"The Star Outpost has been deployed, Lord. What are the next steps?" Zi Yue asked, arriving beside Lu Fan.
"The Star Outpost now belongs to the Qingyun Sect. As its custodian, you are to defend this place," Lu Fan stated. "While this Outer Realm Battlefield offers abundant resources, it is also fraught with peril. You are a War Spirit, and defending the Star Outpost is sufficient."
"Understood, subordinate!"
Zi Yue nodded slightly. The Star Outpost spanned three hundred miles, and anything within this territory was under their jurisdiction and could not be plundered by others, which was why he was tasked with its defense.
In truth, the Outer Realm Battlefield, despite its vastness, consisted of interconnected regions, each containing an outpost guarded by powerful individuals. All resources within an outpost belonged to it. Any violation of these rules would result in a fierce counterattack from the outpost's lord.
Within each outpost, treasures of heaven and earth, mineral veins, and earth meridians were exceptionally abundant, and even the spiritual energy was several times more potent than in the outside world. However, their current strength meant they were unaware of the spiritual energy's true potential, only understanding the territorial divisions around the outposts.
"Lord, we have ascertained it!" Han Yunhai approached, holding a map. "An outpost near the Star Outpost is called the Sky Slaughter Outpost, and it is not a National Outpost."
"The Sky Slaughter Outpost?" Lu Fan inquired with surprise. "If it's not a National Outpost, how does it exist here?"
"The Sky Slaughter Outpost is teeming with experts. It boasts five War Spirit powerhouses alone!" Han Yunhai said with a wry smile. "In this Outer Realm Battlefield, large-scale conflicts are generally avoided when other factions are not involved."
"Five War Spirit powerhouses?" Lu Fan nodded slightly. "Their strength is indeed not to be underestimated!"
"Furthermore, the reason they have been able to establish themselves here for so many years is that they are experts from the Azure Sky Nation," Han Yunhai added. "It would be as easy as breathing for the nation to eliminate them, but involving the Azure Sky Nation complicates matters considerably."
"The Azure Sky Nation?" Lu Fan frowned. "I recall you showed me a document stating that among the various nations, the Azure Sky Nation possesses the greatest strength and is exceptionally domineering, reigning supreme over all others!"
"Indeed!" Han Yunhai nodded gravely. "Even the Sea Nation bows in submission to the Azure Sky Nation. Otherwise, how could the Sky Slaughter Outpost have occupied this territory for so long!"
"They are not part of the Azure Sky Nation's national power, but rather martial arts experts from the Azure Sky Nation. What difference does it make if we act against them?" Lu Fan's expression was indifferent. "We will head to the Sky Slaughter Outpost tomorrow!"
"This..." Han Yunhai's face shifted. Lu Fan's decision made him feel apprehensive. Even the other nations dared not easily provoke the Sky Slaughter Outpost. If they were to seize it, angering the Azure Sky Nation, even the Dragon Nation might not be able to protect them.
"What is it? Do you doubt my decision?" Lu Fan shrugged. "The purpose of coming to the Outer Realm Battlefield is to be reborn through fire. If we act timidly, how can we achieve greatness in the future?"
"You speak wisely, Lord!" Han Yunhai nodded solemnly. Lu Fan's words instantly enlightened him. Whether it was the Sky Slaughter Outpost or any other, there were formidable powers behind them. If they were to hesitate, how could they expand their influence?
"By the way, you have been at the Grandmaster level for some time now," Lu Fan mused. "Have there been any signs of breakthrough recently?"
"This..." Han Yunhai's expression was one of bitter struggle. He had mediocre talent to begin with, and reaching the Grandmaster realm under Lu Fan was already quite satisfying. He dared not even dream of reaching higher levels. In the past, War Spirits were considered the pinnacle of martial arts, even capable of ruling the entire martial world. However, that was no longer the case.
"I've noticed many heavenly and earthly treasures in the Star Outpost's warehouse. After we conquer the Sky Slaughter Outpost tomorrow, I will refine some pills to enhance your cultivation," Lu Fan stated directly.
"Thank you, Lord!" Han Yunhai was visibly excited. If it weren't for Lu Fan's support, he would likely still be in Jiangnan, serving as the leader of the Azure Dragon Gang. While his life then was leisurely and comfortable, it was not what he yearned for. What he truly desired was to achieve greatness by following Lu Fan.
The next morning, the experts of the Qingyun Sect were fully prepared and advanced towards the Sky Slaughter Outpost without any attempt at concealment. In the Outer Realm Battlefield, when one aimed to occupy an outpost, it was necessary to do so with great fanfare to exert pressure on the opponent.
Inside the Sky Slaughter Outpost, five elders were seated with an air of dignified elegance. A young attendant hurried to report, "My Lords, something terrible has happened. Someone is attempting to force their way into the Sky Slaughter Outpost!"
"They are quite bold!" one of the elders stated coldly. "Which nation is making a move against the Sky Slaughter Outpost?"
"It is not a nation, but a sect," the man replied awkwardly. "This sect is called the Qingyun Sect. They recently captured the Star Outpost and are now setting their sights on the Sky Slaughter Outpost!"
"The Star Outpost was a Sea Nation outpost. Does he truly not know his limits!" another elder said coldly. "Has the Sea Nation not intervened?"
"I am not privy to the specifics," the man shook his head helplessly. "However, they are about to reach the Sky Slaughter Outpost. What should you elders do?"
"Why the panic!" The leading elder slowly rose. "The Sky Slaughter Outpost has existed in the Outer Realm Battlefield for so many years for a reason, and it possesses its own foundations! It is not something that anyone can simply move against!"
The man nodded quickly, yet he remained incredibly fearful. He was well aware that Lu Fan and his group were advancing with formidable momentum and were likely hostile. If a conflict were to break out, their Sky Slaughter Outpost might not have the upper hand.
Meanwhile, within the Sky Slaughter Outpost, considerable commotion arose. The ability to capture a Sea Nation outpost was sufficient proof of Lu Fan and his group's strength. Now, the Qingyun Sect, despite knowing that the Sky Slaughter Outpost had five War Spirit level experts, dared to charge forward recklessly, indicating they were well-prepared.
On the outpost's city walls, the five elders stood, gazing into the distance. "We have never heard of the Qingyun Sect in the Outer Realm Battlefield. They must be a martial sect from a nation, truly unaware of the dangers of the Outer Realm Battlefield, to venture here alone!"
"Elders, do not be careless!" the leading elder stated. "The fact that they could capture the Star Outpost overnight is enough reason for us to be cautious."
The other elders nodded, yet they did not pay much heed. The presence of five War Spirit level experts in the Sky Slaughter Outpost was enough to give them confidence. Five War Spirit level experts guarding an outpost was already considered a formidable force in the Outer Realm Battlefield.
Shortly after, the many experts of the Qingyun Sect arrived outside the Sky Slaughter Outpost, with Lu Fan leading the way.
"May I inquire as to your intentions, young friend?" the leading elder asked with a smile. "The Sky Slaughter Outpost maintains a policy of non-interference with other outposts! We hope you will consider this, young friend."