Chapter 1466: Jealousy of the Worthy and Able

The grand pass stretched on, and Xiyu City, built against the mountains, was extremely majestic.

That city wall was like a gate, keeping the demon army at bay for millions of years.

The demons were warlike; ever since the Nine-Entropy Heavenly Emperor rose, Xiyu City had become one of the key battlefields between humans and demons.

The Dalan Imperial City had once sent several Divine Lord realm experts, attempting to storm Xiyu City.

The Jiangyong Imperial City, not to be outdone, also sent several Divine Lord realm experts to meet the enemy.

That battle was fought until the sky darkened and the earth dimmed, nearly shattering Xiyu City.

In the end, both sides suffered heavy losses.

Those dozen or so Divine Lord realm experts were almost completely wiped out.

After that, the Dalan Imperial City no longer dared to storm Xiyu City, instead shifting the focus of the war to other fronts.

Over the millions of years since, the Dalan and Jiangyong Imperial Cities had traded victories and defeats, but neither could overcome the other.

Because the cities on other fronts had great depth; once the demon army launched an attack, they were easily caught between two fires.

Even if they occasionally defeated the humans, they were soon repelled by the human wave tactics.

Only Xiyu City, once breached, would allow the demon army to drive straight in, right up to the gates of Jiangyong Imperial City—it was the most important.

Thus, over the years, the demons had never given up the idea of capturing Xiyu City.

Crossing the Demon Summoning Ridge was a surprise move, allowing them to bypass the southern wall of Xiyu City and attack directly from the north.

Compared to the southern wall, reinforced with countless formations, the northern wall was undoubtedly much weaker.

Once the divine soldiers descended and the surprise attack succeeded, Xiyu City would surely fall!

Along the way, Zhao Bin had shaken off the others, driving his divine essence to the limit as he rushed back to Xiyu City.

"Open the gate! Open the gate! I am Zhao Bin, under Centurion Zong Tao! Open the gate!" Zhao Bin shouted at the top of his lungs, using all his strength, toward the city wall.

"Creak..."

The city gate opened, and Zhao Bin charged in with all his might.

"Zhao Bin, why are you back alone? Where are the others? You're in such a panic—what happened?" A figure approached, quite displeased.

Zhao Bin was startled, then said, "Centurion! Something terrible has happened! The demon army used some unknown means to cross the Demon Summoning Ridge natural barrier and is attacking!"

This man was Zong Tao, the centurion of Ling Feng's squad.

Under Zong Tao, Ling Feng was the strongest and had the most distinguished military achievements, on the verge of breaking through to the mid-stage of Insight Heaven, threatening Zong Tao's position as centurion.

Therefore, Zong Tao had always been wary of him.

Zong Tao frowned, saying, "Nonsense! How could the demons come from over there?"

Zhao Bin urged, "Centurion, it's absolutely true! We encountered five demon squads, and their captain said so himself!"

Zong Tao still didn't believe it, saying, "The demons are cunning—how can you believe what they say? Besides, if you really encountered five squads, how did you escape?"

Zhao Bin was momentarily speechless, then said, "Maybe... maybe some passing human senior saved us! Centurion, I swear it's true!"

Seeing Zong Tao's disbelief, Zhao Bin was frantic, his heart burning with anxiety.

He knew that Zong Tao didn't like their squad. He just hadn't expected to run into Zong Tao as soon as he entered the city.

Zong Tao frowned, "Fine, let me ask you: how did the demons cross the natural barrier? How many came? Who is leading them?"

Zhao Bin was utterly crushed—how would he know?

"Centurion, the captain has gone to investigate; he should be back soon! He'll have detailed intelligence. But the military situation is urgent—this must be reported for the Grand General to decide!" Zhao Bin said.

Zong Tao was relentless, angrily saying, "Zhao Bin, are you done? You went on patrol, gathered no intelligence, and come back spouting nonsense! What if this is a deliberate rumor spread by the demons to lure us into defending the north gate while they attack the south gate? Who will take responsibility? Hmm? You or me?"

Zhao Bin was completely deflated, left speechless by Zong Tao.

In essence, Zong Tao simply didn't want to take responsibility.

After all, incidents of demons infiltrating the Demon Summoning Ridge area had occurred before.

So when Zong Tao first heard it, he found it unreliable.

After all, crossing a natural barrier was too incredible.

Coupled with Zong Tao's inherent prejudice against Ling Feng's squad, he was even less willing to report the matter without solid evidence.

"What are you arguing about? What's happened?"

Just as Zhao Bin was at a loss, a dignified voice rang out.

Hearing this, Zong Tao quickly bowed and said, "Commander Wang, nothing much. This subordinate was being too lax, and I was just disciplining him!"

As Zhao Bin was about to speak, Zong Tao shot him a fierce glare, clearly threatening him.

Commander Wang nodded, "Mm, since the patrol here is done, all of you go to the south city. The demons have been stirring lately; it seems the army has assembled and is about to attack the south city."

With that, Commander Wang turned to leave.

Zhao Bin gritted his teeth and shouted, "Commander, I have an important military report!"

"Shut up! How dare you act presumptuously before the Commander?"

Zong Tao hadn't expected this guy to disobey his order, and he kicked him directly.

Zhao Bin was no match for Zong Tao; he was sent flying by the kick and spat out a mouthful of blood.

Commander Wang frowned, "What's going on?"

As Zong Tao was about to speak, Zhao Bin, ignoring his injuries, shouted hoarsely, "The demons... the demons have crossed the Demon Summoning Ridge natural barrier and have gathered an army to ambush Xiyu City from the north!"

Zong Tao's face changed, "Commander, don't listen to his nonsense; this needs to be verified!"

Commander Wang's face also changed, and he said solemnly, "What exactly is going on? Let him finish!"

...

Ye Yuan and the other took a long detour and finally slowly flew up the cliff.

Along the way, Ling Feng felt as if he were dreaming.

Divine Path cultivators in the Tongtian Realm couldn't fly; this feeling of floating in the air was utterly marvelous.

He had never imagined that one day he could fly through the air.

"Brother Ye, this time I truly owe you my life. Thanks to you, we found a way out of certain death! I, Old Ling, owe you one!" Ling Feng said.

"Heh, Captain Ling, you're too kind. You defend Xiyu City to the death, protecting millions of humans behind you. How many lives do they owe you? It's because of your bloody battles that others can live in peace." Ye Yuan said with a smile.

Ling Feng blushed at Ye Yuan's words, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Under the oppression of the demons, they had no choice but to resist.

Not resisting meant death!

"Brother Ye, what should we do now?"

Unconsciously, Ling Feng had come to rely on Ye Yuan.

Ye Yuan was resourceful, bold yet cautious; being by his side gave Ling Feng a sense of security.

A smile flickered at the corner of Ye Yuan's mouth, and he said, "Our way back has probably been cut off. How about... we launch a counterattack?"