Chapter 99 - 96: Successive Breakthroughs

Chapter 99: Chapter 96: Successive Breakthroughs

It was something Zhou Hongling had won in a bet.

Lu Yuan popped it straight into his mouth.

"ROAR!"

A low growl escaped his lips. At that moment, his lungs turned completely golden, shimmering with a dazzling luster.

With every breath he took,

a golden light shone forth.

This was clearly the beginning of Divine Containment.

At the same time, bloody patterns appeared on his body.

The *Blood Refining Golden Bell Shield* also reacted.

In truth, Organ Refining was also part of strengthening the body, so it also provided a bonus to the *Golden Bell Shield*.

The two could be said to complement each other.

Now, after Refining the Lungs and achieving Divine Containment,

Lu Yuan’s physique had naturally grown stronger as well.

He couldn’t say for sure about others, but he estimated that if he encountered a Fifth Level Organ Refining master now, he could defeat them in a single blow.

A moment later, as the medicinal effects in his body began to wane,

Lu Yuan eagerly opened his system data, wanting to see how far his strength had progressed.

[Third-Grade Cultivation Skill: *Tiger Subduing Posture* (Spleen Refining) (Great Success: 201/10,000)]

At this point, he had officially broken through Refining the Lungs and reached the Spleen Refining Realm.

And it was still at the Great Success level. He was just one step away from reaching Blood Movement.

However, even though he still had some Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, it was not a good time to continue cultivating.

After all, the expedition was tomorrow.

He glanced at the sky outside and saw that it was almost dawn.

’This cultivation session of mine took the entire night.’

Then, Lu Yuan got up and began to get his things in order.

First was the armor exclusive to a Captain.

Jet-black Armor Leaves with dark gold borders, and a Dark Gold Tiger Head Shoulder Guard on each shoulder.

Even the boots on his feet were made of Blood Rhino Hide, stitched together with golden silk.

’He had to admit, the benefits provided by Dayong were truly excellent.’

After donning his armor, the image of an awe-inspiring commander appeared in the room.

Lu Yuan picked up his Crescent Saber and pushed open the door to step outside.

Zhou Xiong was already waiting. "Sir, the Personal Guard Camp has fully assembled."

"Mm." Lu Yuan nodded and walked outside.

Zhou Xiong, the Personal Guard Centurion, followed closely behind.

He left the Captain’s Mansion and made his way to the city gates, where he saw the army had already gathered. Zhou Hongling was there outside the main gate with her one thousand Personal Guards.

Lu Yuan’s two thousand men from the City Guard Army were also there.

Three thousand men in total.

Upon seeing Zhou Hongling, Lu Yuan stepped forward, clasped his fist, and said, "Greetings, General."

"Mm, let’s move out. Helian Shang and his men are already camped outside Vulture Ridge." The General replied, then spurred her warhorse forward.

Lu Yuan led his men and followed close behind.

The force of over two thousand men and horses kicked up clouds of dust on the Wasteland.

Meanwhile, inside Wu Han’s Celestial King Stronghold.

At this moment, this nominal Village Chief of Celestial King Stronghold was sitting across from a fierce-looking middle-aged man.

This man was the head of Black Wind Stronghold, the infamous bandit leader from Beyond the Passes known as Copper-headed Lion Yang Xiao. He commanded a force of twenty to thirty thousand strongmen.

He had earned this nickname because of his powerful build and because an accident during his cultivation had turned his hair brownish-yellow.

From a distance, it looked just like a lion’s mane.

He primarily cultivated a Body Refining Skill and was now in the Blood Movement Realm.

He was much stronger than Wu Han.

The two were sitting together to discuss a merger.

"Brother Wu Han, I know you have someone backing you, and with a significant background at that. That’s how you’ve risen so quickly. But your own strength is ultimately lacking. For our two strongholds to merge and for me to serve under you... well, the power you command now just isn’t enough to impress me."

Yang Xiao said cheerfully.

But his tone carried a hint of contempt.

He was well aware that among the strongholds Beyond the Passes, whichever one was strongest would receive the most support.

That was why he had come to discuss the merger with Wu Han.

But who would have thought the man would have such a lion’s appetite, demanding to be the master of the new stronghold and expecting Yang Xiao to obey him? ’What a joke!’

He had dominated the Northern Border for over a decade. How long had Wu Han been here? And even if someone was backing him, Yang Xiao had no idea how powerful that backer truly was.

How could he possibly agree based on the man’s word alone?

Wu Han toyed with a dagger in his hand, his bald head gleaming with a bluish tint. He wasn’t angry. Instead, he said, "You know the current relationship between Dayong and the Northern Barbarians. Although the latter claim they’ll support us...

...at the end of the day, people like us still live at Dayong’s mercy. We’re just a disorganized mob. If they really wanted to annihilate us, it would only take a single order.

Therefore, only by banding together can we become strong.

How about this? Let’s make a bet. You know of Vulture Ridge, right? I’ve approached them too, but that old vulture wouldn’t give me any face. So, I have no choice but to make him disappear.

In the next few days, Vulture Ridge should be wiped out. If that old vulture’s forces are scattered, you’ll follow my lead from now on. If not, I’ll follow yours. I wonder, do you dare to take this bet?"

After speaking, Wu Han watched Yang Xiao with a smile, wanting to see his reaction.

The latter’s hand, which was holding a teacup, paused. "A bet is a bet. If you can really destroy that old vulture, what’s the harm in me following you?"

"You won’t be following me. I know I don’t have what it takes to make you submit. You will be following the person behind me. As for who he is, I can’t tell you.

But you just need to remember your own words. Don’t go back on them later." As Wu Han spoke, he glanced at Yang Xiao.

His gaze carried a hint of threat, the meaning obvious: ’If we can destroy Vulture Ridge, we can destroy your Black Wind Stronghold.’

Copper-headed Lion Yang Xiao was a straightforward man. He understood Wu Han’s meaning but laughed and said, "Haha, enough useless talk. I’ll wait right here in your stronghold.

If Vulture Ridge is truly destroyed, my thirty thousand men and horses will immediately merge into your great stronghold. Without a moment’s delay."

Wu Han nodded.

He shouted to those outside, "Someone, bring wine! I want to drink heartily with Yang Village Chief!"

After he spoke, someone walked in carrying a large jar of wine.

Others followed, carrying various platters of meat.

Yang Xiao’s eyes narrowed slightly. ’Though I’m a Village Chief, only I know my own hardships. Supporting such a large band of strongmen is no small feat. If they can’t eat their fill, I’m afraid I’ll be the first one they turn on.’

The Northern Lands were harsh and cold. With Dayong’s fortress on one side and the Northern Barbarian tribes on the other, he couldn’t afford to provoke either.

Life was bitter, which was the main reason so many were so eager when the Northern Barbarians sought their cooperation.

’If Wu Han really has a powerful figure from Dayong backing him...

Then there’s no harm in siding with him. On the surface, we’d be collaborators with the Northern Barbarians, but secretly, we’d be backed by a powerful figure from Dayong. And all in this lawless land... it would be hard not to rise to power.

Most importantly, I wouldn’t have to worry about feeding the men and horses in the stronghold anymore. I could focus solely on breaking through to the next level of my cultivation.’

That was why he had so easily agreed to the bet with Wu Han.

And at this moment, Wu Han was also filled with joy as he looked at Yang Xiao.

’If Lu Yuan can really destroy Vulture Ridge this time, and I absorb this Black Wind Stronghold... I can’t say for sure,

but I should be able to gather a force of seventy to eighty thousand men. Even if most of them are a disorderly mob.

That would definitely be a considerable force. Once I’ve had some time to drill them properly...

At the very least, Beyond the Passes, I wouldn’t have to bow and scrape to anyone anymore.’