The Unparalleled Sword Emperor Chapter 2744 - 2719: The Li Family Arrives!
Previously on The Unparalleled Sword Emperor...
In the heart of Dragon City's Central Square, a towering Stone Stele, ten meters in height, bears the bold inscription: "Black Water Reversal Boat, Advance or Retreat."
It was here that Lin Bai and Tang Yuezhi found themselves. Lin Bai sensed a growing presence of warriors, all drawn to Dragon City for exploration.
These individuals were infiltrating the city, ostensibly to gather intelligence and ascertain which family had secured the Commander Flag. Meanwhile, forces from other factions were slowly converging on Dragon City.
Upon reaching the Stone Stele, Tang Yuezhi, despite her lingering injuries and weakened state, wasted no time. She immediately sat down at its base, closed her eyes, and retrieved numerous Elixir Pills from her Storage Bag, commencing her recovery.
Having now entered Dragon City, Tang Yuezhi was resolved to fight with all her might.
Lin Bai placed the Commander Flag by Tang Yuezhi’s side and then ascended the ten-meter-high Stone Stele, his gaze surveying the four streets that radiated from the square.
The moon hung high above, bathing the ancient Dragon City in its cool, silvery light.
Only three to four hours remained until the break of dawn.
In the interim, more and more warriors began to pour into Dragon City.
The inevitable Decisive Battle for Dragon City was fast approaching!
...
Outside the city walls, in the northwestern sector, a considerable contingent of warriors lay concealed within the encroaching shadows.
Suddenly, a figure detached itself from Dragon City, moving with great speed towards the northwest corner. Upon locating the hidden warriors, the figure immediately dropped to one knee, reporting, "Young Master Li, my investigation is complete!"
"Currently, aside from those exploring the city, only two individuals remain within Dragon City: the eldest young lady of the Tang Family, Tang Yuezhi, and an unfamiliar male warrior!"
"It appears that the other six prominent families have yet to arrive in Dragon City!"
"Furthermore, there is no sign of the Zhao, Qian, or Zhou families, despite their considerable influence."
This scout swiftly relayed the current situation within Dragon City to the Li Family Young Master.
Li Xiao, the most gifted warrior of the younger generation within the Li Family, possessed strength that was difficult to fathom.
"Only two from the Tang Family?" Li Xiao inquired, a flicker of surprise in his voice.
The warrior confirmed, "Indeed, so far, we've only identified Miss Tang Yuezhi and one other individual. No other Tang Family warriors have been spotted. It is rumored that prior to reaching Dragon City, the Tang Family's forces were ambushed by the Qian Family, resulting in substantial casualties!"
Li Xiao's expression grew serious.
At that moment, an elder standing beside Li Xiao spoke in a low tone. "Young Master Li, with the Tang Family possessing only two members presently, this presents a golden opportunity for our Li Family!"
"Now, while the Zhao, Qian, and Zhou families have yet to make their appearance, we should seize Dragon City. Following that, I shall deploy a Formation that should effectively hold for three to four hours!"
"This way, the Commander Flag at dawn will undoubtedly belong to our Li Family," the elder added with a confident smile.
Li Xiao offered a slight nod. "I appreciate your efforts, Senior Mao Xin."
"Then let us not delay. We shall enter Dragon City, secure the Commander Flag first, and then have Senior Mao Xin erect the Formation to withstand the other families!"
"Into Dragon City!"
The martial artists of the Li Family made their resolve clear. Three to four hundred warriors, all at the Great Perfection stage of the Death Reversal Realm, surged forth from their hiding places, advancing directly into Dragon City.
The guest official the Li Family had enlisted was named Mao Xin. This elder was celebrated across a vast radius around Black Water City, particularly for his awe-inspiring array techniques that reached the heavens.
The Li Family understood that confronting the Zhao, Qian, and Zhou families head-on based on their own strength alone would be a near-impossible feat. Consequently, they devised an alternative strategy.
Before the arrival of the Zhou, Qian, Zhao, and other families in Dragon City, they intended to first seize the Commander Flag. Subsequently, they planned to establish a Formation and leverage its power to forcefully hold their position until the break of dawn.
The Li Family placed immense trust in Mao Xin's formidable array skills.
Within the desolate Central Square of Dragon City.
From his perch atop the Stone Stele, Lin Bai slightly raised his head, his gaze directed towards the western street. At this precise moment, a group of warriors rapidly approached the vicinity of the Central Square. Their eyes fixated on Lin Bai atop the Stone Stele and Tang Yuezhi, who was meditating below.
Tang Yuezhi, sensing the approach of these warrior auras, immediately opened her eyes. She whispered, "Warriors are approaching... they are from the Li Family, led by Li Xiao!"
Spotting an elder figure amidst the gathered people, Tang Yuezhi softly exclaimed, "I didn't expect the guest official the Li Family invited to be Mao Xin!"
Piqued by curiosity, Lin Bai inquired, "Is this individual well-known?"
Tang Yuezhi’s voice lowered to a whisper, "While his personal combat strength isn't formidable, his name resonates for millions of miles around Black Water City. His earth-shattering array techniques, in particular, inspire profound fear!"
Lin Bai offered a slight nod in acknowledgment.
Presenting a worried expression, Tang Yuezhi then stated, "Lin Bai, the Li Family now commands over three hundred experts. It appears they've faced no opposition from other families or demonic beasts on their journey, their strength remaining untouched!"
"Furthermore, I am gravely injured. Should a confrontation arise later, I fear..."
Lin Bai responded with a light chuckle, "There's no need for you to intervene; focus solely on your recovery. I shall handle these individuals myself!"
Tang Yuezhi found it difficult to comprehend Lin Bai's evident confidence, given their precarious position against such a formidable enemy.
Before the Li Family's contingent could reach the Central Square, Li Xiao stepped forward, greeting, "Long time no see, Yuezhi!"
Tang Yuezhi regarded Li Xiao, a bitter smile involuntarily gracing her lips.
Li Xiao continued, his voice laced with a confident edge, "I heard your Tang Family was ambushed by the Qian Family en route to Dragon City, leaving you as the sole survivor!"
"With your Tang Family's current diminished strength, holding onto the Commander Flag seems nearly impossible."
"Considering our shared history from childhood, I can offer you a chance. Relinquish the Commander Flag, abandon any claim to it, and assist our Li Family in securing it. I give you my word: should the Li Family prevail, your life will be spared!"
Li Xiao addressed Tang Yuezhi with apparent sincerity.
Tang Yuezhi opened her mouth, a helpless smile playing on her lips, attempting to speak but finding herself unable to utter a single word.
At this juncture, Lin Bai, seated atop the Stone Stele, declared with a cold tone, "The Tang Family is resolute in its claim to this Commander Flag. I advise you strongly against attempting to throw away your lives here!"
Li Xiao's gaze fixed upon Lin Bai, perched on the Stone Stele, as he inquired icily, "And who might you be?"
Lin Bai let out a laugh, responding, "I am Lin Bai, a guest official retained by the Tang Family!"
A sneer twisted Li Xiao's lips. "Do you truly believe the two of you can stand against the hundreds of experts amassed by our Li Family?"
Lin Bai's smile widened. "If you are truly intent on seeking your demise, I shall not hesitate to hasten your departure!"
Upon hearing this, Li Xiao's expression turned frigid.
At this moment, one of the Li Family warriors standing behind Li Xiao scoffed disdainfully, "Such audacious words! How dare the two of you from the Tang Family oppose our esteemed Li Family!"
"Li Xiao showed you kindness by offering a path, yet you choose to spurn it!"
"Li Xiao, let us dispense with further pleasantries. I shall take action, eliminate this ignorant guest official, and then claim the Commander Flag for ourselves!"
With his declaration, the Li Family warrior launched himself forward, hurtling directly towards Lin Bai on the Stone Stele, his strike imbued with formidable power!
In that instant, Lin Bai's eyes flashed, and two piercing beams of sword energy shot forth from his gaze, streaking like lightning and instantaneously bisecting the aggressor in mid-air.
The severed corpse plummeted to the ground, a gruesome shower of blood painting the surroundings!