Chapter 1371: A Desperate Situation

The universe is vast and boundless.

On the other end of the galaxy.

Yecheng.

A few short days passed in the blink of an eye.

The recruitment of soldiers had already concluded, and the impending war broke out as expected. Despite Yecheng's deep reserves, the combined forces of several other cities were not to be underestimated. With the addition of various powerful allies, Yecheng was beginning to show signs of defeat.

Thirty miles...

Twenty miles.

Ten miles!

The enemy forces pressed forward, breaking through one defensive line after another. Eventually, their army set up camp less than ten miles from Yecheng. The entire city could only fortify its northern defenses and hold on desperately. Both sides were temporarily locked in a stalemate.

The clash of weapons continued, and the people were filled with fear.

Everyone knew that with several cities besieging Yecheng, the outcome was only a matter of time. Even if they held out, Yecheng couldn't sustain the prolonged conflict.

This war seemed to have already determined the victor.

In just a few days, Yecheng would likely fall. The armies would march south, killing, looting, and plundering along the way. The lives of the common people would be worth less than ants, and a bloodbath was imminent.

In this critical moment.

The small towns near Yecheng were already in chaos. Countless people abandoned their homes and fled, and refugee caravans could be seen everywhere. Along the official roads, scenes of misery were endless.

Even Qinghe Town, located hundreds of miles away, was infected by this fear. Rumors began to spread, and the entire town was on edge.

At dusk.

In the courtyard.

The old town chief and a few others sat stiffly with worried expressions. The clan leader also looked conflicted, as the argument had reached a boiling point.

"Old brothers, this can't go on! In my opinion, other towns have already started fleeing. Let's take everyone and run too!"

"Run? Where to? Our ancestors have lived in Qinghe Town for generations. How can we just abandon our ancestral home?"

"Exactly! Most of our townsfolk are farmers and hunters, with little cultivation. Many are elderly. How can we outrun the armies of several cities?"

"Sigh, with the chaos outside, who knows how many will die if we flee!"

"Then what do you suggest we do?!"

...

Even though most of those present were respected elders of the town with rich life experiences, no one had a solution in the face of such a catastrophic war. Even the old clan leader remained silent.

Everyone argued fiercely, but no conclusion was reached. Finally, with no other options, they turned to the old clan leader.

"Clan leader, please say something!"

"Yes, clan leader, if you have any ideas, share them with us!"

As the only Martial Spirit expert in the town, his prestige was, to some extent, even higher than the town chief's. In this critical moment, he was naturally trusted even more.

After all, the strong are always revered.

Hearing this, the seated clan leader slowly raised his eyes.

His gaze swept over the expectant elders and the anxious town chief. He wished he could immediately offer a brilliant strategy to solve everyone's urgent problems and protect the town's peace.

But matters of life and death in war were not something that could be resolved with a few words. Whether it was assessing the situation or arranging for the people's safety, it all required deep wisdom.

After a long silence, the clan leader could only sigh deeply.

"Ah..."

"I'm not skilled in strategizing. If it were a matter of cultivation, I might have some insights. But such significant matters are not something ordinary people can grasp. Only those with great wisdom might have valuable advice in such a complex situation."

At these words, everyone sat back in disappointment.

They looked at each other, their eyes filled with despair.

Qinghe Town was mostly made up of impoverished hunters. Although there were some cultivators, most were illiterate and had struggled all their lives just to survive. They knew nothing of strategy.

Someone, overwhelmed by anxiety, couldn't help but mutter coldly.

"At a time like this, where can we find a wise scholar?"

At this remark, a few eyes suddenly lit up.

The town chief seemed to remember something and stood up abruptly.

"A wise scholar?!"

"Isn't there one right in our village?"

The clan leader was also reminded and slapped his forehead.

"That's right!"

"How could I forget Mr. Yi, the great scholar? He's well-read and must have good ideas. In such a critical moment, I actually forgot about such a capable person. I must be out of my mind!"

With these words, everyone's eyes sparkled with hope.

Without further ado, the two elders led the group out, and a crowd of old men marched through the night toward the school at the foot of the mountain.

Before long, urgent knocking sounded at the door!

"Knock! Knock!"

"Mr. Yi, are you asleep?!"

Yi Feng was in the courtyard, admiring the stars, when he heard the urgent knocking. He quickly got up and went to open the door. To his surprise, it was the town chief and the clan leader, accompanied by many respected elders of the town.

What could be so urgent?

Out of courtesy, he invited them in.

"Everyone, please come in."

As the group of elders entered the courtyard, before they could even sit down, the town chief anxiously spoke up.

"Mr. Yi, Yecheng is about to fall. What should we do about Qinghe Town?"

Hearing this, Yi Feng, who hadn't even taken a few steps, turned back in surprise.

"Such a significant matter, why are you asking me?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the elders chimed in, each more anxious than the last.

"Sir, with your exceptional knowledge, you must have a good plan!"

"Sir, you jest. Most of us are illiterate and have never experienced such things. Besides seeking your advice, we really have no other options!"

"Yes, sir, you're an educated man. You must have a solution."

Looking at the worried faces of the elderly, Yi Feng felt a deep sense of empathy.

The hardships of life, aging, and illness are the sorrows of the mortal world.

Even with white hair, one cannot escape the pain of life and death. Ordinary people struggle desperately for survival, with little external support, let alone anyone who cares. Like the red dust of the world, their efforts go unnoticed, while the vibrant and beautiful are celebrated, and the toiling masses are forgotten.

Amid the anxious voices, the clan leader stepped forward, bowing respectfully, and explained the dire situation, seeking advice with trepidation.

"Mr. Yi."

"Yecheng is about to fall. Most of us want to flee, but I also know that if Yecheng falls, Qinghe Town will cease to exist. Without the greater community, there can be no individual families."

"However, if we send reinforcements, with just the few hundred people from Qinghe Town, we may not be able to hold Yecheng and avert this bloodshed."

"How should we proceed? Please, sir, enlighten us!"

At this moment, the clan leader set aside all pride and sought advice honestly.

Even though Yi Feng was just a young man, and someone he was supposed to guide, in matters of life and death, this scholar might offer a path forward. Even if the hope was slim, it was worth a try!

Facing the anxious and troubled expressions around him.

Yi Feng did not offer direct advice but instead gave an ambiguous answer.

"In matters concerning life and death, following your heart is the right choice. As an outsider, it's not appropriate for me to say more. Please forgive me."

Hearing this, the elders exchanged puzzled glances.

After a moment of contemplation, they seemed to gain some insight. The town chief and the clan leader nodded slightly at each other, thanked Yi Feng, and led the group away.

...

City Lord's Mansion.

The night grew deeper.

The hall was filled with figures—soldiers in armor and clan leaders with profound auras, all silent and grave.

Finally, the city's top general, seated below the lord, spoke up.

"Everyone."

"The situation in Yecheng is clear to all of you. There's no need for me to elaborate. If anyone can offer a strategy to defeat the enemy, I will reward them handsomely!"

His commanding voice promised riches beyond measure.

Where there is a great reward, there will be brave men!

However.

With Yecheng's defeat almost certain, holding the city was already a monumental task. No one knew how long they could last, let alone how to defeat the enemy.

For a moment, the hall was filled with oppressive silence as the powerful figures exchanged uneasy glances.

The general's expression darkened, and he scanned the room with a fierce gaze.

"All of you are the elite of Yecheng. At such a critical moment, does no one have a strategy? Are we to sit here and wait for them to breach our walls, leading to mutual destruction?!"

His stern voice finally prompted someone to step forward and speak.

"General, forgive us."

"It's not that we are incompetent, but the enemy is too numerous. We are powerless. If it were just the soldiers from a few cities, I alone could fight them. But those cities have brought in many reinforcements, and our advantage in high-level combat power is gone."

"Now, whether it's ordinary soldiers or Martial King-level fighters, we are outnumbered. Unless we can enlist the help of a reclusive Martial Emperor, Yecheng is doomed!"

At these words, a shadow fell over everyone's faces.

Even the general, second only to the city lord, seemed to lose his fighting spirit.

Just then.

Someone seemed to remember something and suddenly spoke up.

"General!"

"Isn't there a Martial Emperor in Qinghe Town? Why don't we seek help from Mr. Yi?!"

At these words, the general's eyes lit up.

Mr. Yi?!

Clearly, the presence of a Martial Emperor in Qinghe Town, and the city lord's personal visit, were already known to them.