Chapter 1 Part 1: The Martial Storm Gathers
"This is the Thunder God Hammer, truly domineering."
Chi Lian, with her charming face, pulled her red robe down to her shoulders, revealing her deep cleavage, speaking seductively to Wei Zhuang.
"Da Tiechui's Thunder God Hammer technique is an extremely domineering martial art with two layers of moves. The first layer is wind - once activated, it creates a storm within ten zhang, trapping enemies within this range as if caught in a whirlpool, unable to move. The second layer of Thunder God Hammer carries the power of the Thunder God with its giant hammer. Not to mention being hit directly - even from a zhang away, it's enough to pulverize enemies to dust. It's a hammer technique that kills with one strike."
"So Yin Bat is in great danger!"
"Yin Bat has been cultivating the Bat Blood Technique in the southern frontier for ten years and has now mastered it. No one knows his true strength. On the contrary, Thunder God Hammer cannot unleash its full power in dense forest terrain."
A gentle breeze blew, and a white figure suddenly appeared on the treetops. He stood on the leaves with a cold expression on his face, as if standing outside the world, and no one knew what he was thinking.
"How is the situation?"
Wei Zhuang didn't turn his head, as if he had known all along that he was standing there.
"Yin Bat has entangled Da Tiechui with high chances of victory. I don't know where Lin'er is."
"With Lin'er present, the Mohist Mechanism City is destined to fall."
Chi Lian remained with her chest exposed, completely unconcerned about Bai Feng's presence.
After the thunder sounds disappeared, several red shadows flashed in the distance and vanished.
"It seems Yin Bat has won. What a pity about Da Tiechui - such a strong man!"
A white light flashed again in the distance, accompanied by the ethereal sound of a flute: "This is Bai Xue. It seems that white light is the Water-Cold Sword."
"With Gao Jianli and Xue Nu working together, Yin Bat is definitely no match for them." Although Bai Feng spoke of Yin Bat being in danger, he showed no intention of rescue.
"Yin Bat was born in the southern frontier and is far more familiar with dense forest terrain than others. Moreover, it's night now - no one can kill him. Let's go. Tomorrow, there will no longer be a Mohist school among the Hundred Schools of Thought."
In the dense forest, Yin Bat faced Gao Jianli: "The wind howls and Yi River runs cold - you must be Gao Jianli! I can smell it - your blood has a good scent."
Gao Jianli coldly faced Yin Bat: "Tonight is when you meet your death."
As he finished speaking, white light surrounded Yin Bat, and ethereal flute music began playing. Yin Bat instantly felt as if he had fallen into an icy world, surrounded by howling cold winds. Where were any enemies?
Ten steps behind Xue Nu, someone was watching her. He wore a black robe with only his eyes exposed. There was no trace of life about him. He looked at Xue Nu with greedy desire in his eyes, and a smile inadvertently curved at the corner of his mouth.
"Who's there?" Xue Nu suddenly turned to look behind her.
Just now she felt a gaze fixed on her, as if her entire body was being seen through. However, behind her were only tall trees - where could there be anyone?
Yin Bat proved worthy of being an old monster who had cultivated for many years. The moment Xue Nu was distracted, he immediately broke free from the illusion, but the Water-Cold Sword was already almost touching his body. Yin Bat retreated urgently, but blood still bloomed from his chest.
"Gao Jianli, just you wait."
With several quick flashes, Yin Bat disappeared into the dense forest. Gao Jianli, worried about Xue Nu, ultimately didn't pursue.
At this moment, the black-robed figure was strangling a Mohist disciple. His surroundings began to change, finally transforming to look exactly like the Mohist disciple in his grasp. In the other's terrified gaze, he snapped his neck and walked toward the entrance of the Mechanism City.
"Is Da Tiechui alright?" Old Ban asked a woman with delicate features.
"He didn't suffer any serious injuries. Mainly he was poisoned by Yin Bat's bat poison. I've already cured him, and with my medicine, he'll be fine by tomorrow."
"I knew it! With Miss Duanmu here, even dead people can be brought back to life. There's absolutely nothing to worry about."
Dao Zhi flattered Duanmu Rong with a playful smile but only received a snort in response.
"Carry Da Tiechui down to rest. Now that the location of the Mohist Mechanism City has been exposed, Wei Zhuang's Quicksand has also appeared. According to scout reports, large numbers of Qin soldiers have appeared at the foot of the mountain. It seems Ying Zheng is determined to destroy our Mechanism City." Old Ban stroked his beard as he spoke to everyone.
"The Mechanism City is built against the mountain, easy to defend and difficult to attack. You have sufficient provisions, making it hard for the Imperial forces to exert their strength."
"Quicksand claims to penetrate everywhere - everyone must be careful." Ge Nie spoke slowly.
"When we Mohists discuss matters, we don't need guests to worry about it." Gao Jianli looked at Ge Nie with hostility.
"Little Gao!" Old Ban raised his voice several degrees: "Master Ge is a guest invited by the Juzi and is our friend."
"Master Ban, please don't worry. I understand. Ge Nie will take his leave now." Ge Nie remained calm, completely unconcerned by Gao Jianli's hostility.
"Haha, Old Ban, continue speaking." Dao Zhi flashed and was already embracing Old Ban, laughing cheerfully.
"Our Mechanism City is as stable as Mount Tai. No matter how many Qin soldiers come, they can't break in." Knowing that Little Gao and Ge Nie didn't get along, Old Ban didn't say anything more and continued following Dao Zhi's words: "When we returned this time, the mechanism beasts unexpectedly malfunctioned. I suspect people from the Gongshu family have also come. Legend says Gongshu Chou has extremely high talent in mechanism arts and has cultivated the Dominating Mechanism Technique to perfection. If this person has truly come, the forest traps definitely won't be able to stop him."
"Now that the Juzi is not here, we must be careful." Among everyone, Old Ban was the oldest and most familiar with the Mechanism City, so everyone tacitly regarded him as their leader.
"Now the enemies are right outside. We need to strengthen patrols and have the brothers be more careful. Although the Mechanism City is well-secured, we absolutely cannot be careless. Each department should prepare their affairs and not panic." Xue Nu took the opportunity to interject.
"Correct. Xue Nu speaks very well. Little Gao, you and Xue Nu arrange the Mechanism City's defenses. Miss Duanmu, please inventory the medical supplies - I'm afraid many brothers will be injured this time. I'll go activate all the Mechanism City's mechanisms. Little Zhi, you arrange for the guests."
"If there's anything I can help with, I will certainly do my utmost." Seeing that the Mohist disciples showed no panic, Fan Zeng couldn't help but admire them.
"Master Fan needn't be so formal. Our Mohist Mechanism City has been established for a hundred years. Today we'll let these thieves see our power. Master, please feel free to be our guest here without worry."
"The Xiang clan has irreconcilable hatred with the Qin state. The Mohists uphold righteous principles. Now that we're taking refuge here and encounter our hosts having enemies, how can we stand aside!"
"Master Fan, please rest assured. When truly needed, we will certainly not hesitate to ask for help. The forest outside the city is full of mechanisms, and the Mechanism City has only one entrance. Enemies have no choice but to attack head-on. When that time truly comes, there will definitely be a place for Master to contribute. For now, everyone should go rest."
"In that case, I won't disturb you further."
"Old Fan, let me tell you - the Mohist Mechanism City has many beautiful sights. Come on, I'll take you to appreciate them."