Chapter 1653: Chapter 197 Fire Sprite Ambush_4
Pu Lin sighed and said, "Pope, our Pu Yan clan can no longer serve any purpose in the Allied Forces. Please allow us to return to the rear base. We have done all we can. Whether we can achieve victory in the end depends on you. I believe justice will certainly prevail over evil."
The Pope sighed lightly and said, "Alright, I will send someone to escort you back."
Pu Lin shook his head and said, "Yan Shi, Yan Li, and the remaining dozen Tilu fighters are enough. Yan Shi, you and your brother can escort me back."
Yan Shi and his brother walked up to Prophet Pu Lin, supporting his weak body, and left with the remaining Tilu fighters. Their retreating figures appeared so lonely and weathered.
After a short while, Xuan Ye and Mang Siu returned with very somber expressions. The Pope closed his eyes, sighing lightly, "Speak."
Xuan Ye and Mang Siu exchanged a glance, and Xuan Ye said, "We did an approximate count, and the Fire Sprite’s surprise attack has caused us considerable losses. Among the leaders, the Red Charming Mercenary Group’s Lian Dan and Zhu Yuan were severely injured; the Moon Scar Mercenary Group’s Overlord was killed, and the Clan Leader Dai Ya of the Asia Lian clan perished. Among the warriors of the Allied Forces, seven thousand in the Holy Knight Legion were killed, with no severe injuries. Over two hundred Judges were killed. Of the eighty thousand Heavy Armored Soldiers formed by various factions, twenty-six thousand were killed, with a total death count of around thirty-four thousand, equating to a third of our strength."
Slowly opening his eyes, tears flickered within the depths of the Pope’s gaze. He sighed deeply, "It is all due to my mismanagement. If I had followed Ah Dai’s advice and had the Heavy Armored Soldiers withdraw, we wouldn’t have suffered such heavy losses. Marshal Feng Wen, I think we should withdraw the Allied Forces here."
Feng Wen was about to agree when Ah Dai interrupted, "I think it’s unnecessary. Let’s leave those Heavy Armored Soldiers here to rest. The four challenges we face next are the Bone Dragon Corps and the three major Undead dominions; they shouldn’t sneak up on our rear."
The Pope appeared weary, nodding, "As you say, you are the continent’s Savior now, and given the current situation, everyone can only follow your footsteps to possibly achieve final victory. From now on, I announce the transfer of command of the Allied Forces to Ah Dai. No one is permitted to defy his orders."
Ah Dai was stunned, "Grandfather, how is this possible? I am young and inexperienced; I can’t take over your commanding duty."
The Pope shook his head, "Your abilities are evident to everyone. Does anyone oppose my decision?"
All leaders were silent, focusing their gazes on Ah Dai. Unable to hide his embarrassment, Ah Dai said, "Pope Grandfather, it is better if you lead. I will certainly assist."
The Pope replied, "Child, sometimes one must bravely undertake the responsibilities they should bear. We all believe you possess this ability, so don’t refuse anymore."
Seeing the resolute expression on the Pope’s face, Ah Dai helplessly nodded, "Alright then. Today, the Allied Forces have suffered heavy losses. Besides leaving enough personnel responsible for reconnaissance and vigilance, I ask everyone to return to their posts and count their factions’ soldiers. Rest for a day, and tomorrow we’ll discuss our next actions."
After Ah Dai issued his first order as the commander of the Allied Forces, the leaders dispersed, each returning to their camps.
Xuan Yue accompanied Ah Dai back to his tent, observing his somewhat pale face, "How are you? With such expenditure today, quickly go and train."
Ah Dai enveloped her in his arms; only holding his beloved could his heart completely calm down, "I’m fine, don’t worry. I am truly worried about our subsequent actions. Today’s Undead Fire Sprite was far more formidable than the Rotten Dragon. If we hadn’t promptly returned, the Allied Forces here might have faced total annihilation. The next challenge is the Bone Dragon Corps, whose combat abilities and numbers exceed the Fire Sprites, making them difficult to deal with. Furthermore, beyond that are the three major Undead dominions. Even if we can pass all four challenges, the damage will be considerable, and whether we can stop the Church of the Dark Saint remains uncertain! The reason I asked Grandfather to leave the Heavy Armored Soldiers was primarily to use them against the final dark alien races. The Church of the Dark Saint pales in comparison to the powerful Undead Creatures here."
Xuan Yue softly responded, "There is still considerable time left, so there is no need to rush. After each of the twelve Undead Tribulations’ challenges, we can rest for several days, regroup, and advance again. The three major dominions of the final three challenges are indeed formidable, but their numbers are only one each. If we exert ourselves fully, we can certainly obliterate them. Can they withstand the combined force of you four Sword Saints?"
Ah Dai nodded, "I hope everything goes as smoothly as you say."
After two days of resting, the Allied Forces regrouped and, under Ah Dai’s leadership, moved toward the ninth challenge of the twelve Undead Tribulations. Upon traversing the Fire Sprite’s territory, Ah Dai suddenly felt a tremendous pressure emanating from the opposite mountain peak, causing him to act swiftly and order the Allied Forces to halt their advance. Bone Dragons possess immunity to Magic, so Ah Dai brought weaponry experts aside from the four Red Robe Priests and the Pope this time. The Pope too sensed something amiss and promptly, along with the four Red Robe Priests, used Divine Blessing to apply layer after layer of Support Magic on Ah Dai and others.
