Free Web NovelChapter 458: Chapter 54: Another Crushing Defeat, Shennong Takes Command in Person
Not long after.
The news of the Medicine Ancestor’s army suffering a major defeat at the front lines came again, in the absence of natural barriers.
The Exotic Beast army of Jiuli, complemented by artillery, was nearly impossible to stop.
This was a complete dimensional reduction attack; on the plains, even with the support of Medicine Immortals, the Lie Mountain Tribe found it difficult to engage Jiuli in trench warfare.
Not to mention that Jiuli now also had the Gonggong Tribe and Zhurong Tribe.
It was even more so.
Among the Lie Mountain, these two tribes were the strongest, as only the clan leaders of these two tribes were Human Immortals.
The remaining tribes were fundamentally unable to resist these two tribes.
In the end, only Shen Yao led a group of Medicine Immortals back to Lie Mountain.
It seemed that Shennong had expected this outcome.
Some time later.
"This time going forward, I must meet the Jiu Li Great Priest and say that this person is indeed extraordinary."
Currently, after a long-lasting conflict with Jiuli, it is known that part of Jiuli’s strength comes from the Jiu Li Great Priest.
It is precisely because of the Jiu Li Great Priest that Jiuli comes forth so fiercely.
In Shennong’s view, this talent is already not weaker than Xuanyuan or Chi You, yet it is unknown why he aids Chi You.
Ting Yao worriedly said, "Should I lead the army?"
Mainly because Shennong’s body could no longer withstand intense fighting.
Originally, he could persevere for a while longer, but once he continuously mobilizes Immortal Techniques, the poison embedded in his ’True Self’ will accelerate its spread throughout his body.
The result would be death and the dissipation of the Dao.
"Rest assured, if things become too unfavorable, I will give up; at least I want to live until the next Common Lord arises."
Shennong said with a smile.
"I’ll let Shen Yao handle the defense to avoid Jiuli’s surprise attack during my expedition, even though he is only tier nine, it doesn’t matter."
"If I truly lose, it won’t matter who defends, but him remaining in the tribe.
Can stabilize the hearts and minds of the tribesmen."
As Shennong rallied the forces, the Lie Mountain Tribe mustered their spirits once more and moved toward Jiuli.
The Common Lord leading the army, the repeatedly defeated Lie Mountain Tribe once again garnered a morale boost, knowing well this was the final gasp of morale.
The Common Lord is their last line of defense, this battle must be won, not lost!
In the depths of Lie Mountain.
The sky was overcast, oppressive atmosphere spread all around.
The army of the Jiuli Tribe, like a winding dragon, slowly advanced towards the Lie Mountain Tribe’s positions.
Shennong stood at the forefront of the Lie Mountain Tribe, his eyes like burning flames, closely watching the advancing Jiuli army.
His figure appeared rather slight in the wind, yet the aura of authority comforted the surrounding clansmen and cultivators.
"Common Lord, Jiuli’s army is closing in."
Ting Yao stood beside Shennong, her voice carrying a hint of concern.
Shennong nodded slightly, his gaze fixed on the forefront of Jiuli’s army, where Shen Fei stood.
Shen Fei was draped in a robe, with Duan Xiu standing by his side.
After defeating the army led by Medicine Ancestor, Shen Fei knew the final moment had come to annex Lie Mountain.
To annex Lie Mountain, Shennong was the final test.
Though Shennong was severely injured, he was nevertheless a True Immortal, indeed tier eleven.
Shen Fei, now tier nine, could use Little Pu and Stabbing Immortal to restrain tier ten.
But tier eleven, he once attempted, Duan Xiu merely uttered witchcraft and directly suppressed him.
This also indicated how fragile external Professionals were in this Ancient Secret Realm.
If it weren’t for Shen Fei’s uniqueness, even if Jiuli and Lie Mountain were at war, he’d only be one of the subordinate soldiers.
"Jiu Li Great Priest, I wish to consult on some matters, can you come forth for a meeting?"
Shennong’s voice echoed throughout the battlefield.
Duan Xiu: "Great Priest, be wary of deceit."
Duan Xiu made no effort to hide his voice, even broadcasting it, as Shennong’s reputation in Jiuli was quite poor.
"No matter, Shennong’s Holy Virtue, presently we are merely disputing positions, such base tactics Shennong wouldn’t resort to using."
Shen Fei ventured forward, and Shennong followed suit; the two faced each other.
"How did you convince Gonggong and Zhurong to join Jiuli?"
Shennong’s voice echoed in the sky, with a hint of puzzlement.
Shen Fei smiled slightly, his eyes flashing with determination, "Shenning the common Lord, Gonggong and Zhurong siding with Jiuli is merely the heart’s inclination."
"The heart’s inclination?"
Shennong furrowed his brows slightly, evidently surprised by the answer.
"Yes, the heart’s inclination."
Shen Fei’s voice was calm and resolute.
"Both Gonggong and Zhurong are outstanding figures of the Human Race; they observed the growth and potential of the Jiuli Tribe.
The Jiuli Tribe not only possesses formidable military strength, but also maintains a comprehensive structure and fair Laws.
They believe the Jiuli Tribe can lead the Human Race towards prosperity."
Of course, Shen Fei omitted certain details, such as coercion or threats,—those were irrelevant.
Shennong remained silent for a moment, a complex emotion flickered in his eyes.
Indeed, under Shen Fei’s leadership, the Jiuli Tribe underwent significant change.
From a tribe renowned for its martial prowess, it gradually transformed into a powerful force focused on civil welfare, legal governance, and technological advancement.
"I perceive your talent is not inferior to Chi You or Xuanyuan, and the weapons you’ve created are formidable."
"You can promote the current Jiuli to the Human Race, but once Jiuli was merely barbaric, characterized by martial dominance."
"Why did you join Jiuli, and dedicate yourself wholeheartedly to its development?"
This was one aspect that puzzled Shennong.
Shen Fei smiled and said, "The prosperity of the Human Race begins with Jiuli."
Could I mention that the real reason is that Jiuli’s leader Chi You is my Summoned Beast?
That would be too presumptuous.
"So, you believe that the Jiuli Tribe can truly lead the Human Race to prosperity?"
Shennong’s voice carried a hint of probing.
Shen Fei nodded, "I believe the Jiuli Tribe can achieve that.
In terms of civil welfare and legal governance, Jiuli is top-tier, coupled with its military might."
In Shennong’s gaze, a flicker of contemplation appeared, considering Shen Fei’s statements.
Compared to Jiuli, Lie Mountain fell far short.
Though Lie Mountain Tribe occupied an essential position among the Human Race, over time, numerous issues began to surface.
Internal conflicts within the tribe intensified, and clashes between cultivator forces and tribal forces persisted.
The factions attacked each other, with no thoughts dedicated toward developing Lie Mountain.
Especially the cultivator forces.
"But Zhurong and Gonggong also deem the Lie Mountain Tribe incapable of achieving these?" Shennong’s voice contained a trace of dismay.
Shen Fei shook his head, "Lie Mountain can indeed achieve these, but it requires time.
However, Lie Mountain lacks time."
Shen Fei gazed at Shennong, understanding Shennong’s injury origin, and then spoke, "The root of this plight was sown when the Common Lord ingested Soulbreaking Aconite."
"Afterwards, it was merely the prolongation of this plight."
