Unstoppable Martial Arts: Starting with brother's wife and young sister Chapter 1056 - 528: The Shadowy Figure That Covers the Sky

"Moreover, these recent days have been incredibly active."

"Many individuals have met their demise, and even someone from the Eighth Layer has fallen!"

Duke Yuan voiced his concerns, his countenance even more somber than Duke Qin's.

"There's no need for excessive worry. We possess the Nine Heavens Star River Array, with the National Preceptor personally overseeing its deployment. Duke Liu is also present; the Blood Race will be incapable of breaching our defenses."

Duke Qin offered words of reassurance to him.

"Alas!"

Duke Yuan exhaled a protracted sigh. "For a considerable period, Great Yu has been denied peace. The might of the Blood Race is overwhelming. Should they manage to break through, it would spell utter devastation for Great Yu."

Given a choice, he would sooner witness any of the other nine perilous zones succumb than permit the Blood Race to escape the confines of the Blood Cry Realm.

The reason being... the Blood Race harbors a particular predilection for the Human Race.

They consume the blood of humans, especially that of Martial Artists; the more potent the cultivator, the greater their benefit.

Were they to breach the Blood Cry Realm, the Eastern Continent would irrevocably transform into a living hell.

"Should we dispatch Zhan Tian to the Blood Cry Realm for its defense?"

Duke Yuan directed his gaze toward Duke Qin. Zhan Tian currently stands as the most formidable figure in Great Yu, second only to Emperor Yu. With his oversight, coupled with the National Preceptor and the Nine Heavens Star River Array, security would be significantly enhanced.

"He is currently in seclusion!"

"He has already submitted his report to His Majesty, reportedly to fully comprehend the Sacred Body."

"Is this endeavor genuine, or a mere pretense?"

Duke Yuan eyed him with suspicion, finding the timing to be remarkably convenient.

"It should be genuine. Zhan Tian filed the report immediately upon his return."

"Very well, there should be no major complications for the time being."

"What truly concerns me at this juncture is the whereabouts of the Stone Race and the Tree-man Race."

If they remain in their established locations, all would be well.

However, if they have relocated... their subsequent emergence would undoubtedly present Great Yu with an immense surprise.

This constitutes his foremost preoccupation currently.

"Did you not dispatch someone to convey a message to him? What transpired?"

"The request was refused!"

In Duke Yuan's presence, there was no need for concealment.

"Preposterous!"

Duke Yuan bellowed in indignation. "He is a king of Great Yu, a minister serving Great Yu, and he dares to refuse such a directive; this is outright treason!"

"Maintain your composure!"

"You are aware that this stems entirely from Liu Sheng's influence."

The mere mention of Liu Sheng caused Duke Yuan, who had been incandescent with rage, to temper his fury.

He had endured numerous sacrifices for the sake of Great Yu.

Now, with only Chen Xuan remaining as his sole successor, the prospect of his demise would inflict profound sorrow upon his heart.

"Then, what course of action do we pursue now?"

"We dispatched numerous individuals previously, all of whom vanished without a trace; sending more would be equally futile!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Sheng massaged his throbbing temple, as this presented the most vexing predicament for him at present.

The once dignified Great Yu now found itself devoid of personnel to utilize; the one individual who could potentially be of service remained inaccessible!

"Might we petition His Majesty regarding the deployment of those individuals?"

"This..."

Duke Qin exhibited hesitation, for those individuals were personally cultivated by His Majesty, exhibiting unwavering loyalty to Emperor Yu, and their existence was merely known through hearsay.

Their exact number and their capabilities remained a mystery to all.

Naturally, Duke Yuan's current intention was for Duke Qin to address this matter directly with Emperor Yu.

After all, he held the position of Chief among the Three Dukes and was also a member of the Imperial Family.

"I shall give it consideration!"

His indecision stemmed not from apprehension, but from a lack of certainty regarding Emperor Yu's true intentions for those individuals.

"Dispatch a message to Liu Sheng!"

Duke Qin suddenly interjected.

"Hmm!"

Duke Yuan slowly inclined his head, comprehending the implication of Duke Qin's statement.

The subsequent day dawned!

Duke Yuan arranged for a messenger to deliver correspondence to the Ministry of Rites, which ultimately found its way into Chen Xuan's possession.

This was a contingency he had prearranged with Kang Bai.

Given Liu Sheng's severe injuries and his subsequent need for recuperation, any matter, regardless of its perceived importance, was to be first reviewed by Chen Xuan before a determination was made on whether to present it to Liu Sheng.

In a manner of speaking, Liu Sheng was currently being 'demoted' by Chen Xuan within the Ministry of Rites!

Chen Xuan now held the reins of true authority, with Kang Bai acting as his intermediary.

"What is the proposed course of action?"

Kang Bai inquired of Chen Xuan.

Duke Yuan had personally penned a letter, and since the matter directly involved him, it was imperative to ascertain his stance.

"Let it be."

Chen Xuan stated placidly, and the handwritten letter from Duke Yuan dissolved into nothingness within his grasp.

"The Chief Eunuch has only recently begun to recover; let us refrain from burdening him further."

"We shall proceed as if we never received it."

Knowing that Duke Qin had dispatched multiple expeditions to the Tree-man Race's Celestial Eye Forest, all of which never returned, he lost all interest, even if the place held appeal. This location isn't going anywhere; it's best to explore it once one's power is sufficient. Why court unnecessary danger!

Kang Bai's expression grew grave. He had honestly not anticipated that Duke Yuan's personal correspondence would be so easily nullified by Chen Xuan, even though he was no longer the Chief Eunuch of the Ritual Department!

"Brother Kang, you should just mind your own affairs and pretend you know nothing about this!"

"And don't concern yourself with anything else either."

Upon hearing this, Kang Bai slowly inclined his head. "Very well, we shall proceed according to your wishes then!"

...

At the threshold of the Blood Cry Realm.

The encampment was cloaked in darkness, with two figures conspicuously seated opposite each other.

"How much longer does Elder Ji require?"

Shadow inquired in a hushed tone, fixing his gaze upon the other individual.

"It's proving somewhat problematic, as several crucial areas are situated too close to Great Yu's National Preceptor. We dare not make a move while he remains vigilant!"

"If speed is of the essence, he must be distracted so he cannot attend to matters here."

Shadow immediately grasped the implication.

"In that case, over the next few days, we shall instigate a full-scale assault from the Blood Race. You and your associates will seize this chance to dismantle the formation!"

"Understood!"

With these words exchanged, the tent reverted to silence, and the two figures vanished into the night.

The following day!

Tens of thousands of elite Blood Race warriors launched an incessant assault upon the garrison forces of Great Yu. Amongst them, several combatants were not inferior to those at the Eighth Layer's Peak of the Dao Realm.

"National Preceptor!"

"Activate the Nine Heavens Star River Array to its fullest extent!"

Duke Liu, observing the National Preceptor seated atop the altar and the myriad figures descending from the heavens, could no longer restrain himself and spoke.

"Activating the Nine Heavens Star River Array to its maximum capacity will only sustain its function for a single hour!"

"Thereafter, it can only be maintained at half capacity, and the suppression exerted upon the Blood Race will diminish by a minimum of fifty percent."