Chapter 722 – An Enemy of an Enemy
Lizzy turned to Zhao Hai and said, "The Divine Race truly are formidable. They changed the laws of the heavens and the earth, they even managed to block the progression to God-rank. And now, they managed to bring an entire army in order to deal with us. It seems like they were truly annoyed by their past failure. Their plan of attack would surely be as fast as lightning. Fortunately, we had managed to get good fortunes to resist them. But Brother Hai, would the ordinary armies really be of use? They will surely die in the battlefield!"
Zhao Hai sighed, "We still need to have them. After all, they are also residents of the Ark Continent. If we don't make them help, then they might feel dread when everything is over. They might fear that we would coerce them in the future. Also, did you forget about the other races in the Divine Realm? One must know that the Divine Race still had their own enemies in the Divine Realm, and those were the Gods of the three races. If those three races were to enter the war, then it would be a huge advantage to us. These people would definitely be great allies."
Upon hearing Zhao Hai, Lizzy gave out a small sigh, "I understand. But Brother Hai, do you believe that those Gods are still alive? It's been countless years, I'm afraid that they had been eliminated a long time ago. Even Gods wouldn't be alive after tens of thousands of years."
Zhao Hai nodded, "I'm also aware of that. However, them being of help is still a huge thing for us, so we might as well try. If those Gods can help, then establishing a good relationship with them would be very good. Even if they can't, then we can just rely on our own strength, showing them that we can provide sufficient power. Its good to have more people who have a grudge against the Divine Race."
Lizzy understood Zhao Hai's words, in the simplest form, Zhao Hai just expressed that an enemy of an enemy is a friend. If those Gods have a grudge against the Divine Race, then as long as they see Zhao Hai's strength, then these people would certainly help out. With Zhao Hai, they can unite and destroy the Divine Race together.
However, Lizzy still couldn't help but express her worry, "But Brother Hai, do these GOds really have a grudge with the Divine Race? If they don't, then what do we do?"
Zhao Hai's eyes flashed a cold light, "Then there's nothing we can do. If worse comes to worst, then we will make God-ranks ourselves. Let's see which is more formidable, my Space, or the Divine Race."
At this time, Laura came back, she turned to Zhao Hai and said, "Brother Hai, the order has been passed around. I believe that it wouldn't take too long before they make the proper adjustments. Do we really have to look away from the Demons?"
Zhao Hai shook his head and said, "We still need to be on guard. However, the Demons aren't relatively strong compared to the Divine Race. From what I felt today, there are only ten God-ranked experts in their camp. Moreover, with the big move of the Divine Race, the Demons are surely to be on full defensive mode. They are more focused on the Divine Race compared to us. For them, the Divine Race is more dangerous."
Laura and the others nodded, what Zhao Hai said was true. Both the Demons and the Divine Race weren't aware that Zhao Hai already had God-rank undead. Since they didn't expect Zhao Hai's side to have more strength, then they would definitely suffer in the future.
At this time, Lizzy asked, "Big Brother Hai, did you just say that the Divine Race needed several days before coming out?"
Zhao Hai sighed and said, "Less than seven days. This was something that came out of the Pope's own mouth. I'm afraid that these seven days would be the most peaceful days of the Ark Continent."
Laura nodded and said, "Brother Hai, we should have the Dwarves and Elves make the proper arrangements. At the same time, informing the four big Empires would be great as well."
Zhao Hai nodded. Although the Divine Race and the Demons have already appeared, most of the Ark Continent's land was still in the hands of the four Empires. And even if the Buddha Empire has been turned into a battlefield, it was still in Zhao Hai's control. If the Divine Race and the Demons wanted to disrupt the continent, then it was certain that they would send some experts towards the other four Empires, harassing the Ark Continent's rear.
At this point, Zhao Hai's most difficult problem was the issue of military strength. One shouldn't overestimate Zhao Hai's more than 10 thousand God-rank undead. All of these undead were crucial in the actual battlefield. These 10 thousand undead simply aren't enough in front of the Demon and the Divine Race. This was what made Zhao Hai very worried.
Without God-rank experts, then any preparation was useless. This made Zhao Hai anxious. Looking at Zhao Hai's worried expression, Lizzy couldn't help but comfort him, "Big Brother Hai, how about we return to the Black Wasteland and take a look at the situation. See if any of the 9th ranks have made a breakthrough. If they did, then you can just hand the task of protecting the Empires over to them. As long as they stop the attack for some time, then we can use the Space in order to rescue the people."
Zhao Hai nodded and said, "Alright, it has also been a long time since I returned to the Black Wasteland. Let's go back and have a look." He stood up and then along with the others, they vanished and returned to Iron Mountain Fort.
Green and the others were currently inside the castle. The Black Wasteland has been extraordinarily busy recently, there were simply too many people here compared to before. The Dwarves had dug out a lot of caverns in Iron Mountain. Moreover, they had also started to deliver iron ores from the mountain every day. The Dwarves already had their own furnace in the castle, all of them were busily making various types of weapons.
The Elves weren't idling as well, they kept planting trees all around Flower City. At the same time, they were also manufacturing weapons. The Elves were very clear, the Ark Continent was on its way to disaster. It was impossible for them to live like before, wherein they were completely focused on making artware.
Only the Beastmen weren't present in the wasteland. This was because there was no need to move. The Beastman Prairie was also quite far from the Buddha Empire. Even if the frontlines were shaken to its core, they prairie still wouldn't be affected. However, the Beastmen were going all out in dispatching its troops in order to help.
The Black Wasteland had already been made known to everyone on the continent. After all, a lot of Human refugees were sent here. But nobody dared to have greedy thoughts when it came to the wasteland. This was because Zhao Hai was a very strong leader. There weren't a lot of fools that dared to covet his territory.
Green and the others were fairly busy each day. There were a lot of newcomers in the wasteland, their basic necessities were needed to be managed. Otherwise, chaos would ensue. It was great that these supplies were already prepared by Zhao Hai, there weren't any shortages that happened. Additionally, the various groups also had their own managers, this allowed Green to be less busy than he needed to be.
Green and the others were currently on a meeting. In attendance were representatives from the Dwarves, Elves, Beastmen, and Humans. These people were in charge of managing their respective people. Although the Black Wasteland had a lot of refugees, Zhao Hai still kept his strict rules in place. It was also made clear that the punishments on each rule breaking was the same for all races.
The major leaders weren't in opposition to this rule. The status and strength of Zhao Hai were too formidable, all of them were very respectful towards his decisions.'
When Green heard that Zhao Hai had come back, he immediately led the managers to see Zhao Hai. Zhao Hai talked to these people, asked them about their situation, and then had them go back to their posts.
After the managers had left, Zhao Hai immediately turned to Green and said, "Grandpa Gree, how are things going? Did any of those 9th ranks from before break through to God-rank?"
Green shook his head and said, "Not a single one. Origin Sword Saint was the closest one. Those 9th rank beasts would have it much harder to reach God-rank compared to the Humans. Young Master, did something happen?"
Zhao Hai nodded, then he reported what happened with the Divine Race to Green. After Green heard Zhao Hai's words, he knit his brows and said, "This is really quite troublesome. Young Master, I think the most important thing that we need to do is to spread what happened to the Radiant Empire. Otherwise, people from the continent would still think that the Divine Race are good people. If 'they still held belief in the Divine Race, then they might cause internal problems to our side.
Zhao Hai nodded, "When the time comes, I'll have the major powers do this. Our main concern is our lack of people. And once the Divine Race discovers about the Black Wasteland, then they would surely come and target it first. First is because this is our root, and the other reason is because they really hate me now."
Green nodded, then he said, "Young Master, how do you plan to deal with this?"
Zhao Hai thought for a moment before he withdrew the three divine artifacts that he had taken from the Radiant Church. Although these three artifacts had been integrated to the Blood Ghost Staff, Zhao Hai could still take them out. After all, even if the three artifacts had great powers, they were still quite inferior to the Blood Ghost Staff.
Zhao Hai gave the three artifacts over to Green and said, "Grandpa Green, take these three divine artifacts. These things were handed over to the Radiant Church by the Divine Race. Now, they are all under the Space's control. You can use this sword of judgement. The radiant staff will be given to Grandma Marine while the book will be handed over to Grandpa Kun. Keep these things as a secret. Once the Divine Race attacks, you can use them to resist for quite some time.I will immediately come over and help as soon as I receive word."
Green wasn't polite, he took the three artifacts and said, "Alright. Young Master, you need to be careful. Right, how are Berry and Shue doing?"
Chapter 723 – Adjusting Strategies
When Zhao Hai heard Green, he couldn't help but smile lightly as he replied, "They had been great. Shue and Berry managed to comprehend a Domain. Right, in two days, when the second batch of herbs matures, we'll immediately have Shue promote his clones. At that point, our strength would even be greater."
Green clapped his hand and said, "Fantastic! We'll be confident in facing the Demons and the Divine Race by then. Right, Young Master, what are you planning to do in the future?"
Zhao Hai calmly replied, "Let's wait for the Divine Race to attack us when their shield disappears. At that time, we'll take the offense to them. I'll get an army and give them spatial water in order to be raised to 8th rank and then 9th rank. Only this composition could manage to face our two enemies. Even if other people are eager to help, all that would be waiting for them is death!"
Green knit his brows and said, "Wouldn't that reveal the existence of the Space?"
Zhao Hai shook his head and said, "I don't think so. The only thing that they would discover is the fact that I have a formula to increase one's strength, the Space would never be connected."
Green nodded, "Alright, at the worst, people will die. Young Master, you don't need to worry about the things here. There won't be any problems."
Zhao Hai nodded and said, "Don't be too strict on the refugees. As long as they don't make a huge mistake, then that would be fine. After all, these people are in a new environment. If you push them too much, then they might think that we are bullying them."
Green smiled and said, "Young Master can rest assured, we have yet to punish someone. Everyone here respects the Young Master's instructions. But if we find someone, then we guarantee that he wouldn't be punished too hard."
Zhao Hai nodded, "Then that's good. The continent has been plunged into hard times. The Divine Race had changed the laws of the heaven and earth. This would surely bring about some consequences. The Divine Race are truly scums, they even used such a method."
Green was confused at Zhao Hai's statement, he looked at Zhao Hai and asked, "Young Master, is the change in the laws really that serious?"
Zhao Hai forced a smile and said, "Naturally. In the past, the Ark Continent was an independent plane, it had its own laws. Now that these laws had been changed, it had shattered the continent's division towards the Demon Realm and the Divine Realm. These two higher planes might not find trouble with this, but the Ark continent would surely feel the hardships. With the Ark Continent being disturbed, I'm afraid that we would be susceptible to more invasions from other planes in the future."
Green stared for a moment before his expression changed, "It's like that? When that happens, then wouldn't the continent be destroyed?"
Green's worries held true basis. The reason why the Ark Continent was invaded by the Demons in the first place was because of the initial action made by the Divine Realm, having a God descend. Now that the laws had been changed even more, the consequences would surely be more severe. The Ark Continent was fortunate that it hadn't been destroyed in the first place.
Zhao Hai smiled bitterly, this was only his guess. But this guess had been made while he was connected to the heavens because of the Dao Lotus. What he understood was only a few things, so he could only make an intelligent guess at this point.
When Green saw Zhao Hai's expression, his chest couldn't help but feel heavy. If what Zhao Hai said was true, then the disaster for the Ark Continent has just started.
Upon looking at Green's face, Zhao Hai comforted him, "Grandpa Green you don't need to think about it to deeply. In the worst case scenario, we can all just hide inside the Space."
Green nodded, then he knit his eyebrows and said, "Young Master, this outcome has surely been thought of by the Divine Race. Wouldn't it be detrimental for their goals if the Ark Continent were to be unsafe?"
Zhao Hai thought about it, and then he said, "That may be possible, however, we can't make solid judgements this early on. When we come in contact with the Divine Race, then it may be possible for us to be clear about it. Alright, Grandpa Green, I won't be staying for long. I'll be heading to the Buddha Empire now to take a look."
Green nodded, "Young Master, you don't need to worry about here." Zhao Hai nodded, then he gave a signal to Laura and the others before they entered the Space. Then Zhao Hai took Shue and Berry to Rising Sun City.
Rising Sun City was the most forward defense against the Demon Race. Originally, Zhao Hai didn't want to come here. However, since he was most familiar with the people transferred from Demon City, he decided to upgrade the strengths of the people here first.
Moreover, he came here to trade Shiying. Zhao Hai didn't have too many God-rank experts. Therefore, he can only leave Shiying here to guard the place. But now, he has a lot of light element God-rank undead. The light element is extremely strong against the Demons. Because of this, Zhao Hai prepared to have Shiying go against the Divine Race while leaving some light element undead here.
Although the Demons have gone silent and had paused their construction, Zhao Hai knew that all of this was because of the changes to the Ark Continent's laws. The Demon should be revising their plans at this time.
In the past, the laws of the Ark Continent were still present. Even if the Demons wanted to attack the continent, then they wouldn't be able to send too many God-ranks. Because of this, they decided to build a city and steadily advance, stationing God-ranks on each forward city as they slowly devour the continent.
The laws of the Ark Continent also didn't allow too many God-ranks inside it. This was the reason why the Demons didn't dare to send a lot of God-ranks.
The Demons had done a lot of experiments in the past years. Although they didn't think of changing the laws of the continent like the Divine Race, they were still able to create a concrete plan. These experiments included sending God-ranks to the continent to see how many experts the continent would be able to support, and also how long they could stay.
After constant experiments, the Demons have finally gained their results. The laws of the continent only allowed up to five God-ranks to enter. If a single God-rank enters, then the continent can allow this expert to stay for half a year. But this God-rank also needed to adjust for a month before he can move. After one month, the God-rank would be able to display 70% of his power. In three months, he can show 80%. Then after more than five months in the continent, the expert can achieve 90% of its power. After reaching this peak, the God-rank would then need to leave after half a day.
This was the reason why the Demons opened a spatial rift. And this was also the reason why the Demon Dragon King and the four others were the only ones sent as the vanguard.
For five God-ranks, the continent would only allow them to stay for three months. Half a month to adapt to the laws, then after that half-month, they would be able to use 60%. After one month, 70%. Two months, 80%. Then on the third month, they would return.
This was the law of the Ark Continent. The Demons had regarded this law heavily. They sent out five God-ranks this time in order to secure the Demonic Abyss. They were afraid that the Ark Continent's people would destroy their city.
The Demons knew that it didn't matter what they did, as long as they used the Blood Void, then the destructive display would certainly alert the residents of the Ark Continent. Because of this, the Demon Realm didn't hesitate to send five God-rank experts.
However, when the Demon Dragon King and the others arrived in the Ark Continent, they were immediately met with Zhao Hai, even before they had completely adapted to the laws.
Because they weren't able to adapt, the Demon Dragon King's group couldn't display all of their strength. Although they were God-ranks with strong abilities, their power were still reduced by the continent. Without adapting to the laws, these God-ranks would need to return to the Demon Realm after one month if they decided to disregard the laws. This situation made it hard for the Demons. If they were forced to go back after one month, then Zhao Hai would be able to completely lock them out, seeing that he can use 100% of his strength. Shue and Berry were also present, with them in hand, Zhao Hai would be able to deal with every God-rank that the Demon Realm would send. One could say that the Divine Race had provided the Demons some breathing room for their future plans.
Now that the laws had been changed, there was no need for the Demons to make their city. They can just send their God-ranks in along with their army in order to conquer the entire Ark Continent. They would start by capturing the cities as they advanced to all the corners of the continent.
The Demons needed to be swirt because the Divine Race was already here. If they continued to build their city, then it was possible that the Divine Race would have already conquered the continent. The Demons would be ordering soup without being able to drink it. Because of this, the Demons have decided to change their strategy.
After thinking up to this point, Zhao Hai decided to trade Shiying with the light element undead. Although Shiying wasn't weak, he wasn't the strongest Demon either. His techniques were all made in the Demon Realm, it wasn't ideal for him to face the Demons in the battlefield since he couldn't display his strength to its full potential.
The light element undead, on the other hand, were different. The light element was used to suppress the Demons. Even if these undead weren't high-level, only being Demigods, they can still get an advantage due to their numbers. Along with Besmir and the others, they would surely be able to go against the Demon attack.
Chapter 724 – Promotion
Besmir was still inside the General's residence. Although they already had a lot of reinforcements, Besmir still didn't have a moment of relief. He had seen the fight between Zhao Hai and the God-ranked Demons. To be honest, upon seeing the battle, a deep anxiety rose inside him. The strength that Zhao Hai and the Demons had shown was just too tremendous. Each punch and kick that they did seems to be able to move mountains. Facing enemies like these needed more than just ordinary soldiers, they needed 9th ranks if they wanted to keep up. Besmir was very clear about Zhao Hai's importance in resisting the Demons and the Divine Race, but the help that Besmir and the others can provide was just too low.
Because of this thought, Besmir worked hard. He completed every single task diligently. This was to minimize Zhao Hai's worries as he battled the Demon Experts. There was little time when he relaxes, he was almost always inside the battle room. Those who were with him were almost scared of his frantic work.
While Besmir was looking at the sand table, a voice suddenly came from outside, "We have seen Mister!"
Besmir stared, then he quickly recovered himself as he turned around to see Zhao Hai. Besmir immediately stepped forward and gave a salute, "Mister, please come in."
Zhao Hai nodded, then he entered the battle room. He turned to Besmir and smiled faintly, "General Besmir, you've been working hard. I came here today because I have something for you to do. Have everyone leave the room. Berry, Shue, go guard the door."
After hearing this order, Besmir couldn't help but be startled. However, he immediately had everyone leave the room as Shue and Berry guarded the entrance. Zhao Hai sat on a chair and beckoned towards another in front of him, "General, please take a seat."
Besmir was quite anxious about Zhao Hai's actions, however, he still sat down and listened intently. Zhao Hai smiled at Besmir and said, "General, tell me about what you think of this war. No need to hold back."
Although Besmir didn't understand where Zhao Hai wanted to take the conversation, he still nodded and said, "Alright. Mister, to be honest, I really don't feel good about this war. The Demons are just too strong. And since the Divine Race managed to shatter the heavens, causing ripples everywhere, I also reckon that they're quite strong. The reason why I don't feel good is because of you, Mister. You are strong, but as for us, we can only do so much. There are too few people in the continent who can provide sufficient help to you. I'm not too optimistic about the future."
Zhao Hai nodded, he replied, "What you said is true. The present situation isn't really good. But we aren't left with nothing. Everyone knows that I have a lot of good things in my hands. And those things are truly unique in the continent. Nobody understood why this was the case. In fact, there really isn't anything mystical about it, I just happen to have a team that specializes on alchemy and refining. Our goal is to develop a way to quickly improve one's strength."
Besmir listened intently to Zhao Hai. When he heard the last words, his eyes couldn’t help but shine. He can now understand where Zhao Hai's conversation would end up.
Seeing Besmir's expression, Zhao Hai smiled faintly and said, "Right, the General is a smart person. It seems like you already understood why I came here today."
Besmir looked at Zhao Hai and said, "Is Mister saying that the potion has been completed?"
Zhao Hai nodded, "Correct. The potion has been finished. It doesn't have any side effects. After drinking it, average people would reach 8th rank within two days. After reaching 8th rank, they can then drink another potion that can help them reach 9th rank in one day. Only by doing so would we gain a chance against both the Demons and the Divine Race."
Besmir looked blankly at Zhao Hai. If he wasn't aware of how strong Zhao Hai was, then he wouldn't be able to believe any of this at all. He would just think that Zhao Hai was crazy.
In the past, 9th ranks were the top existences in the continent. 9th ranks were very hard to reach for ordinary people. Now, Zhao Hai told him that he can make 8th ranks in two days, and then a 9th rank in one. A 9th rank experts in just three days? This was something beyond crazy.
Zhao Hai smiled at Besmir's expression, he turned his hand as a bottle appeared, "If you don't believe me, then go and try it."
Zhao Hai placed the bottle of spatial water on the table and then said, "Drink this potion. Since you are 7th rank, then you'll reach 8th rank by tomorrow. When that time comes, I shall give you another potion to promote you to 9th rank."
Besmir looked at Zhao Hai, and then at the bottle on the table. In the end, he nodded and didn't say anything before taking up the jar and drank it up in one go.
Seeing Besmir's action, Zhao Hai faintly smiled and said, "Go and take a rest. Stabilize your breathing. Come see me tomorrow." Besmir nodded. Then Zhao Hai stood up and said, "Alright, then I won't be disturbing you any further, take a rest." Besmir stood up, gave Zhao Hai a salute and then left the battle room. Originally, the General's residence was the City Lord's Mansion. The current battle room was the mansion's lobby. There was a small guest room at the side of the lobby, that room had now become Besmir's bedroom.
When he saw Besmir leave, Zhao Hai turned around and walked out. Outside the room were the other enlisted officers. All of them were respectfully standing, nobody dared to speak a word.
Zhao Hai looked at them calmly and said, "General Besmir had something to do today. Don't disturb him. Leave two guards to protect the entrance. If you need anything, then just hold it off until tomorrow." All of them responded, nobody made a comment. All of them were aware about Zhao Hai's status. He wasn't only an elder and a prince, he was a God-ranked expert, a peak existence in the Continent right now.
One must say that in the past, the 9th ranks of the continent could see themselves as Zhao Hai's equal. But now, nobody would dare do so, Zhao Hai was at the apex of strength.
After the group left, Zhao Hai released Alien and then entered along with Shue and Berry before going back to the Space.
Laura and the others were currently handling material allocation and transport. At the same time, they were also sending letters to the Emperors of the continent, informing them about what happened to the Radiant Empire. This would be used in order to spread information about the atrocities of the church, making the population lose faith in them.
Besides this matter, Zhao Hai also made them ask the Emperors for their most trusted people. Moreover, Zhao Hai also stated that he wanted to promote the strengths of those on the list. As for those people that the Emperors didn't trust, Zhao Hai wouldn't bother with them in the future.
The Emperors immediately believed Zhao Hai's words. They already knew Zhao Hai's strength. Don't think that the people in Demon City were all from the Buddha Empire. Among the Adventurers and Mercenaries were spies of the other major powers. Because of this, it didn't take too long before Zhao Hai's fight has been made known to the entire continent.
After knowing Zhao Hai's strength, these people weren't worried about being fooled anymore. With Zhao Hai's capabilities, then he would have already acted, he wouldn't wait until now.
The most happy about this situation were the people in Lyon Empire. Zhao Hai was their current Emperor. Having such a powerful ruler, it wasn't strange for the population to rejoice.
Because of this as well as other reasons, the Empires immediately sent their lists over to Zhao Hai. They didn't hesitate a bit and send a huge pile of names. Upon seeing this list, Zhao Hai couldn't help but chuckle, this was because almost all of these people were 8th ranks.
For Zhao Hai, this was a good thing. This would eliminate the period of turning them into 9th ranks.
But since these people were the trusted people of the major Empires, it would be impossible to direct them to the battlefield. However, Zhao Hai wasn't counting on them to be on the battlefield. He wanted to use these people as a proof. As long as these people get promoted, then everyone in the continent would have faith on Zhao Hai's method. When that time comes, then there won't be any issue whenever Zhao Hai wanted to promote additional people.
After the names were sent, Zhao Hai immediately took some water from the Blood Pond and then had them sent to the different Imperial Palaces for the people on the list to drink while he stayed in the Buddha Empire.
After handling these matter, Zhao Hai finally relaxed. He rested inside the Space as he prepared to go to battle at any time.
Zhao Hai was also waiting for the herbs in the Space to mature. He wanted to make God-ranked potions as soon as possible. The Divine Race were waiting for their shield to expire, only then would they be able to start their invasion of the continent.
After having rested inside the Space, Zhao Hai appeared on the City Lord's mansion the next morning. At this time, Besmir had also woken up. He had truly become 8th rank. When he saw Zhao Hai, he was very excited, he immediately gave a bow and said, "Mister, thank you very much. I have already reached 8th rank."
Zhao Hai nodded, then he withdrew another bottle, this one had water from the Blood Pond. Then he gave the bottle to Besmir and said, "The potion in this bottle will promote you to 9th rank. After becoming 9th rank, I'll have to ask you to gather some trustworthy people in Rising Sun City. After gathering them, go and call me. I'll improve them to 9th rank so that they can have more impact on the future battles."