We agreed to set sail, so you'd become the ruler of the deep sea?

Chapter 452 [Post-War Operations] [Yesse's Struggle]

Xia En stood on the city wall, his gaze sweeping across the battlefield.

Although he was pleased with the victory, he was also well aware that the cost of this battle could not be ignored.

Although the soldiers on the city wall were in high spirits, many of them were wounded and their exhaustion was hard to hide.

The battlefield below the city was littered with scorched bullet holes and bloodstains.

Although the power of the Fountain of Life purified the corrupted secrets, the traces of the battle were still shocking.

Xia En said in a deep voice, "Jane, take stock of the casualties."

"Yes."

Jian nodded and quickly gathered several soldiers in charge of statistics to begin taking stock of the losses in this battle.

A moment later, she returned to Xia En's side with a report.

"Shane, we lost thirty-seven soldiers in this battle."

"Nearly 100 others were injured, including more than 20 seriously."

Jane's voice was low, and a trace of sorrow flashed in her eyes.

Xia En was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded.

Although they successfully repelled the beast tide, the sacrifice of each warrior weighed heavily on his mind.

As the lord of Rhine City, everyone in the city is his subject.

Xia En took a deep breath and said with a firm gaze.

“Hold funerals for the fallen soldiers and make proper arrangements for their families.”

"Wounded soldiers should receive treatment as soon as possible, and we must ensure that they receive the best care."

Jane nodded in agreement, then added, "The city walls and defensive structures within the city have also suffered varying degrees of damage."

"The eastern wall, in particular, was severely damaged by the giant ape's impact and needs to be repaired as soon as possible."

Xia En frowned and turned his gaze to the city wall on the east side.

There were indeed several obvious cracks there, and even a small section of the city wall had collapsed.

He pondered for a moment, then gave the order.

"Immediately organize manpower to repair the city wall, prioritizing the most severely damaged areas."

"At the same time, strengthen patrols within the city to prevent the enemy from taking advantage of any weaknesses."

"clear."

Jane quickly turned around and began to arrange the repair work.

Xia En's gaze swept across the battlefield again as he pondered his next move.

Although they successfully repelled the beast tide, the threat of the [Heartbreakers] still exists.

He must quickly formulate the next steps to ensure the safety of Rhine City.

"Captain Shane, what should we do next?"

Sha Jingjing walked to his side and asked in a low voice.

Her eyes showed a hint of weariness, but even more so, a determination.

After a moment of contemplation, Xia En slowly said, "The [Heartbreaker] will not give up easily."

"Moreover, this beast tide is very likely just a test."

"The real all-out offensive has not yet begun."

Upon hearing this, Sha Jingjing's expression became very serious.

This single probing attack put immense pressure on Rhine City.

If the Ancient Spirits really go all in and launch a full-scale attack...

Can Rhine City hold out?

The thought of that possibility weighed heavily on Sha Jingjing's mind.

"Don't be afraid, we are not without a chance of winning."

Xia En said, "After this battle, the strength of many warriors in the city will be improved."

"Furthermore, once the passage between the [Rhine Realm] and the [Elf Realm] is stabilized..."

"The Elven reinforcements will be able to reach [Rhine City] and assist us in the battle."

Standing on the city wall, Xia En's eyes were sharp, and he already had a clear plan in mind.

He turned to Sha Jingjing and said, "We cannot sit idly by and wait for our doom. We must take the initiative and completely eliminate the threat of the Ancient Spirit Clan."

Xia En then convened an emergency meeting with the city's core members, including Jane, Xuan Ge, and Fei Ya.

"Everyone, the threat from the Ancient Spirits has not been eliminated; we must take action."

Xia En got straight to the point: "I've decided to set up a protective array in Rhine City to enhance our defenses."

"At the same time, I will personally lead an elite squad deep into the forest to wipe out the remaining forces of the Ancient Spirit Clan."

Sha Jingjing was somewhat surprised: "A city-protecting formation?"

"Yes."

Xia En nodded.

In fact, he had long had the idea of ​​a city-protecting formation, but he had been struggling to implement it due to a lack of sufficient resources and time.

Now, Rhine City has experienced this battle.

Although the losses were significant, new opportunities were gained from the power of the Fountain of Life.

Shane realized that it was time to put this plan into action.

"The city-protecting formation can not only enhance the defensive capabilities of the city walls, but also automatically trigger a counterattack mechanism when the enemy attacks."

Shane explained, "This will greatly reduce the pressure on our defense, especially when facing a large-scale attack."

"More importantly, this magic array needs to have the ability to isolate [impure secret power]."

"To prevent the [Filthy Secret Power] from polluting the environment and people within [Rhine City]."

Jane nodded in agreement, saying, "Indeed, if we can set up the city's protective formation in advance..."

"The pressure on the city will be much less when facing the next beast tide."

"However, setting up the city's protective formation requires a large amount of secret energy resources and time. Do we have sufficient resources now?"

String Song raised a question.

Xia En smiled slightly, his gaze firm.

"The power of the Fountain of Life has been transferred to the Rhine Realm. We can use this power to set up a magic array."

"Although time is tight, as long as we work together, we can complete it in a short time."

"As for the resource issue..."

Xia En continued, "I have already spoken with Ms. Angie from [Elf Realm], and she will provide us with the necessary support."

"The elves have a deep understanding of arcane arts and magic arrays, and their help will greatly accelerate our progress."

Hearing this, everyone relaxed considerably.

With the support of the elves, setting up the city's protective magic array no longer seemed like an unattainable goal.

"So, what about the elite squad?"

Fia asked, "How many people do you plan to take?"

After a moment's thought, Xia En replied, "The number of people should not be too large, otherwise it will easily alert the enemy."

"It's the same group of people we had when we infiltrated the forest last time."

"However, since Joey is in seclusion to break through, Fei Ya and Sha Jingjing, you two will also come this time."

"So, when do we leave?"

Sha Jingjing asked.

"The initial setup of the city's protective formation will take three days."

Xia En replied, "We will do our best to set up the magic array in these three days."

"Three days later, we set off immediately and ventured deep into the forest."

"it is good!"

The crowd responded in unison, their eyes gleaming with determination.

Over the next three days, Rhine City entered a state of intense preparation.

Xia En personally directed the setup of the city's protective magic circle, while An Qi continuously transmitted the power of the [Fountain of Life] through rituals to assist in the completion of the magic circle.

The soldiers inside the city were divided into two groups.

One group was responsible for repairing the city walls, while the other group assisted in setting up the magic array.

Three days later, the foundation of the city's protective magic array was finally completed.

The entire city of Rhine was enveloped in a faint golden light.

The power of the magic circle resonates with the power of the [Fountain of Life], and can transform into an indestructible barrier at any time.

"The magic array has been activated; now it's up to us."

Standing on the city wall, Xia En glanced at the battlefield below, then turned to the people behind him and spoke.

"set off!"

……

……

Deep in the forest, darkness enveloped the land. Yeshe held tightly to the child beside him as they ran swiftly through the dense woods.

Behind him, angry roars and hurried footsteps grew closer.

"Teacher, they're catching up!"

Behind Ye Sai were several young members of the Ancient Spirit Clan.

Their eyes were clear, filled with trust in Yese.

These young men were students of Yese.

After hearing Yese's words, they realized that the king had been controlled by an evil being, and together with Yese, they wanted to save their deceived people.

The child beside Yese is none other than Hughes, the little prince of the Ancient Spirit Clan!

Thanks to Yese and the students' efforts, they escaped with Hughes.

However, they were also hunted down by other members of the Ancient Spirit Clan.

"Traitor! Halt!"

A familiar voice came from behind him; it was his former comrade-in-arms, now the leader of the pursuers—Gru.

Yese did not turn around, but quickened his pace.

Hughes's small hand trembled slightly in his palm.
But he didn't cry; he just bit his lip tightly.

"Teacher, why...why are they chasing us?"

Hughes's voice was choked with emotion.

Yese looked down at him, his eyes filled with pity and determination.

"Because they are blinded, Hughes."

"They don't understand what we're doing."

"But...they say we are traitors..."

Hughes's voice grew softer and softer.

Yese stopped, squatted down, placed his hands on Hughes's shoulders, and looked directly into his eyes.

“Listen, Hughes, we are saving our people, saving your father, saving the entire Ancient Elf race.”

Hughes blinked, tears welling in his eyes, but he nodded.

"Yese! You can't escape!"

Gru's voice drew closer again, accompanied by the rustling sound of branches being parted.

Yese stood up, shielding Hughes behind him, and turned to face the pursuers.

Gru led a dozen or so Ancient Spirit warriors out of the forest.

Anger and confusion flickered in their eyes.

"Gru, do you really not understand?"

Yese's voice was calm yet powerful: "Our king has been controlled by the Mind Flayer, and his will no longer belongs to him."

“If we don’t stop it, the entire Ancient Spirit Clan will be plunged into disaster.”

Gru sneered, pointing his spear at Yese.

"Stop spreading rumors and misleading the public!"

"The king is a supreme being, how could he possibly be manipulated?"

"You're just making up this lie because you want to usurp the throne!"

Yese sighed and shook his head.

“Gru, we fought side by side before. Can’t you see the King’s unusual behavior?”

"His decisions, his words and actions—in which way do they resemble the king we once revered?"

A flicker of hesitation crossed Gru's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by anger.

"Shut up! You're nothing but a traitor trying to shake our resolve!"

"Today, I will clean house for Wang!"

Before he finished speaking, Gru had already swung his spear and thrust it straight at Yese.

Yese quickly dodged to the side, pushing Hughes aside in the process.

"Hughes, hide behind the tree!"

Hughes staggered to the back of a large tree, clung tightly to the trunk, and watched the battle unfold before him in horror.

Yese's students were locked in combat with the pursuers.

Although these young members of the Ancient Spirit Clan were quite strong, the relentless pursuit of their pursuers quickly put them at a disadvantage.

The battle between Yese and Gru was particularly perilous.

"Gru, are you really going to kill me?"

As Yese dodged, he shouted, "We used to be brothers!"

"brother?"

A hint of pain flashed in Gru's eyes, but it was quickly overshadowed by anger.

"From the moment you betrayed the king, we were no longer brothers!"

Yesse's shoulder was slashed by the spear, and he groaned as he took a few steps back, leaning against a large tree.

His breathing became rapid, but his gaze remained firm.

at this time.

The students in Yese suddenly erupted in a roar.

They fought with all their might, broke through the pursuers' encirclement, and stood between Yese and Gru.

"Teacher, take Hughes away quickly!"

A student shouted that his arm had been slashed and blood was dripping down his arm, but he still gripped his weapon tightly and stood in front of the pursuers.

"Don't worry about us! Run!"

Another student shouted, his face covered in blood, but his eyes were filled with determination.

A flicker of pain and reluctance flashed in Yese's eyes.

But he knew it was his only hope.

He gritted his teeth, picked up Hughes, and ran into the depths of the forest.

"Hughes, hold me tight!"

Yese said in a low voice, quickening his pace.

Despite the excruciating pain in his shoulder from the wound that made every step he took painful, he dared not stop.

Hughes clung tightly to Yese's neck, his small body trembling.

But he didn't cry; he just buried his face in Yese's shoulder.

Behind them, the students' roars and the clamor of battle gradually faded into the distance.

But Yese knew that the pursuers would not let them go easily.

Sure enough, it didn't take long.

Rapid footsteps and Gru's roar came from behind again.

"Yese! You can't escape!"

Yese's heart sank.

His physical strength was nearing its limit, while Hughes was just a child and couldn't run for long periods of time.

He looked around, trying to find a way out.

But the trees around them seemed endless, and the dark forest was like a giant net, trapping them tightly.

"Teacher...can we...can we still escape?"

Hughes's voice trembled, and his small hands gripped Yese's clothes tightly.

Yese did not answer, but quickened his pace.

He knew that he had to protect Hughes no matter what, even if it cost him his life.

However, the pursuers were much faster than them.

Before long, Gru reappeared in their sight.

Yese paused, knowing he had nowhere to run.

"Yese, it's over!"

Gru's voice was icy, and the spear in his hand was pointed directly at Yese's chest.

Yese shielded Hughes behind him, looking at Gru with unwavering eyes.

"Gru, are you really going to kill me? Do you really believe the king is still the same king?"

A flicker of hesitation crossed Gru's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by anger.

"Shut up!"

Before he could finish speaking, Gru's spear had already thrust out.

Yese closed his eyes, preparing to face death.

However, at this moment.

A figure appeared in front of Yese.

(End of this chapter)