The First Sage of Military Strategists

Ma Meng's eyes lit up, and he dared not linger any longer. He suddenly began to recite a strange incantation.

Han Qing, with Yan Qiuling following closely behind, felt extremely uncomfortable upon suddenly hearing this incantation.

Although Han Qing couldn't understand a word, a boiling killing intent surged uncontrollably within him.

"What is Ma Meng trying to do?" he frowned.

The words fell.

Unexpectedly, Ma Meng let out another loud shout.

"A wondrous place, open!"

"Great Ancestor Blood Roc, appear quickly and lend me a hand!!"

...

Han Qing's gaze sharpened as he suddenly saw a deep, dark purple vortex appear in the sky, spinning and expanding at an extremely fast speed.

In just a few breaths, the vortex expanded to a range of tens of thousands of miles, with ripples of air constantly impacting the surroundings, spreading to tens of thousands of miles, even hundreds of thousands of miles away, to the point that half of the desert sky was dyed crimson.

From a distance, it looked as if a crimson sun had appeared in the sky, making it quite eye-catching.

Ma Meng was startled, wondering why there was such a commotion.
Han Qing behind him also frowned. Now that there are many experts gathered in Shazhou, such a big commotion will probably attract a large number of experts soon.

Taixu Xuepeng?
He murmured to himself, a flood of information flashing through his mind.

This is a mythical beast that mutated in ancient times. No one knows what happened to it, only that it has an extremely fast flight speed and can travel through the void, making it the fastest in ancient times. It has served as the mount of many important figures. Later, it disappeared without a trace, and unexpectedly, it was hiding in this strange place.

As he pondered, he first heard a mournful cry from the crimson vortex, followed by the emergence of a gigantic blood roc over a thousand feet long.

Its two hands spread out, blotting out the sky and creating waves that darkened the heavens and earth.

Han Qing raised his eyes and carefully examined the Blood Roc spirit beast. Its body was covered with blood feathers, its skin glowed with a blood-red light, and it exuded a fierce aura.

"I didn't expect it to really be this Void Blood Roc. Our demon race has ancient records that the Blood Roc flies extremely fast, even a leader of a holy land can't catch up with it. Moreover, this Blood Phoenix is ​​also very strong, capable of fighting against experts in the second or third realm of the Golden Body Realm." Yan Qiuling raised her eyes, her eyes flashing with a strange light.

"The Void Blood Roc, it was I who awakened you and released you from the wondrous land. My name is Ma Meng, and I am the successor of the Purple Extreme Demon Lord. Quickly take me away." Ma Meng's eyes gleamed with excitement as he made a move to fly onto the back of the Void Blood Roc.

The Taixu Blood Roc suddenly shrank by ten or twenty times, becoming several tens of feet in size, and said coldly, "You do indeed have the aura of the Purple Extreme Demon Lord on you. However, I am no longer in a master-servant relationship with it. If you want me to submit to you, you must pass my test. Right now, your strength is still far from enough. However, considering that you released me, I may send you away."

"If he's not qualified, then what about me?"

Suddenly, a deep, resonant voice echoed between heaven and earth, followed by a figure that appeared abruptly. The figure was tall and straight, wearing a gleaming golden armor, standing proudly between heaven and earth.

This person was none other than Han Yi, and as soon as he appeared, a terrifying pressure permeated the area. Even Ma Meng and Han Qing felt immense pressure.

"Han Yi! This is the real Han Yi! I never imagined he wasn't in the capital, but had secretly arrived in Shazhou," Han Qingxin said.

Having experienced Han Yi's strength up close, Han Qing gained a deeper understanding of his abilities. He believed Han Yi likely possessed the combat power of the Rainbow Transformation Realm, placing him a level above ordinary holy land leaders.

"Who are you? How can you have such a terrifying aura? Even in ancient times, someone like you would be considered a master!" Taixu Xuepeng's eyes flashed with surprise.

"Who I am is not important. You just need to understand that in this era, only I can be your master!" Han Yi said calmly.

Taixu Xuepeng shook his head: "You're not good enough."

"Hmm?" Han Yi frowned. "My strength is unparalleled in this world, and I'm not good enough?"

“You have an aura that I find repulsive. This armor is called the Imperial Dragon-Controlling Armor, which possesses the power of the Heavenly Dragon. The Heavenly Dragon Clan once severely injured me, and I hate everything and everyone associated with it,” Taixu Xuepeng explained.

"It's just a small matter. I can easily choose not to wear this armor," Han Yi said coldly.

"Hmph, even if I escape, I will never choose you. I finally escaped from this cage, why would I submit to anyone?" Taixu Xuepeng sneered.

At this moment, Han Yi had already put away the armor he was wearing. Upon hearing these words, a surge of anger and killing intent suddenly rose in his heart.

"You fool me?"

Taixu Xuepeng did not answer, but suddenly took off like a streak of blood-red rainbow, flying rapidly towards the sky above.

"Still want to leave?"

"Get off here!"

"Come down!!!"

This roar, as powerful as a wave, rose straight upwards, surging directly into the void and towards the Blood Roc.

The Void Blood Roc suddenly swayed, circled, and plummeted towards the earth.

Han Qing, Ma Meng, and others around them were also affected. Their minds suddenly jolted, and all they could hear was Han Yi's angry shout.

Han Qing felt his mind go blank for a moment, all his senses were lost, as if he were completely isolated from the outside world.

Yan Qiuling reacted even more violently, her body trembled, and a trace of blood spilled from the corner of her mouth.

"What terrifying sonic power!" Yan Qiuling murmured. The aftershocks alone had injured her. Of course, this was also because her soul and body had already been severely injured.

"Let's go! Han Yi's true form is too terrifying. This is not a battle we can participate in." Han Qing made a decisive decision and turned to leave with Yan Qiuling. Although the Taixu Blood Roc was a famous ancient spirit beast and he wanted to tame it as a mount, reason told him that facing Han Yi's true form now would be suicide.

"I'll consider fighting Han Yi when I break through to the third level of the Golden Body Realm. At that time, even if I'm no match for him, I shouldn't be in any danger to my life," Han Qingxin thought to himself.

However, as Han Qing soared into the distance, his gaze remained fixed on Ma Meng.

Ma Meng also gave up the competition for the Taixu Blood Roc and flew away at high speed in the due west direction. Han Qing thought for a moment and immediately chased after him.

"We can forgo the Blood Roc of the Void, but we cannot let Ma Meng go," Han Qingxin said.

Ma Meng received the inheritance of the Purple Demon Lord, which means he has great potential. Such a person cannot be kept alive; he should be killed if possible.

So the two of them flew westward one after the other.

As Ma Meng flew away, he glanced back at the Taixu Blood Roc, his heart filled with resentment.

"Damn it! This Void Blood Roc actually thinks I'm too weak and refuses to be my mount. With Han Yi's strength, this beast shouldn't be able to escape." At this moment, the Void Blood Roc and Han Yi had already engaged in a fierce battle.

As it plummeted toward the earth, it suddenly flipped over and rose up, its wings flapping, unleashing waves of blood-red light that surged toward Han Yi.

Han Yi's punch, seemingly ordinary, shattered the overwhelming blood-red light that had spread for thousands of miles.

Taixu Xuepeng took flight once more, attempting to escape, but Han Yi suddenly transformed into a blurry figure of light and shadow, taking the lead and appearing directly above Taixu Xuepeng, reaching out to grab its wings.

The Void Blood Roc struggled desperately in the air, but was suppressed by a powerful force and was completely unable to move.

It kept spinning, and Han Yi shouted sternly, "Either die or submit!"

Just then, a five-colored ray of light suddenly shot out from not far away, heading straight for Han Yi at an extremely fast speed.

Han Yi sensed something and felt an astonishing power of magical intent surging within the five-colored light. He immediately released the Taixu Blood Roc and turned around to deliver a punch.

The five-colored light suddenly shattered, his gaze sharpened, and he shouted fiercely, "Get out here!"

Two figures flew in one after the other. The one on the left was none other than You Songchuan, the Five Spirits Dao Saint. His strength seemed to have improved further. He was accompanied by five spirits, which were five completely different spiritual creatures.

The Golden Spirit is a three-zhang-tall golden-armored guard wielding a sword and shield; the Wood Spirit is a tree-man with thousands of willow branches swaying in the air; the Fire Spirit is a nine-tailed spirit fox; the Water Spirit is an ice crystal phoenix; and finally, the Earth Spirit is a rocky mountain tortoise.

The five spirits, together, gathered in the center of the river, forming a powerful aura that soared into the sky.

Beside him was another person, holding a fishing rod and wearing a straw raincoat; this was none other than the Palace Master of the Zongheng Dao Palace.

"So it's you two old thieves. This is a sandbar. Are you two here to die?" Han Yi's gaze was icy.

"Lord Han, please don't be angry. We are just passing through on a long journey. We saw that this place was very lively, so we came to take a look," said the Palace Master of Zongheng Dao Palace with a smile.

You Songchuan glanced around and landed on the Taixu Blood Roc beside him. The Blood Roc had not run away because it was locked on by Han Yi's aura. If it moved its body, it would be attacked fiercely.

He had already experienced Han Yi's strength and knew that there was no chance of escape if he tried to flee in this way. He had to wait for a suitable opportunity.

Now, another powerful figure has arrived, and he is clearly hostile to Han Yi, which gives it hope.

If a major battle could be sparked, Han Yi would be distracted and would eventually be able to escape.

As Taixu Xuepeng pondered, another figure flew rapidly towards them from not far away.

At this time, Han Qing and Ma Meng did not go far, but landed on the nearby sand dunes one after the other, about two thousand miles apart.

Han Qing glanced around and saw two people flying in from the west. He recognized one of them on the left; it was Tuoba Qiu.

He was bald, but had a small tuft of short hair at the back of his neck, which was braided. This was a unique hairstyle of the people of the Western Wilderness Grassland, giving him a rugged and savage appearance.

Looking closer, he held a curved blade in his hand, covered with dense, dark red patterns that exuded a bloody aura.

"Sea-Slaying Scimitar!"

A phrase popped into Han Qing's mind: this was Tuoba Qiu's most famous magic weapon, said to be extremely powerful.

Beside him was a middle-aged man in gray, who also looked like a Western Mang person. His eyes held a sea of ​​stars, which seemed to flicker like stars and turn slowly like an abyss. He was surrounded by purple aura, which was extremely mysterious.

"That's Mu Haixiu, the head of the Ziwei Hall of Tianlang Fortress in Western Mang."

"This person is a master of Yin-Yang Dao. He was once the leader of a branch of the Yin-Yang Sect in the Western Wilderness. Later, for some unknown reason, he switched to Tianlang Fortress. He is one of the top three in combat power among the eighteen hall masters," Yan Qiuling whispered.

"Could the person next to him be Tuoba Qiu?" Yan Qiuling asked with a hint of uncertainty.

She had never met Tuoba Qiu, but had only heard of his name, especially his legendary scimitar, the Tu Hai Curved Blade, which was famous throughout the land. She vaguely deduced Tuoba Qiu's identity from this scimitar.

Just as Han Qing was about to reply, Han Yi's deep voice came from afar.

"Tuoba Qiu? You're still alive?"

"Haha, old ghost Han Yi, not only am I not dead, but I have also been reborn and my strength has improved even further. Now I am a Golden Body Realm Three-stage expert. I have no fear in the face of any leader of any martial arts holy land!" Tuoba Qiu laughed heartily.

"So what if you're at the third level of the Golden Body Realm? So what if you're a leader of a Holy Land? I still don't take you seriously," Han Yi sneered.

Tuoba Qiu remained silent, one hand gripping the hilt of his sword, a murderous aura emanating from him, as if he were about to strike at any moment.

Just as the many experts were about to draw their swords, a young man in purple robes suddenly descended silently from the sky and landed beside Ma Meng.

Han Qing also noticed the young man immediately, because his face was covered with demonic markings and his body exuded demonic energy. Just like Ma Meng, he was also a demonic cultivator.

"Brother Ma Meng, I didn't expect you to cause such a commotion in this desert. Now you've attracted so many top experts. I'm afraid the Taixu Blood Roc is going to be taken away." The young man landed and teased with a smile.

Ma Meng gritted his teeth: "I never expected that this scenic spot would have such a magnificent view after it was opened. I also never expected that the Taixu Blood Roc would not recognize my identity as the successor of the Purple Extreme Demon Lord. If I had known this would happen, I should not have released him, or I should not have released him so early."

“Ma Meng, you’re too impatient. In ancient times, the Purple Extreme Demon Lord was a top expert in the third realm of the Rainbow Transformation Realm. To digest his legacy, you have to take it step by step. You can’t be impatient,” the young man said again.

“Brother Tan is right. It’s all that damned Han Qing’s fault. All I wanted to do was kill his Daoist partner, but I didn’t succeed. Why did he have to chase me all the way here? If I hadn’t been in such a hurry, I wouldn’t have opened the Wonder Land in such a rush.” Ma Meng said through gritted teeth.

"Oh? So even if your strength has greatly increased, you are still no match for Han Qing?" The purple-robed youth raised an eyebrow and looked at Han Qing on the sand dunes a thousand miles away.

“Indeed, Han Qing’s martial arts talent is terrifying, and his combat strength has also improved dramatically. I am no match for him.” Although Ma Meng did not want to admit it, it was the truth.

"Oh? Brother Ma, don't be angry. Now that I'm here, I'll definitely avenge you, capture this thief alive, and refine him into a demon servant," Tan Yuanming said, squinting.

“Brother Tan, don’t underestimate Han Qing. Putting aside everything else, he possesses the Eight Directions Puppet, one of the Mo family’s most precious treasures, and he’s also wearing the ancient treasure armor, the Dragon Devouring Heaven Armor. Even if he faces a leader of a holy land at the third level of the Golden Body Realm, he can hold his own. In addition, Han Qing himself has many magical spells and treasures. I think we should let him go this time,” Ma Meng said.

"Brother Ma, to be honest, I've also had some fortuitous encounters recently, and my combat strength has improved dramatically. Although Han Qing is strong, with me here, there's no need to be afraid," Tan Yuanming said calmly, his words full of confidence.

"What kind of good fortune?" Ma Meng asked curiously.

"Have you heard of the Ancient Realm of the Void?" Tan Yuanming asked in a low voice.

“I’ve heard of it. It’s said that this realm is located in the void turbulence above the Nine Heavens Gale Wind. The last battle with the Demon Clan took place there, and many Demons perished. Therefore, it is also known as the Demon Burial Ground. Brother Tan, have you perhaps arrived at the Taixu Valley Realm? But I’ve heard that only martial artists at the Rainbow Transformation Realm can travel through the Taixu, unless you have some supreme treasure.” Ma Meng was puzzled.

"Brother Ma only knows one thing, not the other. There are ways in this world to bypass the obstacles of the Nine Heavens Strong Wind and the Void Turbulence and directly enter the Ancient Void Realm."

However, that place is indeed a demonic burial ground, a supreme treasure for a demonic cultivator like myself. There, I obtained the inheritance of the ancient demonic sect, the Dark Star Heavenly Palace, greatly increasing my strength. (End of Chapter)