The biting wind whistled.
A wind, originating from no discernible source, swept through the forest, bending the withered grass on the ground.
On the fortress, flags fluttered.
Countless soldiers stood ready, their formations impeccable. The siege weapons atop the city walls were already charged, all of this a reaction to the tide of demonic creatures surging towards the fortress from below.
"My heavens!"
"What kind of demonic creatures are these?"
"How can they be so big?"
The soldiers on the city walls couldn't help but whisper amongst themselves. Even after the commanders on the wall had reprimanded them, they couldn't suppress the astonishment that arose upon witnessing this scene.
Those standing here were undoubtedly elites.
Chen Yu was well aware of the caliber of demonic creatures in Lanfeng City, and he would never send less capable members to their deaths. The soldiers on the city walls, even the weakest among them, were at least in the Golden realm.
They had all participated in subjugation operations against demonic creatures.
The number of demonic creatures they had defeated was not insignificant. Yet, even these veterans with extensive experience found themselves unable to conceal a trace of shock, even a sense of unfamiliarity, when faced with the creatures before them.
It was difficult to comprehend that demonic creatures could be so colossal.
"Are those Cave Giants? They're just too enormous. Aren't adult Cave Giants only five to six meters tall? How can these giants be tens of meters tall?"
"Hey, look at that flying beast with wings of fire, doesn't it resemble a Blazing Black Raven?"
"Could a Blazing Black Raven be that big?"
Discussions erupted, with the soldiers awestruck by the familiar yet alien demonic creatures appearing before them.
Awestruck, yes.
But this did not mean they were intimidated.
They were the elite of the legions.
The countless successful subjugations of demonic creatures in the past had also instilled confidence in them. Even though these demonic creatures appeared terrifying, they did not believe they were incapable of fighting.
*Tap, tap, tap—*
Steady footsteps gradually reached the ears of the soldiers.
The soldiers on the city wall cast a sideways glance and saw Chen Yu, cloaked and riding the wind, arriving. Beside him was Mi Ye, the lord of Milu City.
"City Lord!"
A resonant shout echoed from the city walls.
Looking at the fiery gazes of his soldiers and the fighting spirit radiating from their expressions, Chen Yu couldn't help but nod inwardly.
His idea of gathering elites here for the first wave of the offensive was correct.
Regardless of the outcome, at least at this moment, they showed no fear in the face of the demonic creatures. Bringing new recruits, while increasing numbers, would have seen their psychological resilience, far less robust than that of elite troops, potentially affecting others when faced with the demonic creatures.
"Boss."
"Sister!"
At the same time, Hei Lu and Mi Mu also arrived to join Chen Yu. The surrounding soldiers offered a slight bow before turning their attention to the imposing formation outside the city.
"What's the situation?"
Chen Yu asked softly, his gaze fixed. Hei Lu, with a grim expression, looked out beyond the fortress.
"The situation is as you see it. We received intelligence indicating traces of demonic creatures at the warning line in the southern region of Fengqi City. The message only just reached us, and the demonic creatures are already visible here. This suggests they are moving at a considerable speed, almost like a forced march."
"It seems these demonic creatures are more eager for this battle than we are," Chen Yu remarked with a smile.
"Indeed."
Suddenly, Hei Lu frowned.
"These demonic creatures stopped within two li of our fortress and haven't advanced another step. I wonder what their intentions are. If they're setting up camp, they haven't constructed any defensive fortifications. So, their halt must be for troop assembly. Once the subsequent waves of demonic creatures arrive, they'll sound the general assault horn for us. Therefore, boss, I..."
"You want to surprise them?" Chen Yu inquired, glancing sideways.
Hei Lu nodded noncommittally.
With the demonic creatures assembling troops two li away, without any defensive fortifications, launching a swift strike from this position might yield remarkable results.
If successful, it could significantly dampen the enemy's morale and reduce their strength.
"Standing so undefended within the range of our siege weapons clearly shows they don't take us seriously," Hei Lu squinted and huffed. "We should teach them a lesson."
"I agree."
Mi Mu raised her small hand, wrinkling her nose, and said.
"They're too disrespectful. I've led troops for so long and never encountered such arrogance. Not constructing any fortifications and assembling troops within the range of our weapons – I truly can't stand it. Let me go deal with them. I can guarantee I'll give them a memorable lesson and return safely."
"I object," Mi Ye interjected.
"Sister?"
Confusion flickered in Mi Mu's eyes. Chen Yu glanced at Mi Ye and then smiled.
"I also object."
While a surprise attack might indeed be effective, the gains from such a maneuver in a decisive, life-or-death battle were not very high. Even in the best-case scenario, if Hei Lu and Mi Mu successfully led their troops in a surprise attack, causing tens of thousands of casualties, it would be considered a great victory.
What would be the impact?
Could tens of thousands of demonic creatures affect the overall trend of the battle?
No.
For this decisive battle, Chen Yu and Mi Ye had combined forces totaling nearly a million. If the troops of other city lords were included, the number of participants on their side would exceed two million.
The demon race's active advancement clearly indicated their confidence in their combat strength.
Tens of thousands of casualties would not be significant to them.
Moreover, who could guarantee that this wasn't a deliberate ploy to lure Chen Yu and his forces into a trap? A rash advance could lead to an ambush, resulting in losses for Chen Yu and his allies.
The demon race dared to act this way, they must have their backing.
Although being underestimated was an unpleasant feeling, it had to be admitted that those demonic creatures possessed such capabilities. Even though Chen Yu and his allies had their trump cards, and their combat group's strength was not as weak as imagined, a successful surprise attack would alert the enemy to Chen Yu's forces, making their situation even more precarious during the actual battle.
"If they want to underestimate us, let them. Pay no mind to it,"
Chen Yu said with a gentle smile. "What we need is the ultimate victory, not just to save face in this moment. If you truly feel indignant, then demonstrate your capabilities in the grand battle and slap their faces soundly, making them pay for their arrogance."
"Alright, we'll listen to you, Boss."
Hei Lu clenched his fist tightly, gazing at the demonic creatures outside.
"When the time comes, I'll make them properly recognize Fengqi City, make them remember Fengqi City's tumbleweeds for the rest of their lives."
"Hey, who is that?"
Mi Mu on the city wall suddenly pointed with her small hand towards a solitary figure walking towards their city gate from outside.
"It looks like... a human."