Chapter 1597: Those Friends of Mine

"Congratulations Li Luo, your Heavenly Dragon resonance has reached the upper ninth-grade."

When the Apex Resonance Crystal Core which exuded boundless amounts of draconic might was withdrawn, reverting back to the violet gold vertical mark, Li Qingying was the first to offer her congratulations.

The descendents of those from the Bloodline of Heavenly Emperor Li had expressions filled with respect and adoration. Only Li Luo had obtained the upper ninth-grade Heavenly Dragon resonance in the last hundred years. Just an upper ninth-grade ordinary dragon type resonance was rarely seen, much less the Heavenly Dragon resonance. "I've only relied upon the Dragon Sacred Seed." Li Luo humbly replied. His words weren't wrong. This was only possible with the power of the Dragon Sacred Seed and when the Sacred Seed was removed in future, his Heavenly Dragon resonance would revert back to its original grade. This was just like what had happened to the other lineage chiefs like Li Qingying. After returning the Sacred Seed, their resonances were back to what they were originally.

Unless they were able to reach the Triple Crowned King stage whilst owning the resonance would their resonant grades remain the same. That said this was extremely difficult for many Kings to reach this step. "With your talent, i'm sure you'll become much stronger than those old people like us. Perhaps by the time you return the Sacred Seed, you will no longer require its blessings." Li Qingying sighed emotionally. Li Luo's speed of growth was far too rapid and when compared to the elderly like them who had reached the limits of their potential, this junior was literally just starting to flourish. Perhaps this was the power of the Absolute Resonance Seed and it was no wonder that in the past, the Sacred Void Resonance Sect could exist as a behemoth. It was no wonder why Li Tianji had demonstrated such generosity, essentially cleaning out the treasury. "Then i'll have to borrow Lineage chief Qingying's kind words and hope that they become a reality." Li Luo grinned before moving towards Jiang Qing'e and the rest.

Ox Biaobiao had also returned to the Xia Kingdom this time, bringing along Li Rouyun. He had said that he wished to bring her to see House Luolan and that was where he had made many deep memories. "Little Luo, looking at the time, we should be approaching the East Divine Continent soon. Whilst you were cultivating, we passed through several smaller cities and even visited the Golden Dragon Banks present to obtain information on the Xia Kingdom in the East Divine Continent." Ox Biaobiao's voice was loud and resonant as he looked upon Li Luo with the same gaze of intimacy as if he were looking upon his own nephew. He didn't feel any sense of alienation nor was in awe at Li Luo's newfound strength. He had watched the boy grow up and when Li Taixuan and Tan Tailan had left during those years, he was the one who had secretly protected House Luolan, Li Luo and Jiang Qing'e in the dark with his injured body, warding off the predatory experts who eyed them.

On the other hand Li Rouyun wasn't as relaxed. Although she tried her best to act normally, a look of restraint was seen in her eyes. She was someone who had grown up in the Bloodline of Heavenly Emperor Li and was most aware of how authoritative Li Luo's identity as a lineage chief was. Thus it was difficult for her to see Li Luo as the same kid whom she had brought back to the Dragon's Fang Lineage all those years ago. "Oh? What news is there about the Xia Kingdom?" Li Luo hurriedly asked.

The East Divine Continent was essentially a barren and desolate plain when compared to the Heavenly Origin Divine Continent. Meanwhile the Xia Kingdom was even more innocuous. Thus they couldn't collect any relevant information from the Golden Dragon Bank within the Heavenly Origin Divine Continent. That said, as they began to approach the East Divine Continent, they found what they were looking for.

Ox Biaobiao smiled and nodded his head as he took out a thick scroll and unfurled it. Within was a comprehensive and vast map as he pointed to the southern part of it. "This is the Xia Kingdom. With our current pace, we should arrive in about ten days. The current Xia Kingdom is no longer the same as what we knew it to be years ago. It's been split into the north and south, the south being controlled by the First Princess Gong Luanyu's royal court which is situated in the City of Southwind. The place you used to learn in, Southwind Academy, has already changed and become the Astral Sage College's new headquarters. Thus the City of Southwind is the new capital of the southern region and all of the major forces have their headquarters situated there. At the same time, it also serves as the strongest line of defence against the Other Disaster afflicting the Xia Kingdom. Meanwhile the northern region is controlled by the Regent. In recent years, he's taken advantage of the Other Disasters attacking the southern region to launch his own assaults, taking territory and causing untold numbers of deaths."

Hearing these familiar names and locations caused Li Luo and Jiang Qing'e's to blank out for a moment as they immersed themselves in their memories.

"However the Regent isn't to be worried. The most troublesome thing is still the Xia Kingdom's Other Disaster." Ox Biaobiao pointed at the centre of the Xia Kingdom and drew out a line. Although it might not look very noticeable on the map, it cut through the Xia Kingdom's original location and was a zone of death which separated both the northern and southern regions. "The Other Disaster which struck the Xia Kingdom originated from the capital and stretched for hundreds of thousands of miles. Countless cities were destroyed and lives lost. In the first one or two years after the Other Disaster happened, the southern region's royal court was repeatedly defeated, causing them to lose many territories and the Others had even reached the point of invading the City of Southwind. However the Astral Sage College used all their strength to unite the existing powers as they fought desperately to resist the tide of enemies. After a bitter struggle, they managed to protect the City of Southwind. Now both parties have been engaged in a tug of war around the city as they fight for every inch of territory these last few years."

Ox Biaobiao's words caused Li Luo's expression to turn solemn. He was very clear that this simple explanation had hidden the true cost of the conflict, the sheer number of casualties and injuries.

No matter whether it is the royal court or the Astral Sage College, both had to dispatch countless individuals into the zone of death, fighting brutal battles with the Others in order to protect the City of Southwind.

This would naturally also include his familiar friends.

Yu Lang, Bai Doudou, Xin Fu, Duze Honglian, Qin Zhulu and the rest. The memories of his youth flickered through his mind. How were they doing after these years of life and death trials? The Other Disaster in the Xia Kingdom could not honestly compare with the Stygian Rain Other Disaster which had affected the Bloodline of Heavenly Emperor Li and Qin. However the Xia Kingdom's strength meant that they were also incomparable to these Heavenly Emperor powers and thus Li Luo could only imagine how the Astral Sage College's mentors and students, along with the First Princess, had to bravely endure the pressure.

They had to throw themselves into the jaws of death, to fight for the sake of everyone. Would they still be fine today? There were also the people of House Luolan, Cai Wei and Yan Lingqing. "In the last year, the Xia Kingdom's situation has become much more precarious. The Other Disaster might not be of a high level as Pang Qianyuan had sealed away the Ichythian King and the Cadaverous King. This ensured that the number of Other Kings and True Devils appearing to be limited. At that time, Pang Qianyuan had broken out of his seal and that also meant that the Ichythian King and Cadaverous King weren't restricted any longer either. Thus the Other Disaster had reached a new stage of intensity and True Devils have continued to surge out. This had caused a great deal of pressure on the Astral Sage College and the Royal Court. The bright side was that during a critical moment, Heavenly Origin Ancient College's Vice principal Lan Lingzi had led squads from the Academic Federation to rescue them, preventing their complete destruction. It's said that Pang Qianyuan then joined hands with Lan Lingzi, beating both the Ichythian King and Cadaverous King back. After which they even tried to counterattack and completely end the disaster. Unfortunately two more Other Kings descended at this point, being the two remaining Demon Witch King and Enchanting Fox King, all lackeys of the Saturnine Hydra Devil King. This sudden change had caused a great blow to Astral Sage College's and the Royal Court's morale. This indicated that the Saturnine Hydra Devil King was not planning to let the Xia Kingdom go and on the contrary, even doubling down on it! After this the Ichythian King and Cadaverous King would incite an Other Tide every month and clash against the defensive line of the City of Southwind, resulting in many deaths."

Ox Biaobiao's narration caused everyone's expressions to turn grim. This was especially the case for Li Qingying when she heard of the Saturnine Hydra Devil King's name.

"The Saturnine Hydra Devil King is not an enemy we should provoke. In the past it descended into the Central Core Divine Continent and the Other Disaster spawned had overthrown several peak powers with Kings in charge. It possesses Triple Crowned King strength and is said to have a great chance in becoming a Grand Devil King. Why would such an existence spend so much time in a remote corner of the world, focusing upon the Xia Kingdom?" Li Qingying mused to herself. "Saturnine Hydra Devil King?" Li Qingpeng and Li Jiluo, these two Pinnacle Dukes almost jumped in fright. They had assumed that the Other Disaster in the outer divine continent would just be a simple stroll in the park with their lineup. In the end, they hadn't expected that it was likely the centre of some conspiracy. "The Demon Witch King and Enchanting Fox King have not appeared since then. They should most likely be preparing the groundwork in allowing the Saturnine Hydra Devil King to descend with its true body." Ox Biaobiao then gave his heavy conclusion. Everyone present could feel the pressure. A Triple Crowned Devil King's descent would be something they were completely unable to deal with, even if the entire expeditionary force worked together. "The outer divine continent lacks energy and it is difficult for a Triple Crowned King to descend. That said, we have to resolve the situation quickly. Once we arrive in the Xia Kingdom, we need to swiftly end the Other Disaster and slaughter the Four Pestilence Kings, preventing the Saturnine Hydra Devil King's arrival." Li Qingying continued. Li Luo nodded his head. The Origin Reversion Institute's machinations were also behind the Xia Kingdom's Other Disaster. The situation was definitely not something straightforward and they had to clean things up the moment they arrived.

As he faced the setting sun, he took a deep breath.

Principal Pang, you need to hold on! ...

"We really can't hold on any longer!"

In the faraway Xia Kingdom, in the City of Southwind.

The mottled city walls were much more sturdy and thicker than what Li Luo had remembered. They were crisscrossed with countless shocking scars that had landed upon them whilst an uncountable number of formation runes spread across it, sheltering the thousands within the city itself.

At this moment, Pang Qianyuan was standing atop the walls with his hands behind his back as his gaze was focused upon the skies. Boundless amounts of corruption was condensing in front of him as he could hear nefarious whispers spreading towards them. The sky had turned dark but there were many resonant power undulations erupting within the distance, representing squads going out on clearing missions.

Based on the time, the next Other Tide was about to start and they had to eliminate all traces of corruption around the City of Southwind before that happened.

Even after several years, he was still garbed in the same green robes which contrasted against his white eyebrows, his body exuding a profound and regal aura, making him look extraordinary. However his face was now filled with signs of fatigue. For the sake of protecting Astral Sage College and the Xia Kingdom all these years, he had done his absolute best. Even so, he could only watch forlornly as the Astral Sage College gradually declined due to the continuous battles with the Other Disaster. They were no longer as glorious as they were in the past.

He didn't even know if he could even preserve it.

The Ichythian King and the Cadaverous King would launch attacks every month, clearly intending to keep him bogged down here whilst the Enchanting Fox King and Demon Witch King would hide in the depths of the Other Disaster, summoning the Saturnine Hydra Devil King. Pang Qianyuan knew in his heart that once the Saturnine Hydra Devil King truly descended upon the Xia Kingdom, everything would be utterly annihilated, whether it was the Xia Kingdom or the Astral Sage College.

Even so he was powerless to stop it.

A deep sense of sorrow arose within him as he cursed at his weakness. He truly couldn't resist anymore. Perhaps the Astral Sage College which he had toiled for with his blood and sweat would eventually be destroyed in his hands. "Principal, you've already done your best." Just as Pang Qianyuan revealed a look of gloominess, a warm voice sounded out from behind him. A beautiful woman in a red dress, embroidered with patterns of the stars and the moon, approached his side. It was Vice principal Su Xin. The passage of several years had not left any traces on her gentle face, instead adding a touch of maturity to it. "Su Xin, these years have been tough on you." Pang Qianyuan glanced at Vice principal Su Xin as he spoke apologetically. Whilst he was sealed for all those years, the entire Astral Sage College had relied upon her guidance. It was fortunate that she had done well, at the very least surviving till he returned. In order to ensure that Astral Sage College could survive, she didn't even have the time to cultivate in peace. Furthermore the resources were limited and she had provided them to her mentors, bolstering their strength but slowing her own progress over the years.

Pang Qianyuan knew just how difficult it was to do all this. In the eyes of the mentors and the students, they had never once complained about the vice principal with a genial personality. In fact, her position in their hearts was likely much higher than him, the actual principal.

Vice principal Su Xin smiled as she shook her head, looking into Pang Qianyuan's eyes with respect and admiration. She was the first student Pang Qianyuan had brought along. When Astral Sage College was first constructed, everything was simple and basic and there was little reason to join him. Even so, she could never forget the image of the high spirited man in front of her, thus she chose to give up everything to accompany him to build this college step by step. "I promised all those years ago that I would accompany you to build this school you've envisioned." Vice principal Su Xin warmly spoke. As Pang Qianyuan glanced at her, his gaze softened.

"It looks like I came at the wrong time."

Whilst the two were looking at each other lovey dovey, a cold voice belonging to that of a female sounded out. The two were shocked out of their minds as they hurriedly turned their heads to see a female striding over from not far away. She was clad in azure jade armor and golden combat boots. On the top of her head perched a crown woven from blue grass stems which glowed with an esoteric light. This, accompanied with her sword-like brows gave her a heroic and imposing appearance. It was Vice principal Lan Lingzi from the Heavenly Origin Ancient College.

Pang Qianyuan gave a sheepish smile whilst Vice principal Su Xin began to twirl a lock of her hair awkwardly.

When Su Xin had heard that the Academic Federation had dispatched squads to reinforce them, she was filled with untold joy. However she had never expected that the one leading the squads would be none other than Lan Lingzi. Truthfully the two were not familiar with each other and she had only met the latter several times occasionally as a mentor.

When Pang Qianyuan was young, they were supposed to be lovers. However due to some differences in personality and ideologies, he had left the Heavenly Origin Ancient College and thus the relationship between the two ended. Alas matters of the heart were never so clear cut. Su Xin as a female could also sense that Lan Lingzi was still concerned about Pang Qianyuan. Otherwise she would never have volunteered to come to the Xia Kingdom."

"Ah Ling, have you returned from your patrol? How are things?" Pang Qianyuan smiled as he greeted her. She was emotionless as she retorted. "What else can be done? The next wave of the Other Disaster is about to arrive. It's best to prepare for a cruel battle."

Pang Qianyuan sighed, "The Ichythian King and Cadaverous King are clearly trying to contain us here, buying time for the Saturnine Hydra Devil King to descend. Is there no one else from the Academic Federation who can come to assist? If it were to appear, the extent of the destruction would not be limited to the Xia Kingdom. The surrounding tens of kingdoms, including the sage colleges will all be destroyed." Lan Lingzi remained silent for a while before shaking her head powerlessly. "The Academic Federation and the Origin Reversion Institute have already started to battle. Even the five Heavenly Emperors have been forced to take action so how could we have any more strength in reserve? Furthermore, the Other Disasters aren't only affecting the Xia Kingdom. Other regions are also affected and the Academic Federation has to deal with both the Origin Reversion Institute and the Other Kings. Thus we truly are a bit exhausted." "Could we not request the Heavenly Emperor powers in the inner divine continent to help?" Vice principal Su Xin hesitated before asking. Lan Lingzi indifferently explained, "Not all of these powers share the same founding philosophy as the Academic Federation. They are more concerned about their own future and if their interests are not affected, it would be unrealistic to expect them to travel thousands of miles to fight against this. Unless of course the Other Disaster in the outer divine continent reaches the point that it can affect the inner divine continent, will the Heavenly Emperor powers feel the pinch. Perhaps they will send troops then."

Pang Qianyuan also fell deep into thought. Lan Lingzi's words were the truth. To these Heavenly Emperor powers, the outer divine continent was a wasteland and the resources there were not enough to attract their attention. In addition they still had to do battle with the Other Kings! They would want to avoid the risk of accidentally causing the death of their own peak experts so why would they also travel tens of thousands of miles just to rescue them? "What about Li Luo? I heard he is someone from the Bloodline of Heavenly Emperor Li." Vice principal Su Xin asked. When Principal Pang heard this name, he paused briefly as the image of an immature young boy appeared. He had even gifted his Dragon Elephant Blade to that brat. He knew of Li Luo's true identity and was also quite close to Li Taixuan and Tan Tailan. However the two had left for the Nobles' Battlefield and had not returned for countless years and thus he didn't know what the situation was like.

"Li Luo is indeed from the Bloodline of Heavenly Emperor Li. However when I had last left the Heavenly Origin Ancient College, he was still cooped up within the Celestial Mirror Pagoda cultivating in seclusion. I don't know what happened afterwards. Even so he's still a member of the junior generation and is unable to move the elders into making a decision." Lan Lingzi shook her head as she spoke. It was obvious that she didn't think that the Bloodline of Heavenly Emperor Li would send King stage experts to the Xia Kingdom just for a junior like Li Luo. Vice principal Su Xin sighed upon hearing this.

"Forget it, we will just rely upon ourselves." Pang Qianyuan brightened up as he gave a smile before turning towards Vice principal Su Xin.

"The Ichythian King and Cadaverous King will likely start another assault in the next few days. You should sound the Golden Bell. All forces need to prepare themselves for another tough battle."

Vice principal Su Xin nodded her head before saluting Lan Lingzi and turning to leave.

Not long after Vice principal Su Xin left, there was an extremely melodious chiming of a bell, spreading to every corner of the City of Southwind. It was so loud that even some nearby cities were able to hear it. The atmosphere immediately turned tense.

In the south of the city stood a palace. This was where the royal court stayed and in terms of grandeur, it was not comparable to that of the Xia Kingdom but considering the special circumstances, it was still the centre of power for the southern region.

As the golden bell's ring entered the palace, it caused shockwaves through the people present.

In a golden hall that was brightly lit, a beautiful lady was bent over her desk. She was garbed in a golden robe that was embroidered with a phoenix as it wrapped around a domineering figure with an undulating figure that resembled mountainous peaks. This was the First Princess, Gong Luanyu.

She was now the ruler of the southern region!

The passage of time had caused her to blossom with a mature charm whilst her enchanting face now held a regal majesty having been in power. As she heard the bell chimes, her brows furrowed as she sighed. "Is it happening again?"

She then placed down the files in her hand as she stood up gracefully, striding out of the hall as her gaze focused upon the skies above. Black clouds were starting to gather, symbolizing the coming storm.

"Pass down my orders. The guards of the city and the imperial guards have to start their preparations immediately. Also invite the general to my palace. I wish to discuss the matter of the frontlines with him." Gong Luanyu's calm voice rang out and some figures in the shadows hurriedly rushed to fulfil them.

As her palace maids left with her commands, Gong Luanyu's calm eyes revealed a look of worry. She simply didn't know how long they could continue to last under this pressure, even after giving their all.

Her usually stoic and staunch facade revealed a hint of weakness. Even the master of the royal court was unable to remain unshakeable before the terrifying Other Disaster. Phew.

Gong Luanyu took in a deep breath as she quashed the fear rising within her heart as she clenched her fists. No matter what, as the master of the royal court, she would live and die with her country. ...

North of the City, House Luolan's Old Manor.

Figures were bustling around the area as a lady with a mature temperament and gorgeous features was temporarily disorientated by the chiming of the bell. The ink black robes embroidered with clouds tightly wrapped around her voluptuous figure whilst her tight waist accentuated her curves. Her expression was placid like water and she had cherry red lips. It was Cai Wei. She was now the head of House Luolan and in the last few years, diligently managed the family affairs in order to live up to the trust of Li Luo and Jiang Qing'e in her. She might not possess a lot of personal strength but she kept everything in good order with her management skills and charm. "It looks like the next wave of Others is about to arrive. I really don't know when it will come to an end." A light sigh came from behind her. Cai Wei turned her head to see a youthful lady with silver framed glasses with a slightly icy temperament. Yan Lingqing had arrived as well. Both of them were considered close confidantes of Jiang Qing'e and in these few years, they had supported each other to manage House Luolan. "Sometimes I really just want to give it all up and just die! At least I'd be done with all of this." Yan Lingqing spoke with some frustration. These days had truly caused many to fall into the pits of despair.

Cai Wei then took a step forward, wrapping her hands around Yan Lingqing's waist as the latter took the opportunity to bury her face into snow mountains before taking two deep breaths. "You might as well suffocate me to death. I'd much rather die this way than to be devoured by the Others."

Cai Wei blushed as she pinched her friend's waist in annoyance. "Remember to inform the bodyguards to protect Mengmeng well. If any Others were to break into the city, nothing must happen to her. The reason why House Luolan has been able to maintain its status the last few years was because of her." Cai Wei then went straight to business. "I know, I know..." Yan Lingqing lazily replied before she sighed, "This brat Li Luo is indeed quite the sweet talker. He bewitched such an innocent and lovely little maiden to stay with House Luolan and willingly slave away for him..."

"Sister Lingqing, I'm not a slave. It's only because House Luolan provides the ideal environment for me to research on spirit liquids and purifying lights." Just as Yan Lingqing was speaking, a soft voice came from her right as a girl in a simple white dress approached them with a jade box filled with spirit liquids and purifying lights.

Her skin was fair like snow and she possessed an indescribably pure and pretty face that reminded one of a stainless white flower. Her big watery eyes told a story of their own, causing anyone to look at her to feel both love and pity for her. Her head of long hair was bundled up in a ponytail which fell down to her hips and swayed slowly. She was closely looking at Yan Lingqing with a slight blush. "Ah my cute little Mengmeng! Just looking at you makes my heart melt." Yan Lingqing beamed as she walked forward, hugging the girl in the white dress. This was Li Luo's squad member from Astral Sage College, Bai Mengmeng. Over the years, she had grown into an elegant young lady.

"Don't ruin these spirit liquids and purifying lights." Bai Mengmeng helplessly said as she protected the jade box.

Cai Wei then walked over, helping to receive the box as she stretched her hand out to caress her smooth face. "Mengmeng, don't immerse yourself in your research for the next few days. The Others are about to attack again and no one knows what will happen. If the situation turns south, I've already informed the Ancestor Yuan Qing to lead people to escort you out."

Bai Mengmeng's expression darkened. "What about you then Sister Cai Wei?"

She sighed. Her resonant power stage was very ordinary and if the Others were to break in, she wouldn't even have the ability to run. Furthermore if House Luolan were to be destroyed, she wouldn't have the face to see Jiang Qing'e ever again either. She might as well accompany this manor to its end. "Elder Sister Cai Wei, I heard that the squad leader will be back!" Bai Mengmeng replied. Yan Lingqing pouted, "Who knows? I heard that brat's have an extraordinary background. He's actually a scion from a Heavenly Emperor Bloodline. Do you know what a Heavenly Emperor Bloodline is? This means they are a power with a Heavenly Emperor expert! With such an impressive background, why would he care about this rundown House Luolan? I'm afraid he might have forgotten about us already!"

Bai Mengmeng shook her head as she attentively spoke, "Squad leader isn't someone like that. If he says he will be back, he will be back."

Yan Lingqing was only venting the emotions in her heart. Even if she didn't believe in Li Luo, she still had her trust in Jiang Qing'e and thus she could only sigh. "I hope he can hurry up. Otherwise by the time he arrives, he'll only be able to pick up our corpses."

Cai Wei and Bai Mengmeng didn't say anything either as they raised their heads to look into the gloomy skies as they pondered over their future. ...

Southwind Academy, or perhaps it should be more accurate to say, the new Astral Sage College. The college was no longer as prosperous as it was in the past and the number of students had thinned out, causing it to look a little desolate.

As the bell rang, the numerous young students' eyes were filled with momentary fear. However they still returned to their rooms to pack their bags, preparing for the harsh battles that lay ahead. The number of students might decrease by a large number after this. After all, the many familiar faces might not return. In the mountains behind the college were rows of endless tombstones. As the wind blew, it seemed as though whimpering cries were echoing through the area, giving off a tragic atmosphere.

On the hillside outside the cemetery stood two figures, one male and one female.

The man was tall and slender with a head of long hair that fell freely. He wasn't handsome, but he looked carefree with an unruly smile that perpetually hung on his face. In his mouth was a stalk of horsetail grass and on his waist were daggers, still giving off a sloppy appearance like in the past. It was Yu Lang. However his reputation now resounded throughout the Xia Kingdom. Regardless whether it was the north or the south, everyone knew of this young Duke who had risen to prominence..

Indeed, Yu Lang had already entered the Duke stage and was even a third-grade Duke! He had now become the youngest Duke in the Xia Kingdom. Even Bai Doudou who was once much stronger than him had been left in the dust. Even so, she wasn't very happy as she looked at him. Yu Lang's unruly and high spirited expression was now covered with frost and strands of white hair had started to appear at his temples. As the person closest to him, she knew why he was able to experience such a meteoric rise in strength. This was because of the secret art which Li Luo had found for him.

It had helped him break into the third-grade Duke stage but the price was his resonance. It had fallen to the fifth-grade. Furthermore, just looking at the white hairs meant that his longevity and life force had suffered. Bai Doudou's eyes welled up with redness as she whispered. "Yu Lang, you don't need to push yourself so hard. The Bai Family are just a bunch of short sighted fools. You don't have to do this to yourself, just because they look down upon you."

Yu Lang slightly chewed on the strand of grass as he glanced at the rolling rows of tombstones, "They don't qualify for me to do this. I only wish... to become even stronger and protect the things that matter to me. Like you. Like the college. Like House Luolan which Li Luo entrusted to me in the past. He's already done so much for Astral Sage College and without the resources he's fought for, Astral Sage College might have long fallen apart. Meanwhile it's time for me to bear the mantle."

This man who was once as fickle as the winds had become less reckless and much more reliable after several years of life and death trials. Bai Doudou glanced at him, "Yu Lang, in my eyes, you're no worse than anyone else. In the eyes of the students here, you're a hero."

Yu Lang nonchalantly waved his hand as he spoke calmly. "I don't care about these meaningless titles." "Then why did you keep that letter from the female student? You even hid it away so carefully?" A dull voice rang out. The stalk of grass fell from his frozen but agape mouth. He then picked it up with one hand and put it back into his mouth as his eyes exuded a sense of melancholy. "I simply don't wish for the brilliance in these little maiden's eyes to dim. They are the future of the college and I want to give them hope. After all life is already so hard, we should let them see the light instead."

Bai Doudou calmly took out her Cherry Blossom Spear which she then pointed towards his crotch. At this point the third-grade Duke's expression turned solemn.

"I'll quickly return and burn the letter to ashes."

Bai Doudou coldly snorted.

Dong! Dong!

It was at this point when the two heard the bells chiming. Their expressions stiffened as Yu Lang's hands caressed the daggers on his waist as his gaze turned sharp. His entire posture and aura had transformed, like a peerless sword being drawn from its sheath.

"The next wave is coming." Yu Lang muttered. "These waves keep coming. Is there no end?" Bai Doudou bitterly lamented.

"Every wave we survive is another day lived. We will see the dawn some day."

"What is the dawn?"

Yu Lang paused for a moment before replying. "Li Luo."

Bai Doudou retorted blankly. "Even if he returns, what can he do when facing such a situation? Even the Heavenly Origin Ancient College's Vice principal Lan Lingzi is unable to bring an end to the Other Disaster."

Yu Lang walked down the hill with his daggers slung over his shoulders. The mountain breeze blew and his hair dappled in the wind.

"You have to believe in the miracles that Li Luo creates. No matter how tough things get. Ever since I met him, he's never disappointed anyone."

As he sauntered down the hill, figures appeared from the dense wood around him. All of them were drenched in blood like evil spirits. These were the strongest elites of the Astral Sage College, handpicked to form a Devil Hunting Squad. In the last few years, they were the ones slaughtering the Others on the front lines. Meanwhile Yu Lang was the Devil Hunting Squad's Commander.

"Give my order. Gather everyone from the Devil Hunting Squad and prepare to battle." Yu Lang's voice spread, drawing a unified response. The clouds that were gathering in the distance were as black as ink, sticky and cold.

In five days, the Others would renew their assault yet again. A bloodbath was about to unfold.