Xingtie: Starting with an in-depth analysis of the Yellow Springs

[Wan Di: Leave the front lines to me, that's enough.]

[Walter: Xing, Danheng, I'm planning to go with Mr. Wan Di to analyze the Black Tide's abilities along the way.]

[Danheng: I will take good care of Xing.]

[Star: Um, I always feel like something's drawing me in, something like... Mother?]

[Firework: Little Gray, it's only been a short time since I left and you already have a child? Whose is it? I'll beat him to death!]

[Mimi: ...Mi.]

"How does it feel to revisit this place?" Bai E led the way first.

Wan Di immediately surpassed Bai E, saying, "Not here, I live in the inner city."

"Heh...no wonder he's the Crown Prince of Xuanfeng," Bai E quipped.

Before leaving, Bai'er instructed Tian to hide here. She had paid too high a price for Onpharos, and her memories were becoming increasingly fragmented.

After passing through a dark and long passage, an exquisite and massive stone gate came into view.

Step out of that gate and you'll reach the Acropolis.

Scattered Nicardi soldiers guarded the path leading to the gate.

These lowly soldiers were of course no match for the three men's advance, and were easily defeated in a few simple moves.

"Impressive! That's really skillful," Bai E couldn't help but praise.

Xing had just performed a miracle of prayer in front of the two of them, and the paralyzed stone bridge was instantly restored to its original state.

Although Bai'e also knew about prayers, knowing and being proficient are two different things. Ordinary people would fall into a deep sleep after reading just a couple of sentences.

After taking down a few more soldiers, the three arrived at the gate.

Chapter 267: Friend and Enemy

Stepping through the gate, the palace, neglected for years, lay in ruins, overgrown with moss.

Bai E looked up. "Look, in the sky! That's..."

"The Blade of Divine Retribution—even though the world is shattered, it still hangs high above the heads of humankind," Wan Di explained.

A great sword, piercing straight into the clouds, stood above the city. Even though it had been eroded by the black tide, it still shone with dazzling brilliance.

A chilling aura, oppressive power, and dazzling brilliance... all rush towards you, as if you could control life and death with a mere wave of your hand.

At the same time, a bolt of lightning, pale white, struck down, illuminating a large part of the city and bringing everyone's emotions to a fever pitch. In this battle, one side would surely perish in the River Styx.

Xing's originally relaxed mind couldn't help but become tense.

Dark clouds loom over the city, threatening to crush it.

The city walls were covered with war-related decorations, and flags fluttered in the wind. The walls were constructed from single, massive stones, fitting together seamlessly.

The entire city was like a wounded ancient beast, lying on the ravaged land, its breath filled with the smoke and blood of war.

“It’s truly spectacular…” Bai Er murmured to himself.

“You haven’t seen it at its most magnificent.” Wan Di said without changing his expression; this was once the country where he lived.

“In the past, Nicardoli used that greatsword to destroy the heavenly kingdom of Aegler and city-state after city-state.”

A hint of longing lingered in Wan Di's eyes.

"It is not only a weapon, but also the faith of the Blade Master. The souls who bravely sacrifice themselves on the battlefield will be tempered in Nicardoli's hands and become part of the God King's power."

"This is the Titans' conquest—Nicadori, their retinue, and those of conflicting faiths, invincible and undefeated. Even in death, they will embrace eternal glory."

Seeing Wan Di recounting Nicardoli's achievements in detail, Bai E stepped forward to interrupt.

"Isn't that a bit of an exaggeration? I can recall at least three defeats Suspended Edge City suffered in the Golden War."

“It is not shameful to be defeated by intrigue and wicked schemes.” Wan Di shook his head. “The ones who should be ashamed are those weak and despicable people.”

Bai E stopped joking and said, "That's true."

"Better to die in battle than return in glory—the men of Suspended Peak are all straightforward, spending their lives on the battlefield. No wonder Zagres [Trick] loves to play tricks on you."

"...But all of that is in the past."

[Ling: Suspended Peak City is practically a city born for war; even in its ruins, it's terrifying.]

[Bai'er: It was originally a mobile fortress, and Teacher Tian also searched for it for a long time along with the minions of the conflict.]

[Sambo: Look at this sword, it's so big and long, and this city is so tall and... cough cough, these are good stuff. Family, could you help me collect some local specialties?]

[Star: Yes, it's possible... you can pay first.]

[Paimon: Qunyu Pavilion can be considered a small fortress, since it can also be used for attacks. The heavens are shaking... Qunyu Pavilion!]

Ningguang: There's no comparison. Even if Liyue were to exhaust all its resources, it might not be possible to build something of this scale.

[Zhongli: The Suspended Blade is suitable for everyone in Liyue, but Nicardi is not to be underestimated with just this blade. Little Xing, you must be careful.]

[Walter: The Titans of Discord at their peak were comparable to top-tier Fatewalkers; their scepters were truly terrifying.]

【Ten Thousand Enemies: Suspended Edge…】

"Guess what I'm thinking, Wan Di?" Bai E smiled.

"It's probably not a good thing. To put it simply."

The one who understands a person best is always their opponent. If Bai E farts, Wan Di can guess that he is aiming at him.

“This is not just an expedition, it's also a battle,” Bai Er stated. “Now that we're here… why not have a good, unrestrained competition?”

"You and I—to recreate the original Suspended Peak Ritual."

"Let me witness the grandest combat arena in Suspended Peak City, and add another layer of glory to this conquest. Let's see who can take down more of these crazed minions... how about it?"

Wan Di turned around. "What's the stake?"

"Nicardoli's final blow."

“Interesting. I accept your challenge.” Wan Di and Bai E high-fived, making the bet official.

Xing scratched her head. "What about me?"

These two are treating me like a referee, aren't they?

Bai E smiled and said, "I know him. This guy only likes to work alone. There are two paths ahead. Xing, come with me to one of them."

"No speed competition, only the number of spoils. The counting is entirely up to the individual." Bai E patted his chest. "Don't worry, I won't count the enemies she takes down as my own."

"What does it matter? What difference does it make if we include it?" Wan Di said nonchalantly.

“You know nothing about this place, so I’ll give you a ten-step head start.”

After saying that, Wan Di walked to the intersection and waited on his own.

"Haha, you've been completely underestimated." Bai E chuckled helplessly. "But I won't back down... Xing, let's go!"

Passing through the secret passage, Xing and Bai E instantly arrived at the other end.

Bai E stood with his hands on his hips, scanning the area ahead. "Landing successful! Hopefully, the enemies along this road will be worth our firepower."

[Xia Die: The relationship between Lord Bai E and Lord Wan Di is truly enviable, but it seems that Xing has very little to say about it.]

[Star: Don't worry about it. I'm mostly mute when the plot is progressing.]

[Star: Hey, speaking of monster clearing, we have to call on Lord Huang Quan. Plenty of snacks are available.]

[Huang Quan: What does this mean?]

[Silver Wolf: Haha, you've obviously played too many games.]

[Bai E: I hope this trip goes smoothly.]

The Titans' retinue, these grunts were nothing to the two of them, and they quickly collected four Hanging Edge Insignia.

Xing asked, "Why do we have to split into two groups?"

It would be much more dangerous to separate them.

“Don’t worry, Wan Di is very strong, and so am I,” Bai E said, mentioning Wan Di.

"Did you see the look in that man's eyes just now? He was homesick and didn't want to show it in front of others."

“After all, for Wan Di, his people and honor are more important than anything else.” Bai E sighed. “Even in such a dilapidated state, the only place where he can be free is Xuanfeng City.”

Bai Er laughed heartily, "Now that we've sent him away, it doesn't matter where he wants to go and cry."

"You really are... I'm going to cry..." Xing couldn't help but be moved by the two of them; Bai E was so gentle.

Bai E nodded slightly. "We've been like this since we met, both rivals and friends. Working with him always ignites my competitive spirit."

"Standing still, are you planning to surrender?" Wan Di's voice echoed in my ears from another road.

Bai Er retorted loudly, "What do you know? We're discussing strategy!"

"In the Marble Palace Bathing Pool, Bai E and Wan Di were shirtless, with only white bath towels wrapped around their bodies."

"Wan Di intentionally or unintentionally lingered his gaze on Bai E, looking as if he wanted to say something but hesitated."

"Hey, Wan Di, don't be shy. I'm the one who understands you best. Cry if you want to," Bai E joked.

"Get lost." Wan Di swung his fist and landed a solid blow on Bai E's shoulder. "Don't flatter yourself next time; I'm not as fragile as you think."

"Ouch...that hurts!" Bai Er rubbed his shoulder. "No wonder my good intentions were wasted. I'm never caring about you again."

"Of course, Bai E was just saying that. If he had to do it all over again, he would still care about his brothers."

"Wan Di rose from the bath, water droplets sliding down his tough muscles, evaporating the remaining moisture in a few breaths. He then dressed, took out a dose of ointment, and tossed it away."

"Here, the best bruise ointment in Suspended Peak City. The training intensity has been too high lately, don't ruin your health, Nicardoli is waiting for us."

After saying that, Wan Di left the bath without looking back, but the smile on his lips betrayed him.

Chapter 268 Suspended Arena

After their battle with Wan Di ended, Bai E and Xing continued their journey.

Two iron chains, resembling the spine of a giant, span the two ends, and at the end of the path lies the suspended giant sword.

"Hey, when did you go over there?"

While Bai E was still marveling at the spectacle, Wan Di had already climbed the iron chain, ready to ascend.

“I told you long ago, you know nothing about the terrain of this city, how could you possibly beat me?” Wan Di crossed his arms. “By the way, let me tell you… six.”

Bai E put one hand on his hip and said, "Wow, looks like you're in luck. We were a bit lax in our defenses on this road. Don't worry, once we cross this chain bridge, I'll catch up with you in no time."

"Only if you can get through. Do you see the lightning striking these chains?" Wan Di said, as a white bolt of lightning struck not far from Bai E's eyes, scattering sparks.

“This isn’t your average lightning strike,” Bai E said, rubbing his chin. “It seems like rushing in headlong would be no different from suicide.”

As the saying goes, there is always an antidote within a hundred paces of a poisonous substance.

Similarly, how could a road be impassable? There happened to be a prophetic stele in front of them; Xing easily solved the mechanism, and the lightning stopped falling.

"Well, seeing how helpless you look, I guess I'll have to take my leave now?" Bai E immediately retorted sarcastically.

Wan Di scoffed, "A mere lightning bolt dares to try and stop the warriors of Suspended Edge City?"

Lightning occasionally struck the iron chains, but Wan Di ignored it, running at a rapid pace that even surpassed Bai E's climbing speed at one point.

The iron chain bridge was severed by lightning, and Wan Di stepped across, successfully reaching the top.

"Not only do you have a lot of lives, but you're incredibly lucky—I'm almost jealous of you." Bai E couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement.

Wan Di turned around and saw that Bai E was unharmed, so he strode away. The competition was not over yet.

After reaching the summit, the two arrived at a rest area filled with books, which appeared to be a place for the warriors who had participated in the competition to rest.

During the exploration, a stone tablet with proverbs was found. It looked very new and did not seem to be left behind. It seemed to have been placed there intentionally.

Furthermore, synesthetic beacons cannot be analyzed.

Through this incident, Bai E voiced the doubts that had been lingering in his mind.

"Star, you clearly come from beyond the heavens, so how can you understand the writing and language of Onpharos?"

Xing shook her head; neither she nor Danheng knew either.