Chapter 271: Poison
The surveillance soul tool, which relied on soul power, had been calibrated to monitor troop movements and determine the presence of soul masters. As Ye Wen watched the screen, he noted with disdain that it primarily displayed clusters of powerless civilians cannon fodder in the purest sense of the word. His lip curled with derision at the White Tiger Emperor's tactics. Despite Ye Wen having declared war openly, his opponent still resorted to such crude tricks.
It was pre dawn the quietest, most vulnerable hour for human awareness. In the dim light, the civilians were massed at Jialing Pass, representing the front lines dividing the two sides. They began to pour forward in droves, a strategy meant to overwhelm through sheer numbers.
"To attack without warning… not exactly the most dignified way for a monarch to conduct himself," Ye Wen murmured.
Yet his camp was already fully assembled, a mass of smiling faces waiting for his command. Ye Wen surveyed the gathered ranks, letting his gaze rest on a young man in green robes and a young woman.
"Proceed as planned, Xiaoxin, Xiaoyu," he instructed.
"Yes, Master," replied DuGu Xin and Chen Youyu as they bowed and exited the tent.
Outside, DuGu Xin couldn't help but sneer as he observed the approaching mass of cannon fodder, coming on with such pomp that the very notion of a surprise attack seemed laughable.
"It's almost insulting, this White Tiger Emperor. Did he think his sneak attack would catch us off guard? We're Title Douluos our spiritual senses alone make such tactics pointless."
Despite his contempt for the strategy, DuGu Xin harbored no desire to massacre ordinary civilians. In this era, the populace was a precious resource, as Ye Wen constantly reminded his disciples, emphasizing the importance of common people. Killing innocents wasn't something DuGu Xin enjoyed; his skillset simply happened to make him perfect for this mission.
"Spirit Possession: Jade Phosphorescent Dragon!"
Years of training had transformed his Spirit into a formidable poison dragon, while the powerful physique that came with a dragon spirit allowed DuGu Xin to handle deadly toxins without harm. The transformation was complete, a true rebirth that elevated him to the peak of poison mastery.
"Better go easy, or Master will be displeased," he muttered.
He produced a small jade green bottle, twisting it open with a grin, then glanced at Chen Youyu, who stood by his side, ready to assist.
"Once I activate the poison, it's over to you, Junior Sister," he said.
Chen Youyu nodded, summoning her Spirit: the mighty and graceful Heavenly Wind Blade.
Even in the darkness, DuGu Xin could see her blade clearly, and he regarded it with admiration before proceeding. With a flick of his wrist, he released what looked like an exquisite jade bracelet coiled around his arm, which began to writhe.
Chen Youyu frowned as she observed. "Senior Brother, isn't it a bit harsh to use the Nine Jointed Jade Snake's toxin here? Master did warn us against killing too many civilians."
DuGu Xin gave a confident smile. "Relax, Junior Sister. You're talking to the top poison expert on the continent. I know precisely how potent this is these soldiers won't die. Consider it a lesson on the importance of dosage; even ordinary water, given in excess, can be lethal. This blend will merely immobilize them, nothing permanent."
Chen Youyu nodded, conceding that his expertise justified his confidence. With Ye Wen backing him, DuGu Xin's skill in poisoncraft had indeed become second to none.
Under DuGu Xin's command, the Nine Jointed Jade Snake opened its delicate mouth, a single drop of dark venom gleaming on its tiny fang.
Seeing this, Chen Youyu activated her own technique.
"Self Created Soul Skill: Favorable Wind."
With a simple motion, the normally erratic breeze flowed steadily toward the Star Luo Empire's forces.
As Ye Wen's disciple, Chen Youyu didn't limit herself to just nine soul skills. Developing original techniques was essential, especially for Title Douluos. Mastering her spirit's natural abilities was critical to progress, and "Favorable Wind" brought her a step closer to understanding the laws of wind itself.
As the venom combined with the liquid in DuGu Xin's bottle, it reacted, producing a thick purple smoke that drifted along the wind toward the advancing army.
Pleased with his work, DuGu Xin explained, "Junior Sister, a poison's effects are always about the dosage. Even something harmless in small amounts can kill if overused. This mist will just paralyze them for a while, leaving no lasting harm."
Unmoved, Chen Youyu focused her attention on the approaching army, where soldiers were beginning to slow and stumble as the smoke took effect.
"We should get back. They'll soon realize what's happening, and the real battle is about to begin."
Indeed, the Star Luo forces quickly noticed the unexpected turn of events. The White Tiger Emperor's brow furrowed as he glanced coldly at his generals.
"Useless."
The failure of his plan was, to his mind, entirely due to their incompetence. He might not have experience in warfare, but he had been carefully studying the classic "Art of War" in preparation for this day.
Composing himself, he issued new orders, "Send in the Hundred Beast Regiment!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
The Hundred Beast Regiment, an elite division of over a thousand Soul Kings and higher, was one of Star Luo's strongest units. If he could have coordinated with his distant reinforcements, the White Tiger Emperor might have thrown everything he had at the enemy.
Meanwhile, Ye Wen's side was prepared to meet the enemy. Huo Rui and the others stood at the front line, ready to counter the attack on their own terms.
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