"Powerful war weapons play just as decisive a role in battle," Wu Yong said slowly, his eyes narrowing. "Our soldiers' cultivation levels are about the same as those of the Scorpion race. What truly allowed us to win so easily was a combination of sound tactics, superior war weapons, shields, spears, divine repeating crossbows, and a well-trained army. Without all of this, the casualties inflicted by the Scorpion horde would have been exponentially greater."
More than 20,000 Scorpion warriors had been slain, while their own side had suffered fewer than a thousand losses—just a few hundred dead. Such a casualty ratio was negligible by any standard, a resounding victory under any circumstance.
This outcome was largely thanks to the war equipment.
Without the Divine Repeating Crossbows, the Whitebone Warbows, talisman arrows, and rune bombs, victory would still have been possible—but at a steep cost in lives and resources, a cost they could scarcely afford.
Weapons and equipment were, in their own right, a form of power—a symbol of strength.
"It's still not powerful enough," Yi Tianxing said, taking a deep breath and shaking his head slightly. "If it were, we wouldn't have suffered even a few hundred casualties."
If he could, he would make every weapon even more formidable. That way, the army could become even stronger, killing enemies with minimal losses—or even with none at all.
"There's no such thing as overnight success," Wu Yong replied with certainty. "My lord, what you've accomplished in such a short time already surpasses most people. At least in this region, you're standing at the very top. And don't forget, the Eternal Continent has only just formed. It's still in its earliest phase. Any slight advantage gained now can become an unshakable foundation for the ages to come."
Though he didn't fully understand the laws of this world, one fact remained clear: all former powers had collapsed. There were no more dynasties, no more noble clans. Everything had been wiped clean. It didn't matter if you used to be royalty, a high-ranking official's child, or a billionaire heir. Without power, you weren't even as good as a worm. Only ability could make you stand out.
This was an age that valued capability above all.
A step ahead now meant a lead for life. Every edge, as long as it was seized tightly, could be transformed into capital.
This was not a world where parents could shield you forever. Without ability, you were merely handing your life over to fate—liable to die the next moment in the wilderness.
Personal strength was the root of all things.
Yi Tianxing had forged his own foundation with his own hands.
"May I ask for the name of our benefactor?" a voice suddenly asked.
A gaunt old man stepped out from among the malnourished civilians. He wore a scholar's robe and still carried a scholarly air despite all the hardship. His posture and manners were proper, a testament to his refined upbringing. One look was enough to tell Yi Tianxing held an important position here. He stepped forward and spoke respectfully.
"This is our lord, the ruler of Xuanhuang Town—Yi Tianxing!" Wu Yong answered with a smile.
"So it is Lord Yi," the old man bowed deeply. "This old man is Zhou Wenju. Thank you for saving our lives. Had Lord Yi not come with troops, I fear all of us—nearly a hundred thousand—would have been sacrificed as offerings to the demon god."
Yi Tianxing hurried forward to help him up. "You're too kind, Mister Zhou. We're all part of the human race. In these difficult times, we should be helping one another. When I heard humans were being imprisoned here, how could I possibly turn a blind eye and let you suffer or become food for beasts?"
"This grace is higher than the heavens," Zhou Wenju said with a quivering voice. "Had you not come, none of us would still be standing here today."
Gratitude swelled in his heart.
Yi Tianxing turned to address the rest of the malnourished survivors. "My fellow men and women, I am the lord of Xuanhuang Town. As of today, you are safe. Soon, you'll be returning with us to our town. I cannot promise luxury, but I can promise you freedom and dignity as humans, and the chance to gain the strength to fight the beasts and foreign races that seek to destroy us."
He looked across the crowd, his gaze resolute.
"We humans may be born weaker than beasts or alien races. But we have wisdom. As long as we have the will and perseverance, we too can grow stronger—strong enough to slay even the fiercest of our enemies. Today they feast on us; tomorrow, we will carve them apart with our blades!"
"Thirty years the river flows east, thirty years it flows west. I believe that even though you've been imprisoned and tormented, your spirits remain unbroken. You have not been worn down—you've grown sharper."
His words echoed throughout the underground space.
And as they reached their ears, the people's eyes slowly began to regain their light. Determination replaced numbness. And in that determination, a fiery hatred began to burn.
Hatred for the beasts and alien races.
Hatred for their own weakness.
"We're human—even if we're weak—we won't be slaughtered like pigs!"
"I want to become strong! I want to join the army! Only through battle can we grow faster. Better to die on the battlefield than be trampled by alien filth!"
"I'd rather die fighting than kneeling before them!"
Cries of resolve rose like a tide, surging through the crowd.
"Clean up the battlefield! We're heading back above ground. Take every last Scorpion corpse with us. If they dared come here, let their bodies be turned into the bloody bricks of our Iron-Blooded Great Wall. Let them atone for their crimes against humanity!"
Yi Tianxing's command rang out.
With no hesitation, the soldiers swept through the battlefield. Not a single corpse or weapon was left behind. The underground cavern was cleaned out so thoroughly it looked like a ghost town—stripped bare.
Then, following the original path, the army began their return to the surface.
This time, they brought back more than just victory—they brought back over 100,000 rescued civilians.
Though malnourished and barely able to walk, some strength—born of hope—surged within them, pushing them forward.
Ahead of them lay hope.
Even if they had to crawl, they would crawl toward it.
This was the power of faith.
…
Back at Xuanhuang Town.
Though the town was still under reconstruction and debris was being cleared, many couldn't help but glance toward the underground passage with anticipation and unease, yearning for news.
Then—someone emerged.
A soldier.
One of Xuanhuang Town's own.
"They're back! Our troops have returned!"
"Look—so many of them. Did we win? What kind of war was it?"
"Who are all these people? They look like ordinary civilians—gaunt, starved… just like we were when we came out of the wild. They must've been rescued!"
"There are so many! Tens of thousands—maybe even more! Did they find a human settlement or rescue them from alien captivity?"
"Quick! People from the Gourmet Hall, start the fires! Set up the cauldrons! Bring out the rice—we're cooking white porridge! Add some ginseng, but only a slice per pot. Their bodies are too weak for tonics. We'll nourish them gently. Come on, let's show them how we treat family here!"
Lai He, head of the Gourmet Hall, gave the order.
Immediately, Gourmet Hall members began preparing food.
Those emerging from the tunnels were skin and bone, clearly having starved for a long time. They couldn't eat solid food yet. Warm porridge was the best way to restore energy and vitality.
Of course, this wouldn't be ordinary porridge. Medicinal herbs would be added, and minced flesh from spirit beasts—easier to digest and rich in nutrients.
This was the Gourmet Hall's specialty.
In no time, cauldrons were boiling.
Bag after bag of rice was poured in. Soon, a fragrant aroma filled the air.
Gurgle—
Many of the rescued civilians instinctively swallowed as they caught the scent, unable to stop themselves.
After all, food is the foundation of survival—no one could resist its call.