C21 Black Armored Army

The sun hung high in a sky graced by a light breeze and wispy clouds, lifting the spirits of Chu Tianyu as he stepped out of Myriad Demon Valley. The world around them was hushed, and both he and his companion savored the rare peace and comfort.

"Are you really decided against coming to Xianyang with me?" Under the shade of an ancient tree, Qin Ming looked at Chu Tianyu, perplexed. Xianyang was the destination most coveted by those from the Qin Empire. Though it was not easy to gain entry, with her support, his future there was assured to be bright.

Chu Tianyu shook his head with conviction. Truth be told, he was tempted, but he had made a promise to Ao Xingyun.

"Why?" Qin Ming couldn't hide her disappointment. She wouldn't have pressed the issue with anyone else, but the young man before her was different.

"It's nothing. I just find this place quite nice."

"But there are so many Demonic Beasts here. It's dangerous."

"It's fine. The Demonic Beasts won't bother with someone as insignificant as me."

Qin Ming was visibly upset. "You..."

"Look, I'll go there eventually, just not right now." Chu Tianyu thought that perhaps the next time they met, things would be different, and he couldn't help feeling a bit melancholic.

"If there's anything you need, just tell me. I can help you."

"No need. I can manage on my own. You should get going."

"Do you dislike me?"

"I..." Even Chu Tianyu, who wasn't the sharpest, could tell Qin Ming was fond of him, but he knew their relationship was doomed from the start.

Despite the dust veiling Qin Ming's face, it was impossible to associate her with being unattractive. And her being in her fifties was hardly a concern; at her level of cultivation, she would barely differ from a middle-aged person at a hundred.

Struck as if by lightning, Qin Ming shot Chu Tianyu a resentful look before turning to leave the place that had brought her sorrow. As she departed, two glistening tears, like pearls, fell from her eyes.

Chu Tianyu felt a sharp pang in his heart. He never intended to hurt anyone, but sometimes, a short pain was preferable to a long one.

Heartbroken, Qin Ming ran wildly, aimlessly fleeing the place that had caused her so much sorrow.

With a deep breath, a handsome young man opened his eyes atop a large limestone boulder at the battlefield's edge. The powerful strength coursing through his body was undeniable, and the elation in his eyes was impossible to hide.

"Haha, I have at least 1,600 pounds of strength. I've finally advanced to a Level One Warrior."

This young man was Chu Tianyu, and it had been nearly a week since he and Qin Ming had gone their separate ways.

After their parting, Chu Tianyu had first offered his apologies to Ao Xingyun for not retrieving the dragon bone as instructed. He recognized how much Qin Ming needed it. It took him over a day to make his way back to the outskirts of the battlefield, where he settled into meditation.

Once he began his cultivation, Chu Tianyu noticed a difference immediately. The rate at which he absorbed Spiritual Qi had significantly increased, and the flow of Genuine Qi within him was more fluid than ever. His body, ravenous like it hadn't been fed in days, greedily soaked up the Spiritual Qi.

This was the reward for his harrowing trials, a life-and-death experience that not only solidified his realm but also awakened his body's latent potential.

Within a mere five days, he experienced a profound transformation—his strength had doubled, reaching an impressive 1,600 pounds, well beyond the 1,000-pound threshold. This marked him as a Level One Warrior, and not just any Level One Warrior.

A month had passed since the onset of the great battle, drawing forces from all over to the battlefield's edge. Even those from the northern reaches of the Qin Empire, nearly 100,000 kilometers away, had hastened to join.

The Wei Empire and Dali Empire, bordering the Qin Empire's south, had also dispatched their representatives. However, they sent armies with intentions of invasion.

Caught off-guard and still reeling from the war that had decimated the Southern Army's main force, the Qin Empire's defenses in the south crumbled, leaving a gaping void. The Empire was retreating, losing ground rapidly, with nearly a third of its southern territory now occupied. The combined armies of the two nations were closing in, less than a thousand miles from the battlefield.

Upon entering the battlefield, there would be no fortifications to rely on. The terrain leading to the Li Mountains was entirely flat, allowing the enemy to advance swiftly and besiege the city!

After a hearty meal, Chu Tianyu resumed his cultivation, but this time, he wasn't practicing the Vajra Esotery; he was channeling the True Dragon Roars! His meridians had doubled in width and nearly doubled in resilience compared to just over ten days ago. He felt confident that he could handle the flow of the True Dragon Roars' Genuine Qi.

A torrent of Spiritual Qi surged toward Chu Tianyu, which, once processed through the True Dragon Roars, transformed into a robust stream of Genuine Qi. This Genuine Qi was several times thicker than his meridians, causing a burning sensation and intense pain as it passed through, but Chu Tianyu bore it with gritted teeth and unwavering determination.

Witnessing the prowess of Qin Ming and Duan Dali, both Level Nine experts, Chu Tianyu shed any pride in his modest achievements. His training was no longer about mere survival; it was about gaining strength, pure and simple.

It took him fifteen minutes to complete a single cycle of circulation. With the Vajra Esotery, he could have managed five or six cycles in the same time. Nevertheless, the results were strikingly clear—his meridians had become significantly thicker than before.

Yet, he hadn't reached his limit. Chu Tianyu persisted, circulating the Genuine Qi cycle after cycle to reinforce and fortify his meridians and rejuvenate his physical body.

After six cycles, he hit his threshold. Ceasing the cultivation technique, he collapsed onto the stone, too drained to move, his whole being succumbing to exhaustion.

Cultivation was an endeavor that sapped the spirit. Even with his soul fortified by the Dragon's Roar, Chu Tianyu had reached his limit. Once he allowed himself to relax, he quickly drifted into a deep sleep.

Unaware in his slumber, Chu Tianyu was oblivious to the imminent threat of a formidable enemy.

A unit of around a hundred soldiers clad in black and gold armor, wielding gleaming steel blades, and mounted on towering black unicorns, was making its way through the dense forest toward the battlefield. Their path was set to cross right by where Chu Tianyu lay.

Over a hundred cavalry advanced in lockstep, their flawless coordination a testament to their exceptional military discipline. Four riders, wielding fine steel blades, led the way, cutting through trees and splitting rocks, carving a broad path through the dense forest and rugged terrain. The commanding officer, a rugged middle-aged man in his forties, commanded respect from his troops, his formidable presence evident in their admiring glances.

They were the Black Armored Army, dispatched from the Qin capital of Xianyang to scout for intelligence. The rugged officer was none other than General Lin Hao of the Black Armored Army.

Tasked with the defense of Xianyang, the Black Armored Army was akin to the imperial guards. Each soldier was handpicked from the millions in the Qin Empire's forces. The least among them was a Level Two warrior, capable of lifting thousands of pounds and outrunning horses. In any other army, they would qualify for a low-ranking officer's position, but here they were the rank-and-file. The sergeants were at least Level Three warriors, centurions were at least Level Four, and the lieutenants commanded at least Level Five warrior status.

Leading this contingent was Lieutenant Lin Hao, a formidable Level Five warrior. The rest of the cavalry were the Black Armored Army's elite, with the least of them being Level Three warriors. The unit also included ten Level Four warriors and even three Level Five warriors.

These soldiers were battle-hardened, having survived the most brutal of conflicts. Their prowess and resilience were unmatched, making them a force to be reckoned with.

Though none of the hundred cavalry ranked above Level Seven, even a Level Seven warrior would have to think twice before engaging with this unit. Only those at Level Eight or higher could face them without fear.

The recent cataclysmic battle had sent shockwaves through the Qin Empire, especially since the fallen Saint Level warriors were from its own ranks. Emperor Qin took the loss seriously and ordered a thorough investigation.

After nearly a month's journey, the hundred cavalry had finally reached the periphery of the battlefield, having traveled tens of thousands of miles from Xianyang.