Chapter 207

Chapter 207

When Duan Li and Meng Qingru arrived, countless cultivators were actively constructing formations along the defense line from Lan Pass to Mo Pass.

Hundreds of Devouring Worms patrolled impressively under the leadership of a few prominent ones.

"Why are there so many people?" Meng Qingru wondered aloud.

With his hands behind his back, Duan Li calmly said, "I heard that Mu Chen and Ye Shi are planning to establish a Ten-Thousand Sword Killing Formation between Lan Pass and Mo Pass. These individuals are likely here to assist in setting up the grand formation."

Meng Qingru released his spiritual sense and remarked with astonishment, "Such a massive project! It must consume a lot of manpower and resources."

Duan Li nodded, stating, "Indeed, but once the formation is completed, the security of this defensive line will be significantly enhanced."

Meng Qingru chuckled, "I've seen this type of formation in foreign lands. It's truly powerful, converting cultivators' energy into sword qi, enabling one to fend off ten foes. I didn't expect Mu Chen and Ye Shi to be versed in such techniques. They're truly remarkable."

"Both of them were Grade-6 formation masters over a year ago. Back then, they trapped and killed several Martial Emperors using their formations. After all this time, I wonder how much they've refined their skills." A touch of awe flashed in Duan Li's eyes.

Meng Qingru grinned ruefully, "Whenever I see young talents like Mu Chen and Ye Shi, I feel like I've lived my life in vain."

"Brother Meng, you're being too hard on yourself," Duan Li laughed.

"So many Devouring Worms! Over forty of them are at the king level. Their combined assault is no weaker than that of an Emperor-tier expert," Meng Qingru observed.

Duan Li nodded with a somber expression, "It seems the outside world has underestimated Mu Chen and Ye Shi. Their abilities are certainly not inferior to Emperor-tier experts."

"Brother Duan, do you think Mu Chen will grant my bold request for a talisman?" Meng Qingru asked with some unease.

Among the Martial Emperor powerhouses defending the Canglan Line, Meng Qingru's strength was relatively low, which naturally made him less confident.

Duan Li offered a wry smile, equally uncertain, "He probably will."

"Had I stayed back that day to greet Mu Chen and Ye Shi, things might have been different. Instead, Lin Luofeng got the upper hand," Duan Li mused. Suddenly, Ye Shi approached swiftly on a flying cloud, calling out, "Esteemed seniors, I apologize for not greeting you sooner!"

Duan Li bowed slightly, "I apologize for the intrusion. I hope we haven't startled you, Young Master Ye."

Ye Shi chuckled and reciprocated the gesture, "You honor us with your presence, esteemed seniors. Please, come this way."

Duan Li and Meng Qingru followed Ye Shi into a temporary residence.

"Young Master Ye, I'll get straight to the point. We've come to request a Grade-6 talisman," Duan Li stated.

Ye Shi nodded, calmly replying, "Yes, Mu Chen anticipated this."

Ye Shi retrieved a box, revealing its contents, "There are ten Martial Emperors defending the line, including Lin Luofeng. Here are twenty Grade-2 talismans. Divide them amongst yourselves, no payment required."

Duan Li paused, realizing Ye Shi's implication: Lin Luofeng was also included in the count. That lucky fellow...

Ye Shi then produced two more talismans, handing them to the two guests, "Since you've made the trip, I can't let you leave empty-handed. These are a little extra for you both."

Duan Li gazed at Ye Shi in surprise. Such generosity was astounding. Yet, it was likely Mu Chen behind the scenes who was truly magnanimous.

"We couldn't possibly accept such a lavish gift," Duan Li said, clearly flustered.

Ye Shi shrugged nonchalantly, "To craft a Grade-6 talisman, we primarily need materials from Grade-6 demonic beasts: blood, flesh, and cores. If you feel indebted, you could offer some of these materials. If not, it's alright."

Duan Li and Meng Qingru exchanged glances before bowing, "If we come across these materials, we'll certainly send them your way."

Ye Shi smiled, "Given the weighty responsibility you both bear in defending the line, I won't keep you any longer."

"Then, we shall take our leave."

"Have they left?" Mu Chen peeked out, addressing the entering Ye Shi.

Ye Shi nodded, sitting beside Mu Chen with a slightly disheartened look, "Indeed."

Mu Chen looked at Ye Shi, inquiring, "What's wrong? You seem pale."

Ye Shi hesitated, biting his lip. "Will they bring us the flesh and cores of the monsters?"

"I never truly expected a reward from them. We're all in this together. If they gift it, so be it. It's not the end of the world," Mu Chen remarked nonchalantly.

Ye Shi glanced around and leaned closer, "Mu Chen, are you concerned that they won't hold the Canglan defense line? Is that why you're acting this way?"

A subtle smile crossed Mu Chen's eyes, "The one who knows me best is still you, Shi."

Mu Chen played with his fingers, sarcasm evident in his gaze, "Those old-timers worry about our youth, low ranking, and lack of strength. Yet, I equally fear their aged bones may not withstand the battle."

Ye Shi chuckled, "Well said."

The defense line of the Cangqiong Empire.

With a huff, Duan Li tossed a box containing a Level 6 talisman at Lin Luofeng.

Lin Luofeng frowned, "Be careful, Duan! What if you damaged the two Level 6 talismans inside?"

Duan Li snorted with evident jealousy, "You're really lucky."

Lin Luofeng smiled, "Come on, Duan. Your luck's not too shabby either. Didn't you gain an extra talisman from the journey?"

"Still not as good as you!" Duan Li retorted grumpily.

"It's just one difference," Lin Luofeng grinned.

"Enough, both of you. Shut it!" Zhang Li glared at them irritably.

Tan Chen excitedly examined the talisman, "I can't believe Mu Chen's this generous. Such a gesture is truly humbling!"

"Mu Chen's generosity hints at his high success rate in talisman crafting, probably on par with his equipment forging skills," Duan Li remarked.

Tan Chen and others nodded in agreement.

Zhang Li's brow furrowed, "Why would Mu Chen be this generous? Surely it's not just for monster flesh and cores. He could easily trade these Level 6 talismans. Is there a deeper motive?"

Duan Li sighed, "He doesn't trust us."

"What do you mean he doesn't trust us?" Tan Chen asked, puzzled.

Duan Li bitterly responded, "The Faran Empire's Dan Cheng has always been concerned about Mu Chen and Ye Shi's youth and weaker strength. But little does he know, they worry that we, with our aging bodies, can't hold our ground."

Tan Chen's eyes widened, "You can't be serious."

Duan Li smirked, "Why not? Mu Chen said it himself."

"Before Mu Chen and Ye Shi returned to the Xuanfeng Empire, they were well-prepared. Just imagine the sight when thousands of their Sky Thunder Pearls explode simultaneously."

"And the devouring worms they command? Dozens among them are king-ranked, more than capable of taking down an emperor-ranked monster."

"Once the Ten Thousand Sword Array is fully set up, the overall strength of the cultivators from the Xuanfeng Empire will skyrocket."

Duan Li summed up with a rueful smile, "At this rate, even if the defense lines of our three kingdoms were to break, Xuanfeng Empire's wouldn't. Their concern is indeed valid."

Lin Luofeng, Tan Chen, and Zhang Li stared at Duan Li in disbelief. They never expected him to think this way.

After a pause, Tan Chen said, "Duan, isn't that a bit exaggerated?"

The Xuanfeng Empire, the weakest among the four, is guarded by three Martial Emperors: Dan Cheng, Fang Yun, and Lu Chengfeng. While Blood Moon has Meng Qingru, Zhang Ke, and Tao Ying. Their Cangqiong Empire has him, Tan Chen, Duan Li, and Lin Luofeng. Yet, Duan Li suggests that the Xuanfeng Empire, without a single Martial Emperor, is the most fortified? It sounded like a joke.

Duan Li sighed again, "Just wait and see."

When Mu Chen said, "Those old-timers worry about our youth," he clearly sensed his and Meng Qingru's soul power. Yet, he spoke those words intentionally for them to hear.

Mu Chen is truly an enigma.

...

The defense line of the Blood Moon Empire.

Tao Ying exclaimed enviously, "Brother Meng, you've truly struck gold! Had I known, I would've gone too."

Meng Qingru smiled, "I didn't expect Mu Chen to be so amiable. It's surprising."

Their Blood Moon Empire had three newly ascended Martial Emperors guarding the Canglan defense line, none particularly powerful.

Tao Ying added, "We should get closer to the Xuanfeng Empire from now on."

Meng Qingru nodded slightly, saying, "Indeed!"

"I've heard that Mu Chen and Ye Sheng are working on some 'Ten Thousand Sword Killing Array'. If it's fully set up, it's said to be immensely powerful. And I believe it might be true," said Zhang Ke.

Meng Qingru remarked, "The array is still being set up, but once it's complete, I'm sure it will be formidable."

Zhang Ke and Tao Mo exchanged glances, "Mu Chen really is something else!"

Thinking of Mu Chen, Meng Qingru frowned, "We need to be on our guard. After accepting such a generous gift from him, it would be a great embarrassment if we can't hold our ground."

Tao Mo nodded in agreement, "Naturally."

…………

Defensive line of the Fran Empire.

"What is this?" Shan Cheng inquired.

"It's a Grade 6 Talisman scroll given by Duan Li. There are six in total, two for each of us. The gift was from Ye Shi. Duan Li and Meng Qingru went to request it. Ye Shi is incredibly generous; he gave an extra talisman to each just because they took an extra trip," Lu Chengfeng said with envy.

"Who would've thought Mu Chen could be so reasonable?" remarked Fang Yun.

"Exactly," agreed Lu Chengfeng.

"I didn’t expect Mu Chen to be this generous. When you're in someone's debt, it's hard to say anything negative," Shan Cheng noted, refraining from badmouthing the two.