Chapter 451: The Martial Trial BeginsThe Night Before the Martial Trial

Chapter 451: Chapter 451: The Martial Trial BeginsThe Night Before the Martial Trial

The night before the martial trial, Marquis Soaring Flight unexpectedly led his 800,000-strong army out of the vast central square!

Though those within the central square were unaware of the situation, outside the square, millions of eyes watched. The departure of such a massive force immediately caused a stir among the spectators!

Was Marquis Soaring Flight playing games? Just a while ago, he had caused a great commotion, even proposing marriage to the emperor in front of the civil and military officials in the Sacred Palace. Now, with the trial reaching its final stage, why had he suddenly withdrawn?

People were baffled, but no one would dare call Marquis Soaring Flight incompetent. After all, he had single-handedly toppled a great empire. Anyone who called him incompetent would be admitting to being even more incapable.

Given this, there seemed to be only one plausible explanation for his retreat: he believed he could not win the martial trial. Was there really someone who could intimidate Marquis Soaring Flight into retreating?

Could such a person exist?

Carefree Marquis? Zhao Tiansha? Zhong Shan?

Interest among the people grew more intense. Beyond their faint hopes of obtaining the Elixir of Immortality, they were eager to see who would ultimately triumph in this grand martial trial.

News of Marquis Soaring Flight's withdrawal quickly reached the scouts of the other three factions. Although the scouts couldn't infiltrate the central square, they could gather information from outside, where the news had already spread like wildfire.

In a Northern Palace

"Ling'er, Marquis Soaring Flight's army has retreated," Nie Qingqing said.

"Let them retreat then," Tian Ling'er replied after some thought. As long as the Zhong Family Army didn't retreat, there was nothing to worry about.

"But this means the Zhong Family Army might face a pincer attack from the other two armies. What if they are defeated?" Nie Qingqing asked.

"The Zhong Family Army will not be defeated," Tian Ling'er said firmly.

"Why not?" Nie Qingqing asked, puzzled.

"Because I believe in Zhong Shan!" Tian Ling'er replied, clutching a small book tightly.

In Zhao Tiansha's Camp

Zhao Tiansha listened to his subordinate's report on the surprising news.

"They've left? Good! Without Zhong Shan, the Zhong Family Army is leaderless. With Marquis Soaring Flight gone, our only opponent is Carefree Marquis!" Zhao Tiansha said with a smile.

"Commander, even with Marquis Soaring Flight gone, we mustn't underestimate the Zhong Family Army. They are extremely powerful, having fought alongside Zhong Shan for years—they are elite among elites!" a subordinate cautioned.

"They may be elite, but without their commander, what can they do? Do you really think that Lin Xiao is that formidable?" Zhao Tiansha scoffed.

"What about Carefree Marquis?"

"Carefree Marquis? Rumors say he's formidable, but I've seen him frequently over the past few months. He's not as strong as me!" Zhao Tiansha said confidently.

"Congratulations, Commander!"

In Carefree Marquis's Camp

Carefree Marquis was hosting a banquet in his grand hall, attended by twenty-nine emperor-level experts.

Shui Wuhen frowned but shook his head, saying, "The Grand Marshal's decision is undoubtedly correct. If he believes Vice Commander Lin is more capable, he must be right."

Lin Xiao smiled and said, "Hehe, Wuhen, there's no need to be so dejected. The Grand Marshal is grooming you. He wouldn't think you're incapable."

"Uh?" Shui Wuhen was slightly surprised.

"You have fought many victorious battles and are considered a renowned general under the Grand Marshal. But, how do you compare to Yi Yan from the past?" Lin Xiao asked.

"Yi Yan? Him? I know I am not his equal! Yi Yan is the only one in recent years who could rival the Grand Marshal," Shui Wuhen immediately replied.

"Yi Yan is now just like me," Lin Xiao said.

"Like you?!" Shui Wuhen was stunned, looking incredulous.

"Exactly. The Grand Marshal's capabilities are unparalleled. You haven't experienced enough to see it clearly. Whether it's the army or the generals, the Grand Marshal's forces are always the most elite. You have the potential, which is why the Grand Marshal is grooming you and asked me to assist you. In the upcoming battles, you don't need to participate directly. Instead, observe carefully. I will teach you how to lead troops, understand the enemy's grand strategy, deploy a hidden force of a million soldiers, and strike with precision using the momentum of the battlefield. Learn diligently! Many of the Grand Marshal's strategies were hidden, unnoticed by anyone. Many times, people thought the Grand Marshal was just lucky, not realizing he had calculated everything, even luck. The reasons for the Grand Marshal's inevitable victory are beyond our current understanding," Lin Xiao explained.

Shui Wuhen listened with a furrowed brow. From the moment Lin Xiao mentioned Yi Yan, he realized he had underestimated the Grand Marshal he so admired. There were many secrets he still didn't know.

"However, you shouldn't feel burdened. You have an advantage that neither I nor Yi Yan possess. The Grand Marshal has mentioned it before. So, one day, you too will rise to prominence in the world," Lin Xiao said.

"Me?" Shui Wuhen was taken aback.

Lin Xiao's strength was uncertain to Shui Wuhen, but he knew he was far behind Yi Yan. Yet, Lin Xiao's words gave him a sense of disbelief.

"Yes, you. You lack experience and strategic thinking, but I can teach you those. It's just a pity that Marquis Soaring Flight has left. Without a formidable opponent, there won't be many tough battles to explain," Lin Xiao sighed.

"Vice Commander Lin, are you so confident against the remaining two armies? They have a significant number of emperor-level experts, especially Carefree Marquis with his twenty-nine emperor-level experts. We only have Blazing Fire and Qing Hong," Shui Wuhen said, frowning.

"Heh, war isn't a martial contest. Remember, our 800,000 troops are not 800,000 individual strengths but a single strength magnified 800,000 times!" Lin Xiao stated.

"Yes!" Shui Wuhen nodded.

"Moreover, here, where flight and divine sense are restricted, are those emperor-level experts still emperor-level experts? They are just a bunch of useless people," Lin Xiao sneered.

"Useless?" Shui Wuhen's face twitched.

The Hour of the Tiger (3 AM)

"Woooooo..."

In the still dark forest, a deep horn sound echoed, spreading across the entire central square. With the horn's sound, the martial trial began.

In the three camps, the three commanders looked up simultaneously.

"It has begun!" Lin Xiao, Zhao Tiansha, and Carefree Marquis said in unison.

Before dawn, the four directions stirred! Under the orders of the three commanders, their forces rapidly moved in all directions, and the great battle commenced!

Countless spectators on the outskirts watched eagerly from early on.

Naturally, some had also set up betting rings, placing odds on the three armies.

Who would ultimately win? Zhao Tiansha? Carefree Marquis? Or the Zhong Family Army, now without its commander?