Chapter 290 - 236: Solitary Battle 2

The consul from the Hans Empire, a stern-faced and unsmiling middle-aged man, stated,

"The masters of the Divine Land are, in reality, nothing special. The so-called Eight Kings and Sixteen Generals are merely frightening titles. Across the entire Divine Land, besides Yuan Tianhao of the Beidou Army, the only other person who can likely reach the restricted level is Lin Quelan of the Phoenix Army. In Jinmen, however, there is one person who bears watching—that Zhao Xuanqi."

The USK consul was a blond man of about thirty. He sat casually, a relaxed expression on his face.

"He is indeed someone who requires our full attention. He captured Meng Dongtai alive and is also said to have repelled three masters from the Neon Nation. At his age, no one in the last century of the Divine Land can compare. If he continues to develop, I fear the Divine Land will produce another restricted-level expert."

The consul from Gaul remarked calmly,

"Each new restricted-level individual could have a massive impact on the international political landscape. However, I’m not worried about the restricted-level. I’m worried about the legendary figures of the Divine Land. What realm have they reached? Can a restricted-level expert even compare? We just don’t know."

The consul from the Saint Sha Empire said grimly,

Everyone fell silent for a moment at his words.

Divine General—that legendary realm. No one knew how powerful its practitioners truly were. Only legends remained, their authenticity uncertain.

"It would be best if the Neon Nation could eliminate this man in Jinmen during this operation. But I fear he might escape. If that time comes, gentlemen, what are your thoughts? Should we take action?"

the Jili consul asked.

"What’s the rush? It’s not our place to worry about him. Let’s see if he even survives. Then we can talk."

The USK consul casually picked up his coffee cup and took a light sip.

TAP TAP TAP!!

Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed. A Westerner in a suit and tie approached the round table, his expression grave. "Gentlemen," he said, "we’ve just received word. The various armies in Jinmen have been urgently mobilized. They are surrounding the Neon Concession and have begun attacking key Neon Nation facilities and industries within the city."

"What?!"

Upon hearing this news, the faces of all five consuls present showed expressions of shock and disbelief.

’The Divine Land’s masters are already at a disadvantage, yet they’re choosing now to proactively attack the Neon Concession? What are they trying to do? Do they really believe that on a complex urban battlefield, mere numbers can compensate for the disparity between top-tier experts?’

"What are the movements of the Divine Land masters?"

the Jili consul asked the intelligence officer.

"The Divine Land masters aren’t making any particular effort to conceal their movements. Current intelligence indicates they’ve split into three groups, attacking the Neon Concession from three different directions. It’s worth noting that Zhao Xuanqi of the Hundred Beasts Fist is operating as a one-man group, with no other experts accompanying him."

The intelligence officer reported quickly.

’The Divine Land masters split into three groups, and one of them is just Zhao Xuanqi, all by himself?!’

Upon hearing this, the five men present seemed to understand.

It was a clear attempt to use a surprise attack to force the Neon Nation to divide its forces, disrupt their tempo, and throw the entire situation into chaos. In the ensuing confusion, they hoped to find a weakness and a path to victory.

Without a doubt, it was a high-stakes gamble.

And for Zhao Xuanqi to go alone? That was a risk on top of a risk.

’Can he really handle that kind of immense pressure?’

’Tonight just keeps getting more and more interesting.’

...

...

「Elsewhere.」

The Neon Consulate had also received the intelligence.

"We haven’t even begun our attack, and they’ve already made a move? How unexpected. Especially that Zhao Xuanqi, going in alone. Is he trying to bait us? Is he really that confident?"

In the consulate’s conference room, a group of experts had gathered. Upon hearing the news, An Yuan Wuyan, who sat at the head of the table, had a sharp, cold glint in his eyes.

’The Divine Land’s response was completely unexpected.’

"Within Jinmen, we can’t compare to the Divine Land in terms of the number of military Martial Artists. If they’re truly determined and manage to destroy key facilities and resource points inside the concession, it will have a massive impact on our follow-up plans."

Sano Hideyuki stated, his expression grave.

"Since he’s so confident, I’ll personally go and play with him tonight."

An Yuan Wuyan said slowly.

...

...

「Neon Concession, Sanhe Port.」

This was the largest deep-water port in the Neon Concession and was crucial to the Neon Nation’s future landing plans. As such, Sanhe Port was heavily fortified by the Neon Nation, with numerous experts from the Neon Military Department stationed there.

Tonight, however, this vital port was attacked by a team of experts led by Zhao Xuanqi. In less than ten minutes, the port was already under his control.

Troops from the Neon Concession garrison arrived quickly but did not dare to enter the port. They held their position until three figures arrived on the scene.

The leader of the trio was a man with a stooped figure and deeply wrinkled skin. He looked as frail as a candle flickering in the wind, as if he could pass away at any moment. It was none other than An Yuan Wuyan.

Another man was of average build and ordinary appearance, but his hands immediately drew the eye.

His palms were more than twice as broad and thick as a normal person’s. The backs and palms of his hands were covered in strange, tumor-like protrusions, giving them a bizarre and unsettling appearance.

East Mountain Good Horses, one of the Seven Northern Demon Stars.

The last person, whose gender was hard to discern, was also dressed in a kimono. Their long hair was coiled up high, their face caked in white makeup, with a small dab of red on the lips and a red leaf insignia between their brows. The fusion of their masculine features with the traditional makeup of a Neon songstress created a grotesque and nauseatingly uncanny effect.