Long Live Summons Chapter 953

Chapter 953: Ambush, At A Terrifying Speed

Wind-stopping Swamp.This was a particularly peculiar location. Aside from the absolute absence of any breeze at any given moment, the rest of its characteristics were quite ordinary.However, it was precisely this perpetual stillness of the air that transformed this sprawling marshland, complete with dense forests, winding rivers, and serene lakes, into a landscape of grotesque horror. All manner of mutated beasts, utterly unseen beyond the swamp's borders, roamed freely. These creatures showed no hesitation in launching assaults and pursuing any outsiders who dared intrude.Consequently, with the exception of those who had reached the Heaven-ranked tier in power and above, any individual below this threshold would find the Wind-stopping Swamp to be nothing less than their final resting place.Luxurious airships were compelled to halt their journeys at the very fringes of this domain.Without the circulation of wind, even if they could somehow propel themselves forward, the vessels would move at a pace slower than a crawling turtle.The pervasive influence of a law that prohibited any form of wind exerted an unimaginable grip upon the entirety of the swamp's expanse. Any object that ventured within its confines would be unexpectedly subjected to its effects."The air quality here is perfectly fine, and we can breathe without issue," Yue Yang observed, finding the Wind-stopping Swamp to be remarkably strange. While breathing was possible, the generation of 'wind' was not? Exhaling in this place felt as arduous as trying to breathe underwater, perhaps even more so. In stark contrast, the process of inhalation was refreshingly smooth, creating a peculiar illusion that drawing air into one's lungs was not only easy but pleasant."Look!" Ming Ri Hao poured a measure of water from a cup into his hand.The water flowed downwards, mimicking the gentle descent of a soft waterfall. Numerous droplets splashed outwards, catching the sunlight as they glided languidly, gradually coalescing into a beautiful rainbow.Though the scene appeared visually stunning, Yue Yang, Sky Execution, and the others could discern the profound anomaly of the locale. The water's flow rate and the manner in which droplets fell were inexplicably sluggish! Yue Yang felt as though he were watching a scene from a movie, so slow was the movement, allowing for a clear and detailed observation of every falling droplet.Sky Execution, the Dragon Emperor, and the Underworld Emperor exchanged glances before extending their hands towards the heavens.A bolt of silver lightning crackled and shot forth from between his fingers. It serpentined through the sky like an agile electric eel, each arc and spark elegantly unfolding and persisting for an extended duration before fading. Yue Yang watched, his expression growing grave—it appeared the absence of 'wind' had a significant and detrimental impact on combat effectiveness. For someone like Sky Execution, whose abilities involved lightning, his typical offensive speed was likely diminished by at least five hundred to a thousand times its usual rate. Otherwise, launching a swift attack against an opponent would be impossible. While water and electricity were not explicitly forbidden by the governing laws, the environmental effect of no wind had undeniably compromised the velocity and efficacy of their offensive capabilities to some degree.The Underworld Emperor continuously swung his fists, feigning an assault on an unseen adversary before him.Due to the lack of wind, the speed of his punches was noticeably reduced, by at least ten percent. Simultaneously, the overall power of his strikes had also suffered a considerable weakening.After a period of contemplation, the Dragon Emperor finally managed to coalesce a sphere of light and launched it skyward. The resulting shockwave from the luminous projectile dissipated almost as if it had never materialized. However, the speed at which the scattered light dispersed was far beyond anyone's anticipation; it spread out with exceptional swiftness and vanished instantaneously, its ultimate destination unknown."I am surprised you noticed so quickly. With the exception of light and darkness, all other elemental energies are adversely affected within this region, their potency significantly curtailed. While light and dark elements remain unaffected, they transcend their usual constraints, evolving into forces beyond direct control. In essence, for a warrior who solely relies on their elemental powers, this place presents a dire predicament," Ming Ri Hao stated, a slight frown creasing his brow, aware that he was precisely the individual being alluded to.Despite concealing his true capabilities and presenting himself to the outside world as someone not primarily an elemental user, his greatest strengths lay in wielding fire and light. Yet, within this environment, his fire-based attacks were greatly diminished, and the light elemental forces became unmanageable, severely impacting his overall combat prowess.Sky Execution clenched his fists tightly.

The impact was significant, leaving the Underworld Emperor wishing he could disappear. His powers relied heavily on dark elements, and with their instability, he was reduced to a mere bystander. Fortunately, the Dragon Emperor fared better. Despite utilizing elemental power, as an oriental monster, his robust physique formed a crucial part of his combat strength.

Among the group, only Yue Yang seemed unaffected, finding amusement in the situation.

Regardless of the severity of the effects, those capable of wielding the power of the lesser laws and possessing a domain of creation could safeguard themselves.

Ming Ri Hao harbored intense resentment towards the brat, clenching his teeth and longing to strike him, yet he was powerless. He felt an overwhelming urge to end his own life.

As the Heaven Rankers cleared a path, Yue Yang drifted leisurely at the center of the procession, as if on a casual stroll.

No one else could afford such a relaxed demeanor.

Even with Heaven Rankers at the front and rear, and servants trailing behind, they were nearly consumed by a monstrous entity that erupted from the swamp's depths. Reaching the Central Island would have been an impossible feat were it not for the three Country Lords—Qinglang, Wanjiao, and Louluo—holding their positions at the vanguard and rearguard.

The air was still, and spatial distortions, often accompanied by devastating turbulence, were a frequent occurrence.

Even a powerhouse of Country Lord caliber had to exercise extreme caution when venturing into the Wind-stopping Swamp.

Without the aid of teleportation or any convenient mounts, relying solely on their own flight, a full day had passed, and they had yet to cover half the distance to the Central Island.

Thankfully, a considerable contingent of servants and guards had accompanied them. As they paused to camp on a patch of relatively dry ground, the servants bustled about, preparing refreshments and a feast for their masters. The only stark difference from Green Willow City was the horrific fate of a servant dispatched to a nearby stream for water and vegetables; he was wholly devoured by a bizarre swamp creature. This occurred even under the gaze of guards and two Heaven Rankers, vanishing in an instant, leaving no trace on the solid ground.

Although Country Lord Zhi Feng was furious and slew the serpentine, worm-like monster, it was too late to rescue the servant.

An examination of the creature's stomach revealed that its potent digestive acids had already reduced the unfortunate servant to skeletal remains.

Leader Jin’s lips quivered with fear, while Chief Steward Ye’s complexion turned ashen.

Instinctively, both men edged closer to Yue Yang, realizing that proximity to Master Titan offered the greatest security within the entire Wind-stopping Swamp.

“Is there no evening entertainment? How dull!” Yue Yang yawned, deciding to retreat to the Grimoire World for a well-deserved rest.

“…” A collective silence befell the group. Did he truly perceive this perilous expedition as a mere outing?

Things had been relatively manageable until a ferocious beast appeared.

A sense of dread washed over Country Lord Zhi Feng, prompting him to hasten to Sky Execution to devise a strategy.

True to his nature, Sky Execution excelled only in combat; strategizing with him proved entirely fruitless.

Conversely, the Dragon Emperor put forth a plan for an ambush and counterattack, tailored to the immediate surroundings.

It was only then that Country Lord Zhi Feng grasped that this middle-aged man, who always stood unobtrusively behind Master Titan and Sky Execution, was, in fact, a brilliant strategist brimming with acumen.

On the surface, there was no indication of his capabilities, but based on Country Lord Zhi Feng’s own perception and knowledge, he recognized that he himself could not have conceived such a plan independently. Within the short span of their association, this Dragon Emperor had meticulously assessed everyone’s strengths, skills, and willingness to cooperate. Based on these observations, he had formulated a strategy so sound that Country Lord Zhi Feng found it remarkably difficult to identify any flaws.

While this plan might not have been the absolute pinnacle of perfection globally, the most flawless strategy is rendered ineffective without the optimal collaborators.

Indeed, it wasn't an irrefutable plan, but it represented the most viable course of action available to them at that moment.

“Sir Long Xuan, are you by chance a Commander on the battlefield?” Country Lord Zhi Feng couldn’t refrain from inquiring.

“I am merely an ordinary guard attending Master Titan!” The Dragon Emperor chuckled, shaking his head. Naturally, he had no intention of revealing his true identity. Even if this Country Lord were to press him relentlessly, he would not divulge his secret.

Yet, this turn of events caused the Country Lord a degree of awkwardness.

A thought, tinged with uncertainty, crossed his mind: if this esteemed Sir Long Xuan were to intervene in the conflict between the three Domain Emperors, regardless of the faction he joined, the existing equilibrium would be shattered. The Emperor he allied with would inevitably ascend to become the undisputed Overlord of the Heavenly Splendour Territory. How could such a formidable and astute individual merely be an ordinary guard to Master Titan?

Could it be that all guards in the Upper Heaven Realm possessed such extraordinary capabilities?

Country Lord Zhi Feng found himself at a loss for words.

He dispatched Chief Steward Ye and Leader Jin to attend to their distinguished guests, then proceeded to confer with Qinglang, Wanjiao, and Louluo, harboring a plan to discuss its implementation.

Qinglang seemed amenable to the proposal, but Wanjiao and Louluo expressed a degree of dissatisfaction. Perhaps their pride had been wounded, or perhaps the intellect demonstrated by their companions had unsettled them psychologically. The ensuing discussion escalated into a dispute regarding the execution of the plan, reaching a point where Qinglang had to step aside and spend considerable effort attempting to mediate.

“It is approaching,” Sky Execution declared, his voice cutting through the silence as he opened his eyes, which blazed with killing intent.

Ming Ri Hao, who had been masquerading as a Level 3 Heaven Ranker, had sensed something earlier but chose to feign ignorance.

Observing Sky Execution and the Dragon Emperor rising, he offered a smile and remained reclined, unwilling to betray his true power. Sky Execution, the Dragon Emperor, and the Underworld Emperor were already aware of Ming Ri Hao’s identity and were not surprised by his peculiar and unconventional facade. A subtle, private understanding existed between him and Yue Yang, a secret they naturally intended to keep.

Meanwhile, the Bull Brothers slumbered soundly, seemingly oblivious. They were likely to remain undisturbed even if unceremoniously tossed into a swamp.

They remained completely unaware of the unfolding events, but Zhong Guan, sensing the movement of Sky Execution and the Dragon Emperor, promptly sprang to his feet. Forming a defensive circle, they stood ready to face the impending threat together.

Initially perplexed, Country Lord Zhi Feng quickly perceived the approaching danger, his expression shifting dramatically. “Such speed and power!”

As he uttered these words, a brilliant star suddenly ignited in the distant sky.

Though it appeared to be thousands of miles away, in less than two seconds from its appearance, it materialized directly before Country Lord Zhi Feng.

Before the Country Lord could finish his statement, this impossibly swift celestial body had already reached him. Simultaneously, it transformed into a formidable Ranker bathed in silver light. In a state of utter shock, he raised his gleaming fist and struck the face of Country Lord Zhi Feng, who remained frozen in disbelief and unable to react.

The sheer velocity of this assaulting adversary stunned even Sky Execution.

Ming Ri Hao, who had been feigning sleep on the ground, also snapped his eyes open abruptly.

“Boom!”

A powerful Heaven Ranker like Country Lord Zhi Feng found himself incapable of reacting to the onslaught, his defeat imminent as the fist connected with his face – he was powerless to resist!