CHAPTER 977: CHAPTER 676: OVERTHROWING THE RULES, ASCENDING TO THE SKIES IN ONE STEP

As the Youzhou City Lord uttered these words, the three indeed found themselves in a difficult situation.

The Tianyang City Lord chuckled: "The Youzhou City Lord talks about these matters too early, don’t you think? After all, these bandits, though formidable, aren’t irreplaceable by you, are they?"

The Youzhou City Lord squints: "If I am not mistaken, Tianyang City Lord, aren’t these bandits from your Tianyang City’s Dongwen Mountain?"

The Tianyang City Lord seemed slightly displeased: "And what if they are?"

The Puppet City Lord spoke coldly: "If indeed they originate within the scope of Tianyang City Lord’s domain, yet demand my Youzhou City to dispatch troops to drive them away, shouldn’t I at least get a share of the spoils? Is this logical in the world?"

The Tianyang City Lord’s face changed, apparently ready to break the pot: "What is your Youzhou City worth, hoping to share our gains? Do you really think I can’t suppress those little demons of Dongwen Mountain?"

Actually, before saying this, the Tianyang City Lord calculated whether sending troops to suppress these Demon Chiefs or the benefits of mining the Spirit Mine would be more advantageous to him?

If sending troops requires vast resources, why not let the Youzhou City Lord proceed?

But calculating now, both sides’ costs almost match.

Moreover, even if he agreed with the Youzhou City Lord, would the other two agree?

Under such circumstances, the Youzhou City Lord should be excluded from the affair.

The Youzhou City Lord wasn’t surprised by the words, then smiled mysteriously: "If the three of you think so, I have nothing to say. But next time there’s an intrusion, it’s none of my business."

After speaking, the Youzhou City Lord turned around and left without the slightest pause.

The other three harbored doubts: Could these Demon Chiefs really be that formidable?

Ten days passed, during which the spirit mine was slightly disturbed by Demon Clan bandits, but no major issues arose.

The Three Cities’ Lords originally worried, breathed a sigh of relief.

"I thought the Youzhou City Lord had some skills, after all, these bandits only have ordinary means!"

"Hmph, I see the Youzhou City Lord thinks highly of himself, but doesn’t realize he’s merely dust."

The Three Cities’ Lords felt joy at manipulating Youzhou City as a puppet.

Now pushing it out of the affair naturally pleased them.

Unbeknownst to them, Wang Yan led Du Feng through the three cities during this time.

Now atop Thousand Peaks Mountain, Wang Yang sat at the highest position.

Asked Du Feng below: "Du Feng, with these four cities, how many mountain tops do we occupy, and how many forces do we have?"

Du Feng paused briefly before revealing the current figures: "Reporting, sir, within these four cities, we’ve occupied seven mountain tops and have a total of five thousand eight hundred and seventy-two Demon Clan members!"

"This number..."

Wang Yang suddenly stood up, gazing at the Demon Clan below: "If this number were split one third to attack the spirit mine, what do you all predict the result would be?"

The Demon Clan below were already excited, never having faced such a grand battle.

One Demon Clan member stepped forward: "Reporting sir, with so many attacking the spirit mine, the defenders will surely be caught off guard, and we can seize it in one move!"

Wang Yang nodded: "Good, that effect is exactly what we seek. Du Feng!

"Present!"

Wang Yang ordered: "From now, contact each mountain top; midnight three days hence, launch an attack on the spirit mine, without holding back!"

Du Feng hesitated: "But sir, shouldn’t we let the Youzhou City Lord..."

Wang Yang waved him off: "No! This time we’ll hit hard, showing them the hidden strength affecting them fatally."

Du Feng, though puzzled by Wang Yang’s plan, complied with his requests.

Wang Yang had talismans at each mountain to send telepathic messages, with those on Thousand Peaks chaired by Du Feng.

Transmitting information wasn’t troublesome, but gathering the bandits around the spirit mine required three days’ arrangement.

That day around the spirit mine, the Youzhou City Lord suddenly received news, hastily returning with elite forces to Youzhou City.

"What? The Youzhou City Lord left like this!"

Upon discovering the news, the other Three Cities’ Lords were somewhat surprised.

Previously, the Youzhou City Lord nearly resided here.

Leaving suddenly today seemed unbelievable.

They thought the Youzhou City Lord would soon be completely sidelined.

But as they rejoiced, flames skyrocketed afar.

Flames spread around the spirit mine.

"Brothers, seize the spirit mine; with it, we can ascend to Heavenly Demons together!"

Uncertain which mountain’s leader shouted first, all bandits charged down.

Those guarding the spirit mine were terrified, numbering near a thousand.

This time, almost two thousand Demon Chiefs arrived.

Moreover, they launched a surprise attack; most couldn’t react, many Demon Soldiers perished directly!

This crushing battle saw all guarding Demon Soldiers routed by bandits.

Only a few managed to escape, with the spirit mine now occupied by Demon Chiefs and bandits.

At that moment, the Tianyang City Lord was indulging in revelry within the city.