Chapter 105: The Inner Ring of the Million-Mile Plains

Chapter 105: The Inner Circle of the Million-League Plain

A force nearing five thousand strong marched along the paths of the Million-League Plain. Leading the way was a cavalry unit of a thousand riders, each mounted on massive tiger beasts and white wolves.

Behind the cavalry followed a contingent of infantry clad in leather armor reinforced with iron bamboo plates at critical points. Their boots shimmered with fluctuating spiritual energy.

These boots provided the warriors with additional power, enabling them to keep pace with the cavalry without falling behind.

Li Hongshen rode atop Dasha at the front of the formation, with Li Li and Zhao Yun trailing closely behind him. The entire unit maintained silence throughout the march; apart from the sounds of footsteps and hooves, no other noise disturbed the stillness.

It was evident that Li Hongshen had ultimately heeded Li Fuzhen’s advice and was leading the troops toward the inner domain.

At the time, Li Hongshen had been silenced by a remark from Li Fuzhen: when they eventually served on the front lines or ventured into other worlds, they would be separated. The present moment was but a beginning.

Her words quelled all of Li Hongshen’s thoughts. Indeed, separation was inevitable unless they merged the Lord’s Hearts—a prospect both had firmly declined. Therefore, they had to become accustomed to developing independently for now.

After mutual preparations, Li Hongshen and Li Fuzhen formally parted ways to pursue their individual paths.

Before leaving, Li Hongshen escorted Li Fuzhen to the Elite Association’s gathering point on the outskirts of the Million-League Plain. This might slow resource acquisition somewhat but ensured greater safety.

Having bid farewell, Li Hongshen set off alone with his forces along a mapped route into the inner domain.

The timing was awkward. Outside, school terms had just begun, and veteran groups had already relocated to the inner domain before the term started.

Those remaining were either accumulating strength here or had just moved into the Million-League Plain.

As a result, Li Hongshen could not assemble a lord’s squad to advance with him; he had to lead his own warriors alone.

The Million-League Plain is roughly divided into two parts: about one-third comprises the outer ring, while the remaining two-thirds form the inner circle.

Entering the inner circle brought harsh weather and natural disasters. Unlike the outer zone’s well-defined seasons, weather here was wildly unpredictable.

Earthquakes were frequent occurrences. Without proper preparations or attention to detail, a lord could not anticipate them in time, risking damage to their cities.

Li Hongshen had already suffered this firsthand upon entering the inner circle. Hong City faced an earthquake, but fortunately, prior considerations during construction minimized the damage.

Buildings were designed with seismic resistance, so most structures remained intact, though some inhabitants sustained injuries. Thankfully, no lives were lost.

Besides earthquakes, acid rain occasionally drifted through. It caused intense burning sensations upon contact with skin. Without timely territorial deployment and protective measures, such rain could prove fatal.

Extended exposure caused skin ulcers and complications like colds, fevers, or bacterial infections. Without effective treatment, this meant certain suffering for the populace.

In addition to these dangers, storms, hail, and sandstorms frequently struck. On average, less than half the month enjoyed clear skies; the rest faced relentless weather challenges.

Still, as long as a lord promptly devised countermeasures and led citizens in avoidance or defense, these ordeals could be navigated with relative ease.

After all, the upper echelon’s creation of such an environment was a trial for new lords—dangerous enough to inflict losses but calibrated to avoid mass casualties. Li Hongshen admired this precise balance immensely.

Yet, while the climate was brutal, the beasts dwelling here were far more seasoned. Li Hongshen even observed some herds migrating in pursuit of weather patterns, seemingly ignoring the harsh conditions.

These weather-chasing beasts gave Li Hongshen considerable trouble. Fighting under such conditions, the beasts held a distinct home-field advantage.

The cleverer beasts coordinated attacks with the weather itself, overwhelming Li Hongshen’s forces and inflicting damage.

In response, Li Hongshen cleared a plot within his territory, digging numerous pits to create underground shelters.

No matter the weather’s fury, the warriors could retreat underground, seal the hatches, and withstand both the elements and beast attacks. When the storm passed, the beasts usually pursued the weather’s movement, leaving only a few stragglers behind, which were negligible.

Beyond these preparations, another critical element was the somewhat lazy bird perched atop Mawu’s head.

This bird, known as the Climate Bird, was a mere fledgling compared to the Storm Eagle but resembled a vibrant macaw with its multicolored feathers. Though seemingly chaotic in hue, a subtle order emerged upon closer inspection.

The Climate Bird was native to the inner circle of the Million-League Plain—not a creature tamed by outsiders but naturally evolved over long ages for survival.

Though small, it was truly a tier-two wild beast of the fierce bird class, capable of sensing impending severe weather and warning the troops, thus playing a vital role in the inner circle.

Within the Elite Association, small-scale breeding and cultivation of the Climate Bird took place to help members better navigate the inner domain and minimize losses.

Li Hongshen used his merit points to acquire one and entrusted its care to Mawu, who treated the bird like royalty. Even when the Climate Bird chose to nest atop his head, Mawu remained unbothered.

Indeed, the bird’s presence enhanced Mawu’s distinctive appearance. Now, riding Dasha amid the ranks, cradling a small, rotund creature and hosting the Climate Bird on his head, Mawu stood out like a striking figure—so conspicuous that Li Hongshen could spot him at a glance, reminiscent of the flamboyant styles of a past life.

Today’s chapter is the first update for the day. You know, while enjoying the renovation’s ambient sounds during the day, I had an idea: update six days and rest one. But upon reflection, since most weeks I only manage one update a day, with just two or three days guaranteeing two updates, taking a day off might provoke readers to send me packages. So, I abandoned that plan. See? I’m considerate—haha. Alright, I admit it, shamelessly asking for your votes!

(End of chapter)