Delvana, wielding her sword, directly struck Bo Tu's claws, sparks flying. Neither seemed to be holding back; both fought as if their lives depended on it.
Visually, Bo Tu's attack speed and power surpassed Delvana's. However, Delvana's seemingly delicate armor showed no trace when Bo Tu's sharp claws raked across it.
For a moment, the onlookers on both sides held their breath, their hearts in their throats. The Beastmen tribe had fewer representatives, but their cheers and shouts of encouragement were exceptionally loud.
Although Delvana had joined Xiao Xun's Phoenix army, many were unaware of it. Their curiosity was piqued by the sight of a "frail woman" challenging a Beastmen general to a duel, drawing a crowd.
However, this had little significance to the two combatants. Xiao Xun, too, held his breath for Delvana, fearing any mishap.
Unexpectedly, the two exchanged blows, fighting fiercely for dozens of rounds without a clear victor.
Suddenly, Bo Tu let out a bone-chilling roar and, with extreme speed, charged and flung Delvana aside.
Delvana somersaulted in mid-air, landing and drawing the shield from her back, bringing it up to protect herself. It perfectly blocked Bo Tu's flying assault. A swift claw strike nearly sent the Corona Shield, in front of Delvana, flying.
Failing to strike, Bo Tu was sent flying by Delvana's shield bash. She then pursued him with her sword.
Bo Tu braced himself against the ground and, with a spinning kick, dislodged Delvana's sword. Delvana abandoned her sword and charged Bo Tu with her shield, pinning him fiercely beneath her.
Cheers from the Phoenix army erupted, echoing to the heavens.
Delvana stood up, squinting, and said, "Mister Beastman, you have lost."
Bo Tu nodded generously. "Yes, I admit it. I have lost. I yield to you. Thank you also for your restraint. If you had used the Sun God Tribe's ultimate move directly, I doubt I would have had even a chance to retaliate."
Xiao Xun quickly stepped in to mediate. "Alright, we are all allies. Let's consider this a friendly bout. How about this: I will personally cook lunch, and you two can sample my culinary skills?"
Upon hearing this, Bo Tu's mouth immediately watered, and he nodded enthusiastically. Delvana, unaware of Xiao Xun's cooking prowess, looked at Bo Tu's reaction with disdain, thinking, "Beastmen are truly ignorant. What's so exciting about a meal?"
Xiao Xun ordered the cooking utensils, ingredients, and seasonings to be prepared.
Once ready, he tossed his fur cloak and jacket to Bai Yang, changed into chef's attire, picked up a cleaver, and swiftly cut a whole chicken into pieces, washing them clean.
He set a pot of water on the stove, blanched the chicken pieces, then removed them to a colander to drain.
He mixed in starch, massaged it in, and marinated the pieces with seasonings.
He added oil to the wok, stir-fried aromatics, then added the chicken pieces and deep-fried, peeled peanuts. Stir-frying rapidly, he ignited a fierce flame, releasing waves of aroma from the chicken and chilies. With his right hand, he continuously added seasonings. The chicken pieces in the wok were evenly plated, a handful of sesame seeds sprinkled on top, and the dish was complete.
The entire process was fluid and executed flawlessly, stunning everyone present. Was this stir-frying, or art?
Fried peanuts, sweet and sour cabbage, and stir-fried potato shreds with chili all showcased their flavors to the utmost. True chefs know that the simpler the dish, the more it reveals their skill.
Xiao Xun had the logistics department bring two bottles of fruit wine. This drink was sour and sweet, but its alcohol content was no less than that of the baijiu from his previous world.
A large table was set with four dishes and one soup, and the three seated themselves, observing protocol.
Xiao Xun, without question, sat in the center, with Bo Tu to his left and Delvana to his right.
"My cooking is not perfect, so please offer your guidance."
Despite Xiao Xun's humble words, Delvana had already smelled the enticing aromas while he was cooking. Their respective tribes had no such courtesies.
They picked up their food and began eating. The Beastmen were not accustomed to chopsticks and used forks. While a spoon could be used for peanuts, eating potato shreds proved difficult.
The three conversed, sharing their views on the Scourge Legion. Xiao Xun said, "This Scourge Legion is clearly not from this world. I've confiscated their equipment, and many items are not found in this world. It's not that they don't exist, but we haven't discovered how to manufacture them yet."
Bo Tu nodded. "Everyone in this world knows this situation. The last time the Scourge Legion attacked, they displayed astonishing power. Fortunately, there were three Archmages who sacrificed their lives to reseal the entrance to the dimensional barrier through which the Scourge Legion entered this world.
The reason the Scourge Legion could break the seal this time is twofold: firstly, the Archmage's seal may have weakened, allowing the Scourge Legion to break through. Secondly, the Scourge Legion has become stronger, and the seal is no longer able to contain them."
Delvana, with a crestfallen expression, said, "It seems the situation is not optimistic. I recall our former chieftain saying that the emergence of the Scourge Legion signifies humanity's catastrophe. Even if someone can lead everyone to defeat the Scourge Legion and its commander, the King of Pride, there are still three Great Demons and their legions to contend with afterwards. Even if we defeat the four great armies, there are still three mysterious elders, and that Demon God Nero."
Bo Tu scornfully said, "Then according to you, we should just wait for our doom!"
Delvana snorted, "Our Sun God Tribe is not so cowardly. However, our seer said that only the Divine Emperor can defeat the Four Great Demons."
Bo Tu directly 'poured cold water' on her statement. "The Divine Emperor you speak of is only mentioned in legends, rarer than Archmages. Your seer is merely trying to prevent your tribesmen from being too pessimistic, allowing them to live in pleasant illusions."
Xiao Xun wanted to tell them that he was that Divine Emperor, but he abided by Empress Celerpeis's instructions before leaving: remain low-key, don't say everything, and don't trust everyone indiscriminately, because you don't know if the person opposite you is friend or foe. Thus, he said nothing.
Moreover, even Celerpeis didn't know he was the Divine Emperor.
He himself had doubted it, as he barely knew how to use magic; how could he possibly be the Divine Emperor?
After the meal, Bo Tu returned to the capital of Midoriya with his subordinates.
Xiao Xun summoned everyone and addressed them. "From today onwards, this elegant and noble lady beside me."
He glanced at Delvana and continued, addressing the soldiers, "is the second-in-command of our Phoenix army, second only to me. Her orders are equivalent to my own. Military orders are as absolute as mountains; you shall obey without question."
In truth, Xiao Xun's decision carried risks. Delvana was clearly not from Santiroman, nor even from the continent of Atlantis.
He had only witnessed her combat prowess and had not yet seen her command and strategic abilities. After all, those who command vast armies are not necessarily valiant warriors.
In the afternoon, a messenger approached Xiao Xun and said, "Your Highness Sven, there is a person outside claiming to be a prince of the Blazing Moon Kingdom seeking an audience. He states his name is Ducal."
Xiao Xun thought, "This fellow is quite slow. I've been in Midoriya for a week, and he's only just arriving."
"Let him in!"
The messenger departed, and shortly after, a dust-covered man entered. Looking at his weathered face, Xiao Xun knew his journey had not been easy.
Ducal abandoned his usual arrogant demeanor and bowed respectfully to Xiao Xun. "Greetings, Your Highness Sven."
"Let's dispense with pleasantries. My army's morale is low, and I am eager for a victory. However, none of the scouts I've sent out have returned alive. What is the situation on your end?"
Ducal shook his head. "It has been over a year since I left the Blazing Moon Kingdom, and I truly do not know the current situation there."
Xiao Xun thought, "What use is a useless person who doesn't know anything?"
Perhaps sensing Xiao Xun's expression, Ducal said, "Your Highness Sven, although I do not know the current situation in the Blazing Moon Kingdom, if my teacher is still alive, I know where they should be now. Find him, and the rest will be resolved."