Chapter 50: Advancing and Retreating with the King
Chapter 50: Advancing and Retreating with the King
“Hahaha, good timing! Your old man has waited long enough for you!”
Sun Fei had actually anticipated this guy’s eventual appearance from the very beginning. An assassin lurking in the shadows was the real worry; once exposed to the open, their original threat vanished. So instead of surprise, Sun Fei felt joy when he saw him. With a hearty laugh, the Barbarian Skill [Leap] he’d long prepared activated silently in that instant. Kicking off with his iron boots, stone fragments flying everywhere, he soared into the air. Both hands gripping the Barbarian’s [Great Axe], channeling all his strength, he recklessly swung a downwards aerial axe stroke right into the path of the crimson [Combat Energy Flames]!
Shiiiiii—!
A sound almost too faint to hear, like someone quietly tearing a thin sheet of paper.
Compared to the Three-Star Swordsman Lund’s explosively magnificent [Blazing Flame Slash] that blazed like an all-consuming red banner across the sky, Sun Fei’s axe stroke carried no special aura. It was like a woodcutter swinging his chopping axe.
Yet, to everyone’s astonishment, the five-to-six-meter-long curtain of red Combat Energy light that seemed capable of annihilating heaven and earth suddenly split in two impossibly under this axe impact. It brushed past Sun Fei’s body, then exploded with a massive roar, completely dissipating in the air.
Simultaneously, almost instantly—
Clang-clang-clang-clang!
Sparks flew like rain midway in the air. The two men clashed at a dizzying, lightning-fast speed. The metallic clanging and sparks were relentless. Then, with simultaneous furious roars, both were flung violently backwards…
Thud-thud-thud!
Upon landing, each stumbled backward several steps, breathing heavily.
In that brief, dazzling aerial exchange, both had showcased their unique skills. The Three-Star Swordsman Lund, relying on his exquisite swordsmanship, stabbed like a phantom, unleashing twenty-eight thrusts in one breath. Sun Fei, hampered by his cumbersome weapon, managed only six counter-axe swings. Most of the time, he was forced to rely on the huge axe blade itself to desperately parry…
Neither managed to land a wound on the other.
Steadying themselves, Sun Fei and Lund couldn’t help but lock eyes.
Though Lund maintained an outwardly calm demeanor, shock surged within him.
He had started sprinting forward upon the Silver Masked Man’s first bugle signal. However, the sheer number of their own fleeing soldiers, coupled with the terrifying speed of Sun Fei and his companions’ advance, meant he couldn’t get through. Not when the Tower Shield and Dragon Spear Formation shattered, nor when the Sword Square and Javelineer formation crumpled, nor even as the Siege Ladders and Catapults were nearly all destroyed… all passed without Lund reaching the thick of the fight.
Only upon finally arriving at the heart of the battle did Lund recognize, almost at first glance, the figure drenched in blood and crimson armor cutting an unstoppable path at the forefront. It had to be that terrifying ‘beast’ who wounded him on the battlements yesterday. That aura, chillingly bestial, had left an indelible impression, haunting him so intensely that he hesitated, afraid to charge forward immediately.
Thus, Lund sacrificed even his dignity as a Three-Star Warrior, slinking into the shadows for a surprise attack.
His original plan was to catch his opponent off guard and finish him with a single [Blazing Flame Slash] before he knew what hit him. Who could have foreseen that the ‘beast’ seemed prepared? Faced with such an assault, he showed no panic at all. He just leapt skyward, relying purely on raw physical [Might], and cleaved the air currents, impossibly shattering his pride, his high-level [Aura Skill], [Blazing Flame Slash].
What kind of monstrous fucking physical strength was that?!
During the brief airborne clash, Lund had further felt the sheer brutality of his opponent’s power. It seemed enhanced by one or two times since their duel yesterday. Every thrust he struck against that door-plate-sized [Great Axe] sent a numbing shock wave recoiling up his arm; it was like stabbing against millennial-deep Frost Steel.
After landing, Lund didn’t dare slacken for a second. He pushed his power to its zenith, a blazing crimson [Combat Energy Flames] flickering violently around his form to dispel the ache in his arms, readying himself anew.
On the other side, reflecting on their exchange, Sun Fei had thoughts of his own.
A Level 12 Barbarian possessed physical [Might] absolutely sufficient to rival the [Battle Qi] strength of a Three-Star Warrior. However, it seemed to lack slightly in technique. Sun Fei sharply noticed that, while Barbarians in the [World of Diablo] were famed as experts of close combat, masters of all weapons… they hadn’t truly formed any complete sets of sophisticated martial arts or established fighting styles. Beyond those fantastic special skills, in pure close-quarters killing combat, they seemed slightly inferior to the exquisite sword forms and techniques of the Warriors from the [Azeroth Continent].
“Seems like I’ll need to put some thought into techniques and moves later,” Sun Fei mused internally.
His actions, however, didn’t pause for even a fraction of a second. He slammed his [Great Axe] onto his own armor in a challenge. The clanging reverberations were like heavy blows hammering against an enemy’s heart. Then, he bellowed towards the sky with maximum arrogance, ‘God of War above!’, transforming the axe blade into a spinning vortex of cold, shining steel storm – [Great Axe] hacking directly towards Lund.
Clang-clang-clang-clang—!
The crisp clashes of metal on metal rang out again.
Lund’s sword thrusts were far swifter than Sun Fei’s axe, but he was considerably weaker in brute [Might]. With every heavy axe chop Sun Fei delivered, Lund transformed his longsword into pinpricks of cold starlight, furiously stabbing multiple times at the exact same point on the axe blade to counter and disperse the terrifying force behind the blow.
This was a duel between two extremes: one force against another.
One embodied savage, overwhelming [Might], deceptively simple yet capable of smashing decayed wood and pulverizing dry reeds – obliterating all in its path.
The other embodied intricate weaving and density, cold light piercing and sharp, capable of unleashing seventeen or eighteen thrusts within the blink of an eye.
The Three-Star Swordsman Lund pushed his abilities to their limits. His [Battle Qi] surged like the low growl of a beast, roaring intensely. Overflowing crimson energy currents scattered like stray arrows. The entire surface of the [Stone Bridge] churned, stone fragments flying chaotically everywhere.
In the end, dust and shattered stone constantly scraped up by the energies overflowing from their clashes filled the air. Mixing with the plasma and severed limbs on the ground, it was whipped into a shrieking vortex, forming a crimson, sky-piercing fog column. From a distance, it looked like a shrieking, ever-expanding spiral of bloody tornado.
This bloody tornado expanded violently, completely engulfing the two combatants. Only the constant clanging of metal on metal, flying sparks, and deafening roars echoed from within it. Outside, no one could discern their figures or movements.
Their battle had reached such a horrifying level of ferocity.
This bloody tornado cleaved the entire bridge in two. Neither Pierre, Drogba, and the others stuck on the north side, nor the [Black-Armored Soldiers] massed on the south could intervene in such a battle. All could only retreat anxiously, hearts pounding wildly, desperately watching the swirling chaos, waiting for the outcome.
The panicked Black Armored Army, granted this unexpected respite, gradually started to regain a modicum of cohesion. Some Black-Armored officers shouted loudly, frantically trying to reorganize their soldiers. The discipline squadron, brandishing ghastly ghost-head broadswords, promptly cut down dozens of fleeing soldiers. Impaling the severed heads high on spearpoints as a warning, they finally managed to stabilize the lines.
This scene filled Lund, still locked in fierce battle with Sun Fei, with a surge of savage joy. He roared loudly: “I’ll hold off this beast! Several warriors, get past them now and slaughter the rest quickly!”
The sheer violence of their duel blocked the entire bridge surface. Ordinary soldiers couldn’t get close; anyone near was instantly shredded into pieces, armor, weapons, and all, by the explosive qi energy erupting from the clashes. However, for experts who had cultivated basic levels of [Battle Qi], vaulting over the combat zone was possible. Hearing Lund’s command, several officers eager to earn merit immediately jumped into the air, seeking to bypass the raging fight circle to charge Pierre and Drogba’s group.
“Get the fuck back, scumbags!”
Seeing this, Sun Fei roared in fury.
A wave of terrifying power fluctuation instantly erupted outward, shaking the soul of every enemy nearby.
The [Barbarian Skill] Howl activated instantly.
Now boosted to Level 5, the effectiveness of [Howl] massively surpassed yesterday. It not only caused the Three-Star Swordman Lund a flicker of fear in his heart, slowing his sword, but also inflicted boundless terror onto the four Black-Armored officers who had just leapt skyward simultaneously. For just an eye blink, their [Battle Qi] flow stalled. They screamed, plummeting from the air straight into the bloody tornado vortex, where Sun Fei’s great axe shredded them into mincemeat!
Shiiiiiik—!
Across the Stone Bridge, countless sharp inhalations cut the air. Just a single enraged shout had instantly killed four Black-Armored officers whose Battle Qi neared One-Star Warrior level. This display nearly caused soldiers on both sides to bite their own tongues clean off. The formation of the Black Armored Soldiers wavered again; many felt their legs trembling uncontrollably…
“Do not fear! More of you—get around him, now! By the Master’s command: One thousand Gold Coins for every enemy head taken on this bridge!” Lund snarled. He unleashed a furious flurry of thirty-three sword thrusts in quick succession, forcing Sun Fei into a desperate defense. Simultaneously, he continued to incite the Black-Armored officers. Under massive rewards of one thousand Gold Coins, the true resilience of the Black Armored Army surfaced. Hearing the promise of such wealth, dozens of Black-Armored officers with crude [Battle Qi] cultivation immediately pushed off simultaneously, leaping skywards towards Pierre, Drogba and the exhausted group.
“DEATH—!!”
Sun Fei’s furious bellow pierced the battlefield as his terrible psychic energy rampage surged once more. [Howl] detonated from him again.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Another five or six officers tumbled earthward like heavy dropped dumplings into boiling water, screaming frantically as they were shredded inside the vortex by Sun Fei’s axe.
But the Three-Star Swordsman Lund reacted swiftly. Executing the warrior’s technique [Blazing Flame Slash], he swung his blade with all his might! Blindingly bright crimson light and searing heat filled the air, enveloping everything around him. He focused everything into containing power Sun Fei himself possessed, desperate suppression.
Due to Lund’s interference, a lucky seven or eight officers successfully vaulted the bloody whirlwind column. Faces twisted into ferocious smiles, they dove towards Pierre, Drogba, and the already worn warriors.
Instantly, Pierre and Drogba roared defiance. They didn’t retreat; instead, they actively charged against the Black-Armored officers’ onslaught. Chaos consumed the bridgehead as both forces slammed into each other.
These armored giants, Pierce and Drogba included, lacked any [Battle Qi] cultivation. Their killing techniques and combat movements were far cruder than the seasoned Black-Armored officers’. In pure one-on-one duels, they simply weren’t opponents. Fortunately, numbers favored them. Even more crucial were the one blue and one red water bags containing strange magical liquid. And crucially, they battled utterly without fear of perishing, adopting a reckless fight-to-the-death style. The presence of a powerful One-Star Warrior named Oleg also provided major assistance to them, helping bolster their defenses. Initially, they managed to hold the line.
Casualties, however, became inevitable at this stage.
With serpentine speed, a Black-Armored officer slipped between a giant’s defenses. His sword snaked past armor plates, driving deep into the giant’s abdomen…and erupting out the other side bloodily.
Facing the inevitable pain spreading through him, the giant warrior stiffened visibly. Such a wound assured he couldn’t live long.
Before the Black-Armored officer could pull his weapon free with triumphant glee, he experienced sudden terror. The severely wounded giant bellowed insanely, actually deliberately dropping his mighty weapon! Instead, arms like iron bands instantly constricted around the officer! The crushing pressure nearly burst the officer’s eyes—he couldn’t even gasp before the horrifically injured giant howled, ‘Long live King Alexander!’ Then, like a runaway boulder, Breno charged suicidally forward—his trapped victim trapped tightly against him! Still running violently, he violently smashed into two other nearby Black-Armored officers who stumbled backwards, too stunned to dodge…
Breno crashed horrifically into them…the impact carrying all four fighters together over the narrow stone railing! Screaming…falling fast into dark, deep waters below! Below…countless thick shapes swam aggressively near; the [Bloodthirstly Ferocious Water Beasts] lurking beneath bridge emerged instantly! Horrible snapping and tearing sounds echoed upwards…moments later…nothing remained below but floating blood clouds and clean white bones being submerged…
This utterly ruthless method of trading life for life plunged the remaining Black-Armored officers into bone-deep terror.
“BRENO!!!” Pierre’s agonized scream erupted upon seeing his brother warrior perish tragically deep within the Zulie River currents. Ignoring another officer’s sword slash carving open his side armor, he swung his huge warhammer with devastating fury. It impacted the enemy officer standing against him…hammerhead driving downward with relentless force…straight downward…crushing helmet and shattering skull instantly downward…until the enemy’s head vanished entirely into shattered ribs like something consumed horrifically within their own torso!
The carnage instantly escalated. Casualties mounted terrifyingly fast for both opposing forces.
Across the land surrounding the ancient stone bridge, autumn winds rustled bleakly. An undeniable aura of tragic heroism blanketed all.
Just moments before, these heavily armored warriors seemed mere common folk unknown in greater histories. At precisely this moment however, hearing Breno yell ‘Long live King Alexander’ before plunging into Zulie River…witnessing the sheer bravery in that single act of self-sacrifice…revealed the indestructible brilliance within their souls! Their simple courage shone brighter than stars!
Soaked head-to-foot in their own blood and that of enemies, these men constructed—using their own mortal bodies as bricks—a Great Wall of flesh atop this ancient battle-torn stone bridge. Death was preferred before permitting their families, homes, and loved ones anywhere near enemy hands or blades.
Sword glow flashed; axe blades reflected terrifying light. Blood rained steadily downward around struggling warriors, coating stones sticky red.
The heroes’ footsteps felt monumentally heavy; despite swords piercing bodies; arms severed brutally below protection gaps; torrents of blood erupting beneath helmet edges…retreat never crossed their minds! Firm resolve stamped plainly on battle-torn faces; shouts of ‘Long live the King!’ ripped powerfully across their positions; relentless forward momentum propelled every fighter despite facing enemy warriors trained far beyond their own expertise! Without flinching…completely undaunted…they stopped those grinning foes bearing cultivated [Battle Qi] using only their bodies as shields before precious people behind.
The intensity of fighting defied true description. Gradually…those very Black-Armored officers found themselves utterly unnerved by such ferocious opponents. Facing men technically inferior and yet somehow terrifyingly unstoppable…paralyzing fear filled them suddenly…their formation crumbled apart completely…panic drove them scrambling backwards.
Upon the ancient walls of [Shampoo City], countless defenders stood rigidly silent, unbidden tears streaking faces coated with grime and powder. Furious rage burned deep within the gaze of every soldier…every impoverished citizen watching! Their blood surged uncontrollably hot. Weapons trembled violently within clenched fingers. Suddenly…some couldn’t endure it anymore…
A defiant roar…people scrambled frantically! Ropes uncoiled downwards instantly…soldiers…civilians…began sliding recklessly downwards those ropes…descending towards that carnage-laden bridge!
They couldn’t simply watch. They would help brothers fighting so desperately…using life itself as mortar for that Great Wall!
Even amidst his locked battle with Lund, Sun Fei noticed this flood descending the walls.
He’d witnessed Breno grasping enemies tightly while plunging deliberately into the dark waters of Zuli River. An unprecedented, overwhelming sorrow flooded Sun Fei’s being…the kind felt upon losing someone dearly beloved. Deep inside his soul, Sun Fei sensed something primal suddenly ignite…expanding uncontrollably…something requiring instant release…otherwise its heat might very well burn him to ash entirely…
Roaring amidst his fury…Sun Fei recklessly pivoted away—exposing his entire side and back.
He had led these twenty-two warriors out of the city. Breno already sacrificed…now Sun Fei vowed silently, swore an internal oath…he would return the remaining twenty-one companions alive back into [Shampoo City]’s strong embrace! Nothing else mattered.
Ignoring Lund’s longsword stabbing viciously at his exposed spine four! Fi-e-e-e! Vicious new wounds ripped flesh and armor. Sun Fei felt nothing! His [Great Axe] transformed again; metal storm vortex slammed directly against the northern group of black officers! Slash! Chop! Slice! He diced remaining officers nearby into chunky meat…then roared command for Pierre’s group nearby: “Retret! NOW! Get back! To the city! Brothers! Our mission here is done…complete victory!”
But—
“We advance and retreat only with King Alexander!”
The voices merged perfectly into simultaneous, thunderous reply! No hesitation existed among them! Though some leaned heavily upon comrades—their powerful armor sporting horrifying blood holes…though bloody broken blades protruded grotesquely between plate segments…every gaze remained steadfast like unshakeable mountain peaks…not one damn soldier stepped backwards.