Immortal Martial Academy - Chapter 27

At Black Cliff Mountain’s Central Command, “Report!”

“Enter!”

“General, the fourth stronghold of the Flame Rat Clan has been eliminated.”

The white-haired General, with surprisingly youthful features, walked over to the sand table and pointed directly at a specific location, “You mean this stronghold?”

Glancing at the indicated spot, the communication soldier nodded, “Yes, General.”

“The fourth stronghold housed the Flame Rat Clan’s Space Altar. To capture it, we would typically need at least thirty thousand troops, even then requiring unexpected tactics. Who accomplished this feat?”

“General, according to the observer’s report, it was done by a 4th Rank expert. It seems the 5th Rank specialist from the stronghold was absent at the time, and the remaining 4th Ranker was defeated instantly. They likely didn’t have a chance to activate the Space Altar,” the communication soldier relayed all the information he had.

“Understood. Ensure the protection of our observers; Perception-type gifted individuals are invaluable. Have this observer withdraw immediately,” ordered the white-haired General, his gaze fixed on the battlefield sand table.

“Roger that!” With these words, the communication soldier exited the room.

“Could it be a Dao Protector? It must be one, but which academy’s 4th Rank Dao Protector is this?” The white-haired General continued to speculate.

On his way back to the Fortress, Wu Xianyao encountered numerous Alien Scouts but swiftly dealt with them all. Upon arrival, he presented his credentials, underwent multiple security checks, and finally returned to the stronghold.

Entering the administrative hall, Wu Xianyao approached the front desk where a military staff member was stationed. However, he paid her little attention and asked directly, “Do you accept bodies here?”

Wu Xianyao thought that if the military didn’t take care of the bodies, he would find a suitable place to bury these fallen warriors, ensuring they could rest in peace.

The young woman looked slightly taken aback at Wu Xianyao’s question. “We do accept Xenobeast corpses, and their value can be exchanged for merit points.” She seemed puzzled; did this person not know that the military routinely recovers Xenobeast remains?

Feeling somewhat speechless, Wu Xianyao clarified, “I’m talking about the bodies of our soldiers! Do you accept those?” His tone was earnest and serious.

The young woman nodded, understanding now. “Yes, we also accept soldier bodies, but there are no merit points for them. If a recovered soldier’s body goes unclaimed, they will be interred in the Heroes’ Tomb.”

Wu Xianyao acknowledged this, released the eight bodies, and said, “Thank you for your assistance.” With that, he turned and walked away.

Today’s encounter had profoundly impacted Wu Xianyao, stirring emotions deep within him.

Wu Xianyao understood that this world was brutally harsh. Even Great Xia’s official media did not censor war footage, openly conveying to its citizens that warfare is cruel but necessary; without fighting, Great Xia itself would perish.

However, witnessing it firsthand was different; the emotional impact transcended words.

Back at the hotel, Wu Xianyao took a shower. Today had been filled with encounters of alien beings and Xenobeasts, though he hadn’t personally engaged any Xenobeasts yet.

Mostly, he focused on eliminating members of the Alien Races, accumulating over a thousand merit points already.

The night was quiet, but Wu Xianyao couldn’t sleep, tossing and turning restlessly. He got up, deciding to take a walk.

At the hotel reception, a young man nodded in acknowledgment as Wu Xianyao passed by.

Gazing towards the distant mountaintop, Wu Xianyao flew directly towards it.

Standing atop the mountain, he could see both the Fortress and the scattered lights of the stronghold below. Some warriors were drinking at small stalls, enjoying skewered food, unaware if they’d live to see tomorrow.

Wu Xianyao stood silently under the moonlit sky. His saber materialized in his hand, “Since you can grow stronger, let your nourishment be from the blood of our enemies. From now on, you shall be called Weeping Blood.”

The red saber resonated, seemingly announcing to the Alien Races that their executioner approaches.

In the ruins of a city, amidst shattered walls and collapsed skyscrapers, eight high-ranking members of the Flame Rat Alien Race stood in different corners of a room.

“Yan Ba, the loss of the fourth stronghold is your failure. You owe us an explanation,” addressed Yan Ba, the Eighth Elder of the Rat Clan.

At that moment, this elder was gnawing on a human finger, treating it as a casual snack.

“Great Elder, it’s not solely my fault. If you hadn’t called me for this meeting, the fourth stronghold would have been fine. I refuse to take full responsibility,” Yan Ba retorted dismissively.

If our leader didn’t still need you, you’d be dead by now. What are you smug about? Yan Ba mentally cursed.

“Regardless of excuses, with the fourth stronghold lost, you must establish a new one promptly. The Space Altar also needs immediate attention; otherwise, there will be a gap in our encirclement plan,” Yan Yi’s eyes flashed red, hinting a clear threat if Yan Ba did not comply.

“Fine, but this time, I require two Perception-type warriors,” Yan Ba stated his condition.

With Perception-type warriors, it would have been impossible for any of their three defended strongholds to suffer such setbacks.

“Agreed. Yan Ba, Yan Qi, and Yan Liu, we have nine strongholds along the Blackcliff Defense Line. The three of you must secure them diligently; this is crucial for the upcoming beast tide assault in one month’s time.

The Ferocious Lions and Blood Wolves’ main forces aren’t focused here, so how much of this territory our Flame Rat Clan can claim depends on your efforts.”

As Yan Yi mentioned this critical matter, Yan Liu, Yan Qi, and Yan Ba became solemn.

Over a thousand years, the Alien Races consumed many humans, but those who did realized that consuming a gifted human could enhance their own aptitudes.

Now, every powerful tribe in the rear lines boasts at least one 7th Rank expert, most having achieved this rank by devouring gifted humans.

Currently, only the weakest tribes are attacking the Human Race frontlines.

The Human Race now has ten 7th Rank experts, all closely monitored by the elites from these dominant alien tribes. This number was calculated precisely – enough to ensure the survival of the Human Race but also to prevent its expansion.

If an eleventh 7th Rank expert emerged among humans, the major tribes would swiftly act to eliminate one of the existing 7th Rank human experts.

If any of their clans produced a 7th Rank powerhouse, they could switch with another weaker clan on the battlefield, allowing themselves to retreat and establish a secure position at the rear.

“Great Elder, rest assured, there won’t be any issues this time,” the three Rat Clan elders spoke in unison. This matter was crucial for their race’s survival, leaving no room for carelessness; failure would risk being devoured by their leader.

“Good. The Black Rat Clan will soon dispatch two million troops to your stronghold. Ensure they remain hidden well. Being skilled diggers, hide them underground. Additionally, continue sending out scout squads; we need updates on the Fortress’ activities.

The Berserk Lion Clan plans an assassination soon, with the Blood Wolves participating as well. Our role is to provide intelligence. Great Xia’s recruitment season should be nearing its end now.

The gifted individuals will undoubtedly emerge, and once captured, they must be sent back to our clan. Distribute resources based on each one’s contribution. Once our leader becomes a 7th Rank powerhouse, brighter days await the Flame Rat Clan.”

As these words were spoken, every Flame Rat present yearned for life in the safe rear areas. That was truly living, unlike the constant battles here where death lurked around every corner.