Chapter 728, A Restless Night

Translator: Silavin

 

However, compared to their relatively peaceful rest, the numerous experts from the Sky Elephant Imperial Dynasty who occupied this gathering point did not relax in the slightest. In fact, of the three figures originally seated cross-legged on the central stone platform, only Xia Lieyang remained. The other two had moved to position themselves at the main entrance.

 

Their vigilant, battle-ready stance suggested they were wary of something approaching.

 

[What could make them so cautious?]

 

Observing their movements, doubt flickered in the eyes of the many experts present.

 

Four Mid Stage Martial Emperors. In the outer region of the ancient battlefield, what could possibly warrant such wariness from them?

 

Night deepened. The blood-red crescent Moon had climbed to its zenith in the sky, its dark crimson moonlight cascading over the camp, adding an eerie atmosphere to the surroundings.

 

At a certain moment, Qin Yichen, who had been sitting quietly, suddenly snapped his eyes open. They were filled with a grave intensity as his gaze shot towards the perimeter of the camp. Through the gaps between mountain peaks, crimson lights flickered. Lights that sent chills down one’s spine.

 

In mere moments, those scarlet glows became increasingly distinct. The ground began to tremble slightly, and the entire camp started to shake with minute vibrations.

 

*Whoosh!*

 

With the first tremor, nearly every expert in the camp simultaneously opened their eyes. Powerful auras erupted in waves.

 

When they saw the dense concentration of blood-red beast eyes surrounding them from all directions in the distance, their faces instantly paled.

 

[A Demonic Beast attack?]

 

Qin Yichen’s brow furrowed. He had known the first night in the ancient battlefield would not pass that easily!

 

*Roar! Roar!*

*Thud! Thud!*

 

In the distance, violent beast roars echoed continuously. The stampede of countless Demonic Beasts caused the ground to shake as if from an earthquake.

 

Within moments, hundreds of Demonic Beasts with crimson eyes appeared in everyone’s line of sight. What was even more terrifying was that behind them, even more scarlet glows flickered in the darkness.

 

“Everyone, remain calm! With the gathering point’s defenses, they cannot break through so easily!”

 

As panic spread through the crowd, Xia Lieyang’s resonant voice boomed across.

 

Hearing this, numerous gazes turned towards him as if he were their saviour.

 

“As long as everyone follows the orders of our Sky Elephant Imperial Dynasty, you will safely survive this night!”

 

Xia Lieyang slowly rose to his feet. His gaze swept across the entire assembly, his voice reaching every ear. The aura of a Peak Mid Stage Martial Emperor acted like a stabilizing force, easing the tension in everyone’s hearts.

 

After all, the Sky Elephant Imperial Dynasty, the occupiers of this gathering point, possessed four Mid Stage Martial Emperors!

 

“With the Sky Elephant Imperial Dynasty holding the fort, this gathering point won’t fall!”

 

“That’s right! As long as we can defend this place, we’ll follow your orders!”

 

The moment Xia Lieyang finished speaking, echoes of agreement rippled through the crowd.

 

Those who had swallowed their pride to pay Spirit Seeds for entry were not simpletons. For most, enduring a single horrifying night in the ancient battlefield was worth any temporary loss of dignity.

 

Naturally, there were still some stubborn Souls who bristled at the thought of taking orders from Xia Lieyang. Though many felt resentment stirring in their hearts, none dared show it at this moment.

 

After all, the Sky Elephant Imperial Dynasty had killed dissenters more than once at the entrance. Their authority had already cowed the crowd into submission.

 

With a subtle gesture from Xia Lieyang, two Mid Stage Martial Emperors began organizing the crowd, assigning people to defend various sections of the thick walls.

 

“You lot, go with them and defend the northern wall!”

 

When one of the Mid Stage Martial Emperors approached Qin Yichen, a glint of malicious intent flashed in his eyes. He pointed toward the northern iron wall and barked orders at Qin Yichen’s group.

 

Following the direction of his finger, Qin Yichen’s brow furrowed.

 

According to his perception, the northern side emanated far more murderous intent than any other direction. The concentration of crimson eyes was significantly greater there as well.

 

“That direction has the most Demonic Beasts! How are the few of us supposed to hold it?!” Liu Yun was no fool. This blatant disparity was obvious at first glance. As the Young Pavilion Master of Rainbow Light Pavilion, when had he ever been ordered around like this, like expendable cannon fodder? Immediately, he protested.

 

“Insolence!” Faced with Liu Yun’s defiance, the Mid Stage Martial Emperor flicked his sleeve. Without another word, a powerful surge of Yuan Energy blasted towards him.

 

*Bang!*

 

Confronting this casual strike, Liu Yun’s expression darkened. Though his Yuan Energy was somewhat unstable, his cultivation realm, which Rainbow Light Pavilion had poured countless resources into bolstering, gave him confidence. Without retreating, he released an equally formidable wave of Yuan Energy that collided with the attack, forcibly blocking it.

 

“Oh? Peak Early Stage Martial Emperor Realm?”

 

Seeing that his attack failed to send Liu Yun flying, surprise flickered through the Mid Stage Martial Emperor’s eyes.

 

Though this young man’s cultivation realm was lower than his own, he could sense that the majestic power within his opponent was not inferior to his!

 

“*Hmph!* Rather than waste that energy here, save it for when you’re defending against the Demonic Beasts!”

 

The commotion drew considerable attention. The burly Mid Stage Martial Emperor snorted coldly. “If you refuse to follow our orders, don’t blame us for throwing you outside to become food for the beasts!”

 

“Don’t cause trouble.” Just as Liu Yun was about to argue further, Qin Yichen grabbed his arm. Simultaneously, his voice resonated directly in Liu Yun’s mind. “Their current force is overwhelming. We lack the strength to confront them.”

 

Hearing this, Liu Yun could only snort unwillingly. He understood perfectly well that he might barely handle one Martial Emperor, but that leader was someone even his Martial Soul might not be able to defeat!

 

With just the three of them, further resistance would only invite humiliation!

 

*Hmph!*

 

Observing Liu Yun’s fury was barely contained beneath the surface, the Mid Stage Martial Emperor snorted coldly before striding toward another area.

 

Not far from Qin Yichen’s trio stood several isolated experts, all wearing expressions of bitter resignation. They had merely been standing nearby. How had they been dragged into this mess?

 

“Let’s go!” Qin Yichen drew a deep breath, suppressing the fury in his heart. Xia Lieyang’s retaliation had come far too swiftly. Merely because of a moment’s displeasure, he sought to orchestrate their deaths. This was without even dirtying his own hands, using the Demonic Beasts as his weapon.

 

[How ruthless.]