Even before it was born, the demonic treasure was already radiating a terrifying presence.Once unleashed, its power would be enough to shatter heaven and earth.It evoked dread, as if one were staring into a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood.
If this demonic treasure fell into Long Aotian's hands, the consequences would be catastrophic.
Right now, Long Aotian was clearly entrenched within Gourd Valley, awaiting Great Yi's move.If they didn't go, the treasure would be his—and this pre-heaven demonic artifact could destroy an entire province with ease.
If they did go, they'd be suppressed by the valley's formation,forced to rely purely on physical combat.
No spells, no divine powers—only strength, courage, and logistical preparation would determine life or death.
"We can't let Long Aotian obtain that treasure," said Jiang Ni,his expression solemn."It was birthed by the Heaven Gourd Earth Fiend Burial Demon Formation.
Once the treasure awakens, it will possess innate control over the array.
Its power in the valley could be multiplied tenfold—possibly more.
The entire Dragon Demon Continent could be destroyed."
Jia Xu narrowed his eyes.
"A blatant scheme," he muttered."Even knowing their intentions, we still have no choice but to walk into it.
Long Aotian is cunning—he understands human nature too well."
"Then let's fight," said Zhuge Liang, voice firm.
"Do they think our Great Yi warriors are helpless without spells?
Laughable.
Let's show them the fury of Great Yi!"
"Indeed," added Jia Xu."We'll bring all our war weapons.
The strength of humanity lies not only in our bodies,
but in our wisdom and inventions.
The countless war machines developed by Heavenly Craft Pavilion over the years—
now's the time to use them."
"March!!"
"Mobilize the army—to Gourd Valley!!"
"Move it! Time to butcher some foreign devils!
So what if spellcasting is banned?
Our bodies are every bit as strong as theirs!"
Each military corps moved quickly toward Gourd Valley.
Notably, the Firefly Legion and the Undying Legion—both comprised primarily of female troops, many of whom specialized in support, medicine, and healing spells—were kept outside.In a no-spell zone, their combat strength would be cut drastically.
Instead, they would serve as mobile reserves.
Because of the spell-forbidding terrain, war machinery was now more crucial than ever.
From Heavenly Craft Pavilion, countless machines had been forged.
One such marvel was the Kirin War Chariot—originally based on goblin designs but now wholly reengineered.
The chariot's armor was fortified, its body covered in defensive runes,making it nearly indestructible, capable of withstanding even sixth-tier cultivator attacks.
Mounted atop it was a portable ballista—a giant version of the Godslayer Crossbow, with chain-fed bolts.Both sides bristled with barbed spikes like giant spears, capable of impaling anything in their path.
Each chariot could carry:
Three archers
Three spearmen
Three sword-and-shield fighters
And the chariots weren't just mechanical—they were infused with beast spirits,making them function like living constructs.
Even in a zone where magic was nullified, these war machines could operate smoothly and freely.
The Great Yi army swiftly arrived at Gourd Valley.
WHOOSH!
A seven-colored radiance tore through the sky—a massive war carriage appeared in midair, drawn by nine dragons, radiating overwhelming pressure.
"Greetings to the Emperor!May His Majesty be blessed with boundless fortune and peace!"
The sight of the Imperial Carriage lit a fire in every soldier's heart.
For the Emperor to arrive personally—their morale skyrocketed.
"No need for formality," Yi Tianxing said calmly.
"I'm only here to see an old… friend.
Whether they're still a friend is yet to be seen.
On the battlefield, obey Lord Zhuge's commands. That's all."
Though he claimed not to interfere, his presence alone was a symbol:
Unshakable support.
Unbreakable confidence.
It was trust earned through blood and war.
No one could replace that.
"With the Emperor present, our victory is assured," said Zhuge Liang with a smile.
"Advance!!" Zhuge Liang ordered.
This battle allowed no defeat.
Gourd Valley was indeed perilous terrain,with a single, narrow gorge serving as its entrance.
But the pass was still wide enough for thousands to march shoulder to shoulder,and level enough for cavalry to charge unhindered.
There were no traps or ambushes.
After all, spellcasting was disabled for both sides,and ambushes wouldn't have much effect.
It was clear the foreign alliance had chosen to confront directly—a true clash of steel and blood.
Still, Great Yi's forces remained cautious.
As the army entered the valley, an invisible pressure enveloped them.
They immediately felt it—
All magic power was sealed within their bodies.
They could still circulate it internally,
but they couldn't cast it outward.
No spells. No divine abilities. No flight.
You could jump, yes.
But you'd still come crashing down.
"Interesting," said Yi Tianxing, standing at the valley entrance, not entering.
He stared at the sky-piercing light pillar,watching the demonic treasure being born.
"A truly fearsome artifact," said Jiang Ni, appearing beside the Emperor.
"Birthed by the essence of heaven and earth…
It will inevitably slaughter all beings to complete its birth.
It draws upon Heavenly Gang Thunder and Earth Fiend Qi.
Once it emerges,
Heaven Gang Demon Lightning will annihilate the world,
and Earth Fiend Turbid Qi will obliterate all souls.
The entire continent could be laid waste."
"If the artifact is born, the land may become uninhabitable.
Repairing the damage would consume astronomical resources.
My Lord, this treasure must not be allowed to emerge."
"Is there a way to stop it?" asked Yi Tianxing.
"If we can complete the Jiangshan Sheji Diagram's layout over this continent,
we could use it to suppress the formation,"said Jiang Ni.
"But only if we first defeat the foreign alliance and let the formation's power spread across the land."
So in the end—there was no choice.
They had to fight.
The army advanced rapidly through the gorge.
Once inside, the terrain opened into a massive battlefield.
No trees.
Wide open space.
Perfect for large-scale formation battles.
Even tens of millions of troops would only occupy a fraction of this hidden space.
The army arranged itself into battle formation.
Across from them—a colossal light pillar surged into the heavens.
That was where the pre-heaven demonic treasure was being nurtured.
And beneath it…
Billions of foreign troops stood waiting.
Fierce, hideous, brimming with killing intent.
Their bloodlust churned into a cloud of slaughter,which was continuously absorbed into the light pillar,feeding the treasure's birth.
"Well, well," said Long Aotian, reclining on a throne.
"A full ten million elite troops from Great Yi.
If they all die here…
I wonder how heartbroken the Yi Emperor will be."