Chapter 275 Chat First Then Flirt

Wang Feng and his companions received insider information to allow the true participants to prepare in advance, but it was only half a day earlier than the public. By evening, the urgent edition of the Light of the Holy Sanctuary detailed the various agreement specifics between the Blades and the Nine Gods regarding the Dragon City battle. Everything was exposed to the public, and the entire League of Blades was thrilled.

This time, it seemed to be about the competition for opportunities in the Soul Illusion Realm and the strength comparison between the young generations of both sides. However, in reality, the agreements also included the clear issue of Dragon City's ownership. Whoever won, Dragon City would belong to them. This was the first explicit resolution method for the legacy issues of border cities like Dragon City since the Holy War, which held great historical significance for both sides.

Of course, what people were more concerned with at the moment was not these distant historical implications, but rather the present.

The arrogance of the Nine Gods had been passed down through generations, deeply ingrained in their bones. And on the side of the Blades, the new generation represented by Karida, how could they lack personality and ideas?

It had been a long time since the end of the Holy War. The new generation of the Blades and the Nine Gods had gradually begun to enter the center of power. On both sides, the conservatives were the elders, while the radicals were the young. Although the elders still held the majority of the power, everyone knew that the era of renewal and replacement was gradually arriving, and the future ultimately belonged to the young.

Both sides were confident and arrogant generations. Anyone could see that such a clash would intensify conflicts, and the risk of an accidental outbreak of conflict was always present in the near future.

Frankly speaking, the reason the last Holy War was so difficult was because the Nine Gods inherited most of the rune technology. In recent years, the Blades have caught up, though they still lag behind the Nine Gods, the gap is no longer as vast as during the Holy War.

The struggle for Dragon City can be seen as a prelude to a major war between the two sides. Regardless of which side wins, it will undoubtedly greatly boost the confidence and courage of the young generation in defeating the other in the future, and might even become a significant turning point in the history of the entire continent.

Even if we don't think that far ahead, just focusing on the present, this is the best opportunity for the young people of the Holy Sanctuary Academy and the War Academy to make a name for themselves!

Since the selection of the 'Five Hundred Heroes' was fully disclosed, the disciples of all the major Holy Sanctuaries were the most excited. Almost all the elites rushed to participate, and the competition for spots within each Holy Sanctuary was extremely intense. The young leaders of each Holy Sanctuary also publicly issued declarations of war against the Nine Gods, filled with determination to win.

The Apex Holy Sanctuary, one of the ten oldest cornerstone Holy Sanctuaries and consistently ranked among the top three, has its leader, the 'Apex Disciple' Ye Dun, who was the first to proactively publish a declaration of war against the Nine Gods in the Light of the Holy Sanctuary. His declaration was short and to the point, only eight words: "Apex Glory! Holy Sanctuary must win!"

The Apex Holy Sanctuary, located in the Holy City, has always been regarded as the benchmark for all the Holy Sanctuaries of the Blades, both in terms of strength and ideological awareness, serving as a model for all other Holy Sanctuary disciples. As the captain of the Apex Holy Sanctuary, Ye Dun was also informally considered the leader of all Holy Sanctuary disciples.

Other young leaders from the major Holy Sanctuaries soon followed suit.

Lei Yaogu from the Sakuman Holy Sanctuary, Eternal Spear Zhao Ziyue from the West Peak Holy Sanctuary, and Dragon Son Xiao Bang from the Longyue Holy Sanctuary... Some wrote lengthy essays, while others kept it brief, in the style of the Apex...

Xuecai couldn't sit still anymore. The declarations of war published in the Light of the Holy Sanctuary looked so passionate, making her heart itch with excitement. Unfortunately, she didn't see Wang Feng's statement in the Light of the Holy Sanctuary.

That guy really, didn't the Light of the Holy Sanctuary say that the Nine Gods had designated Wang Feng to participate? He represents the Rose Holy Sanctuary, yet he doesn’t even show up for the fun... But if it’s his style, I bet he could write an article about it.

Thinking of this, Xuecai couldn’t help but laugh. It had been two months since she last saw him, and she missed him quite a bit. If she went to Dragon City, she might run into him. She said excitedly, "Sis, I want to go too!"

"Xuecai, don’t go looking for trouble," Jina said, patting her head before Xue Zhiyu could speak: "This Dragon City conflict isn’t a small matter; it’s dangerous. If you go, we’ll all have to protect you..."

"Pfft! I don’t need your protection, I’m pretty strong too!" Xuecai retorted indignantly: "During the Ice Bee attack, I even saved Father! Didn’t you see that arrow of mine? It was so powerful!"

"Alright, alright," Xue Zhiyu interrupted her rambling, smiling: "We don’t have that many spots. Even Tassia can’t go, let alone you."

Xuecai widened her eyes: "But we have six spots, right? There are only three of you—Zhiyu, Jina, and Tatashi. Why can’t I and Sister Tassia go?"

Xue Zhiyu pointed helplessly out the window: "Look."

Xuecai looked out and saw Aota, Dongbuluo, and Badeluo, their heads still wrapped in bandages, crouching under the window, peering around furtively. Upon realizing they were spotted, the three of them stood up awkwardly, with Aota waving at Xue Zhiyu: "Hi, everyone!"

"You big oaf!" Xuecai burst out laughing at the sight of these three.

These three had stolen the elders' oil lamps, thinking they had gotten away with it, but when the elder emerged from seclusion half a month ago, he immediately told Aota’s father. Goodness, those three got a thorough beating... Half a month later, and they were still walking around with swollen faces.

"Just for these three injured guys?" Xuecai said unhappily: "What can these three do? They’re all hurt, they’d just be a burden!"

"No injuries! No injuries! All healed!" The three quickly flexed their muscles at the door, Aota saying: "The bandages on our faces are purely for sun protection! We’re a bit darker, which doesn’t look very much like people from the Cold Winter. Now that we’re going to a grand event, we have to take care of our appearance, no more tanning!"

Xuecai pouted, ready to argue further, but Xue Zhiyu stopped her with a smile: "I’ve already submitted the registration forms. Your relationship with Father has finally improved, so don’t go to Dragon City. Father hasn’t fully recovered yet. While I’m away, spend more time with him and show some filial piety."

Recently, Xue Cangbai’s attitude towards Xuecai had changed significantly, becoming much kinder and gentler.

"...Alright then." Xuecai said reluctantly, but then her eyes widened again: "But I want to write the declaration of battle! Let me participate, please. And also, send a message to Wang Feng, tell him... Never mind, never mind!"

Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she quickly changed her words: "Sending a message is such a hassle; you might forget what to say... I'll write him a letter instead! Sister, you must make sure to give it to Wang Feng!"

"Alright!"

Not all Holy Sanctuaries display their names. For example, the Dark Demon Monastery, which is a branch that extends from the Holy Sanctuary, maintains a close relationship with it but does not use the name 'Sanctuary.' Those under its tutelage are not called disciples but are all referred to as practitioners.

A man with a fierce face and two protruding growths on his body knelt on the ground, his face full of terror: "Senior Brother! Senior Brother, I was wrong, Senior Brother! Give me one more chance, I won't dare to do it again..."

Whoosh~~~

A deep blue lightning arrow shot out.

Unlike the brute force and uncontrollable nature of ordinary thunder mages' lightning spells, this lightning arrow's energy appeared extremely stable. If it weren't for the fleeting stream of electricity on its surface, it would be hard to recognize it as a lightning-based energy.

The man tried to dodge, but the speed of the lightning arrow was too fast. Just as he thought about dodging, the arrow had already pierced into his left arm, penetrating like a solid object and remaining motionless.

It didn't hurt, and there was barely any sensation, as if it were just a deep blue lightning phantom. But the man's mouth opened wide, his expression growing increasingly terrified. He wet himself, and his legs trembled uncontrollably.

A young man with dreadlocks stood before him, smiling and extending his left hand to snap his fingers.

Boom!

Violent energy exploded, and the man's entire arm vanished, the stump charred and blackened, causing him to roll on the ground in pain.

"The Dark Demon Monastery is also part of the Holy Sanctuary. One should be humble..." The youth, who looked much younger than his actual age, was the man's senior brother. He smiled and said, "Next time, you'll lose more than just an arm."

The man, drenched in sweat from the pain, dared not cry out and clutched his severed arm tightly: "Yes, yes, yes! Thank you, Senior Brother for sparing my life, thank you, Senior Brother for sparing my life!"

"Thunder Demon."

The young man turned around and, upon seeing the newcomer, grinned. "Senior Brother Momo Sang."

The newcomer was tall and, like most cultivators on Dark Demon Island, he wore a black cloak that enveloped his entire body. Embroidered on the cloak was a desolate island standing firm amidst a sea of blood under a dark sky, emitting a faint black mist that also shrouded his face, making it impossible to see clearly.

Behind him stood three others dressed almost identically, their bodies completely covered in cloaks, varying in height and build, yet all with faces obscured from view.

Momo Sang glanced at the man on the ground, who was sweating profusely from pain due to his severed arm, but ignored him, saying coolly, "We're ready to go!"

"Alright!"

The young man laughed and approached, pulling something out of thin air with his left hand. By the time he had taken two steps to stand beside Momo Sang, a black cloak had also enveloped him, the black mist spreading, shrouding him entirely in shadow, leaving no trace of his youthful appearance.

"Let's go!"

...

The League of Blades spanned tens of thousands of kilometers, and the heroes of the 108 Holy Sanctuaries were all preparing actively. Teams from distant islands, such as the farthest Dark Demon Cultivation Academy, had already set out.

It would be a long journey, taking over a month even at full speed with the best transportation. For those closer to Dragon City, like some inland cities, the disciples of these Holy Sanctuaries still had ample time to prepare.

At this moment, Rose was actively making preparations.

The list of six disciples selected for the mission had been finalized: Wang Feng, Hei Wukai, Mo Tong, Winnie, Kela, and Ning Zhiyuan. Apart from Wang Feng, the other five were undoubtedly the top experts in their respective branches, so their selection was expected. The key was Wang Feng...

Yes, the brave President himself was joining the battle!

Some members of the Rose Holy Sanctuary had initially looked down on Wang Feng, believing he had risen to his position through connections and money. This time, however, they were thoroughly convinced of his worth.

Lacking strength? It was precisely because of his lack of strength that he was even more admirable! Ordinary disciples could not access insider information like the 'Nine Gods' designation; all they saw was the final selection list.

Everyone knew that the battle in Dragon City would be extremely perilous. Forget about seizing opportunities; experts from all sides estimated that casualties would exceed fifty percent. Even someone as skilled as Ning Zhiyuan would have to go in pairs, with one likely not returning. How dangerous was that? Who would have thought that Wang Feng, with merely a Tiger-level soul power, would dare to join? This was the kind of courage that left you no choice but to admire!

Moreover, look at it this way: young leaders from all over the Blade's Holy Sanctuaries were making their voices heard, publishing their battle manifestos in the Light of the Holy Sanctuary. Even the neighboring Judgment had written an extensive piece. Only Rose stayed out of it, not uttering a single word.

What was this? To Winnie, it was simply laziness, but in the eyes of most Rose disciples, this was called steadiness, confidence! Could a bunch of noisy sparrows solve the problem of the Nine Gods? The disciples of Rose found such notions utterly contemptible. They were just a bunch of rowdy brats. Everything we do in Rose is unique. Our President Wang Feng wouldn't bother with such childish manifestos. A dog that bites doesn't bark! Wait, that metaphor seems a bit off... But that's the general idea.

But in fact, neither was true.

Old Wang didn't have the time for such nonsense. He had to prepare a lot to survive!

Winnie, Kela, and Ning Zhiyuan were the pieces of his team puzzle. Hei Wukai and Mo Tong, these two guardians, were Old Wang's first trump card, but relying on them alone wasn't safe enough. Old Wang was preparing to unveil his second major trump card.

What's most important when entering a dungeon? Skill? Level? Strategy? Hell, it's equipment! With a legendary dragon-slaying blade, even a level-zero newbie would dare to venture into the Wailing Abyss.

At the Golden Baby Auction House...

Wang Feng took the initiative to come, and Clara felt elated. She had waited so long, restraining herself from urging him, because she too had received news about Dragon City. Since Wang Feng had been designated by the Nine Gods, he would inevitably need her help.

To break the curse, she was willing to pay any price. What she feared was Wang Feng having no desires or needs, and now the opportunity had arrived.

Looking at Wang Feng before her, Clara appeared more composed than before, a smile of relief spreading across her face: "Well, if it isn't Lord Wang Feng. It's truly an honor to have you visit my humble shop."

"Feeling pretty good, huh? How about we flirt a bit before we talk?" Old Wang said with a grin, sitting down opposite Clara and boldly eyeing the alluring mermaid before him. Sigh, who knows if he'd get another chance to appreciate her.

Clara couldn't help but laugh: "Talk first, then flirt! The degree of flirting depends on my mood."

"Is that an added bonus?"

"Princess here is the most precious treasure, and you consider me as an extra?"

"How much?" Old Wang asked bluntly.

Clara realized her slip of the tongue and raised her eyebrows slightly: "It doesn't matter, you poor devil can't afford it anyway. Alright, let's get to business! What you can get from me depends on what you can offer..."

She had been holding back this statement for two whole months, unsure of what the other party wanted, while what she desired was in their hands. Now, they could finally negotiate on equal terms, and saying it felt like a breath of fresh air.

Old Wang took out a list, which contained a large number of casting materials and magical potion ingredients.

He didn't go to Anhe Hall for the casting materials. Firstly, Clara could handle both the casting and potion materials, making it more convenient. Secondly, he represented the Rose in inventing fusion runes and now in participating in the Dragon City battle. If Anbolin hadn't completely lost his mind, he would know that Wang Feng had been bluffing before. If he went to Anhe Hall again, there might be no discount, but plenty of cold shoulders. The old fox Anbolin, having been tricked once, now ignored him. Why bother to seek trouble?

Clara glanced at the list and a smile appeared on her face.

The materials Wang Feng needed were all high-end goods, and Clara roughly estimated their value to be around three million.

This wasn't a small amount, but the more significant it was, the happier Clara became. Wang Feng definitely didn't have that much cash, yet he still dared to make such a bold demand, which meant he must have something else she needed even more... Could it be that the potion was already refined?

"Small potatoes." Clara didn't bat an eye; three million was nothing compared to what she needed: "I can give them to you tomorrow, so you..."

"Hold your horses," Old Wang said with a chuckle: "I also need two fully charged Golden Barriers, top-quality items from the Dragon Moon Purple Gold Workshop, with soul crystals no lower than α6 grade."

"..." Clara's eyelids twitched slightly.