Chapter 403: The Battle Begins

Chapter 403: The Battle Begins

According to the intelligence provided by the Baixue Sect and Xing Tian, the major factions would unite to attack Zhang Yi’s Shelter in three days.

This war was ostensibly about avenging the two bases Zhang Yi had annihilated, but everyone knew it was really about carving up territory and consolidating power. Each faction had its own ulterior motives, striving to maximize its gains, yet they were all committed to this inevitable clash.

Three days later, the Western factions would leave a portion of their forces behind to defend their bases while the rest, led by their leaders, advanced toward Cloud Manor by the Lu River.

The agreed-upon time for the attack was 2:00 PM.

Due to the uncertain conditions within the Ice Fortress surrounding the Shelter, a night raid was deemed too risky—it would place them at a disadvantage in unfamiliar terrain and make them susceptible to ambushes. With their overwhelming numerical superiority, a direct frontal assault was considered the safest approach.

Yangsheng Base’s forces were the most imposing, deploying fifteen vehicles, including specialized engineering vehicles and heavily modified armored cars. No other base in Tianhai City could boast such a formidable convoy.

In the third armored car, Yangsheng Base’s leader, Xiao Honglian, sat in a fiery red combat suit, her sharp gaze resembling that of an eagle.

Her ability, Inferno Forge, was unique. Using flames, she could not only enhance her physical strength but also unleash intense heat to melt through any material. Classified as both an enhancement and emission-type ability, her combat prowess was exceptional.

Given the conspicuous nature of her flames, her combat suit was appropriately red. Subtlety was unnecessary for someone like her—she was always the center of attention.

As the convoy advanced steadily toward Cloud Manor, Xiao Honglian picked up her communicator to confirm with the other three faction leaders that they would arrive on time.

Satisfied with their responses, she relaxed.

However, her deputy, Zhuge Qingtian, wore a troubled expression.

“This morning, the flagpole outside our base collapsed,” he remarked.

Xiao Honglian glanced at him and scoffed. “Superstitious, are we?”

“It’s not superstition,” Zhuge Qingtian replied, shaking his head. “It’s just… I have a bad feeling, and it’s getting stronger.”

“This is the largest war since the apocalypse began. We’ve never mobilized such a massive force for a battle that could determine Yangsheng Base’s fate.”

In his heart, he added, If we lose, the consequences will be unthinkable. But he dared not voice this fear in front of Xiao Honglian.

Without hesitation, Xiao Honglian dismissed his concerns with a resolute tone.

“We will win. The key factor in West Hill Base’s destruction was the Jiangnan District missile, not Zhang Yi.”

“That tiny Shelter has fewer than ten people. Even if they’re all superhumans, so what? With the Western factions united, crushing them will be effortless.”

Pausing, she added, “If I weren’t concerned about unnecessary risks, I wouldn’t have bothered calling on the other three factions.”

“Rest assured, nothing will go wrong this time. There’s no force in Tianhai City that can withstand an assault from all of us combined.”

Zhuge Qingtian remained silent for a moment before voicing another concern.

“I just hope the other factions don’t mess this up.”

Xiao Honglian laughed loudly.

“Of course, they’re unreliable! Those bloodthirsty scoundrels are like sharks—drawn to the scent of blood. They’ll swarm in eagerly for the spoils.”

Her gaze turned sharp as a blade.

“That’s why they’re dependable. At least for this battle, their greed makes them trustworthy. Zhang Yi is a plump target, and they won’t hesitate to fight over the juiciest piece.”

“We all enjoy bullying the weak, especially fat, helpless prey. Who could resist such temptation?”

Xiao Honglian felt no doubt about their operation. Even Zhang Yi’s vaunted Shelter defenses wouldn’t be an issue—she had brought Wu Huairen, an expert in dismantling fortifications, to ensure their success.

The Western factions all believed that Zhang Yi’s team had merely gotten lucky with West Hill Base, riding the coattails of Jiangnan District’s missile strike.

To Xiao Honglian and Wei Dinghai, Zhang Yi was just an overinflated sheep ready for slaughter.

Zhuge Qingtian finally smiled. “You’re right. From a purely strategic standpoint, there’s no reason we could fail.”

Xiao Honglian patted him on the shoulder.

“You’re just too tense! Once we win, we’ll celebrate properly, and you’ll see how sweet victory tastes.”

Relieved, Zhuge Qingtian nodded. “You’re right. I’m probably overthinking this.”

The convoy continued its journey through the snow toward Cloud Manor.

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On the other side, Zhang Yi had long learned of their planned 2:00 PM attack. Still, to ensure readiness, his team began preparing at dawn.

Cloud Manor’s advantageous location, nestled between two small mountains and overlooking the Lu River, made the rear difficult to access, forcing any attackers to approach through the open terrain at the front.

Zhang Yi arranged his team at the first defensive line. Liang Yue, Uncle You, Fatty Xu, and Hua Hua were stationed there, while he remained inside the Shelter.

“I’m not a close-quarters fighter,” Zhang Yi explained. “But supporting from the rear with my Dimensional Gate and sniping abilities will maximize my contributions.”

Though Zhang Yi never explicitly claimed leadership, his orders carried the weight of authority. Even Fatty Xu, despite his fear of death, complied without protest.

The impending battle seemed to awaken something in Liang Yue. Her demeanor shifted dramatically—silent, focused, and radiating a simmering killing intent.

She blamed Yangsheng Base for her students’ deaths and was determined to exact revenge.

As she prepared to head to the front line, Zhang Yi stopped her.

“Liang Yue, borrow this for now,” he said, tossing her a weapon.

Catching it, her eyes lit up with excitement—it was her treasured Tang Sword, the Loong Roar!

“Return it after the battle,” Zhang Yi said calmly.

Since he wouldn’t be fighting on the front lines, the sword would be better used by Liang Yue.

Her expression froze momentarily before she stomped a foot in mock frustration.

“Got it!” she huffed.

Author's Note