Chapter 937: Tempering through Blood and Fire
The Feathered Divine Army withdrew in an orderly, unhurried, and composed manner, slowly retreating from the battlefield.
Combat was not about showing off strength or brutality, but about considering multiple factors.
Zhao Ge knew that if the battle continued, these people would attack like starving wolves, scavenging the bodies, which would be disadvantageous for them. The only option was to withdraw and seek another chance to fight.
The great battle at the Reincarnation Ground would not end so quickly.
There would be plenty of opportunities to engage with them slowly in the future.
"The Feathered Divine Army has withdrawn!"
Everyone was astonished to see this, as the Divine Martial Empire had withstood the ferocious assault of the Feathered Divine Army.
On the battlefield strewn with blood and carnage, although not defeated, the Divine Martial Empire still suffered heavy losses. The survivors gathered the remains of their comrades, well aware that war always brought death.
And the survivors would grow even stronger.
They were not afraid, even though they had many casualties. They had also severely bruised the vigor of the Feathered Divine Dynasty, killing many of its soldiers and making their black armors even bloodier, and intensifying their martial spirit.
At this moment, they also firmly planted their battle flags on the battlefield.
Chu Yuan watched it all.
He had never expected the onlookers to intercept the Feathered Divine Army.
These people. If he had crushed the Feathered Divine Dynasty, they would not hesitate to come and snatch the spoils.
But since the Feathered Divine Dynasty left with ease, they would not advance.
This was the disadvantage of a forcibly assembled group; if he were commanding so many warriors, none would escape.
"Find a place to establish a foothold."
Chu Yuan ordered, and his army temporarily left the area.
"Elder, the Divine Martial Empire is formidable indeed. They faced the enemy head-on and weren't smashed. Look at their soldiers, so brave and fierce, no less than the warriors of the Wilderness."
The strong ones of the Wilderness watched from afar as the Divine Martial Empire withdrew.
"The Divine Martial Empire has also made a name for itself with this battle, injecting powerful fresh troops into the Reincarnation Ground."
An elder, robust in figure and with a head of white hair flowing, said.
"Elder, our Wilderness has a friendly relationship with the Divine Martial Empire. Shouldn't we now visit the Great Emperor? The situations here are complex, with the Feathered Divine Dynasty and that alliance, and none are easy to provoke."
The power of the Divine Martial Empire refreshed their understanding repeatedly.
Especially this time, it made the people of the Wilderness realize how strong the Divine Martial Empire was; it could definitely be their companion in the Reincarnation Ground.
The situation in this battle was complex. Without alliances, they would just become cannon fodder.
"Not now, the Divine Martial Empire has just been through a battle and suffered losses. Let them establish themselves first, then we'll visit,"
the elder of the Wilderness said wisely, knowing when to meet and when not to.
...
The environment of the Reincarnation Ground was complex. Chu Yuan led his fleet and found a city site enveloped in chaos, where thunder slashed through the air and violent storms were ever-present.
The army camped there to recuperate.
"My lords, how do you feel about this battle?"
Sitting upright inside the great hall, Chu Yuan inquired of those present.
"Very strong and difficult. The Divine Path's soldiers are well-trained. Although it seems like we resisted their assault this time, our injuries are several times theirs. Luckily, our Divine Martial soldiers are brave and resolute. Others might have collapsed early,"
Lu Qianfu spoke frankly.
Having commanded the Divine Martial Empire's troops for so many years, he was naturally aware of the gap between them and the Feathered Divine Dynasty.
"What the Loyal and Brave King said is true, but that's just one part. The Feathered Divine Dynasty has long been waging war against various major forces, and they possess a lot of combat experience. Although our empire's soldiers are decently trained, after all, they have not battled such forces before. Losses were inevitable."
Divine Path spoke, "Aside from the beginning, the empire's troops were also not inferior, their will was tenacious. This place serves as training grounds, genuinely creating soldiers experienced in countless battles."
"Soldiers experienced in countless battles," Chu Yuan nodded.
The greatest advantage of the Divine Martial Empire was the stringent military discipline, fierce combat will, and fearless bravery, making them extremely ferocious in battle.
"However, it's undeniable that the Feathered Divine Dynasty is very strong."
Xia Han spoke, "The forces we engaged were only a part of them, not their most elite. There are even more battling simultaneously against strong forces like the Mysterious Forbidden Lands. Yet, this is also our advantage. After this battle, the gap with the Divine Dynasty will also close."
"My lords speak wisely. With battle nourishing battle, the empire must strengthen itself through a series of fights, tempering itself through blood and fire, recognizing its own shortcomings, and striving for them."
Chu Yuan nodded.
Without pushing the mighty army into Reincarnation Ground for combat, it will forever be a flower in a greenhouse.
Pressure is good, for pressure fosters a spirit of courageous advancement.
"Your Majesty, the Immortals of the Wilderness and Divine Sigil Sect seek an audience."
At this moment, someone reported.
"The people from the Wilderness and Divine Sigil Sect have arrived."
Chu Yuan was not surprised and smiled, "Announce their entry into the palace."
"Greetings to the Martial Emperor."
The burly white-haired elder bowed; his cultivation had reached the triple heavens of immortality and was in charge in the Reincarnation Ground on behalf of the Wilderness. He said, "I am Bei Ming Fengye, and I have long heard of the Great Emperor's fame. Today, I have the opportunity and have specifically come to pay respects."
Although the Wilderness had visited the Divine Martial Empire before, it was not worth Bei Ming Fengye's personal visit then, but now it completely had that qualification.
"You are too courteous," Chu Yuan smiled. "I've also heard of the Wilderness's War God's deeds and would like to discuss the cosmic changes with the War God whenever possible."
"The War God is not in good condition, and it's uncertain if there's a chance for recovery. We from the Wilderness have come here also aiming to seize more divine artifacts, hoping the War God continues to exist. Even though the War God is still present, he can unleash a might stronger than his peak."
Bei Ming Fengye did not conceal the condition of the War God; instead, he relayed a message to the outside world.
If the War God is driven to madness, reaching an extreme sublimation, cutting down several immortals of triple heavens will be no problem.
This message was known by many.
The more openly it was acknowledged, informing the world not to force the War God into a desperate fight, the more it instilled fear, as few would want to clash with a half-dead but terribly terrifying War God.
"I also joined this war out of necessity."
This immortal of the Divine Sigil Sect was an old acquaintance of Chu Yuan; they'd met previously in the Land of Wishes, and his name was Ge Shan.
He displayed a bitter expression. If the Divine Sigil Sect did not partake in the war, it would be annihilated by others, and they also had deep cooperation with the Divine Martial Empire. Seeing the combat power of the Divine Martial Empire, they naturally hoped for mutual support.
Chu Yuan was aware of their purpose in visiting.
It was essentially because they saw his own strength, and it was impossible for them to align with some of the strongest powers of the Mysterious Forbidden Lands, as they would likely be used as cannon fodder.
The Divine Martial Empire was powerful yet did not take a dominating stance, making it an ideal partner for an alliance.
Bei Ming Fengye's visit this time was also aimed at hunting immortals in the Reincarnation Ground, seizing immortal substances, and maintaining the existence of the War God.
"The major forces of the world are shifting constantly, and throughout this Reincarnation Ground, it's normal for immortals to perish. I also need your support nearby — united we are strong, divided we are weak. There are many plans here that are difficult to execute with the power of one nation alone," Chu Yuan said.
"In the Reincarnation Ground, our goals are the same."
Being savvy, Bei Ming Fengye and Ge Shan exchanged glances and smiled, understanding the intent of the Martial Emperor.
The Martial Emperor wanted to achieve something great in the Reincarnation Ground, and he needed a few allies by his side — they were precisely the best allies.
However, they would gladly accept this collaboration.
Indeed, the battles in the Reincarnation Ground were too brutal. Without forming alliances, they would be defeated by some of the strongest contenders.
Bei Ming Fengye couldn't help but think how wonderful it would be if the Wilderness's War God could still unleash unparalleled might without restraint.