Chapter 2746: The Two Forces Make Contact

Although there is still an immortal demon on the plain, the Earth Sovereign of the Fertile Land usually does not involve himself in matters of overall command.

Having said that, Ling Jinbao leapt onto the back of the great bird.

The white-feathered stork flapped its wings a few times and soared straight into the clouds, heading southeast.

As he departed, Immortal Mingke arrived shortly after.

Baochi Hai explained this sudden accident, then asked: "Should we awaken the Earth Mother and depart immediately?"

He is the leader of the Night-Wanderer Gods of Panlong Ancient City and also bears the duty of protection.

"What is most urgent now is to distinguish friend from foe; we might as well wait a moment for Ling brother's feedback." Immortal Mingke pondered briefly, "Each time the Earth Mother surfaces or submerges, it consumes enormous energy. If the enemy is weak, there is no need to rouse it."

This was reasonable, so Baochi Hai said no more. They followed the Earth Mother as it traversed the four seas, encountering many sudden mishaps along the way. If every time they relied on the Earth Mother to resolve things on its own, what would be the point of having these immortals, armies, and Night-Wanderer Gods?

Immortal Mingke added: "In dire straits, we can still contact the Great Emperor."

Exactly! Baochi Hai exhaled in relief: "Precisely!"

Just thinking of the Great Emperor put his mind at ease.

Soon, Ling Jinbao's voice sounded in their ears:

"Indeed, two armies are advancing toward Kunlong Ravine; the vanguard is the Bataling army, the rearguard the Shen Guo army, and both forces contain powerful beings. Well, I saw them briefly clash."

They all carried the crouching-spine beasts of Panlong Ancient City. These are ornaments placed on roof ridges, often arranged in a line from large to small. Ling Jinbao had the smallest one on him, no bigger than a little finger.

Their function allows people to communicate over long distances, ignoring barriers inside and out.

Is the Shen army pursuing the Bataling army? The two exchanged glances, both feeling this question was somewhat thorny.

When others are fighting to the death, how are we to intervene?

If our side intervenes, will we provoke attacks from both sides?

"Wait, I saw the banner—a huge 'He' character!" Ling Jinbao's voice brimmed with surprise, "Sharing the Great Emperor's surname—could it be his kin commanding below?"

The Great Emperor's family? Father or brother?

Then it would be improper to recklessly intervene. Besides, this is several thousand elite cavalry whose vital energy is steaming.

Immortal Mingke also grew more cautious: "To be safe, you go down and say hello."

"Exactly my intention."

……

He Yue chased the Bataling army all the way, running frantically, and was secretly anxious.

No matter how swiftly our army spurred its horses, we could not catch up. His unit had a divine avian and over twenty spellcasters, who several times used flight magic to try to halt Zhao Shuo, but Zhao Shuo also had capable individuals who, at critical moments, stepped forward to block.

If the Bataling army truly escaped into Kunlong Ravine, the two sides would have to play hide-and-seek in a forest where no supplies could be obtained. The difficulty of his personal vengeance would increase manifold.

Avian demons always appeared in the high sky—some from Bataling, some from Shen Guo.

At that moment, he saw a great white bird descend, not landing but circling five or six zhang above the Shen army.

Someone was on the bird's back!

Are there any sects nearby?

In the Shen army, over a dozen archers spontaneously drew their bows, aiming at the great bird. The Shen Guo divine avian, seeing this, flew back to warn, and was two body-lengths higher than the white bird. It is a huge black eagle, only its wings tinged with gray.

He Yue frowned, about to speak, when the other party spoke first:

"Traveler, state your name to avoid misunderstanding."

His voice, transmitted via divine power, reached He Yue's ears directly, distinct and undiminished.

He Yue continued to spur his horse, exhaling as he spoke: "Shen Guo Crown Prince He Yue, pursuing the defeated Bataling forces! And who are you?"

The Great Emperor's younger brother? After a moment of silence above, he replied:

"I am Immortal Cangyan, Ling Shui Daoist!"

Ling Jinbao of course knew the Great Emperor still had a younger brother, the Shen Guo Crown Prince He Yue. Though distant, the brothers' bond was deep. Every so often, Cangyan and Shen Guo exchanged envoys.

In the war between Shen Guo and Bataling, Cangyan half-gave, half-sold special weapons.

As for this commander before him claiming to be He Yue, Ling Jinbao had no doubt, for he resembled He Lingchuan in appearance to some degree.

He Yue was greatly astonished, even forgetting to flick his whip: "Cangyan?!"

He had never imagined that at this time, in this place, he would actually encounter a visitor from Cangyan?

After the surprise, He Yue immediately shouted loudly:

"The defeated Bataling commander Zhao Shuo ahead is my son's killer! Ling Shui Daoist, can you lend me a hand?"

Ah this? Now it was Ling Jinbao who was stunned.

A killer of one's child?

He Yue's son, slain by the Bataling people? When did this happen?

For over two months, he had been stationed on the Earth Mother's plain, constantly traveling underground, unaware of these external events. And He Lingchuan would not proactively mention such things to Immortal Mingke and the others. Thus, this information gap left Ling Jinbao unable to respond.

He Yue thought he needed to verify his identity, so he raised his hand and produced his talisman.

On that gold tablet, red light flickered, displaying a large "He" character.

Ling Jinbao glanced at it twice, then quickly informed Immortal Mingke, and asked him:

"Help or not? I think we should help."

Immortal Mingke was also greatly startled, pondered for two breaths, then said: "Let me report to the Great Emperor first!"

Since this simultaneously involves He Yue, Bataling, and the Earth Mother, it is not something these few immortals can decide on their own; we must also consult the Nine Abysses Great Emperor.

Immortal Mingke had also heard some rumors, saying the Great Emperor once had grievances with his birth father. This is not strange; in imperial families, paternal affection often yields to interests. Moreover, the Nine Abysses Great Emperor went far afield to open new territories, indicating he was not content in his homeland, so these rumors are not baseless.

But whether true or false, He Yue's son—that is, the Great Emperor's nephew—having been slain, Immortal Mingke believes the Great Emperor might well wish our side to participate in capturing the murderer.

He swiftly entered the Panlong Secret Realm, hurried to the edge of the Blessing Spring, unfastened the crouching-spine beast from his waist, gently traced it in the spring water, and softly intoned:

"Matters of great importance; I request an audience with the master of the secret realm."

Between the Panlong Secret Realm and its master He Lingchuan, there exists an invisible gate, and the crouching-spine beasts from Panlong Ancient City are merely a small knocking brick.

It cannot open the door, but it can initiate a dialogue with the Secret Realm's master.

Usually, after the ripples vanished, the water's surface no longer reflected the sky above, but instead revealed the scene of the Nine Nether Great Emperor or the Imperial Study.

But this time the pool water was just pool water; no matter how he stirred it, there wasn't the slightest change.

If the Great Emperor's end had matters, such as receiving court officials or discussing important affairs, he would not connect immediately, but would usually reply afterward.

Emperor Cang Yan is naturally very busy; it is impossible for him to always guard the Secret Realm waiting for a call.

However, what to do about this urgent matter outside the Trapped Dragon Cave? Ming Ke Xianren thought for a moment, then decided to settle for the next best thing and find someone else to ask.