Chapter 2545: Attack the Enemy and Must Rescue

Earlier, three He Dao experts from the Heaven-tier City, led by the Barren-tier City Lord, intercepted City Lord Zhao and his group. As they held a slight numerical advantage, the engagement was relatively relaxed. Both sides were intent on containing each other, which naturally kept the battle from escalating into intense combat.

However, when Yuan Xi and Lian entered the fray, helping Lu Ye to eliminate two He Dao experts, the enemy immediately recognized the gravity of the situation. Losing two He Dao in a major battle like this had a considerable impact. What's more, Yuan Xi and her two companions were now heading directly for the Heaven-tier City.

The Heaven-tier City Lord, concerned about his own He Dao City, was no longer willing to be entangled with City Lord Zhao and his group. He immediately called out to the side in a low voice, "Fellow Daoist Chang!" The "Fellow Daoist Chang" he addressed was the Barren-tier City Lord. Though a simple shout, its meaning was clear: his home base was under attack, and he naturally needed to return swiftly to defend it.

However, given the current situation, he couldn't abandon his allies. If his side retreated, Fellow Daoist Chang and his group would surely be outmatched and defeated one by one. Therefore, he had to ensure they advanced and retreated together to secure his own He Dao City.

Fellow Daoist Chang's expression was grave; he was well aware of the Heaven-tier City Lord's intentions. Yet, he feigned ignorance and called out, "Fellow Daoist Ning, don't panic! A mere three individuals will struggle to breach the defensive formation. Let's first repel the enemies before us." They did have a chance, as they still held a slight advantage. His refusal to heed the Heaven-tier City Lord's plea was naturally due to his own strategic considerations.

If he were to retreat with Fellow Daoist Ning now, the Heaven-tier City would certainly remain safe. However, what if Yuan Xi and her group then turned their attention to his Barren-tier City? This was a highly probable scenario. It would then become a situation of fighting fires on two fronts. Furthermore, the enemies currently before them could then converge with the two women, vastly increasing their combined strength, and at that point, they might truly be outmatched. While two He Dao Cities uniting certainly increased their overall strength, it also created two points of vulnerability. If they managed to defend one, they would have to neglect the other. Therefore, the best solution was to inflict casualties on the enemy as well, which would then give them the advantage.

As he spoke, their offensive suddenly intensified. Frustratingly, City Lord Zhao and his group had no intention of fighting to the death. The He Dao experts adopted a stubbornly defensive posture; they merely defended when the enemy attacked relentlessly. Thus, despite the numerical disparity, they were able to hold their ground for the time being.

After another moment, the situation remained unchanged. When Fellow Daoist Ning turned his head, he saw that the light barrier of his He Dao City's defensive formation had already dimmed slightly, a chilling realization washing over him. It was unsettling to note that only three enemies were attacking the city, and a He Dao expert was still defending it, yet the attackers' efficiency was alarmingly rapid. At this rate, he feared the defensive formation would be breached in less than half a day. This made his already agitated mood even more anxious and restless. Unable to endure further, he sharply called out to the Barren-tier City Lord again, "Fellow Daoist Chang, we must retreat!"

"No!" the Barren-tier City Lord exclaimed, utterly shocked. In the current circumstances, if his three allies retreated to defend the Heaven-tier City, they would undoubtedly present an opening to the enemy. Based on the previous fighting, the two women were frighteningly powerful. He didn't believe his three allies could safely retreat to their He Dao City. It was highly probable they would be intercepted midway by the enemy, leading to a desperate deathmatch. And if their side suffered another He Dao casualty, the situation would become even more dire, potentially putting his own Barren-tier City at grave risk.

"Then please, Fellow Daoist Chang, tell me," the Heaven-tier City Lord retorted angrily, "how should I decide in this predicament?" The Heaven-tier City Lord had, of course, already considered what Fellow Daoist Chang was thinking. He knew that retreating alone would undoubtedly lead to interception midway, preventing him from returning directly to his He Dao City. His most desired solution was for them to advance and retreat together, then proceed to defend his Heaven-tier City. However, he knew Fellow Daoist Chang would never agree to such a plan, because Chang's Barren-tier City was still nearby. If they only defended his Heaven-tier City, the Barren-tier City would become the next target. Faced with such a predicament, he was naturally in a bind.

Fellow Daoist Chang's mind raced, and he said coldly, "Attack what they are compelled to protect!" Since the enemy was attacking their Heaven-tier City, they could retaliate by attacking the enemy's small city. Both women were He Dao experts from that city, and if it were attacked, they would surely return to defend it. This strategy could break their current deadlock. If they didn't return, at worst, it would be a mutual exchange of He Dao Cities, with neither side gaining an advantage.

Turning to look around, Fellow Daoist Chang was suddenly taken aback. "Where is that woman's He Dao City?" he blurted out. He scanned the surroundings, but there was no trace of Yuan Xi City anywhere. After Lu Ye brought Lianzi back, You Die had reactivated the mirage's secret art, camouflaging Yuan Xi City and moving it from its original location. Thus, even though Yuan Xi City was now anchored behind a nearby floating land, no one could detect its presence. Fellow Daoist Ning's face was also ashen. He, too, hadn't noticed when Yuan Xi City had vanished, just as its earlier appearance had been equally spectral.

"Fellow Daoists, there's no need to push so hard. We are merely acting on orders," City Lord Zhao remarked calmly, precisely as the enemy was in a state of frantic confusion. "So, I suggest you simply remain here and don't entertain any other notions."

Fellow Daoist Chang retorted furiously, "If we wish to leave, can you truly stop us?" They held the advantage, capable of both offense and defense. However, with the small city now vanished, there was no viable target for them to attack. Attacking City Lord Zhao's Barren-tier City was simply not an option, as they had no chance of success there. They were thus compelled to retreat, but the crucial question was: where to?

"Fellow Daoist Ning..." The Barren-tier City Lord sighed, "Abandon your city."

"What did you say?" Fellow Daoist Ning stared at Fellow Daoist Chang with an incredulous expression.

Fellow Daoist Chang replied, "Your city cannot be defended any longer. You must see that yourself. I know you're reluctant, but given the circumstances, it seems we made a tactical error. My city just lost two He Dao experts, so it's perfectly capable of accommodating all of you. I, as City Lord, can guarantee that once you're inside, you will be well taken care of!"

Fellow Daoist Ning clenched his teeth so hard that blood trickled from his jaw. The Barren-tier City Lord spoke so casually, yet that was Ning's He Dao City, painstakingly built. Although it was only a Heaven-tier City, he had poured immense energy and effort into it. He clearly understood the situation, but how could he willingly accept falling from the status of a City Lord to being dependent on others overnight?

"Fellow Daoist Ning!" the Barren-tier City Lord's tone grew slightly sterner. "He who hesitates is lost. If we delay any longer, once they breach your city, none of us may be able to escape!"

Fellow Daoist Ning's face was ashen. He cast a distant gaze towards his Heaven-tier City, then said in a deep voice, "Fellow Daoist Chang, you must treat us well!"

"Naturally!" The Barren-tier City Lord quickly nodded. He had lost two He Dao experts under his command, but now he was taking in three... no, four, as there was still one left defending their city. All things considered, his Barren-tier City had, in fact, turned misfortune into a blessing.