Infinite Puzzle City

Chapter 653 The Battle (Long Chapter)
"If you receive orders from Heaven, you will live forever!"

Xiao Ran was also momentarily dazed as she looked at the eight large characters.

The allure of these eight characters for the Chinese people is beyond description.

There's a joke that's been circulating online for a long time.

The story goes that a fisherman was fishing by the river when he accidentally caught a jade seal. The seal had a corner missing, and eight characters were engraved on the bottom: "By the mandate of Heaven, may its longevity be everlasting."

Then he turned on his phone, started a live stream, raised the imperial seal in his hand, and shouted, "I, the Emperor, hereby present this national treasure to the country!"

At this moment, when people mention the last emperor, it will not be someone like Aiqin Jueluo Puyi, but your name.

Of course, this was just a joke.

It could also be a fisherman's fantasy before he accidentally fell into the water.

But this is enough to show how amazing the charm of these eight words is.

Even Xiao Ran was momentarily distracted, a thousand images flashing through her mind: "If it really is the Imperial Seal of the State..."

After a moment, Xiao Ran took a deep breath, clearing his mind of all distractions: "Whether or not there really is a Jade of the Nation, we should deal with this ghost army first."

This ghost army is too numerous, numbering at least tens of thousands.

A vast, dark mass formed a torrent, resembling a black, dark river surging towards them from afar.

When the evil soldiers pass through the territory, not a single blade of grass grows.

The immense yin energy drained all life from the surrounding area, creating a desolate wasteland that no living being could enter.

"What a huge army of ghost soldiers! They're incredible."

At this moment, Jin Chanzi led his group to the city wall, and they were very surprised to see the ghost soldiers chasing after them.

In particular, the old demon Qinghai stared at these ghost soldiers and exclaimed that he had seen a ghost.

"Unauthorized construction of ghost soldiers, good heavens, this is a serious crime punishable by death for all those involved. Who has the audacity to do such a thing so blatantly?"

Others might not understand what she was saying, but Xiao Ran did.

Xiao Ran had mentioned this issue when he was chatting with the mysterious monk and his companions in the City of the Dead.

The underworld is vast and filled with countless spirits, but no matter how great their crimes, the King of Hell and the judges can only punish them, not exterminate them.

Just like when Xiao Ran encountered the Nine-Lives Flood Dragon and the Golden-Haired Roar, the mounts of the Ghost Emperor, in the City of the Wrongfully Dead, he could only punish them, but not kill them.

Strictly speaking, one cannot openly use the name of the underworld to kill.

Let alone him, the inspector, even the Lord of Fengdu, the so-called Emperor of Fengdu, who is also known as the Northern Yin Emperor, does not have the authority to execute anyone.

Only the one on the secluded mountain, with his imperial brush and golden hook, has the power to execute all evil.

Now that the old demon Qinghai has uttered the words "the crime of annihilating souls," one can imagine the severity of the matter; it has reached a point where it is worthy of being reported to the Netherworld Mountain and heard by the heavens.

Thinking of this, Xiao Ran immediately became excited. Wasn't this the time to boost her sales performance?

He looked at the old demon Qinghai and asked expectantly, "You mean I can call for reinforcements, right?"

When Xiao Ran mentioned "calling for help," she was naturally referring to summoning the ghost messengers of the underworld for assistance. If the ghost messengers arrived, dealing with these Yin soldiers would be a piece of cake.

Besides, as an inspector, it's within my authority to request the ghost messengers to use the matter of privately building up ghost soldiers.

But the old demon Qinghai shook his head: "Even if you bring in the ghost messengers, it won't help with this matter."

"It's useless??"

Xiao Ran looked at the Old Demon Qinghai with incomprehension.

“The nature of this is different. These people are private soldiers. If you use government officials to manage rebels, it’s like letting the police manage foreign armed groups. What kind of effect do you think that will have?”

Now Xiao Ran understood. No wonder this was a heinous crime that could destroy a soul; it was tantamount to rebelling against the underworld.

"The reason why the ghost messengers can easily deal with those ghosts is not because they have profound magical powers, but because it is their duty. The nature of these ghost soldiers has exceeded their authority. Even if you invite them over, they can't do anything."

Upon hearing the explanation from the Old Demon Qinghai, Xiao Ran immediately felt that his joy had been in vain.

Seemingly noticing Xiao Ran's frustration, the Old Demon Qinghai changed the subject: "However, if you can wipe out this private army, you will surely be richly rewarded when you return to the Underworld."

"Destroy this army of ghosts?"

Xiao Ran looked back at the vast army of Yin soldiers before her, which stretched out like a river, but she wasn't blinded by the empty promises made by the old demon Qinghai.

"I'm afraid it won't be that easy."

He knows his own methods best. Defending the city is not difficult, but annihilating all these ghost soldiers is something he is far from capable of doing.

If they were defending the city, they could use their curses to set up curses within the city, and with the combined abilities of the others, they could attack from different directions. They wouldn't be afraid that these ghost soldiers could cause any trouble.

However, Xiao Ran knew she didn't have the ability to eliminate them all.

Not yet, at least not yet, unless...

"No, there's only one chance left. How can we waste Plum Blossom Taoist here? No matter what, I have to use Plum Blossom Taoist on Huang Chao."

Xiao Ran's biggest worry was not the ghostly army in front of him, nor the Changchun Society, but Huang Chao.

This guy has already entered the realm of celestial beings, and can be regarded as a god among mortals. Although Xiao Ran's strength has improved a lot, he doesn't have the confidence to face a celestial being.

Therefore, I absolutely cannot waste this last life-saving treasure.

"Actually, it's not about eliminating them, but about scattering them. These ghost soldiers are muddled and only know how to kill. There must be someone manipulating them behind the scenes. As long as you kill the manipulator, these ghost soldiers will definitely scatter."

"That's it."

Xiao Ran thought it was worth a try.

If it works, it will be convenient for me to go to the underworld to buy goods next time.

As they were talking, Omeprazole and the others arrived.

When they saw the billowing black smoke from the city wall, their faces turned ashen. One of the beginners even nearly fainted, muttering to himself, "It's over, it's over. This is even worse than last time. We're all going to die!!"

His voice was choked with sobs as if he could already foresee his own death.

"Snapped!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Omeprazole slapped him to the ground, knocking him down twice. Omeprazole even loosened his left molar. When he looked up, he saw Omeprazole staring at him with a dark expression.

"Shut your mouth! The big shots are watching, don't embarrass yourself."

Omeprazole pointed to the figures of Xiao Ran and others not far away, and everyone suddenly realized what was happening.

Yeah, they can't beat them, but there's still a big shot here.

With so many big shots here, they might not necessarily be doomed.

Thinking of this, everyone's eyes lit up with fervor. "You all wait here, I'll go ask the big boss about the arrangements."

Omeprazole gestured for everyone to wait there, then turned to Xiao Ran and the others, bowing respectfully to Xiao Ran: "Boss, how should we fight this battle? Just give the order, and we will do our best."

It must be said that Omeprazole was able to build a team on his own right under Real Madrid's nose, which shows that he is a capable and pragmatic person.

With this attitude, he's far superior to the average person.

In reality, whether in the real world or in a lost city, asking for help is not scary; what is scary is that kind of stubborn, unreasonable fool who is poor but arrogant.

Even though they were asking for a favor, they couldn't even get their attitude right.

Xiao Ran glanced around and, sure enough, didn't see Dodge. It seemed that Omeprazole was quite efficient.

"Select a few shrewd and capable ones to follow orders later, and make the weaker ones stand in the back and find a place to hide."

"understood."

Omeprazole's eyes lit up immediately upon hearing this. Just from Xiao Ran's words, he knew that this big shot had no intention of using them as cannon fodder.

"Let's defend the city first. One person guarding one direction shouldn't be a problem, right?"

Looking at the ghostly soldiers who were now splitting up and approaching like a large net, Xiao Ran turned to Wu Man and the others and said.

"I'll guard the south by myself, it shouldn't be a big problem."

Wu Man raised her head and said.

“I can do it up north too. I can get a few people to set up an altar for you, and that should be enough to keep things going for a while.”

Jin Chanzi spoke calmly, while looking at Dai Long with a smile.

Dai Long hesitated for a moment: "I'm from the west, but I'm a bit weak and need someone to help me."

"Alright, it's decided then. Qinghai, you'll stay with Jinchanzi. I'll also give you control of Wudang."

As Xiao Ran spoke, he patted the Yin Soldier Gourd at his waist. After activating the gourd, he released Wu Dang from it. Wu Dang's intelligence was not yet developed. Although he had some strength, he had not yet been able to fully develop it.

As for Dai Long, Xiao Ran released Liu Mu, San Li, the archer, and the painter.

Liu Mu was tasked with leading Sanli, the archer, and the painter to stay by Dai Long's side.

Then send the two of them to find Omeprazole and the others, and ask them to assign some people to help with odd jobs.

That should ensure everything goes perfectly.

Xiao Ran glanced at Huang Le, who looked bewildered and at a loss, and patted him on the shoulder, saying, "Just come with me."

"Ugh!"

Upon hearing that he was going to be with his brother, Huang Le's face immediately broke into a wide smile.

After Xiao Ran made the arrangements, Wu Man went directly to the south city wall.

The golden toad went north, and the dragon went west.

Xiao Ran personally guarded the eastern side.

"The Dai family of Xiushui." As they parted, Jin Chanzi didn't forget to shout at Dai Long, "Let me see how much skill your family still has."

Dai Long raised his head: "The orthodox lineage of the Xuanmen is our duty, without hesitation!"

"Hehe, I'm looking forward to it. Six Eyes, you better take it easy. You only have half a primordial spirit. If you can't beat them, just call me. I'll help you out, even if it's just for your own sake."

The old demon Qinghai mocked Liu Mu.

Liu Mu's lips twitched a few times. Ever since the old demon Qinghai arrived, he felt his status had plummeted.

If we can't show some real skills this time, we're afraid we won't have a good time in the future.

Thinking of this, Liu Mu snorted coldly: "Even half of a primordial spirit is enough to deal with these ants."

Their eyes met, and a murderous intent flashed in each other's eyes.

Xiao Ran saw the attitudes of the two people and smiled, thinking that this was actually not bad. Competition is what motivates people, right? At least this time, Liu Mu probably wouldn't dare to slack off again.

Jin Chanzi and Dai Long each selected and sent a large number of people from Omeprazole.

Only Omeprazole and three others remained, standing scattered and at a loss.

It wasn't that they were weak, but Jin Chanzi said that Omeprazole's zodiac sign was bad, while Dai Long felt that Omeprazole's birth chart was strong. So, Omeprazole, who was clearly quite capable, ended up being the one left over.

In response, Omeprazole could only sheepishly lead his men to Xiao Ran's side.

Seeing this, Xiao Ran simply let them stay with her and Huang Le.

At this moment, a chilling wind was blowing from below the city gate, and a cold gust of wind was howling. A chill swept over them, causing Omeprazole and the others to shiver uncontrollably.

Huang Le, on the other hand, didn't feel anything was wrong, except that the weather suddenly turned quite cold.

This made Omeprazole and the others look at Huang Le with great surprise, and they couldn't help but feel shocked. This bottom-of-the-barrel guy, even when he was in the Dodgers' team, his strength wasn't that great. How could his strength have improved so much in such a short time?
Little did they know that the potions Xiao Ran gave Huang Le would give this bottom-of-the-class student an epic boost.

Judging solely from his attributes, Huang Le's current stats are no weaker than those of a D-level beginner.

This gave Huang Le a sense of triumph and satisfaction.

"Dong dong dong dong..."

As the sound of war drums grew closer, the vast city of all beings began to slow its pace and tighten its walls.

A group of ghostly soldiers gathered in front of them, forming a gust of cold wind that rose from the ground and charged straight towards them.

These were no ordinary soldiers; they didn't need to engage in any so-called sieges. Their warhorses spewed out a blood-red chill from their nostrils, and their hooves seemed to be walking on air.

"coming."

After signaling Huang Le and the others to protect themselves, Xiao Ran patted the Yin Soldier Gourd at her waist, and the Butcher flew out of the gourd and landed on the ground.

As the butcher's enormous body slowly stood up, Omeprazole and the others stared wide-eyed at the terrifying being that resembled a small mountain. Their legs went weak, and they almost collapsed to the ground in fright.

Xiao Ran stepped on the butcher's tentacles and stood lightly on the butcher's broad shoulders. Facing the charging Yin soldiers, Xiao Ran looked down at the butcher and said, "Lend me the big bell in your hand."

Suddenly, the simple-minded boy tilted his head back, looking confused, not knowing what Xiao Ran wanted his precious treasure for, but he still obediently handed the bronze bell to Xiao Ran.

Xiao Ran grabbed the bronze bell with one hand and held it high above his head, while simultaneously forming hand seals with the other hand. Each hand seal Xiao Ran formed was more unusual than the last.

At the same time, the surrounding space began to darken rapidly as Xiao Ran formed hand seals, and soon after, coffins rose from the ground.

The coffin lid opened, and a billowing black wind carrying the water of the corpse pool gushed out. Xiao Ran's eyes flashed, and he threw the bronze bell in his hand into the air. Instantly, countless streams of corpse water surged into the air, enveloping the entire southern city wall.

It formed a huge black bronze bell.

Once the ghostly soldiers rushed into the range of the bronze bell, Xiao Ran pinched his fingers and shouted, "Suppressing Spell - Bell of All Things!"

(End of this chapter)