Murong Xue forced herself to calm down.
" Don't stop! If we want to save them, we have to take the city! "
" Don't leave the ranks! "
" Slaughter your enemies! "
" For his majesty! "
Her shouts brought everyone back, as they also shouted with renowned fervor, " For his majesty! "
The March resumed.
But, now it became even bloodier.
The young'ns, elderly...They didn't care.
Anyone that appeared before them was slaughtered!
But, as they reached closer, the harder it became to rush forward.
The enemies seemed endless.
If they killed one, ten would appear.
If they killed ten, hundred will appear.
It was endless.
And they were resurrecting non stop at the city gates.
Each time they resurrected they charged into the crowd with red burning eyes like crazy monsters.
These western demons didn't even have enough space to approach them!
They had to climb upon each other to move forward.
Those Royal Guards now couldn't even see the blazing sun above, being covered in enemies in every direction!
" No!!! Captain Save me!!!! "
Murong Xue gasped, as she heard another pleading shout. She hurriedly killed every enemy around her and looked back.
For a fleeting moment, she saw a Stage 2 Royal Guard being kidnapped again.
This was already 8th time now.
She gritted her teeth and ignored that comrade and kept fighting.
Everyone else did the same.
And sure enough such shouts rang again and again from here on.
By the time, they had reached beneath the Hiesta city wall...
They almost had no Stage 2 Royal Guards amongst them, even some Stage 3 Royal Guards were missing.
" Hold your shields high! " Murong Xue ordered coldly, her mesmerizing oval face etched with solemnity.
From the city walls, the bombs, bullets, fireballs, burning oil sacks bombarded them.
But, no Royal Guard stopped as they all rammed into the majestic city gate!
The thick gate weighing tons was effortlessly thrashed as thousand... No, now 698 Royal Guards of Celestial Empire entered the city.
In airship, Empress Dowager elatedly smiled.
" We won! "
Zhao Muchen though shook his head, " With all the resources I provided them...their display still falls short of my expectations. But, alas some sacrifices are necessary for their future growth. "
Hearing her son's words, Empress Dowager nodded.
" Murong Xue and Song Xue are both unyielding warriors. I suppose we can elevate them to Ministers next, " She spoke seeing two women display of strength.
" You're right mother. They have served me unhesitatingly. After this campaign, I'll elevate one of them to Stage 4. Depends on who performs better today, " Zhao Muchen said with regal aura.
He was interested in stirring the rivalry amongst those two women of his, enjoying their utmost devotion.
" Hmm, " Hearing so Empress dowager affirmed with an understanding nod, " There are most likely no Stage 4 enemies in city. So, they need to shut down the barrier artifact or if they manage to kill the Player even better! This serves as a great platform for their competition... Chen'er, the battle in the skies is also about to end! "
Zhao Muchen raised his chin, staring at the scene in the sky.
Venerable Maoyin stood in the skies like mount tai, her pristine white robe complementing her skin tone as she fought multiple opponents at once.
With how fast the battle was going on, it was almost a blur to the eyes.
But, after each hands off, Zhao Muchen could observe the setting.
While his Venerable Maoyin was almost unharmed, those Stage 4 women fighting her were in a beyond sorry state.
The serpentine green dragon was barely held together, it's majesty and grace almost negligible.
The white haired young girl who seemed to be strongest amongst them had lost an arm.
While, the little loli with fierce attitude had a terrifying hole in her left chest where her heart should have been.
Everyone else who was fighting Venerable Maoyin was in similar state.
Even those 3 women defending against his 6 ministers were barely holding on, only because of their brute strength.
' These women clearly lack any semblance to warriors. Just a random bunch who most likely never touched a weapon in their lifetime. Only admirable thing in them might be their white figures and slightly fuller bodies. '
Zhao Muchen licked his lips, as he stared at those luscious bodies of his enemy's women.
These western women naturally had whiter bodies compared to women from his homeland.
Besides, these women were also physically stronger.
That meant he could be as rough as he wanted with them.
Now that victory was almost secured, Zhao Muchen started thinking about ways to humiliate his enemy.
At similar moment, Murong Xue led the Royal Guards into the Hiesta city.
With a single glance, she found out the location of Resurrection artifact!
" Destroy the artifact! " She ordered.
" Kill! " The single word resounded, and the battle insued.
Hiesta city's women had no place to retreat, so they protected the resurrection artifact with their lives.
Piling up living bodies, they defended the line.
Blood flowed like river, as the ground dyed red.
Men from Tier 4 Residency hid in their houses like rats.
Only few of the brave ones sneaked out, only to see buildings burning and crumbling, ground shattering and unending explosions.
Many of them couldn't even sneak a peek, as they died just by aftermath of random attacks, obviously never to resurrect.
The Tier 4 Residency of Hiesta City was completely turned into the Battle ground!
But, at this moment a surprising development occured in the skies.
Madison who was fighting Venerable Maoyin at frontmost suddenly retreated while shouting, " RETURN TO THE CITY! "
Other Stage 4 women didn't hesitate, as they dropped their opponents and rapidly retreated towards the barrier.
Venerable Maoyin's eyes narrowed, " You think you can escape? "
With a derisive snort she clasped her hand, 72 Golden Idols formed around her.
The light was blinding, but the destructive force that followed was undeniably strong!
" Beech! secure the retreat! " Madison shouted, seeing some of them wouldn't make it.
The Serpentine Dragon didn't hesitate, it understood Madison better than anyone for they were both connected to each other for life and death.
With its figure at the edge of destruction it's snake like dragon figure charged right into 72 Golden Idols.
Even Venerable Maoyin was surprised, as the Serpentine Dragon exploded against the Golden idols, blocking the large part of her special move.
This gave everyone a moment to escape to the safety of the barrier.
At the same time, deep inside the First tier Residency a little sapling came out of the ground.
It peered up at the sky, seeing its comrades safe it sighed in relief and returned to the sleep.
" Too tired... " It's childish voice muttered weakly.
Meanwhile, Zhao Muchen could feel the barrier retreating from above his airship.
It now only covered the Hiesta city again, just like before.
Only difference was that...
Now Murong Xue and his Royal Guards were stuck inside!
" Chen'er... Should I intervene? " Empress Dowager worriedly frowned.
" Don't worry. They are safe," Zhao Muchen composedly said.
He took out a round disc, it was vibrating non stop.
Few moments ago, inside Hiesta city's barrier the Royal Guards were feeling despair as they saw multiple Stage 4 auras falling on them.
" S-Sister Murong what now? " Song Xue was trembling with blood leaking out of her seven orifices.
Others had already dropped their weapons as they couldn't even stand straight under that pressure.
Only two of them remained standing.... Barely.
Murong Xue didn't reply, she took out a disc from her pocket and with difficulty threw it to the ground.
The disc as soon as touched the ground, it morphed into a giant futuristic artifact.
It was the artifact to share coordinates!
The barrier around Hiesta city wasn't simple.
Until they were outside the city, they had never entered the real protective barrier which not only protected the things inside but also masked the true coordinates of the core of the city.
But, with this artifact she had done her job and sent the true coordinates out.
Now all she needed to do was for her allies to come to rescue.
With such thought, Murong Xue gave up.
The last thing she saw before loosing consciousness was the appearance of multiple purple-black cracks in the sky.
With esteemed ministers of Celestial Empire walking out of those unnatural gateways.
Followed by a beautiful woman with shaved head, dressed in simple white robes with compassionate smile on her face.
* * * *
Surrounded by the six female ministers, Venerable Maoyin smiled compassionately, and clasped her hands.
" This poor nun has come to bring you western demons to Nirva-"
Before her words could be completed, Venerable Maoyin found herself outside the God forsaken barrier again.
She blinked twice as her face twisted in something unrecognizable.
The six ministers left behind in the Hiesta city also became horrified as they saw Venerable Maoyin just disappearing randomly.
They tried to return to Venerable Maoyin's side, only to be blocked by the horrendous barrier.
Zhao Muchen in his majestic airship also felt shocked.
His eyes filled with terrifying understanding.
The opponent he looked down upon, never planned to take small bites out of his Royal Guards!
" ... His intention all along was for my ministers, " The realisation made Zhao Muchen grit his teeth.
He had been led by nose all along.
He had not thought, that his Stage 4 women who were almost invincible were the real preys.
' It makes sense... It makes sense... Why didn't I think like this... For someone like this, Stage 4 women are the most important! With them he could directly acquire a Stage 5 Promotion token! '
Understanding the reasoning behind his loss, Zhao Muchen calmed down a lot.
But, the humiliation he felt at this moment was beyond anything he had ever felt.
" Venerable Maoyin, destroy the barrier. Unless your breath ceases. I order you to not stop! " Zhao Muchen ordered.
" This poor nun obeys, " Venerable Maoyin complied as she bombarded the barrier.
The ministers stuck inside did the same.
But, after few moments multiple Stage 4 auras locked onto them.
Venerable Maoyin watched helplessly, as those enemies she had beaten up like dogs now ganging up on her allies.
Especially, the white haired girl and little loli were too domineering!
They seamlessly teamed up and singled out each Stage 4 minister, and destroyed them one by one.
The residents of the Hiesta city joyfully watched as their enemies crumbled beneath the hands of their mighty Countesses!
Obviously, no part of city was harmed because an unseen power separated that battle from residencies!
Zhao Muchen also watched this from his airship.
He thought for a moment and finally made a decision.
Touching the disc in his hand, he spoke majestically, " As the Emperor, I decree thy to obey me. Come to my aid my subjects! "
With the single thought, a ground breaking change occurred.
The sky above Hiesta city and hundreds of kilometres around melted, with sun and clouds disappearing.
The phenomenon appeared even above Melbourne where Alsa looked up with shock as countless dark cracks materiliazied in the air.
The air trembled and distorted, as the massive objects started arriving from the inside.
Alsa's ability activated as she could see that every object in the sky was a peerless artifact!
And as moments passed those objects became completely visible in the shape of massive skyships!
The flying ships that could transverse distance with just a thought.
The Phenomenon was especially daunting at the Hiesta city, as the sun completely disappeared up in the sky leaving behind only countless dark tide and countless ships emerging from it.
This was the true armada of Celestial Empire!
The complete power of Zhao Muchen in its whole.
Zhao Muchen's composed smile returned as he saw such majestic scene.
He had pulled out his whole Armada from the World Dungeon!
Even those ministers who were barely holding on, were overjoyed and fought with even more vigor, while Madison and others faltered.
The scene was just that terrifying.
As far as one could see there were only ships of Celestial Empire bearing the sigil of the 12 Suns.
The daunting display of unmeasured power was beyond terrifying!
How many warriors could be there?
Zhao Muchen himself didn't know, how many of them were in his armada.
The numbers went beyond millions!
Even Alex who was lazily lounging into his abode surrounded by naked beauties, thought that this display was too extravagant, too arrogant, too powerful!
Such momentum couldn't be allowed to exist!
He stood up from his bed, and flew up towards the sky.
The impenetrable barrier made way for him, as he appeared in front of millions of eyes.
With a single look, he could see through everything.
With his appearance, he could see the shock, surprise, wonder and even derision appear in the eyes of these Eastern Invaders.
A beautiful, cold and aloof eastern woman with gentle features yet contrasting sharp attitude, almond like eyes and sword like eyebrows looked at Alex with scrutinizing gaze as she slowly floated from the foremost skyship.
Dressed in the Golden Robe with symbols of Phoenix and cradling the Phoenix Crown on her head, she descended akin to Godess untouched by mortal values.
Her wide sleeves fluttered gracefully, while her expression remained emotionless, as if nothing in this world could move her frosty heart.
But, by just standing there, it was as if she had become the center of the Whole World!
Alex's eyes narrowed, as he could feel her aura that surpassed anyone he had met before.
Stage 5!
No! Stage 5 Peak! Just one level away from Stage 6!
Venerable Maoyin who was standing nearby, solemnly approached and made a respectful gesture, " This poor nun greets Her Majesty, The Empress. "
The Phoenix robed woman raised her hand, before turning to Alex, " I believe you're the Lord of this city, Player Alex Mastiford. "
Alex raised his eye, " You have done your homework. That's me. You must be the revered Empress of Celestial Empire. "
Alex's eyes naturally wandered over Empress' beautiful body.
Empress remained unmoved at the blatant provocation.
With her superior and regal attitude, looking down on Alex like an immortal staring at the ant, she spoke.
" Lord Alex, I give you two choices. Put down your ambitions and surrender to the might of Celestial Empire by suiciding or perish right here today in the worst way possible. "
By now, multiple Stage 4 humans had already surrounded this place, leaving Alex no way to escape his next predicament, if the Empress wanted him dead.
Alex humbly spoke, " Can't we find another way? I want to negotiate. I'll return those all women I have captured without even touching their hair. I just want you to leave me alone. "
On the side, Venerable Maoyin laughed, " Now seeing the might of our Empire, you know to feel fear? Are you even qualified to negotiate with us? With millions of us here even if we all spit at once, we will drown you to death. Now even that annoying barrier won't be able to save you from this poor nun's wrath! "
Alex frowned hearing so, he looked at Empress' peerless appearance with hurt expression, " Is there really no way? "
Even Empress' cold heart skipped a beat, seeing Alex's vulnerable expression.
She hurriedly channeled her mana, using the Profound Yin Scripture to dispel her instinctive actions.
If she were not brainwashed already, she might have really succumbed to his charm.
But, now she only spoke coldly, " No! "
At this moment Venerable Maoyin clasped her hands with compassionate smile, " Empress, let this poor nun end this wretched demon's life. "
Hearing her words, Alex looked at Venerable Maoyin, " For a bald donkey... You speak too much! "
Within next moment, he disappeared from his place, shocking everyone!
Just when everyone was surprised, he suddenly appeared before Venerable Maoyin!
Venerable Maoyin was shocked at that speed.
She instinctively conjured her Defensive Mudra, turning every inch of her body thousands of times stronger than steel!
Though, Alex's hand effortlessly reached her waist, and as soon as he touched her, his mana entered her body and mana meridians, sending an unimaginable amount of pleasure through her!
Caught completely off-guard, the plethora of pleasure was so immense, that Venerable Maoyin's eyes went blank. Her whole body convulsed while her most sacred region got flooded in an instant.
At that moment, for just single moment, Venerable Maoyin lost her strength completely and Alex took the chance.
He held her by her throat, and hid behind her protecting himself from countless spells bombarded on him by Empress and Stage 4 women with her.
Venerable Maoyin's pristine white robes completely disintegrated under those attacks, leaving her naked shameless body protected by her defensive mudra for everyone's display.
" Since, you don't want to negotiate. I'll take my leave, " Alex laughed, as he miraculously disappeared from his place along with Venerable Maoyin's defeated sorry figure.
Left behind were the bewildered Empress and ministers, who couldn't understand what had happened in that fraction of the second!