Chapter 575: The Road To Escape

Lanfu Base City.

Towering 200-meter-high metal walls, bristling with crenelated battlements and cannon barrels, stood like a metallic forest. They had a blood-like hue under the glow of the setting sun.

Lanfu was the largest base city in the northwest. It was once the provincial capital of the northwest region in Great Xia and home to over four million people. It also served as the administrative, economic, military, and transportation hub of the region, so it had been hailed as the Jewel of the Northwest in Great Xia.

Now, however, it had declared its independence from Great Xia. It had become the main stronghold of the Xie family. The Xie family had a history in Great Xia of over four hundred years. Their ancestor, Xie Renwang, was among the second generation of bloodline experts during the global star beast mutation era. At his peak, he had reached the Saint Realm, the height of martial cultivation at the time.

Xie Renwang had rendered great service in the wars against the star beasts. When stability began to return to Great Xia, he became the guardian Saint stationed in Lanfu Base City. Under his protection, the Xie family had thrived. By three hundred years ago, thanks to Xie Renwang’s legacy, the Xie family had risen to become the foremost martial arts family in the northwest.

Their influence spread far and wide. The family’s influence had infiltrated all aspects of the region’s political, economic, and military spheres, establishing itself as an unshakable titan.

Ten months ago, Yiggs had torn apart the Starry Sky Accord and launched a massive invasion of Great Xia. The Xie family, once considered a trusted and significant power within Great Xia, not only failed to resist but immediately switched allegiances.

They acted as the Yiggs’ collaborator in the northwest as they wasted no time in raising the banner of rebellion. In the early stages, they swiftly executed Great Xia officials within Lanfu Base City who refused to cooperate with them. Then, they declared the northwest region's independence.

Now, the entirety of Lanfu Base City operated under an oppressive and absolute reign of terror. The Xie family continued to purge dissenters while waging relentless campaigns of war. The flames of battle had engulfed the northwest. Base cities were seized, slaughtered, and plundered one after another.

Five days ago, the news of victory arrived. The last remaining base city in the northwest still loyal to Great Xia, Liuhe, had fallen to Xie Qingzhi. With this, the Xie family had completed their conquest of the northwest region. Now, bolstered by propaganda from media outlets and influential figures, the Xie family had begun actively preparing for the establishment of their independent nation.

Large numbers of Yiggs, Europeans, Bayerians, and Africans had flooded Lanfu Base City. These outsiders, driven by innate savagery and madness, brought oppression and cruelty along with them, turning this historic jewel of Great Xia into a filthy and corrupt haven for adventurers and opportunists. The Yiggs held the highest status among them, asserting dominance over all others.

The head of the Yiggs delegation, Andrew, had become the most honored guest of the Xie family. Known as the Humanoid Calamity Dragon, Andrew was rumored to possess the sacred bloodline of a giant dragon. He was also the third heir to the ancient Yiggs financial conglomerate, the Hills Group.

On the surface, Andrew appeared tall and handsome. He seemed to be a textbook playboy. During his time in Lanfu Base City, he frequented high-end banquets and exclusive gatherings, moving effortlessly among the elite and socialites. Countless noblewomen and socialites willingly offered themselves to him.

Dragons were lustful by nature. Since he had a dragon bloodline coursing through his veins, Andrew had an insatiable appetite for women. His arrival at Lanfu Base City was akin to a king bee entering a garden of flowers. He indulged himself freely, reveling in excess.

Rumors spread that the current Xie family patriarch, Xie Sanshi, in his bid to secure Yiggs' full support for the Xie family’s independence, had even sent his two cherished daughters to serve Andrew in the Starry Sky Hotel’s No. 1 luxury suite.

"Hahaha, really?"

In the Starry Sky Hotel’s ultra-VIP dining suite, Andrew’s face lit up with delight as he glanced at photos of the women.

"As expected of the Xie family, they act swiftly. They’re already in the city?"

Across the table, Xie Yunfeng, the Xie family’s Grand Elder, smiled faintly.

The more you demand, the better.

What he feared most was Andrew asking for nothing.

"There’s nothing in the entire northwest that the Xie family cannot accomplish," Xie Yunfeng said confidently.

"Ye Liuying may be known as the Goddess, but before the Xie family, she is as insignificant as a grain of sand. Since Mr. Andrew fancies her, tonight, she will be yours."

A flicker of excitement danced in Andrew’s golden eyes. The Goddess of Great Xia. Though it was merely a nickname, Andrew had heard about this woman the moment he arrived in the northwest. She was a formidable female expert of Great Xia, who was revered and admired by countless people across the nation on the light network.

North of Qilian, Liuying is the most beautiful.

Many of Great Xia’s geniuses and martial arts powerhouses idolized Ye Liuying, the military commander stationed at Liuhe Base City. What made her even more intriguing was her unmarried status and the complete absence of any rumors about romantic relationships. It was said that she had a natural aversion to men.

She was described as strong, domineering, and emotionally detached. She was possibly even cold to the point of disinterest in romance. There were even rumors suggesting that Ye Liuying might prefer women.

In summary, she was a noble, powerful, and commanding figure, pure as ice and jade, with a massive fan base of devoted followers. To conquer such a woman was an irresistible challenge.

Xie Yunfeng smiled faintly once again and said, "We’ve also prepared a little surprise for you, Mr. Andrew."

"Oh?" Andrew turned to look at him.

Xie Yunfeng retrieved another electronic photo. The image depicted a young woman wearing black-framed glasses and loose-fitting clothes, her hair messy and unkempt. She appeared entirely ordinary and unremarkable.

"Who is she?" asked Andrew, puzzled.

Xie Yunfeng smiled and said, "Flip to the next page."

Andrew turned over the first photo.

The second image on the screen revealed a young woman with jade-like skin and exquisitely delicate features, as if she had stepped out of a classical Great Xia painting.

"This is... the same person?"

Andrew scrutinized the two images closely, astonished.

"Yes, the same person. Her name is Yu Youyu," Xie Yunfeng explained. "All she needs is a little grooming and she transforms into a celestial beauty."

Xie Yunfeng added with a sly smile, "What makes it even more intriguing is that she has another identity."

Andrew asked, "What identity?"

"She’s Ye Liuying’s younger sister. Not a biological sister, but their bond is extraordinarily close," Xie Yunfeng said.

"Oh? Hahaha, now that is something I’d like to savor," Andrew said, his interest piqued.

Xie Yunfeng continued, "This pair of sisters will be delivered to your room tonight at eight o’clock. From that moment on, they will be yours."

Andrew was immensely pleased. He laughed heartily, "Haha, the Xie family truly knows how to make a grand gesture. You Great Xia people have a saying, 'Give a peach, return a plum.' Very well, we can sign the contract for one hundred Thunder Fury Star Armors now."

Xie Yunfeng was overjoyed. The Xie family's meticulous efforts to curry favor with Andrew had all been for the sake of acquiring the cutting-edge Thunder Fury Star Armor suits from the Yiggs.

It was said that even warriors of the Five Spirits Realm could rival a quasi-Saint when equipped with Star Armor. This technology, rumored to originate from beyond the stars, was one of the key advantages that allowed the Yiggs to rise to power, disregard the Star Council, and even manipulate it.

If the Xie family could secure one hundred sets of Star Armor, even if they weren’t the most advanced models, it would solidify their dominance in the northwest. Establishing an independent nation would no longer be a distant dream.

"To a fruitful partnership," Xie Yunfeng said, raising his glass.

"Haha, to our partnership," Andrew replied with a grin.

The contract was quickly signed. The wine glasses swayed gently under the pristine lighting, their crimson liquid shimmering like the blood of an ambitious conqueror.

Just then, urgent knocking was heard from the door. Xie Yunfeng frowned slightly. If it wasn’t an emergency, this door would never be knocked on.

After a brief moment, he said, "Come in."

The door opened, and his son, Xie Tianyu, entered, beads of sweat glistening on his forehead. He leaned in close and whispered, "Father, something has happened. The convoy escorting Ye Liuying has been ambushed."

Xie Yunfeng’s eyebrows twitched rapidly. His expression darkened. He had just guaranteed that the two women would be delivered to Andrew’s room before eight, and now this complication had arisen. Forcing a smile, he struggled to explain the situation.

Andrew, however, remained calm. "I didn’t expect there would still be remnants of rebels in Lanfu City," he said indifferently.

"Rest assured, Mr. Andrew," Xie Yunfeng said hastily. "We will deploy our most elite special forces and ensure the Goddess is delivered to your room by eight o’clock tonight."

Andrew shook his head and slowly rose from his seat.

"Let’s go together," he said. "I want to see who dares to lay hands on a woman I’ve chosen."

When he saw that Andrew was not visibly angry, Xie Yunfeng breathed a sigh of relief.

***

The piercing sound of alarms tore through the sky as battle-ready power armors skimmed low over the streets. Aircraft hovered high above, relentlessly tracking and locking onto the escapees.

On the ground, warriors clad in the Xie family rebels’ black uniforms poured into the streets from all directions. The target of their pursuit was a heavily modified graffiti-covered heavy yellow magnetic-levitation cargo truck. This was no ordinary vehicle; it had been fitted with automated cannons.

Energy projectiles spewed continuously from its turrets, tracing arcs through the air and striking down the pursuing power armors one by one. But such a frantic escape was unsustainable.

Roadblocks and force fields were being rapidly set up ahead, leaving fewer and fewer routes for the truck to take. Inside the truck's cargo compartment, Ye Liuying had changed into a sleek black combat suit. Beside her, Yu Youyu sat trembling with fear.

There were several other familiar faces in the compartment as well. One was a tall girl with long, fiery red hair cascading over her shoulders. Her alabaster skin made her sharp, delicate features even more striking, and her star-like eyes sparkled with fierce determination.

Next to her stood a burly man built like a bear, his muscular frame dominating the space. He had a massive box on his back, its contents unknown. In addition, there was a tall, lean young man, no older than twenty, who had a determined expression etched across his face.

"Thank you," said Ye Liuying, her voice calm but resolute.

She never expected to encounter Yan Chiyu, Liu Xiao, and Nan Tianxing in Lanfu Base City. These three former members of the Red Flag High School battle team had led their allies to ambush the Xie family convoy to rescue her.

"There’s no need for words like that," Liu Xiao replied firmly. "We received word from Liuhe Base City... Ye Goddess, your strength..."

Ye Liuying cut him off, her tone indifferent. "It's gone."

Indeed, her cultivation, along with her inner qi, had been completely destroyed. Her combat prowess had plummeted, and she had fallen from the once-untouchable Goddess to a powerless liability. Yet, the flames of unyielding resolve still burned fiercely in her eyes.

"What’s the plan?" Ye Liuying asked, her gaze steady.

Nan Tianxing and Liu Xiao both turned to Yan Chiyu, their captain. Her long hair now flowing freely, Yan Chiyu remained as cold and strikingly beautiful as ever.

"Our plan isn’t particularly detailed," Yan Chiyu admitted, her tone cool. "We got the message too late. Besides, we assumed you still had the strength to fight."

Ye Liuying frowned slightly but said nothing.

Yan Chiyu continued, "We have allies in position six kilometers from here on Shanqiao Street. They’ll create chaos by detonating the Lily Tower. When that happens, we’ll seize the opportunity to escape the pursuit."

"Give me a knife," Ye Liuying demanded.

Liu Xiao handed her a sharp blade without hesitation. Ye Liuying took the knife, gripping it firmly.

Thud.

Without flinching, she plunged the blade into her left thigh. Blood spurted out instantly.