Then, there were the numerous odd and poisonous insects that also deterred people.


    As for the Ancient Beast Mountain Range, successive courts had always attached great importance to it, as occasionally powerful fierce beasts would rush out from within to cause havoc, bringing no small impact.


    So,


    Whether it was Yulong River or Ancient Beast Mountain Range, both were considered natural barriers.


    Also because of such barriers, the position of Tianxiong Pass had become particularly important.


    ...


    Ever since Gu Yang had led the army to station at Tianxiong Pass, almost every half hour, scouts would come to report.


    "Reporting to Your Majesty, the Spirit King personally leads an army of five million, marching toward Taishan County!"


    "Reporting to Your Majesty, the Spirit King Army is only five hundred miles away from Tianxiong Pass!"


    "Reporting to Your Majesty, the Spirit King Army is only three hundred miles away from Tianxiong Pass!"


    "Reporting to Your Majesty, the Spirit King Army is only one hundred miles away from Tianxiong Pass!"


    One piece of news after another arrived, and Gu Yang looked toward the outside of Tianxiong Pass with a solemn expression.


    At this juncture, he naturally understood that this battle was not only related to the survival of Qingyun State but also to the future pattern of the Nine States.


    If he could win this battle, then there would no longer be any who could stand in his way in the Nine States.


    Likewise,


    If he were to lose,


    Then it would all be over.


    "Order all troops to prepare!"


    Gu Yang commanded in a deep voice.


    Inside Tianxiong Pass now were two million troops stationed, which could be considered the entire foundation of Qingyun State.


    With the news spreading,


    Everyone felt a heavy burden on their spirits.


    The vast expanse of Tianxiong Pass seemed to carry the sense of an approaching storm.


    On the other side,


    The Spirit King Army was also advancing.


    In the central army, the Spirit King rode his horse, accompanied by many powerful warriors and top experts from the Taisu Sect, including Fu Zhao.


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    This battle,


    Gu Yang’s expression remained calm, "Proceed with the plan!"


    He had never thought of relying solely on defending Tianxiong Pass to confront the Spirit King Army.


    After all, in this world where extraordinary strength was common, warfare often became much more brutal. Gates were strong, but they could not stop master level fighters.


    And when infantry advanced, with grandmasters hidden among them, no one could detect them.


    Therefore,


    Once a grandmaster approached the city walls and directly attacked to breach them, it was to be expected.


    All of this was within Gu Yang’s expectations.


    So,


    Even though the gates were breached,


    Gu Yang was not at all worried.


    As expected,


    The moment the gates broke, a terrifying surge of vital energy erupted, solidifying into a tangible blade wind that sliced through the air. One of the enemy’s grandmasters didn’t even have time to react before he was split in two by the blade.


    Flesh burst open,


    Blood splattered.


    Shi Zhen charged out on horseback, his Yanyue Blade sweeping in all directions. As a vital blood grandmaster leading the charge, it was a fatal blow to the ordinary soldiers.


    Following closely behind him was the Heavenly Gang Army.


    Shi Zhen led the charge with thirty-six thousand Heavenly Gang troops, piercing into the enemy forces like a sharp knife, brutally tearing open the enemy’s frontline infantry.


    Following closely,


    Other generals led the troops in a charge right behind.


    As both forces met, they immediately clashed head-on.


    "Kill!"


    Shi Zhen roared with fury, his blood boiling, and the Yanyue Blade cleaved through the air, slicing any soldier it touched in half.


    "Rebels, cease your arrogance!"


    From within the Spirit King Army, a general charged forward, his robust True Qi erupting, condensing into a terrifying blade wind that slashed down at Shi Zhen.


    Seeing this, Shi Zhen’s expression was fearless, killing intent surging in his eyes.


    "Kill—"


    As his words fell,


    The Yanyue Blade came crashing down with the force of splitting a mountain. With both being grandmaster realm fighters, the vital blood grandmaster prevailed.


    The True Qi blade wind shattered, and the opponent’s face changed color. In haste, he raised his blade to block. The powerful force caused his arms to shake violently, and his palms split apart.