Chapter 166

Li Qingxuan's reply "If you want war, then war!" was like throwing a boulder onto a calm lake; not only a hard response to that anonymous threatener, it also made the whole Guangtan Fortress atmosphere suddenly tense.

The Orc threat in the open had not been eliminated, while in the shadows another poisonous snake lay in wait, and the situation instantly became tangled and complex.

"Investigate! Use every means to find out who this anonymous guy is!" Li Qingxuan's face was grim as he ordered Li Feifei and Chen Xiulan, "World Channel, Trading Platform, all past contact records—any clue cannot be overlooked!"

"Understood!" Li Feifei immediately sat before the control panel, her fingers flying as she began to sift through massive amounts of information.

Chen Xiulan frowned in thought, recalling whether she had encountered any suspicious individuals during previous scouting or trading outings.

Huang Rong's eyes flashed with cold light: "Do you need me to go out? I'll drag that rat out!"

Her Dark Night Stealth is most suitable for carrying out this covert investigation and eradication mission.

Li Qingxuan pondered for a moment, then shook his head: "Not for now. The enemy is in the dark while we are in the light; if you go out now, you're likely to fall into their trap. Moreover, the Guangtan Fortress's coordinates have been exposed, and the Orcs could attack at any moment—we need to concentrate our strength on defense."

He looked at Huang Rong: "Your task is more important; strengthen the Guangtan Fortress's outer perimeter. I want to ensure that anyone who tries to approach the Guangtan Fortress will not return."

"Leave it to me!" Huang Rong accepted the order, her form flickering as she vanished into the shadows, beginning her journey of slaughter.

The anonymous threat loomed like a dark cloud over the Guangtan Fortress, but the pressure of survival allowed no one to dwell too long in worry.

Li Qingxuan took a deep breath, drawing his focus back to the imminent defense.

He hesitated no more and opened the Scarlet Chest; amid its blinding red light, several items appeared.

【Item: Rune Energy Core Tower Blueprint (Epic)】

【Construction Conditions: Manufacturing Table, Unit Stone, 5000 Unit Iron Blocks, 5000 Energy Stones, 50 Unit Mithril】

【Description: Can construct a tower providing regional energy amplification and spell resistance】

【Item: Resource Supply Box】

【Effect: Upon opening, yields Unit Stone, Unit Wood, Unit Iron Block】

【Description: A supply box containing large quantities of basic resources】

【Item: Dragon Blood Potion (Rare)】

【Effect: Upon consumption, increases Constitution by 100 points, Fire Resistance +50%】

【Description: A constitution potion refined primarily from dragon blood】

【Item: Armor-Piercing Arrow Quiver (Fine)】

【Effect: Contains 20 enchanted armor-piercing arrows (generates 1 per minute), capable of penetrating heavy armor】

【Description: A specially crafted quiver designed for heavy-armor units】

【Item: Stealth Cloak (Fine)】

【Effect: Enhances stealth, interferes with divination and tracking spell detection】

【Description: A magical cloak woven from shadow materials】

"Construct the Rune Energy Core Tower immediately!" Li Qingxuan handed the blueprint and resources to Li Feifei and Wang Hongmei, "Spare no expense, finish it as fast as possible! This tower could very well resonate with the Guangtan Fortress's energy resistance and Earth Affinity Trait, greatly boosting our defensive power!"

"Yes!" The two women, knowing time was pressing, immediately took manpower and resources and rushed to the inner city plaza to select a site.

Li Qingxuan carefully stored the Dragon Blood Potion, then handed the Armor-Piercing Arrow Quiver to Chen Xiulan: "Xiulan, your archery is the best; I'm giving you these armor-piercing arrows—prioritize sniping enemy spellcasters and heavy units."

Chen Xiulan solemnly took the quiver, feeling the sharp aura emanating from the arrows, and nodded.

He also handed the Stealth Cloak to the returning Huang Rong: "Ronger, this is for you; it will enhance your stealth, making your outer perimeter reconnaissance and anti-infiltration missions safer."

Huang Rong took the cloak, draped it over herself, and her figure seemed to become more indistinct.

"Li Jing," Li Qingxuan looked at Li Jing, whose face was still somewhat pale, "Your duty is to guard the inner city core, protect Mother, Qingge, and Xinxin. At the same time, you must familiarize yourself with every corner of the inner city; if the outer city defenses develop a gap, you need to use Void Shuttle for mobile support to plug the leaks."

He shoved a Dragon Blood Potion into Li Jing's hand: "Use it at the critical moment!"

Li Jing gripped the cool potion bottle, feeling the immense energy within, and nodded firmly: "I understand!"

Jiang Xiu'e stepped forward, her gaze gentle yet firm: "Qingxuan, go ahead and set things up—rest assured."

Li Qingge and Li Xinxin also stood behind their mother; although nervous, their eyes were equally resolute.

Meanwhile, in a concealed cave dozens of li from Guangtan Fortress, the man in a gray cloak was contacting someone via the control panel.

【Grey Shadow: Bloodaxe Chieftain, are you still satisfied with this gift?】

【Blood Axe: Humph, humans, you'd better not play tricks. Have you confirmed the coordinates of Guangtan Fortress and their defensive arrangements?】

【Grey Shadow: Of course. Moreover, I know they've just obtained a great treasure. If we take the fortress, the treasure goes to me, and resources split seven to three in your favor.】

【Blood Axe: Eight-two. Without my warriors, you get nothing.】

【Grey Shadow: (After a pause) Deal. However, Li Qingxuan is quite capable; I advise the chieftain to make more preparations.】

【Blood Axe: No need for your instruction! In three days I will personally lead my army to level that place! You had better show up on time.】

【Grey Shadow: Rest assured, I will strike them a fatal blow at the appropriate time...】

After ending the communication, Grey Shadow curled the corner of his mouth into a cold smile and softly said: "Li Qingxuan, if anyone's to blame, blame yourself for being too dazzling..."

At this moment, Li Qingxuan was arranging the defense plan; he looked at everyone and said: "Our advantage lies in this fortress! The outer wall is five hundred meters, the inner wall two hundred eighty meters, with layered protection, plus the mist array disk shrouding the exterior to interfere with perception! Adding the Rune Energy Core Tower's defense enhancement, as long as we make good use of these, we can defeat the many with the few—victory is only a matter of time!"

The troops received the orders and immediately sprang into action.

Li Feifei and Wang Hongmei carried resources to the inner city plaza; Chen Xiulan climbed the inner city's highest watchtower, placing the quiver at her side; Li Jing guarded the interior of the stronghold, her eyes sharp.

Li Qingxuan personally patrolled the inner and outer city walls.

He manipulated the mist array disk, making the mist outside the outer city wall denser and constantly roiling, maximizing its shielding and confusing effects.

At the same time, he again used his Domination ability, commanding the Icefield Demon Wolf King to deploy a batch of Icefield Demon Wolves in the mist at the foot of the outer city wall, forming the first strange line of defense.

Huang Rong operated in the outer city area, the Stealth Cloak letting her move like a fish in water.

She not only laid numerous physical traps, but also used the environment to set up multiple misleading markers and sound devices, enough to leave any enemy who ventures into the mist disoriented and confused.

Li Feifei used the manufacturing table to construct the Rune Energy Core Tower; the steady energy undulations emitted by the tower began to resonate with the mist array disk and the city wall's protective field.

The defensive facilities throughout the Guangtan Fortress seemed to be infused with new vitality; as energy flowed, layers of faintly visible luminous barriers formed, enveloping the entire Guangtan Fortress.

Li Qingxuan stood at the edge of the inner city plaza, sensing the energy vibrations in the air growing more substantial, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes.

He turned to look at Li Feifei and Wang Hongmei, nodded, and said: "Well done; now activate full-defense mode."

As he gave the order, the fortress's internal and external defense system fully activated, the mist rolled like waves, ancient rune patterns appeared on the surface of the city wall, the crystal at the top of the Rune Energy Core Tower burst forth with dazzling light, enveloping the entire Shelter in a layer of light shield.

The ballista on the arrow tower turned slowly, the sound of the mechanism and the hum of energy flow intertwined into a solemn battle hymn.

Li Qingxuan raised his hand to press the Long Sword at his waist, his gaze piercing the surging mist, as if he could see the impending blood-red storm.

Deep within the fortress, the supplies in the Resource Supply Box had been properly arranged, the humming of the Rune Energy Core Tower resonated with the City Wall's energy Barrier, and even the air carried a metallic tremor.

Huang Rong's figure flickered in and out of the shadows, the Trap network she had laid was like an invisible spider's web, silently waiting for prey to fall into it.

In the blink of an eye, three days passed.

"Woo——!!!" Chen Xiulan's outpost set up at the outermost edge of the mist was triggered!

"Northeast direction! Large numbers of Orcs have appeared near the outpost I set up! Over three hundred! There are heavy units!" Chen Xiulan's voice carried a hint of urgency.

"Combat personnel! Take battle positions!" Li Qingxuan's angry roar echoed throughout the fortress.

Zhao Ling'er, Zhao Shuang'er, Wang Hongmei, Chen Xiulan, Jiang Xiu'e, and Li Qingge quickly retreated into the innermost stronghold of Guangtan Fortress.

All combat personnel took their positions, the Outer City Wall was chiefly defended by Huang Rong and Li Qingxuan, the Inner City Wall received ranged support from Chen Xiulan, and Li Jing served as the mobile force.

On the horizon, dust and smoke billowed.

The Orcs' distinctive war drums and roars drew nearer from afar; even through the thick mist, one could feel their savage aura.

The green tide halted at the edge of the mist; evidently, this strange mist made them hesitant to act.

The Bloodaxe Chieftain's massive figure appeared atop a giant boar outside the mist, his scarlet eyes trying to pierce the mist, but he could only see a rolling expanse of grayish-white.

He raised his giant axe, his roar shaking the mist into slight ripples: "Li Qingxuan! What's the point of hiding in this shell and the mist? Dare to come out and fight!"

Li Qingxuan stood on the Outer City Wall, his icy voice carrying through the mist: "Blood Axe, if you have the ability, charge in!"

His response thoroughly enraged the Blood Axe.

"Seek death! Shaman, dispel this damned mist! Siege unit, advance! Crush them!" the Bloodaxe Chieftain brought down his giant axe.

Several Orc shamans began chanting obscure incantations, streaks of blood-colored light shot toward the mist, attempting to disperse or corrode it.

At the same time, Orc infantry bearing crude siege rams and pushing heavy wooden mantlet vehicles let out a fierce battle cry and charged headfirst into the thick mist.

The defense of Guangtan Fortress officially began on this land shrouded in mist!

The "Grey Shadow" lurking in the darkness also coldly watched as his prey stepped into the Trap.

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