Chapter 1648: Chapter 196 Lord of the Undead_3
Ah Dai frowned slightly, feeling that something was amiss, but the Pope’s order had already been given, and he could not say anything more.
It took a full day to gather eighty thousand heavy armored soldiers, fifty thousand Sacred Knights, six hundred magicians from two Mage Guilds, three thousand high-level priests from the Church, and top experts from all forces at the Rotten Dragon Territory. The immense presence of over one hundred and thirty thousand people was remarkable, and the barrier set up by the Pope could barely contain these people, protecting them from evil infiltration.
After another three days of rest, the eighty thousand heavy armored soldiers used the surrounding boulders to build simple defenses, establishing the Rotten Dragon Territory as the temporary encampment for the army. The leaders of all forces and Ah Dai had also adjusted their conditions to the best. As night fell, the Pope summoned the leaders of all forces along with the four Sword Saints.
"Everything is ready, though there are still seven months until the millennium of the Sacred Calendar. Given the many dangers ahead, I’ve decided to advance to the eighth barrier of the Twelve Tribulations of the Undead tomorrow. Ah Dai, please describe the characteristics of the Undead Fire Demon once more, so everyone can have a basic understanding."
Ah Dai nodded, walked to the center, and said solemnly, "Respected seniors, friends, the Undead Fire Demon is a very powerful undead creature. Originally, they were the divine weapons appearing during the battle between His Majesty God Feather and the Dark Demon Clan a millennium ago. They hail from the Divine Realm and possess immense power. Later, they perished in this Death Mountain Range during the battle with the Demon Realm. Their powerful souls lingered, but were invaded by evil and death, transforming them into a very malevolent entity known as the Undead Fire Demon. These are giant beings approximately three meters tall, covered entirely in dark armor, wielding fire whips as their weapons, which are created by the union of demon fire from the Demon Realm and undead fire to form a death flame capable of directly burning one’s soul. Their exact power is unknown, and reportedly, they are exceedingly cunning, numbering around a hundred. These creatures are immune to all magic except powerful water element magic. This is all I know."
After listening to Ah Dai’s words, everyone fell silent, exchanging anxious glances. Many present were aware of Ah Dai’s current strength, and his intense words revealed the formidable power of the Undead Fire Demon. The Pope stood up, approached Ah Dai, and said, "Given the formidable strength and cunning nature of the Undead Fire Demon, I’ve decided to select strong experts among us to proceed and eliminate the Fire Demons. Those willing to participate, please step forward now."
Xi Wen was the first to stand up resolutely, saying, "I am willing to join this action." Immediately following, the other seven second-generation disciples of the Tian Gang Sword Sect rose, expressing their desire to participate. Observing their determined expressions, the Pope said gratefully, "Thank you all for your strong support. However, Marshal Feng Wen should refrain from participating in this action; the army here needs you for command. Should any enemies invade, only with you leading the forces can I feel at ease. The rest of you may participate in this action."
Yun Ying smiled slightly and said, "The three of us old folks will definitely participate. Being nearly a hundred years old ourselves, having the opportunity to witness something extraordinary before we die is our wish."
The Pope nodded, saying, "Good, thank you three. Is there anyone else willing to join?"
The Prophet Pu Lin from the Pu Yan Tribe, Yan Shi, Yan Li, Kary, the president of the Continental Mage Guild, and two elders practicing water element magic along with Olivia, Clan Leader Di Ya and four elders from the Yajin Tribe, Lian Dan and Zhu Yuan from the Red Charming Mercenary Group, Moon Scar and Overlord from the Moon Scar Mercenary Group, Clan Leader Dai Ya from the Yalin Tribe, and others stood up.
The Pope placed his left hand on his chest while pressing his right hand against his forehead, piously saying, "Our warriors! The Sky God will bless you. Let us arrange tomorrow’s attack method."
The Prophet Pu Lin stepped forward and said, "Tomorrow, we of the Pu Yan Tribe will be responsible for the main assault." With these words, everyone, including the Pope and Ah Dai, froze; no one had expected Pu Lin to voluntarily request battle despite Ah Dai’s clear explanation of the Undead Fire Demon’s strength; his courage left the other forces feeling ashamed.
The Pope pondered, "Prophet, these Fire Demons are very challenging to deal with. I think we should further discuss the matter."
Pu Lin shook his head and said, "I feel we are most suited for the primary assault. As Ah Dai mentioned earlier, the Fire Demon’s fire whip can incinerate one’s soul. Therefore, using soulless warriors against them would be most adequate. Our Tilu fighters from the Pu Yan Tribe are the greatest heroes of our tribe. While perhaps inferior to the Fire Demons individually, they should manage to contend with them. For the peace of the continent, our Pu Yan Tribe has never hesitated to sacrifice. Pope, I only ask that if all our elite fighters perish here, please treat our tribespeople kindly. I have no other request; as long as our tribespeople can continue to survive on their current territory, that is enough."
Ah Dai’s blood surged with passion, excitedly saying, "Prophet, why, why do you insist?"
Pu Lin smiled slightly and said, "Ah Dai, I’ve lived so many years, and contributing to the peace of the continent is the greatest honor for me. My decision is made; tomorrow, I will personally lead two hundred Tilu fighters from the Pu Yan Tribe to confront the Fire Demons. Yan Shi, Yan Li, I command you as the tribe’s Prophet not to participate in tomorrow’s battle."
