What? You opened a resort on the battlefield of all races?

Hodge's lowered twin blades caught the giant bird's eye.

A glint of light flashed in those bright eyes that hovered above the azure waves.

The tree-men surrounding the altar stopped in their tracks, and even the wriggling vines fell silent.

"I can tell you the truth: the starry sea is vast, and your star lord is just an ordinary one."

The giant bird folded its wings and its voice gradually subsided.

"On this planet, he reigns supreme, ruling over all things. But in the sea of ​​stars, his power is so limited that he can barely protect himself."

Hodge did not look up.

The congealed scabs on the hilt of the knife were digging into his palm. He moved his fingers, and the wound reopened.

"We lost our home planet, we lost our support, and we still have a group of subordinates who require resources."

"How far do you think he can go?"

The giant bird looked at him, its tone even carrying a hint of regret.

"You've already entered the Starry Sky Realm; you should understand the immense demands of cultivation. Those of you who remained can at least survive by relying on anchor points. What about him?"

Hodge's Adam's apple bobbed.

He had thought about these things before.

Every time I think about it, I force myself to stop.

The Demon Emperor has his own plans.

As long as we guard the altar, the day of our return will eventually come.

But now, as the other party gradually peels away this layer of concealment, those thoughts he had deliberately avoided have resurfaced.

"Have you received any news from him all these years?"

The sound of the giant bird reached my ears.

"Even just one word?"

Hodge tightened his grip on the knife.

No.

Hodge closed his eyes.

"If he were alive, would he just stand by and watch you bleed to your last drop?"

The giant bird paused for a moment.

"Hodge, you've done your best."

This statement carries more weight than any of the previous words.

Hodge's shoulders slumped slightly.

Suppressed coughs came from the altar behind him. He didn't need to turn around to know who it was.

His personal guard, who had served him for many years, was pierced through the chest by a rattan spear. The wound was slow to heal, and even his breathing was laced with blood.

There are still so many people.

They've survived countless battles alongside me; surely they'll find a way to live.

What if the Demon Emperor really did perish?

Are they really going to make them die along with a promise that will never come true?

Hodge's lips moved.

"I……"

"Brother Hodge!"

A sharp shout suddenly pierced through the battlefield.

The black halberd's edge tore through the outer vine netting, and a figure rushed out from the crack, his shoulder armor scraping against the branches and sparks flying.

"We're saved!"

The sun, which had just set before the altar, rushed forward before it could even stand firmly on its feet.

His face was filled with barely suppressed joy, and even his voice was trembling.

"I've found a temple! It can heal wounds, replenish demonic energy, and even refine the life energy that has seeped into my body!"

Hodge paused for a moment, then looked in the direction he had come from.

"Have you abandoned your anchor point?"

"It's safe over there for now, that's why I came here specifically to find you!"

Shuoyang took out a scroll and hurriedly stuffed it into his hand.

"Take everyone there, and all their injuries will be healed!"

Hodge did not answer.

How many people?

Shuoyang was taken aback.

"How many people can that temple save? How many resources does it have left? Enough for us to use a few times?"

A series of questions left Shuoyang speechless for a moment.

Hodge looked at him, and the glimmer of light that had just appeared in his eyes was quickly suppressed.

"Have you forgotten how many historical sites we've searched?"

On one occasion, in order to seize a few remaining pools of magic liquid, three garrison units risked leaving their anchorage. They brought back the magic liquid, but most of the men who came to retrieve it perished.

Those things only allowed the wounded soldiers to endure for a few more days.

"Your injuries have healed; I can tell."

Hodge's voice was hoarse.

"But there are so many people here. Are we going to carry those who can't move out and try to break through the blockade with you?"

Shuoyang was so anxious that the veins on his forehead throbbed.

He had rushed here, eager to shout the news to all his people. But now that he was actually here, he couldn't explain it clearly!

"We can get through using a roller! No need to force our way through!"

He turned his head sharply, his gaze falling on the entrance to the altar.

The guard, whose chest was festering, was leaning against a stone pillar. Hearing the noise, he struggled to sit up, but blood and foam welled up from the corner of his lips first.

Shuoyang rushed over and squatted down.

"Come with me!"

The guard instinctively glanced at Hodge, who was staring at Shuoyang.

"Can it be sent back?"

"able!"

After a brief silence, Hodge turned to the side.

"go."

Shuoyang grabbed his bodyguard and tore open the scroll.

A surge of black light erupted, and the two vanished instantly.

Above the sky, the giant bird tilted its head slightly.

Teleport?

Its gaze swept over the altar before settling back on Hodge.

How dare a little guy from the Eternal Realm, having found some means of healing, presume there's hope for salvation?

"Hodge, a remnant of a secret place, how many wars can it sustain?"

Hodge did not answer.

He raised the drooping blade again and placed it across the entrance to the altar.

"Wait a moment."

A cold glint flashed in the giant bird's eyes, but it did not make a move immediately.

Once that glimmer of hope is shattered, the person will naturally understand how to make their choice.

The altar fell silent.

The wounded soldiers stared at the spot where the two men had disappeared. Some clutched their clothes, while others moved their lips, suppressing even their groans.

As Hodge listened to these deliberately soft breaths, his palms gradually became sweaty.

Suddenly, the black light shone again.

Shuoyang's voice came first.

"See for yourself!"

The guard stood beside him, his broken armor still stained with dark red blood, but the wound beneath the armor had already healed.

He looked down and touched his chest, then took a deep breath.

There was no coughing up of blood.

The demonic energy surged along his arm, and his once ashen face regained its color.

"Commander..."

The guard's lips trembled, and he actually laughed.

"I'm all better."

Hodge stepped forward and grabbed his wrist.

The demonic energy entered unimpeded.

The life energy that had been lingering in the lungs and internal organs vanished completely.

He even checked it again, his fingers still not loosening.

He personally suppressed this injury.

He knew better than anyone how serious it was!

"And these too!"

Shuoyang unfurled the scroll in his arms and distributed it to the approaching demon soldiers.

"Take the seriously injured away first, support them firmly, then tear them apart!"

Hodge finally raised his head.

"Take me to see it."

The giant bird in mid-air suddenly spread its wings.

It saw black light flashing one after another, and the monsters that could only cower in the altar waiting to die were disappearing in droves.

"Who gave you permission to leave!"

The turquoise torrent crashed down with a deafening roar.

Hodge crossed his twin blades, unleashing a chilling slash that shredded the falling vines.

Taking advantage of the situation, Shuoyang grabbed his arm and tore open the scroll.

A flash of black light.

The last few figures then disappeared in front of the altar.

The giant bird's sharp claws fell, only shattering a remnant of demonic energy.

It slowly turned its head and looked at the suddenly empty altar.

The demon soldier, who was on the verge of death just moments ago, recovered from his injuries in the blink of an eye.

Even Hodge followed.

What happened?

Life energy continued to surge around them, but the certainty in the giant bird's eyes gradually faded.

Something unexpected seems to have happened on this planet.