This battle was a surprise attack.
Chu Chen was completely unprepared, and his army was routed.
Yan Jue's forces swept through, breaking through all defenses, and had now reached the city, pressing directly towards the Fen Dian.
As the two armies clashed fiercely, a figure descended from the sky like a god, landing on the ground with an overwhelming force.
Boom!
A sudden, deafening explosion kicked up a cloud of dust.
Both armies paused as if by tacit agreement, retreating to their respective formations, their eyes locked on the opposing side.
The cause of this tremendous commotion was none other than King Chu, Chu Chen.
With an air of supreme command, he gazed at the most prominent spot across the battlefield.
"You, are the rebel of the Underworld?"
Yan Jue stood his ground, his proud eyes sweeping over King Chu with utter disdain, as if he were not even there.
He leisurely took a drag from his cigarette, then slowly exhaled, the wisps of smoke coiling around him, lending him an air of mystery.
After a long pause, he finally spoke in a soft tone.
" Hand her over."
?
A large question mark appeared in Chu Chen's mind.
Looking at the current situation, he had been attacked at his doorstep by a rebel, without receiving the slightest warning beforehand.
This was an unbearable humiliation.
"Hmph! Rebel, you're quite arrogant. You will pay a heavy price for your actions!"
Chu Chen felt an overwhelming urge to flay Yan Jue alive. He extended his hand, and a jet-black greatsword, exuding a dangerous aura, materialized in the air.
The moment this sword appeared, the very heavens and earth seemed to change color, the temperature plummeted several degrees, and an oppressive aura filled the air.
Chu Chen unsheathed his sword. His previously retreating army's morale surged, and they regained their vigor.
In contrast, Yan Jue's side continued to smoke his cigarette at a leisurely pace, as if he were a hopeless addict.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, he finally finished his cigarette.
He unhurriedly tossed the butt to the ground, took a step forward, and crushed it with his foot.
"I'll say it again. Hand her over."
"Her?"
Chu Chen, asked twice, was bewildered.
"You wouldn't be referring to the female demon of the Underworld, would you?"
Zhong Li immediately became enraged, stepping forward and cursing.
"Pah! Speak respectfully of her, she is the Queen of the Underworld. Watch your mouth."
"Queen of the Underworld?" Chu Chen muttered.
He had been curious about the female demon of the Underworld, and now she had apparently shown up so quickly.
No!
He suddenly realized something was amiss, and his brow furrowed.
"You started this war, and it was all to find that female demon?"
"Nonsense! Hurry up and hand over the Queen. Otherwise, we'll raze your Fen Dian!" Zhong Li shouted furiously.
Yan Jue remained silent, his sharp gaze filled with a potent killing intent.
Clearly, Chu Chen's guess was correct.
Looking at the situation where the battle had already reached his city, Chu Chen maintained a calm facade, but inside, he felt immense bitterness.
"Hmph, I don't know any 'female demon' you speak of."
"However, since you have come all this way, I cannot face my people without avenging this humiliation with my own hands."
"For the dignity of King Chu, let us fight!"
This was a battle for the King's dignity. He charged forward with his saber.
Zhong Li's hand moved, and a silver spear materialized, meeting the attack with lightning speed.
Clang!
A thunderous impact erupted, and after a powerful burst of force, debris in the center of the battlefield was sent flying far away, leaving an open space.
Zhong Li and Chu Chen stood facing each other, both with ill intentions.
Chu Chen glanced at the jet-black greatsword in Zhong Li's hand. This was a weapon he had painstakingly forged, immensely powerful, a symbol of his strength.
He hadn't expected that his opponent, who was merely a subordinate, would be so formidable.
The tingling sensation from his hand forced him to take the current opponent seriously.
"Who are you? State your name!"
Zhong Li said clearly, "Zhong Li."
Frankly, Chu Chen had never heard of this person before, nor had he ever seen him.
Judging by the actions of his leader, he should merely be a subordinate of the rebel Yan Jue.
Yet, even a mere subordinate possessed such formidable strength.
However, he didn't seem particularly intelligent, likely just a brute with more brawn than brains.
"Hmph! I have no interest in you. My target is him."
Chu Chen raised his jet-black saber, pointing it towards Yan Jue in the distance. His objective was clear: to engage Yan Jue in a battle of kings and decide the victor.
"Heh..."
Yan Jue let out a contemptuous sneer.
"You are not worthy to fight me."
Yan Jue's arrogant and dismissive demeanor infuriated Chu Chen, who gritted his teeth.
"It seems you are unwilling. But I know a better way to fight!"
Hoo!
With a roar.
Chu Chen charged, his movements a blur, leaving behind several phantom afterimages. He ferociously attacked Yan Jue.
Bang bang bang!!!
Continuous dull explosions resounded, and brilliant flashes of light erupted across the battlefield.
A fierce battle was underway, both sides moving at terrifying speeds, impossible to discern.
After dozens of exchanges, they separated.
Upon seeing the situation on the field, Chu Chen's undead warriors, after their initial shock, gasped and a look of dejection flashed in their eyes.
Chu Chen's fierce attacks had originally been aimed at Yan Jue.
After the intense battle subsided, everyone realized that the previous exchanges were not Yan Jue's counter-attacks, but Zhong Li's!
He had blocked all of Chu Chen's attacks and retaliated.
As for Yan Jue, he stood in place, not having moved an inch, nor even furrowing his brow. Sudan Novel Network
At this moment, Chu Chen was truly shocked by Zhong Li's strength.
Not only could he protect Yan Jue from any harm, but he could also withstand all of Chu Chen's attacks and even repel him. His strength was not to be underestimated.
"Zhong Li, I admit your strength. But this is a battle between myself and Yan Jue. Step aside."
"Yan Jue, are you going to continue hiding behind Zhong Li like a turtle with its head tucked in?"
Zhong Li was enraged and said coldly.
"If you want to fight my boss, you'll have to get past me first. Otherwise, you're not qualified."
Since Empress Houtu disappeared, and the Underworld was divided amongst the Ten Yama Kings to govern individually, things had been peaceful for a very long time.
Born in peril, die in comfort. Chu Chen had grown complacent over the years.
Both Yan Jue and Zhong Li had honed their skills through countless battles, their strength and aura tempered by combat.
In comparison, Chu Chen was naturally at a disadvantage.
Already on the back foot due to the surprise attack, this war had been a difficult one from the start.
Chu Chen had intended to turn the tide and boost morale through his own strength.
With Zhong Li's interference, this plan had failed.