n

n

n'But then....why not?'

n*TREEEMBLE*

nAs Hao Xuan was immersed in the thoughts of visiting this 'academy' that Wu Jin had described, the ground beneath his feet shook.

nNo, it wasn't just the ground but the entire space was shaking. It felt like he was in a bottle that was being thrown around like a ball.

n

"What the hell?!

"

nHe shot up from his seat and walked out. The entire place was packed to the brim with the Red Legion soldiers. All of them were looking around with panicked and puzzled faces.

nHao Xuan looked at his watch that was still connected to Wu Jin,

"I'll call you back once I'm free. Baracus will send a list. I need you to prepare them as quickly as possible.

"

n

"WAIT! You didn't tell me wha-

"

n*Click*

nHao Xuan cut off the call before Wu Jin could finish his sentence. He knew what he was going to say anyway and now wasn't the time.

nPutting on his usual clothes he sprinted to First's tent. It was a bit crowded with the four Profound realm cultivators huddled around First's table and Third and Fourth passed out on the side with another person taking care of them.

n

"B-Brother, what's going on?

" Hao Xuan stammeringly inquired.

nFirst looked up with a grim countenance,

"They found us. I don't know how but they found us.

"

n

"Who??

"

n

"The Jia. It's not a full regiment but still enough to hold us back until the main force gets here.

"

nHao Xuan walked over to the table and looked at the glass screen that was showing the scenes from outside the gate. There were about 30 large silhouettes at the front with another 200 behind them.

nEach of these 30 men and women were around 4.5 to 5 meters, towering over all the others behind them. They held onto thick golden ropes that seemed to be alive. The ropes moved on their own and repeatedly struck a single place in space, the exact area where the red gate was.

nAll of them had the exact same armor on, completely black in color.

nWhile the 200 soldiers behind them were decked in similar but heavier armors. Although they were much shorter than the 30 in front, the shortest guy was still at least Hao Xuan's size.

n

"It can't be...

" Hao Xuan mumbled with a startled expression upon seeing one of the men.

nFirst raised an eyebrow,

"What? Do you see something?

"

nHao Xuan nodded vacantly, pointing at three figures at the front,

"I know them. Some of them. These three were the ones that attacked me that time in the forest. The ones serving that guy...

"

nAll the other Profound Realm experts including First were taken aback by his answer. They unconsciously leaned in.

n

"That guy? Who??

"

nHao Xuan met First's gaze,

"Jiang Ling. The Hidden prince that had captured the general's friend!

" (details in CH62)

nAfter General Shu was released he told the Red Legion everything that happened, including the story and details about the 'hidden prince'. That's why everyone currently in the tent knew about him.

nHe wasn't so 'hidden' anymore.

nDu Xun who was relatively laid back until a few seconds had an abrupt change of expression. He leaned in towards First,

"That's even worse then. If he is here then there's a good chance that one of the main armies is one its way as well. We have to leave right now!

"

nFirst didn't answer immediately and instead looked at Hao Xuan for confirmation, hoping that he might be wrong,

"Are you sure brother?

"

nHao Xuan bobbed his head up and down,

"100%. I would recognize them anywhere.

"

n

"Damn it!

" First punched the desk, leaving a fist-sized hole in there.

n

"What do we do?

" Du Xun spoke once again, his tone relaying the urgency of the situation.

nFirst took in a deep breath to calm himself down,

"We fight, what else?

"

n

"But what about Third and Fourth Brother?

" Hao Xuan looked over at the two unconscious bodies.

n

"We will take to the frontlines and hold them back. You take Third and Fourth brother and flee from the side. We will catch up with you later,

" First relayed his plan to Hao Xuan and the others.

nThe mindreader Su Zemin spoke up for the first time,

"They won't make it. Remember where we are. And with them on foot, without even a guide, you might as well kill them right now.

"

n

"Right! How could I forget...

" First slapped his forehead.

nThey were in the swamp. Perhaps one of the deadliest places on this side of the continent. Even with four profound realm cultivators, they had to make their way in at a snail's pace. How could they expect Hao Xuan's team to get out of the swamp on their own?

n

"Hmm. Any ideas then?

" First looked at the people around him.

nHao Xuan gave it some thought and raised his hand,

"How about I lead the attack? They already know me and I think I can probably lead them away. You guys help the soldiers get out of the swamp and then come pick me up.

"

nFirst shook his head instantly,

"No way. Too dangerous. And how do you expect to fight all of them alone?

"

n

"I don't. I'll run away. They will follow on their own. It's the only choice. If we go out and fight, it will take much longer. The others will catch up and it won't end well. Let me at least lead some of them away,

" Hao Xuan stood his ground and made his case in front of First.

nDu Xun looked at Hao Xuan with wide eyes. Astonishment apparent in his gaze. He met First's gaze,

"It could work. A long term engagement is not an option right now.

"

nFirst looked at each of them with a deep frown, both angry that they suggested this and annoyed that it was the best plan.

nEven if one of the others went out there was no way to guarantee the enemy would follow them. But since Hao Xuan had a history with Jiang Ling, the chances of him getting his attention were pretty good.

n

"Alright, fine. You lead as many of them away as you can. We will come out right after and launch an attack with everything we have before retreating. Once we are far enough, I will come to pick you up myself. But brother, you must not take any risks. Deal?

"

nFirst looked at Hao Xuan somberly as he told him the plan. Hao Xuan of course happily nodded back,

"No problem.

"

nHe walked out of the tent and made his way straight to the gate, through the 1500 or so soldiers in his path.

nKuo saw Hao Xuan coming and ran up to him,

"Captain, what's going on?

"

n

"We are under attack. I will go first, you guys follow First brother and get out of the swamp.

"

n

"Wait, you're going alone?!

" Kuo looked at him as if he was looking at an idiot.

nHao Xuan patted the middle-aged man's shoulder reassuringly,

"What's with that look? I know what I'm doing. Nothing is gonna go wrong.

"

nThe red door in front of him was shaking non-stop. There were even some hairline fractures on it that were getting wider with every shake.

nHao Xuan waved his hand and two little snakes appeared on his shoulders. He rubbed their heads lovingly as they greeted him by coiling around his fingers.

n

"Get ready, it's time to fight,

" he whispered gently, opened the door and stepped out.

n