Yan Zhaoge said, “When observing the Grand Xuan Dynasty launching their offensive before eventually retreating from a distance away earlier, there was a problem which I discovered.”
“Of the experts of the Grand Xuan Dynasty who attacked the Dim Darkness Sect’s main altar earlier and attacked the Grinding Hut Region’s sword domain, clashing with you guys here afterwards, from what I know, there are basically three peak experts amongst them.”
“There are two of the Shenling Nine Swords, both being early Immortal Bridge Martial Saints. One of them even possesses the high-grade Sacred Artifact, the Cloud Circulating Heavenly Light Sword. The other is the current leader of the Grand Xuan Dynasty, King Xuanmu. While he himself is only at the late Seeing Divinity stage, he possesses the high-grade Sacred Artifact, the King Xuan Spear, as well.”
Yan Zhaoge’s gaze flickered, “There seemed to have been just two of them participating in the battle earlier. As for the one who was missing, it would have been fine if he was acting as support from the backlines, but if he wasn’t, instead already having left before this, wherever could he have gone to?”
Before his words had landed, the eyes of Gu Hong, Luo Zhiyuan, Zhou Haosheng and Gongsun Wu all erupted with a shocking light.
Zhou Haosheng said slowly, “Hypothetically, if the descendants of the Southeastern Exalt’s lineage had not discovered the matter of the Heaven Bearing Efficate Formation, the Grand Xuan Dynasty dealing with us as per usual, what would they had done?”
Gu Hong said, “There would ultimately come an end to the endless clashes. After we had pursued them to a certain position, while it would be tough on everyone from the Radiant Light Sect, there would still have been a need to stop eventually, retreating to the Grinding Hut Region. Otherwise, our losses would only be greater. Our strength being inferior to theirs, retaining our troops whilst losing our land with our essential vitality being preserved would be a comparatively good result.”
Luo Zhiyuan was silent, Gongsun Wu glancing at him before saying as well, “But the Grand Xuan Dynasty might not be happy seeing that. They would still hope to take down our main force in a single enfeebling blow or even exterminate us all.”
Zhou Haosheng uttered, halting with every single word, “The other Immortal Bridge Martial Saint would likely have attempted to manoeuvre around us, cutting off our path of retreat from behind!”
History's Strongest Senior Brother Chapter 700: A new generation arises!
HSSB700: A new generation arises
After Zhou Haosheng had said what he did, complete silence instantly engulfed the entire area.
While they were unable to confirm that it truly was so, just this possibility alone caused a chill to run down everyone’s backs.
Currently, they were already a distance away from the sword domain of the Grinding Hut Region where the headquarters of the North Sea Sword Pavilion was located.
If they were attacked from behind and caught in a pincer attack, whether it was to the Radiant Light Sect’s headquarters or back to the Grinding Hut Region of the North Sea Sword Pavilion, there would be extreme difficulty in fleeing anywhere.
Those who had gone around and appeared behind them would not have to fight to the death with them. They would merely have to attack and delay them for a moment or lower their rate of advance. Then, the main force of the Grand Xuan Dynasty would quickly charge over.
At that time, the anti-Xuan forces would have been well and properly surrounded by the Grand Xuan Dynasty.
Having been avoiding battling with the more powerful Grand Xuan Dynasty out in the open all along, they would have been unable to maintain that wish as they would only be able to prematurely enter a decisive battle.
Like this, the anti-Xuan coalition would inevitably be in dire straits.
Someone gave a dry cough, “We have also been staying vigilant against such a thing happening all along, paying attention to our path of retreat at all times and keeping an eye on the movements of the Grand Xuan Dynasty’s experts.”
“If an Immortal Bridge Martial Saint had suddenly left their main force, we should have been able to notice it…”
Someone immediately sighed beside him, “But we all saw it just now! There were indeed only two of the Grand Xuan Dynasty’s peak experts who fought earlier. Also, we didn’t see the high-grade Sacred Artifact, the Cloud Circulating Heavenly Light Sword!”
That person from earlier stammered, “He could simply have been acting as backup, not participating in battle. After all, their goal was actually to retreat, throwing us off their tail and preventing us from continuing to pursue them instead.”
Yan Zhaoge smiled, “It would already be impossible for us to catch up with the Grand Xuan Dynasty’s main force now anyway. Why not attempt for another possibility?”
“As for where that person could be, I believe that everyone already has a general idea of this.”
Gu Hong said, “If they had originally planned to ambush us, there are just those few possibilities.”
His gaze swept across Luo Zhiyuan, Zhou Haosheng and Gongsun Wu, “I intend to make a trip over. What say you three?”
Zhou Haosheng stroked his beard, smiling, “This old man intends to make a trip over as well. While the Grand Xuan Dynasty has enraged the Southeastern Exalt, this matter concerns just too much. What exactly the Southeastern Exalt will decide is still something that cannot be said for certain now.”
“If the Grand Xuan Dynasty is still allowed to continue acting as they please in the Royal Reed Sea, they will definitely strike back at us in a tide of resurgence afterwards.”
“Trying to decrease their strength now when they have been forced into retreat-really, why not?”
The white-clothed old man sighed, “They possess greater strength at the end of the day. After they have retreated and remain on defence, we will not be able to gain much of an advantage from them, dealing them a debilitating blow. If they did really split up their troops before this, now would be the best time for us to break through them all at once.”
Qi Wei and Madame Kang had definitely reported the incident directly to the Grand Xuan Dynasty’s main force. Still, they might not have known about their division of troops beforehand.
This way, when King Xuanmu’s group received the news and made the decision to retreat, they would still have to go out of their way to inform their other squad that had been acting covertly.
Under such circumstances, even if King Xuanmu’s group waited for a while before attacking the anti-Xuan troops, they might not definitely be able to ensure that their remaining forces would be able to retreat fully in time.
After all, they had to guard against Yan Zhaoge informing the anti-Xuan coalition of this matter as well, not being able to wait for too long a time.
Gongsun Wu nodded slowly, “It is such a good chance, and from the looks of it, possibly our best chance right now. If we miss this opportunity, it would be hard to find such a good chance again.”
Luo Zhiyuan pondered in silence for a moment before saying, “Agreed.”
Gu Hong nodded, “Since that is so, let us not harry. I will first depart with Chiefs Luo, Zhou and Gongsun.”
“Everyone else pack up on your own, steadily retreating to the Grinding Hut Region for now. Be vigilant on the way back, lest something crop up.”
He looked at Yan Zhaoge, “I will find some time to slowly talk with Little Friend Yan again later. If you are free, Little Friend Yan, you are welcome to visit my North Sea Sword Pavilion as a guest.”
Yan Zhaoge smiled, “Pavilion Lord Gu is polite.”
Having made a decision, Gu Hong’s group immediately left, directly transforming into four long streams of light which streaked towards the northern horizon.
Everyone else remained at their posts, setting off in an orderly fashion as per the orders of Gu Hong and the other bigwigs.
Comparatively speaking, how to explain things to their own people was something that left Wu Zixiu and the others feel
ing even more headached.
When the remaining troops of the anti-Xuan forces heard this news, like had been predicted, they were all stunned.
They had just been at a disadvantage a moment ago, suffering the threat of the Grand Xuan Dynasty at any time, any place, with the enemy’s momentum looming menacingly overhead like dark clouds in the sky, leaving everyone feeling short of breath.
While they had come to reinforce the Radiant Light Sect’s headquarters, they might still be forced to simply give up on it helplessly in the end.
While it was rather demoralising, they would have to take suffering fewer losses as a victory. This was what most people believed of this situation.
The next moment, however, news suddenly came that the Grand Xuan Dynasty had retreated. They had won…
How would they not be stunned by this?
They hadn’t even done anything! How had the other side been defeated just like that?
Faced with their bewilderment, the longtime Elders of the various sects who were conveying the news to them could only smile bitterly inwardly, “We didn’t do anything, but someone else did…”
However, they could only appear solemn as they explained in a stable, dependable manner, “The Grand Xuan Dynasty has finally shot themselves in the foot, their many immoral actions being exposed. Ever since they set foot in the Royal Reed Sea centuries ago, they already possessed untoward intentions, bearing unspeakable secrets.”
“Now, things have come to light, the Southeastern Exalt having been angered. The Grand Xuan Dynasty naturally wouldn’t dare to continue acting arrogantly.”
“In order to avoid angering the Southeastern Exalt yet further, they can only lay low for the moment, behaving themselves. We too cannot let down our guard. At the end of the day, the overall situation still remaining undecided, everything still remains a possibility.”
Only now did everyone understand what had happened.
Someone asked about the details. The name of someone whose role could not be understated at all in this matter was brought up.
Yan Zhaoge.
Some found this name familiar, while others found it foreign.
Previously, in order to secure internal stability as they rebelled against the Grand Xuan Dynasty together, the matter of Yan Zhaoge being the one who had broken the Heavenly Fire Tribulation Thunder Formation with Nong Yuxuan merely having stolen his credit had only been circulated amongst those of the higher echelons of the anti-Xuan forces, while most remained unaware.
Therefore, the rumours that concerned Yan Zhaoge mostly still remained what had happened back with the Dim Sun Cold Moon Ritual as well as the news the Radiant Light Sect had spread previously.
Some had taken note of it, while others had not paid too much attention to it.
Today, however, Yan Zhaoge’s name was destined to spread far and wide within the Royal Reed Sea, becoming renowned beneath the broad heavens.
Whether it was a good or a bad impression they had of him, there would definitely no longer be anyone who ignorantly asked who Yan Zhaoge was.
Within the Royal Reed Sea where the waters had already been churning unstably originally, things were shaken up much more due to Yan Zhaoge.
Yan Zhaoge himself calmly watched all of this. After conversing for a bit with a few longtime Elders of the North Sea Sword Pavilion, Yan Zhaoge exited and went to find the First Seat Elder of the Dim Darkness Sect’s Non-Brightness Hall, Wu Zixiu, once more.
The two of them were already well acquainted now.
Wu Zixiu smiled, asking, “Does Little Friend Yan still have any other special matters?”
Yan Zhaoge smiled, nodding, “This Yan inadvertently obtained a treasure previously. I would like to invite a senior expert of your sect to peruse it.”
“I will be waiting in the North Sea Sword Pavilion’s Grinding Hut Region. Please tell your sect’s Chief Zhou that we should meet up when he is free.”
History's Strongest Senior Brother Chapter 701: The Radiant Light Sect’s chains
HSSB701: The Radiant Light Sect’s chains
Yan Zhaoge had long heard the famed name of the Grinding Hut Region’s sword domain where the headquarters of the North Sea Sword Pavilion was located.
Previously, when the Grand Xuan Dynasty had aspired to break the sword domain with the Heavenly Fire Tribulation Thunder Formation, Yan Zhaoge had wrecked their plans. He himself, however, had never gone there before.
Now that the Grand Xuan Dynasty had returned, Yan Zhaoge went there as an esteemed guest.
Even while the sword-qi was not activated, upon entering the vicinity of the Grinding Hut Region, dense sword-intent could still be felt all around, attacking over towards them from all directions.
The stronger one’s cultivation base, the more clearly one would feel it.
Yan Zhaoge surveyed his surroundings rather interestedly. The sword-qi was formless and soundless yet seemed all-pervasive and all-encompassing.
“Such a grand foundation can really be considered rare,” Yan Zhaoge nodded slowly.
As the disciples of the North Sea Sword Pavilion remained amidst such an environment, it was like unquantifiable sharp swords would be tempering them at all times from all directions in all ways, tempering them like whetstones.
Perhaps it was very slight, but as this was gradually accumulated over time, it would signify quite the considerable wealth.
As one lived in and cultivated here, one would have to remain on alert at all times whilst ceaselessly being tempered.
It was not for no reason that the average quality of North Sea Sword Pavilion disciples was publicly recognised as being the highest amongst the various powers of the entire Royal Reed Sea, quite a number of accomplished figures having emerged from amongst them.
Walking beside Yan Zhaoge, Yue Baoqi led the way for him, “This way, Young Master Yan.”
Yan Zhaoge smiled and nodded, following her alongside Feng Yunsheng and Ah Hu.
Along the way, Yan Zhaoge received the curious gazes of quite a few North Sea Sword Pavilion disciples.
Aside from that, he could see descendants of the other sects gathered here as well. There were some from the Radiant Light Sect, some from the Dim Darkness Sect, some from Copper Men Island as well as some from other martial practitioners of the Royal Reed Sea who had joined the rebel forces due to being dissatisfied with the Grand Xuan Dynasty’s rule.
Everyone was either openly or secretly observing Yan Zhaoge.
“It was because of this person that the Grand Xuan Dynasty retreated? How unimaginable.”
“I heard that it was mainly because the Southeastern Exalt was angered.”
“If it really is so, things are more understandable then.”
“In this, this Yan Zhaoge should only have played the role of an activation catalyst? How lucky…”
“It shouldn’t just be that, right? So young, yet already having Transcended Mortality and entered Sainthood. Let alone the Royal Reed Sea, how many others under the heavens have you heard of?”
“Catalysing things by conveying the news wouldn’t require that much powerful of a cultivation base. If one really is powerful enough, they would be like the Southeastern Exalt. Not needing to speak, just him possibly having been angered alone was sufficient for the Grand Xuan Dynasty to lower their flags and cease their drumbeats.”
“Beneath the combined forces of two fifth level Martial Saints, which early Merging Avatar Martial Saint would be able to successfully flee? Why not you or one of the seniors of your sect give it a go?”
“Who knows how he managed to flee…”
“One or two matters by themselves could still be called coincidental, but it likely wouldn’t be so for many. Do not forget that the Heavenly Fire Tribulation Thunder Formation was actually broken by him! The Radiant Light Sect’s Nong Yuxuan was a deceitful person who stole his credit.”
“That’s true. The Radiant Light Sect is full of these bastards.”
“You of the
Dim Darkness Sect, you’re courting death!”
“Come on, could it be that I’m scared of you? You dare to do it, and we shouldn’t dare to say it?”
As the Grand Xuan Dynasty retreated and the pressure on everyone eased, some pre-existing tensions from the past also began rising to the surface.
While all of them were conversing in private and Yan Zhaoge was unable to hear what exactly was being said, he was basically able to guess what they should be thinking.
He did not mind this in the least.
The martial practitioners of the Radiant Light Sect and the Dim Darkness Sect entering a standoff with a fight nearly breaking out, Yan Zhaoge felt even more interested at this.
Feng Yunsheng and Ah Hu saw this scene as well, the latter suddenly sending via sound transmission, “Young Master, there’s a problem.”
As Yan Zhaoge turned to look at him, he saw that the big man’s face lacked all its usual slickness and laziness as he appeared extremely solemn.
“Young Master, the Grand Xuan Dynasty has ceased in its war efforts. So long as the Radiant Light Sect and the other powers do not take the initiative to provoke them, they will keep a low profile, not attacking the Radiant Light Sect. Hence, the pressure formerly exerted on them will be gone.”
Ah Hu said earnestly, “Currently, with the North Sea Sword Pavilion and the Dim Darkness Sect protecting us, the Radiant Light Sect cannot do anything to us. However…”
A gloomy look flashed on his face, “Might they simply concentrate their power and descend within the Eight Extremities World to deal with Family Head and Broad Creed Mountain?”
The Radiant Light Sect’s main, elite forces had been concentrated within the Royal Reed Sea all along, dealing with their entanglements with the Grand Xuan Dynasty and the Dim Darkness Sect.
Even when they dispatched people to the lower worlds, it would be limited in number.
Now, however, if the Radiant Light Sect hardened their hearts and shifted their focus, with their strength and their many experts, it would be completely different from the previous small scale skirmishes that had occurred between them.
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