“Let’s go!”
Ji Ning turned the head of his double-winged sky wolf, then threw a remark to Sikong Zun, “Sikong Zun, as long as I, Ji Ning, am here, your True Demon Empire can forget any designs on the Divine Phoenix Empire!”
With that, his group quickly departed.
They came in haste and left just as swiftly.
The speed of the double-winged sky wolf was astonishing.
Sand filled the air.
Dust swirled wildly.
This was a city with a harsh, illusory environment.
It stood on the border of the Divine Phoenix Empire, guarding the northern gate.
It faced the empire’s fiercest enemy, the Black Raven Empire.
The Divine Phoenix Continent was dominated by the Divine Phoenix Empire, which held nearly half its territory.
The Black Raven Empire controlled eight-tenths of the remaining half.
Rumour had it that the Black Raven Empire was backed by forces from the White Tiger Continent.
The White Tiger Continent, the third continent, was far stronger than the Divine Phoenix Continent. Warriors from the Divine Phoenix Continent couldn’t reach the White Tiger Continent without achieving the Cave Heaven Realm.
Not only were the routes perilous, but the White Tiger Continent was also teeming with formidable experts.
Perhaps the Divine Phoenix Empire’s alliance with the True Demon Empire was tied to the Black Raven Empire.
On a dusty, sandy road stood a lone figure.
A man wearing a ghost mask.
Despite the raging wind and swirling sand, everything naturally parted a few metres from him, forming a strange spherical barrier.
A group approached from the distance, halting when they neared the man.
“Mr. Ghost Mask!”
This was Ji Ning’s party, returning from the imperial city.
The masked man was, of course, Ling Xiao.
“May we speak privately?” Ling Xiao asked, cupping his hands.
He had intercepted Ji Ning here solely to propose an alliance.
To counter the True Demon Empire, he couldn’t act alone. He needed allies.
Ji Ning, known for his bold and straightforward nature, would be a valuable partner. An alliance could secure Ling Xiao a foothold in the Divine Phoenix Empire.
“This isn’t the place to talk. How about we head to North Desert City to discuss?” Ji Ning said, cautiously scanning the surroundings.
“Very well!” Ling Xiao nodded. After travelling so long, he was tired, and resting in North Desert City sounded appealing.
Besides, forming an alliance required showing his true face and identity to build trust.
“Come, offer Mr. Ghost Mask a double-winged sky wolf!” Ji Ning, intrigued by the mysterious masked man, was pleased Ling Xiao agreed to join him and ordered a mount for him.
“Thank you!” Ling Xiao didn’t refuse.
Though his Heavenly Origin Power was vast, the long journey had worn him out. Riding a double-winged sky wolf would be a relief.
He didn’t rush to reveal his identity. Since Ji Ning felt this place was unsafe, likely fearing surveillance, Ling Xiao stayed cautious.
The group rode off in a grand procession.
Moments later, where the double-winged sky wolf had flown low, a strange plant sprouted.
It resembled a cactus but bore a human face.
The face was split, half black, half white, a hallmark of the Yin-Yang Demon King’s minions.
“Report back quickly. The masked man has made contact with Ji Ning. Unfortunately, North Desert City is protected by a grand formation, so we can’t get close,” the Yin-Yang face said, followed by rustling sounds from the ground as it swiftly retreated.
North Desert City loomed closer.
From afar, the towering city looked like a fortress of sand, lacking the imperial city’s opulence or the sacred city’s grandeur.
It was barren, set in a harsh environment.
“This is an isolated city. If surrounded, reinforcements can’t reach it. Has the general never considered retreating to build a city by the mountains for stronger defence?” Ling Xiao asked, puzzled.
Ji Ning smiled, shaking his head. “Mr. Ghost Mask, look behind the city.”
“Behind?” Ling Xiao tapped the double-winged sky wolf, which soared to a height of ten metres. He saw a lush oasis behind the city, with abundant water and many residents living there.
Most of these people were clearly weak, not even warriors.
If North Desert City retreated, this area would be exposed to the Black Raven Empire’s iron hooves, leading to slaughter and the destruction of the only oasis, displacing thousands.
“I didn’t misjudge him. Ji Ning isn’t just bold and upright; he cares for the people. Few would place themselves in such danger to protect civilians,” Ling Xiao thought, his respect for Ji Ning rising.
“Mr. Ghost Mask, you may not know, but North Desert City used to be behind the oasis for a more comfortable life. When the general arrived, he built a new city entirely with soldiers, not conscripting a single civilian!” a deputy from North Desert City said.
“Oh?” Ling Xiao responded.
“If you don’t believe it, ask the villagers. The city is still under construction, planned to encircle the oasis. This way, invaders can’t bypass the city to harm the people,” the deputy added, noting Ling Xiao’s surprise.
“I believe it!” Ling Xiao said with a smile. “A man who’d risk his life for a promise wouldn’t find this difficult.”
“Alas, I’m just doing what I can. The Divine Phoenix Empire looks glorious but is surrounded by enemies, fraught with peril. As the top empire on the Divine Phoenix Continent, everyone wants to see it fall and carve up its riches,” Ji Ning sighed. “Protecting these people isn’t purely out of kindness. I also want to train more capable warriors. Conditions here aren’t like the Divine Phoenix Academy or Qingxu Academy, but they forge tougher people!”
“Exactly! The Divine Phoenix and Qingxu Academies send students here yearly for training!” the deputy said excitedly. “Those proud students lose their arrogance when facing Black Raven Empire warriors. Even if they’re stronger, they can’t compete without grit. They need honing to survive on the battlefield.”
“He’s right. Mr. Ghost Mask, you know the next continent is the White Tiger Continent, correct?” Ji Ning asked suddenly.
Ling Xiao nodded. “Yes.”
“But you likely don’t know there’s an island between the Divine Phoenix and White Tiger Continents?” Ji Ning asked.
Ling Xiao shook his head. “I haven’t heard of it.”
