.This peculiar situation was unsettling and generated considerable apprehension, but it was not the sole reason for Little Tiger's earlier question.The underlying cause for Xiao Hu, now a nine-star evolved being, posing that question was the disembarkation of the 'Demon Whale'.On the eastern coastline, an immensely powerful supreme lifeform, accompanied by legions of its underlings, emerged from the ocean during a high tide. This monstrous entity unleashed devastation across a wide coastal area, overpowering even two Level Nine mutated lifeforms that dared to challenge it.Upon receiving this alarming intel, Cloud Peak, which had fully subjugated that territory, issued an immediate order for its abandonment.While marine lifeforms often retain amphibious capabilities even after attaining great power, they typically cannot venture far from the sea. Based on historical patterns of sea beast tides, they generally recede on their own after a certain period.However, this instance proved to be an anomaly.Led by the formidable 'Demon Whale', the army of sea beasts had not retreated for a full two months. Instead, their territorial expansion had continued unabated.Even more terrifyingly, a specific type of lifeform, possessing limited direct combat prowess, began burying itself in the earth after coming ashore. Over several days, it would consume the soil within a radius of tens of meters, excavating pits one to two meters deep. The digested soil was then exuded as a viscous, slurry-like fluid, which served to sustain those maritime lifeforms that had ventured away from the ocean, enabling their prolonged presence on land.The exact nature of these beings remained unknown, but their sheer numbers instilled a profound sense of dread in all who observed them.Countless such entities, positioned along the coast, were transforming the continent into a landscape of deep chasms. Satellite reconnaissance data indicated that within a single week, a stretch of coastline, 20 kilometers in length and 100 kilometers inland, had been converted into an abyssal zone hundreds of meters deep!These creatures commenced their activities approximately half a month after the 'Demon Whale' led the initial incursion. To date, within a coastal inland zone spanning 60 kilometers by 200 kilometers, they had excavated to depths of four to five hundred meters.Everyone understood their ultimate objective.Their intention was to transform the terrestrial environment into a new ocean!The current excavation of pits might simply be a preliminary phase, as the areas were not yet sufficiently extensive or deep.Once their prerequisites were met, it was highly probable they would commence channeling seawater inland.These organisms were actively reclaiming territory from terrestrial life!The gravity of this situation was immense. If left unchecked, humanity might be confined to mountainous regions within a few short years.Cloud Peak currently held dominion over the majority of the China region. The remaining unconquered territories were primarily located in the south, northwest, and northeast—areas distant from Cloud Peak's main presence, characterized by challenging natural landscapes, and requiring considerable time to secure.With the eastern coast now under occupation, it had naturally become Cloud Peak's designated defense zone, tasked with the crucial objective of repelling the encroaching sea beasts back into the ocean.However, according to the established strategy, the time had arrived to lay siege to Mei City. The duration of this impending engagement remained uncertain. Following the battle, inevitable casualties would be sustained. At that juncture, confronting the already entrenched 'Demon Whale' would likely incur a far greater cost.Within Cloud Peak, two distinct viewpoints emerged. One faction advocated for completing the assault on Mei City before any redeployment. The opposing faction argued for an immediate counter-offensive against the encroaching sea beasts, while they were still relatively close to the shore and had not advanced too deeply inland.
Otherwise, if those deep trenches were to become integrated with the ocean, the situation would become extremely problematic.
As information gradually disseminated, the dissenting viewpoint had now gained widespread acceptance.
After all, these parasitic worms were present; they could always be dealt with after the sea beasts were handled.
Xia Lei understood that Little Tiger was the one those individuals had put forward to suggest this course of action. Considering his seniority and relationship, he was indeed the most suitable candidate.
Without immediately responding to Little Tiger, Xia Lei ascended to a high vantage point, gazing towards Mei City in the distance. After a significant pause, she uttered a single word in reply.
"Fight!"
Xia Lei gestured forward, stating, "While I possess no concrete proof, I have an persistent feeling that the entities within are observing us. Even though we have them surrounded, who is to say this isn't precisely what they desire?"
Little Tiger also directed his gaze towards Mei City, contemplating the unusual behaviors exhibited by these parasitic worms recently. Indeed, it aligned with Xia Lei's suspicions.
"Should we choose to retreat, they will be presented with far too many advantageous circumstances. If they were to strike then, nothing less than a devastating defeat would await us."
"Our Cloud Peak Sect has not suffered a defeat in a considerable duration, and thus, we can no longer afford to countenance failure."
Xia Lei turned her attention back to Little Tiger. "Even if a retreat were feasible and these creatures posed no immediate obstacle, how much time would be required to muster forces for the East Sea campaign? In such a rushed endeavor, what of these two million evolved beings? When we undertake that long journey, can we realistically achieve victory in that conflict? Intelligence reports indicate that the numbers of this sea beast tide far surpass any encountered previously. They have landed along an extensive coastline, occupying an area exceeding 100,000 square kilometers. Are our current numbers sufficient?"
"Furthermore, eradicating these parasitic worms is a directive from Zhongming. Therefore, even if it necessitates the ultimate sacrifice of Cloud Peak Sect's members, we must first surmount this challenge!"
Xia Lei's declaration was imbued with unwavering resolve. Without meeting Little Tiger's gaze, she commanded, "Inform everyone that the assault will commence in one hour. There will be no complex tactics; only a single objective needs to be executed... advance!"
"Annihilate all adversaries positioned before us!"
