Reincarnation of The Strongest Sword God

2560-2569

Chapter 2560 - Darkness Invades, Zero Wing Arrives

Shortly after Yuan Tiexin read his subordinate's message, the door to the quiet room opened. A group of players walked in behind a male Half-elf covered in azure sparks.

As the Half-elf entered the room, all of the fire-type Mana began to gather around him as if summoned. As a result, the room's temperature steadily rose.

"Shine? What are you doing here?" Yuan Tiexin was surprised to see the male Half-elf, Scorching Shire.

There weren't many people in the Secret Pavilion that knew the name Scorching Shine, and those who did were generally members of the Guild's older generations. While Scorching Shine's current appearance made him look as if he were in his thirties, he was actually over fifty. The man had withdrawn from the Secret Pavilion's frontlines many years ago and was only active behind the scenes.

Before Scorching Shine had withdrawn, he had been considered one of the Pavilion's absolute monsters. He could even contend with the commander of Mythology's strongest trump card legion. He no longer busied himself with Guild affairs, however, preferring to focus on his own improvement. Not even Yuan Tiexin, who had a close relationship with Scorching Shrine, could begin to imagine how powerful the man had become.

However, Scorching Shrine's individual strength wasn't the reason he was so well-known in the Secret Pavilion. Rather, it was the Scorched Legion under his command!

The Scorched Legion was one of the Secret Pavilion's trump card legions, and Scorching Shrine had personally nurtured every one of its experts. Although the Legion only had 200 members, they were all geniuses Scorching Shrine had hand-picked from the Pavilion's new recruits.

Initially, the man had set his sights on Purple Jade, as well. Unfortunately, she preferred one-handed swords, and Scorching Shrine's knowledge of the combat style was limited. In the end, she hadn't joined his Scorched Legion.

The Scorched Legion was still considered a hidden force, secretly fighting on God's Domain's frontlines. It existed solely for exploring new maps and almost never meddled in Guild affairs. Now, however, Scorching Shine and his legion had come to Stone Forest City, which left Yuan Tiexin a little confused.

"We received the command from Vice Guild Leader Dawn. Now that the Dark World's portal has opened, she specifically sent me to negotiate with the various superpowers targeting the city," Scorching Shine softly explained.

"Vice Guild Leader Dawn sent you to take charge of the situation?" Hearing the news, Yuan Tiexin breathed a sigh of relief. "This is good. With you here, I'm sure those superpowers will show restraint. In that case, Zero Wing might have a chance of fending off their combined assault."

Yuan Tiexin had been worried that Dawn Jade had given up on Stone Forest City, but now that the Scorched Legion had arrived, the city had gained an additional layer of defense.

The Scorched Legion was no weaker than Netherworld Empire's Hell Legion. In fact, in large-scale combat, the Scorched Legion would easily outperform the Hell Legion since none of its members were human.

Aside from Half-elves, which were particularly skilled with magic, the legion had Half-ore members, who were formidable melee fighters. Their combat power was leagues greater than human players' of the same level and tier.

Of course, the Secret Pavilion had paid a huge price to ensure that the Scorched Legion's members reached Tier 3 as quickly as possible.

"Don't get excited just yet. Stone Forest City's recent promotion has made the various superpowers even more desperate to obtain it. Even with my legion here, we can't guarantee that Zero Wing will keep the right to rule Stone Forest City. However, if Zero Wing is willing to hand over some of the city's shares, I'm sure keeping the city under its control won't be a problem," Scorching Shine calmly stated. "Let's not waste any more time. The Dark World's players are already marching on Cold Spring Forest. We need to prepare quickly. I'm not familiar with Black Flame, so you'll have to contact him."

"That won't be a problem. I'll inform Zero Wing right away," Yuan Tiexin agreed, nodding. He then contacted his connections in Zero Wing.

The various superpowers' combined force wasn't the most worrisome; rather, the Dark World's forces warranted more concern. Not even the Secret Pavilion had expected the Dark World to be so powerful.

The Otherworld's invading army had more than five million experts, and more than 30,000 of them were Tier 3 experts. The army also had more than 50 Flying Mounts, and to make matters worse, these numbers only grew as time passed.

If this army were allowed to flood into Cold Spring Forest, the consequences would be dire.

Shortly after Yuan Tiexin contacted Zero Wing, however, he froze in shock.

"Old Yuan, has something happened with Zero Wing?" Scorching Shine asked, his curiosity piqued when he noticed his old comrade's stunned expression.

"Not long ago, Black Flame led a team to the Dark World's portal. He plans to negotiate with the Dark World's players," Yuan Tiexin grimly explained.

"Negotiate with the Dark World's players?" The news dazed Scorching Shrine, as well. He then looked at Yuan Tiexin and asked, "Are you sure Black Flame's brain is working properly?"

What a joke!

With the portal to the Dark World open, the Otherworld's players were like a pack of starving wolves that had just spotted fresh meat. They'd pounce on anyone they encountered, not wait for negotiations. This was precisely the reason that the various superpowers had ordered their members to stay at least 10,000 yards away from the portal, afraid that they'd lose their subordinates to these ravenous wolves.

Shi Feng, however, was doing the exact opposite. Instead of strengthening Stone Forest City's defenses, he had taken the initiative to contact the Dark World's players personally. He was heading straight for the portal, basically offering himself up, gift-wrapped, to the Dark World's army.

Even the various superpowers were stunned when they learned of Shi Feng's plan from their spies in Zero Wing. What was going on?

Was Zero Wing about to surrender?

Inside another advanced room within the Freedom Hotel...

"Illusory, it seems Zero Wing will fall, even without the various superpowers' interference," the fierce man from Crimson Emperor said as he read a report from his subordinate. Shaking his head, he continued, "We won't even have to wait two or three days for this war to conclude. Everything will likely end today."

"This is insane. We're talking about an entire Otherworld of experts. Why would he pull such a crazy stunt?" Illusory Words couldn't believe her eyes when she read the report.

When Shi Feng had tried to challenge an entire city with only several hundred players, she had seen a possibility for him to succeed, but trying to repel all of the players from an Otherworld was a fool's dream. This was no longer a force an individual power could hope to overcome.

While Illusory Words and many others were puzzled by Shi Feng's most recent ploy, Furious Heart, who had been busy persuading the Dark World's players to act, received the news.

"Interesting! It seems Black Flame really loves a fight! He must think this battle will be just like the one in Demon City," Furious Heart laughed as he read the report. "Hopefully, he doesn't turn and flee after witnessing the Dark World's army. I wouldn't want this to be too boring."

Elated, Furious Heart shifted his gaze to the invading army that marched through the portal into Cold Spring Forest.

In the face of this army of several million Dark Players, even a kingdom would fall, much less Zero Wing!

Following which, Furious Heart tossed aside the report and led his team through the portal.

When the Dark World's players arrived in Cold Spring Forest, a commotion broke out among the army.

"So, this is the main continent?"

"Crap! There are so many rare ores and herbs nearby!

"This place is ours for the taking!"

The Dark Players couldn't help their growing excitement as they drank in the beautiful scenery in Cold Spring Forest. They wanted nothing more than to claim the surrounding resource areas right away.

Even the upper echelons from the Otherworld's various powers looked around them with a passionate flame burning in their eyes. They had to admit that Cold Spring Forest was a much higher-quality than the Dark World's Level 100 maps. As long as they could collect these resources, neither their individual development nor their Guilds' would be a problem.

Before the Dark World's residents could celebrate, however, they heard a loud roaring from the distance, a deep rumble that echoed throughout the valley the portal occupied.

Everyone turned toward the origin of the sound.

The Dark Players then spotted five colossal figures flying toward them. As the roaring grew louder, they could begin to distinguish the flying giants' details.

"Are those Flying Ships?"

With a closer look and realizing what the monstrosities were, everyone was stunned.

Those five Flying Ships were too massive. The largest Flying Mounts they had seen would be insignificant beside the steel giants. As the five flew in formation, they practically blotted out the sky.

Chapter 2561 - Zero Wing's Foundations, Madness Time 

"Why are so many Flying Ships here?"

"Did we trigger some kind of event, and NPCs have come to deal with us?"

The sudden appearance of the five Flying Ships stunned the Dark Players emerging from the gigantic door. They all began to talk about the incoming ships, anxious.

Flying Ships were no longer a foreign concept to God's Domain's players, but their familiarity was precisely the reason that the Dark Players were afraid of how powerful the machines were.

Flying Ships were powerful war weapons and absolute kings in the skies!

One of those ships could effortlessly squash humans like ants. Current players, who sorely lacked aerial combat power, saw Flying Ships as unstoppable and destructive tools.

With five Flying Ships approaching, why wouldn't these Dark Players worry?

"Wait, something's not right! There are players aboard the Flying Ships!" a Tier 3 Ranger, gifted with sharp vision, shouted as he pointed to the Crimson Dragon Flying Ships hovering above them.

Nearly everyone's eyes narrowed as they tried to get a better look at the ships, and just as the Tier 3 Ranger had announced, players stood on each of the Flying Ships' decks. While they were still too far off to get a clear view of the players, the green diamond markers were undoubtedly above the blurry figures' heads.

"Who are those people? They actually have Flying Ships!"

"Could it be a Super Guild?"

Their curiosity piqued, the Dark Players wondered who piloted the incoming vessels.

Flying Ships were still far out of reach for the Dark World's residents. They barely had any Flying Mounts, after all, and yet, five player-owned Flying Ships were flying toward them right now...

Even the upper echelons from the Otherworld's various major powers were stunned.

"Five Flying Ships?! Who are these people!?"

"What are they trying to accomplish?"

One or two Flying Ships might not be a major problem, but five was a little too much. None of them wanted to face such a force in battle. If it did come down to a fight, the outcome wouldn't be in their favor, even if they eventually won.

While the Dark World's powers discussed the situation in hushed tones, the five ships descended, stopping roughly 100 yards above ground. A figure then jumped from one of the ship's decks, landing in the center of the Dark Players' army. The players on the ground unconsciously stepped back, quickly clearing the way for the figure to land unhindered.

As the figure landed, the various powers' upper echelons stared with wide, shocked eyes, particularly Magic Flash and Old Forest, who had just returned from their trip to Stone Forest City. The individual who had jumped from one of the Flying Ships was none other than Zero Wing's Guild Leader, Black Flame.

"It's him?!"

"Impossible!"

When Magic Flash and Old Forest saw Shi Feng's familiar face, they couldn't believe their eyes.

Any power capable of owning five Flying Ships had to be a superpower with heaven-defying strength in their opinions, and yet, the reality was that Zero wing, a Guild at risk of obliteration, was responsible for this display. How could they possibly believe this?

Sure enough, it is Zero Wing, Blue Rainbow thought, standing behind Magic Flash. Unlike the two representatives, she didn't seem all that surprised to see Shi Feng. Is this why he is so confident?

The Dark World's general populace considered Flying Ships to be out of players' reach, but when Dark Rhapsody had investigated Zero Wing's background, it had discovered that the Guild owned multiple ships. This was why Shi Feng had failed to surprise her.

Of course, she wasn't entirely unfazed. She was a little shocked to discover that Zero Wing had as many as five Fling Ships. It was a few more than her Guild's reports had stated.

When Furious Heart saw this, his lips formed a tight frown. Intense rage and fear flashed in his eyes as he watched Shi Feng.

How is this possible!? How does Zero Wing have so many Flying Ships!? Furious Heart's eyes were bloodshot as he stared at the steel giants in the air.

His Guild had already been concerned when they received the report mentioning three Flying Ships in Zero Wing's possession. Now that he knew the Guild had two more than that, Stone Forest City would be much more difficult to deal with.

As the Dark World's major powers recognized Shi Feng and were astonished over his Guild's foundations, an indifferent, robust man emerged from the crowd.

The instant he stepped forward, he attracted all of the major powers' attention, and everyone watched him with respectful gazes.

This robust man was Dawn Dominance, World Domination's Guild Leader. He was a legend in the Dark World. Not only had he single-handedly developed World Domination to become one of the Otherworld's top three Guilds, but he was also one of the Dark World's top-ranked experts.

Dawn Dominance was precisely why Dark Rhapsody and Deity Society were so afraid of the up-and-coming World Domination. He had even been chosen to preside over the earlier war conference.

"You must be Zero Wing's Guild Leader, Black Flame," Dawn Dominance addressed Shi Feng. "I am Dawn Dominance, World Domination's Guild Leader. You could say that I'm one of the leaders for the Dark World's invasion into Cold Spring Forest. May I know the reason for your sudden visit, Guild Leader Black Flame?"

"You're correct. I am Black Flame, and I've come to inform your Dark World players of something," Shi Feng said, nodding.

"If you wish to persuade us to abandon our conquest of this map, forget about it. The matter was decided the moment the portal opened," Dawn Dominance said. "Cold Spring Forest's resources are important to both of us, of which you are well aware, Guild Leader Black Flame. Of course, we also do not wish to antagonize Zero Wing intentionally, but we can only rely on our own strength to get what we need. I hope you understand, Guild Leader Black Flame."

As Dawn Dominance finished speaking, the countless Dark Players in earshot nodded in agreement.

Why should only the main continent's players benefit from Cold Spring Forest's resources?

If one wished to acquire leveling resources, they could do so with their own power.

Does Black Flame really think he can scare away so many Dark Players with just five Flying Ships! How naive! Furious Heart laughed softly as he watched Shi Feng's distant figure.

Five Flying Ships was an amazingly powerful force, but if Shi Feng thought he could stop several million experts from the Dark World with just this, he was a fool.

Moreover, the Dark World's invasion army had over 50 Flying Mounts. Challenging those Flying Ships was entirely possible. Besides, the various powers present all had their own trump cards, which they could unleash on the steel giants.

As Furious Heart's laughter died, however, Shi Feng glanced around at the chuckling Dark Players and shook his head.

"Guild Leader Dawn, I believe you've misunderstood something. I never had any intention of negotiation with any of you. I am only here to tell you one thing!" Shi Feng said. "From this moment on, this Teleportation Gate is under Zero Wing's control!" 

Chapter 2562 - Challenging the Dark World?

Silence fell as Shi Feng finished his declaration. Magic Flash and Old Forest stared at the Swordsman with their mouths ajar. They hadn't actually thought he'd been serious.

This was insane!

They had assumed Shi Feng had been joking back in the Freedom Hotel, and yet, the man had just repeated his intentions straight to the Dark World's various powers and independent players...

After a moment, every Dark Player broke out in riotous laughter.

"Did this guy come all this way just to tell us a joke?"

"He actually thinks Zero Wing will manage this Teleportation Gate from now on. Does he really think he can claim ownership by declaring it?"

"Who does this guy think he is?"

For a time, the countless Dark Players expressed their anger and ridicule. Their prior fear and awe had evaporated like fog on a hot day. They wondered how hard Shi Feng had hit his head to provoke the Dark World in its entirety so boldly.

What is Black Flame trying to do? Did he give himself a concussion and lose his mind? Doesn't he realize that he basically just declared war on everyone in the Dark World? Blue Rainbow frowned at Shi Feng, who still seemed quite calm.

When they had heard Magic Flash and Old Forest's report, they had considered Shi Feng's intentions a joke. Now, however, Shi Feng had publicly announced Zero Wing's plan to take control of the Teleportation Gate. If this was a joke, it wasn't funny.

As far as she was concerned, this Swordsman either overestimated himself or was on a path of self-destruction.

Not even multiple cooperating Super Guilds would dare spout such nonsense before the Dark World's army, much less a single superpower. Anyone that took control of the Teleportation Gate would reign over the Dark World.

This was beyond foolish!

He's dead! He's definitely dead now! Furious Heart laughed maniacally as he watched Shi Feng.

Thanks to Shi Feng's announcement, the Dark World's various powers and independent experts would stop at nothing to obliterate Zero Wing, even if Demon's Heart didn't pull any strings. They likely wouldn't let the matter rest until they had removed any trace of Zero Wing from Cold Spring Forest. If they didn't, the main continent's players would look down on them, which was something the Dark World's denizens and powers wouldn't allow.

Once the Dark World's collective laughter died down, each of these Dark Players turned lethal gazes on Shi Feng, killing intent radiating from them in waves. Some Tier 3 experts even unsheathed their weapons, preparing to teach this arrogant Swordsman a lesson.

"What a pity, Guild Leader Black Flame. I had hoped you were smart enough to know when to advance and when to retreat, but it would seem that Dark Rhapsody and Deity Society had thought too highly of you," Dawn Dominance said, shaking his head. He then turned to leave, with no intention of continuing his conversation with Shi Feng.

A unit of five Flying Ships might be impressive, but it wasn't intimidating enough to force the Dark World's invading army to back down. While war weapons had frightening power and deadly potential, their attack rates were very low. When there wasn't much of a difference between two sides' combat power, an additional five Flying Ships would prove miraculously effective, but if one side had an overwhelming combat power advantage, the ships couldn't turn the tide of battle.

At Tier 3, expert players were more than agile enough to evade Flying Ships' attacks as long as there was enough distance between them. Furthermore, the invading army had more than 50 Flying Mounts, just as much aerial combat power as Zero Wing.

When Dawn Dominance left, the surrounding Tier 3 experts smirked and moved to surround Shi Feng.

Nearly 1,000 Tier 3 experts pointed their weapons at the Swordsman, their combined killing intent so powerful that the air around them grew cold and cloudy.

The Tier 2 Dark Players that had come to Cold Spring Forest to join the fun couldn't contain their excitement as they watched.

Not even superpowers had so many Tier 3 experts, yet the Dark World's army had so many more.

When less than 50 yards separated these Dark experts and Shi Feng, figures began to drop from the hovering Flying Ships, one after another.

In the blink of an eye, nearly 500 Tier 3 experts took their places around Shi Feng, and every one of them radiated a more intense aura than the Dark World's Tier 3 experts.

"This..."

Seeing reinforcements arrive, the encroaching Dark Players came to a halt. The various major powers' spectating upper echelons were similarly astonished. They had never dreamed that Zero Wing could muster such strength.

Now that 500 Tier 3 experts had joined the fray, the Dark World's top three Guilds would be no match for Zero Wing's force, even if they worked together. Including the Flying Ships still looming above them, engaging in battle now would only invite Zero Wing to slaughter those top three Guilds.

"It's no wonder why you dared to spout such nonsense. Zero Wing is actually quite formidable." Dawn Dominance had stopped, turning to glance at the Tier 3 experts around Shi Feng, but he shook his head and continued, "However, I'm afraid that still won't be enough to defeat the Dark World."

As he finished speaking, more Tier 3 Dark Players swarmed around Shi Feng. In less than 30 seconds, a group of over 6,000 Tier 3 Dark Players had joined the encirclement. Even Blue Frost and his Zero Wing companions from Shelter One, all of whom had participated in numerous battles, couldn't help but frown.

"Blue, what do you think the Guild Leader is trying to do? We're not really going to fight against all those people, are we?" Best Reincarnation, the leader of Shelter One's Second Party, nervously asked.

He had watched and fought in multiple wars involving tens of thousands of players, but compared to the Dark World's army, those forces weren't worth mentioning. Not even an army of tens of thousands would be a warm-up for these 6,000-plus Tier 3 experts. If this force entered the Dark Den, they could sweep through the Otherworld without any trouble. Even if every Shelter banded together, they wouldn't survive.

Meanwhile, Zero Wing had fewer than 500 Tier 3 experts present, and even with monsters like Fire Dance and Hell Rush, their chances of victory were unknown.

"I don't know, but even if we lose this battle, it'll be helpful in the future. Not just anyone gets an opportunity to face such a powerful force," Blue Frost replied with a bitter smile. He had to admit that while Shi Feng's behavior was insane, his blood boiled with excitement.

After all, who, at this stage of the game, would dare challenge such a formidable army?

Even the main continent's various superpowers were afraid of the Dark World's invading army, but not Zero Wing. If they lost, they'd lose with their pride intact.

This was also a super-rare opportunity to clash with a large number of Tier 3 experts, and the experience would definitely bolster their future development.

As soon as Blue Frost finished his reply, however, Shi Feng stepped forward from Zero Wing's defensive circle and faced the Dark World's several thousand Tier 3 experts directly.

"It seems you still don't understand," Shi Feng said, shaking his head at the Tier 3 Dark Players around him. Calmly, he continued, "Since the very beginning, I told you that I've only come to inform you. I'm not here to negotiate. Since you wish to test my patience, I regret to inform you that you've picked a fight with the wrong person!"

Shi Feng then pulled a token from his bag and started to chant an incantation. It was simple, only consisting of a dozen or so syllables, and would even be easy for a player new to God's Domain to chant.

Before the Dark Players could mock Shi Feng for his ignorant foolishness, several magic arrays quickly manifested behind the Swordsman. In less than a second, they transformed into a Spatial Gate, and once the gate was complete, NPCs in exquisite, uniform equipment marched into Cold Spring Forest like a well-trained army.

Every one of these NPCs had at least reached Level 120 and Tier 3. Many of them even hailed from other races, and in the blink of an eye, more than a thousand NPCs had joined the battlefield...

Chapter 2563 - Suppressing Everyone, Crazy Zero Wing

When more than a thousand Tier 3 NPCs appeared behind Shi Feng, the Dark Players, Zero Wing's members, and the Hell Legion were stunned.

In the various NPC kingdoms and empires, Tier 3 NPCs were considered powerhouses. They could even serve as Magistrates in minor cities.

And yet, Shi Feng had just summoned over a thousand of these NPCs, including non-human NPCs. It was unbelievable!

We already have so many? When Gentle Snow saw Shi Feng's Knight Division, surprise colored her features.

She had known for a while that Shi Feng had invested a ton of Coins in developing the Guild's Knight Division, but she had assumed they'd need a long time to amass and nurture so many Tier 3 NPCs.

During Shi Feng's visit to the western continent, she had felt they'd be lucky enough to gain an additional two or three hundred Tier 3 Knights, but contrary to her expectations, they had several times that.

With this many Tier 3 Knights, not even taking out an army of more than 10,000 Tier 3 players would be a problem, much less defeating the 6,000 Tier 3 Dark Players before them.

The reason was very simple. Not only were NPCs' Basic Attributes far higher than players of the same level and tier, but they also commanded a large number of Skills and Spells. Their Skill and Spell Completion Rates also triumphed over players. Moreover, as God's Domain underwent more system updates, NPCs' intellect and combat standards would improve. At Tier 3, NPCs could already, more or less, rival Refinement Realm experts, with some surpassing them.

This was why even Tier 3 players would receive a one-sided beating if they challenged Tier 3 NPCs.

Of course, the biggest difference between the two was NPCs' equipment standards!

Acquiring Level 100-plus Fine-Gold Weapons and Equipment was currently incredibly difficult for players, but even the weakest of God's Domain's Tier 3 NPCs, at least those not bound to players, wore full sets of Dark-Gold Equipment.

Most of Zero Wing's Tier 3 Knights, on the other hand, wore Epic Equipment. Even Tier 3 Void Realm experts would have to flee from these Knights, let alone Tier 3 Refinement Realm experts.

The surrounding 6,000-plus Tier 3 Dark Players unconsciously began to retreat. The major powers' upper echelons watched on with grim expressions, astonished.

None of them had ever thought Zero Wing's strength would be this frightening!

When they had learned, throughout their investigations, that Zero Wing had nearly 600 Tier 3 Knights, the prospect of dealing with the Guild had given them huge headaches. If they wanted to capture Stone Forest City, they knew they'd have to work with the main continent's various superpowers.

But not only had they just learned that Zero Wing had five Crimson Dragon Flying Ships, but it also had more than twice the reported Tier 3 Knights. Just how were they supposed to fight such a force?

Is this why he hadn't hesitated to give away 70% of Cold Spring Forest's resource spots? Realization dawned on Blue Rainbow as she watched Shi Feng.

She had thought the man was insane for giving up so much of Cold Spring Forest and increasing the competition between his Guild and the Dark World's various powers, but looking at it now, it seemed she had been sorely mistaken.

With so much combat power, no power or player in the Dark World would dare compete with Zero Wing for the remaining 30% of Cold Spring Forest. On the contrary, Dark Rhapsody and Deity Society would have a much harder time controlling their 70%. Most of the two Guilds' influence lay in the Dark World, and outside of it, they had barely any at all.

If the Dark World's players were too afraid to take a bite out of Zero Wing's resource spots, it would only be natural that they'd contest with Dark Rhapsody and Deity Society's territory instead.

"Damn it! How is this possible?!" Furious Heart felt as if he were going mad as he gazed at the thousand-plus Tier 3 NPCs behind Shi Feng. He couldn't fathom how Zero Wing had gotten its hand on so many, and every one wore excellent equipment, too.

Against such a force, not even an army of more than 10,000 Tier 3 experts would have an advantage. Moreover, the Tier 3 experts that had joined the invading army belonged to the various Guilds and adventurer teams. Commanding them like a proper army would prove very difficult. No one wanted to serve as cannon fodder and die a pointless death.

If the invading army had had an absolute advantage, overwhelming Zero Wing's experts with their numbers would've been easy, but now that there was such a radical difference between the two sides' strength, the various Guilds and adventurer teams' Tier 3 experts wouldn't be so keen to take action.

The 1,000-plus NPCs waiting for orders petrified the Dark World's players. They simply stared at Shi Feng and his NPCs in silence, stupefying Blue Frost's group.

Even the Hell Legion's members were astonished.

Before coming here, they had accepted their impending deaths. They had been massively outnumbered, after all. Even if they were more powerful individually, they wouldn't be able to kill enough players with their limited Stamina and Concentration. However, none of them had imagined that the situation would develop as it had. The army of several million, which had boldly marched into Cold Spring Forest, had come to a grinding halt, and none of the Dark World's players dared to step forward. Everyone stood frozen in front of the Teleportation Gate.

After the silence had dragged on for a while, Dawn Dominance emerged from the crowd, presenting himself before Shi Feng once more.

This time, however, the man didn't look down on Shi Feng. Rather, he appeared cautious.

"Guild Leader Black Flame, you truly are amazing! It's no wonder how you established Stone Forest City in Cold Spring Forest," Dawn Dominance said, applauding Shi Feng in admiration. "Since everyone here has recognized your display of strength, on behalf of the Dark World's various Guilds and adventurer teams, I will declare that we will not participate in Zero Wing's struggle against the various superpowers. Do you find this arrangement agreeable, Guild Leader Black Flame?"

While Dawn Dominance spoke, the various Guilds and adventurer teams' upper echelons nodded in agreement.

If Zero Wing had proven as weak as they had expected, they wouldn't have had a problem, but now that they saw how mighty the Guild was, they wouldn't fight it. Even if they worked with the main continent's various superpowers, capturing Stone Forest City was impossible. They'd only incur unnecessary losses if they faced Zero Wing in battle.

"Dawn Dominance! How can you do this?!" Furious Heart bellowed, enraged, when he heard Dawn Dominance surrender to Zero Wing.

To goad the Dark World's various powers into attacking Zero Wing, Demon's Heart had offered World Domination a plethora of benefits. However, now that the situation had turned south, Dawn Dominance had decided to give up.

With World Domination leading the Dark World's surrender, the Otherworld's other powers wouldn't target Zero Wing, either.

Before Furious Heart could continue to curse at Dawn Dominance, however, Shi Feng shook his head.

"Guild Leader Dawn, how many times must I repeat myself before you get it through your head? I am only here to notify you that Zero Wing will be managing the Dark World's Teleportation Gate from now on, and in the future, my Guild will collect a fee from anyone that wishes to use it. Have I been specific enough now?" Shi Feng asked the other Guild Leader. "I don't care if you wish to work with those superpowers against Stone Forest City or not."

Dawn Dominance, who had intended to say more, was speechless. Even Furious Heart, who had been angrily cursing in the distance, gaped at Shi Feng.

Is this guy insane? Dawn Dominance has already declared that none of us would target Stone Forest City, yet he insists on managing the Teleportation Gate. Does he really want to make the entire Dark World his enemy? When Magic Flash heard Shi Feng's response, he, too, was at a loss for words.

This was the best outcome Zero Wing could hope for, but rather than settling, Shi Feng insisted on owning the Dark World's Teleportation Gate. He was a madman!

Chapter 2564 - Crazy? Knight Division Take Action!

Does he really plan to start a war with the entire Dark World? Even Furious Heart, who wanted nothing more than Zero Wing and Shi Feng's annihilation, was confused by the Swordsman's actions. He even wondered if he had misheard the man.

Instead of settling for a peaceful outcome, Shi Feng continued to insist that he'd wrestle for control over the Dark World's Teleportation Gate. Even if they banded together, the various superpowers wouldn't dare threaten such a thing. In fact, they hadn't even harbored the thought.

The Teleportation Gate was basically the Otherworld players' lifeline, and if a foreign power took control of the gate, all of the Dark World's residents would be subjected to that power's whims. These Dark Players simply wouldn't allow such an outcome. They'd fight anyone who threatened to control the Teleportation Gate to the death.

This was why neither Demon's Heart nor the various superpowers had considered doing so. If they tried, not only would they fail, but they'd also throw their lives away in the attempt to control the Teleportation Gate.

And yet, Shi Feng didn't just consider it an option; he fully intended to succeed...

As Shi Feng finished speaking, the Dark Players around him erupted in an uproar.

"Is Black Flame insane? He's trying to take control of our world's lifeline!"

"We're already giving up so much by surrendering in the fight for Stone Forest City, yet Black Flame wants a mile after we've given him an inch! Does he really doubt that we'll attack Zero Wing?"

The fear the Dark World's various major powers and independent players had felt a moment ago vanished. Now, only fury flashed in their eyes. They all wanted nothing more than to show Shi Feng the consequences for his ignorance.

The Dark World players began to close in on Zero Wing's Guild Leader, their Tier 3 experts, who had decided to avoid a fight moments ago, were now more than eager to teach the Swordsman a lesson.

Seven thousand... Nine thousand... Ten thousand...

In less than a minute, more than 20,000 Tier 3 experts had surrounded Shi Feng. Every one of them glared, radiating rage and killing intent.

The Guild Leader's not serious, right?" Evening Lotus worriedly asked from beside Blue Frost as she watched more Tier 3 experts gather around them.

With the combined strength of Zero Wing's Tier 3 Knights, Tier 3 experts, and the Crimson Dragon Flying Ship, they could, at most, take on 10,000 Tier 3 experts at a time. Any more, and their risk of dying increased substantially. If they had to face all of the Dark World's Tier 3 experts, they'd be finished. Here, they didn't have the protection of Stone Forest City.

Moreover, NPCs were far more troublesome to resurrect than players. Generally, the various powers only used their NPCsw as a deterrent and avoided sending them into battle unless absolutely necessary.

"Are you serious, Guild Leader Black Flame?" Dawn Dominance asked after taking a deep breath, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. While he could ignore the struggle for Stone Forest City, he couldn't ignore Shi Feng's declaration to control the Teleportation Gate as it involved his Guild's continued development.

"Of course!" Shi Feng confidently replied.

He hadn't actually considered taking control of the Dark World's Teleportation Gate before today, but times had changed. He had developed his Knight Division far faster than expected, and it was now far stronger than it appeared.

Shi Feng wouldn't have been able to do anything about the situation if the Teleportation Gate had opened anywhere else. Since it had opened in Cold Spring Forest, where his Knight Division was based, however, he'd be a fool not to take advantage of it.

Due to the Dark World's nature, regular powers and players had an incredibly difficult time establishing themselves in the Otherworld. Not even the various Super Guilds were guaranteed success.

Yet, as luck would have it, the Dark World offered an extraordinary amount of attributed resources, and because of this, the various superpowers of his past had done everything in their power to ally with the Dark World's various powers. However, even after paying astronomical sums, those superpowers had only acquired a small number of attributed resources to use in crafting weapons and equipment.

If he were to let this opportunity slip through his fingers, he wouldn't likely find another.

"Good! It seems you've steeled yourself to make the Dark World your enemy, Guild Leader Black Flame!" Dawn Dominance said and smiled. "Since that is the case, show us what profound move you'll use to stop us!"

Dawn Dominance's head had begun to ache over surrendering his share of Stone Forest City's benefits. A few thousand Tier 3 experts were certainly no match for Zero Wing's current combat power. He'd need the Dark World's entire strength.

Normally, however, persuading his homeworld's major powers and independent powers to dedicate themselves to what was essentially a suicide mission would be impossible. Fortunately, Shi Feng had just given him the opening to succeed with an extremely persuasive bargaining chip—the Dark World's very future!

This would be more than enough of a reason for the Dark World's masses to combine their strength. Even if Shi Feng's group fell back to Stone Forest City, they wouldn't be able to stop the Otherworld's forces.

"Why are you still wasting time with him, Guild Leader Dawn?!"

"That's right! He only has a little over a thousand Tier 3 NPCs! Even if we die and lose a level, we can recover quickly and rejoin the fight! On the other hand, those NPCs will be gone for good once they're dead! Let's see if Black Flame keeps acting so arrogantly once we've gotten rid of his NPCs!"

The various powers' experts and independent players riled themselves up and charged at Shi Feng's group the moment Dawn Dominance finished speaking.

Over 20,000 Tier 3 experts and several hundred thousand Tier 2 players advanced, their footfalls shaking the entire valley.

Despite their bountiful combat experience, the Hell Legion's members grew nervous, watching the incoming force with grim expressions. This battle would be more terrifying than any they had participated in.

The Dark World's various powers didn't even prepare any of their trump cards. Relying solely on their numbers, the invading army could intimidate even God's Domain's various superpowers.

Moreover, some of the Dark Players used Tier 3 Defensive Magic Scrolls to cope with potential Tier 4 attacks. This greatly limited how effective the Flying Ships could be in this fight.

"Hahaha! Die! So what if you have over a thousand Tier 3 NPCs and five Flying Ships? None of them can reach their full potential in such a vast plain!" Furious Heart excitedly shouted as he watched the Dark Players swarm toward Shi Feng.

Every Dark Player participating in the army was an expert. They had long since familiarized themselves with large- scale combat and knew how to minimize the damage enemy AOE attacks could deal.

Furthermore, unlike in a siege, Zero Wing's forces didn't have a defensive magic array to hide behind. Once the two armies engaged, war weapons like the Crimson Dragon Flying Ships and large-scale destruction Spells would be nearly useless.

However, Shi Feng didn't mobilize his Flying Ships or instruct his Tier 3 magical class NPCs to cast large-scale destruction Spells as everyone had expected. He simply watched the Dark Players approach in silence.

"Have they forgotten how to attack, scared silly?"

"They must not have expected an actual fight, but it's too late for regret now!"

The Dark Players were confused when Zero Wing's forces remained motionless, but that didn't stop them in closing the distance.

One hundred yards... Fifty yards... Thirty yards...

"Fools!" When less than 30 yards separated Shi Feng's forces from the Dark Players, he swung a hand forward and shouted, "Attack!"

Suddenly, over 100 tall, brawny Ores geared with Epic Weapons and Equipment exploded forth, reaching the enemy's frontline in the blink of an eye. They brandished their swords and axes, cutting down the enemy Tier 3 MTs with speed and accuracy.

Skillfully responding to the Ore Knight's assault, the Tier 3 MTs raised their shields, effectively blocking the attacks. After a moment, however, every Dark Player was stupefied.

The instant the Ores' weapons slammed into the Tier 3 MTs' shields, every player that took a hit flew backward as if a giant boulder had slammed into them...

From afar, it had looked like the Dark World's army had crashed into an immovable wall. Not only had the army's advance ended in a grinding halt, but bodies flew above the rest of the force, as well.

Before these players fell to the ground, however, countless magic arrays appeared above, bombarding them with another series of attacks. The casters exhibited astounding control with their Spells, and the Spells themselves were unbelievably powerful. Every attack had as much power as Level 110 Mythic monsters.

Despite their Defensive Spells' protection, the targeted players lost every last HP in no time at all. Over a thousand Tier 3 players and several Tier 3 players had died in less than a second, leaving nothing but empty space among the tide of Dark Players. The Dark World's denizens hadn't even had a chance to retaliate... 

Chapter 2565 - Frightening Knight Division, True Despair?

Less than 10 seconds after the battle had begun, the Dark Players' confidence shattered.

The MTs on the frontline were bona fide Tier 3 players, and many of them were well-known experts in the Dark World. They had so much HP and Defense that they could stand there, unfazed, as other Tier 3 experts whaled on them.

And yet, these same Tier 3 MTs were dying too quickly for the rear line's healers to restore their HPs. They had lost their lives without any chance to retaliate...

For a moment, everyone watching wondered if those MTs had deliberately worn Bronze Equipment into battle.

Their opponents were only Level 120-plus, Tier 3 NPCs, and many of the Dark World's players had fought NPC cities' Tier 3 soldiers before. Although Tier 3 NPCs might have higher Basic Attributes and combat standards, the difference shouldn't be this massive.

Even Zero Wing's players were stunned.

The Tier 3 Knights had slain over a thousand Tier 3 players and several thousand Tier 2 players with a single round of attacks. Such a force would even give Super Guilds a painful headache, and putting an end to the battle would take quite a while. However, those Tier 2 and 3 Dark Players were little more than infants before the Tier 3 Knights. The two sides' combat power was on entirely different levels.

Only Shi Feng remained unperturbed.

His Tier 3 Knights only seemed to be 10 or so levels higher than the enemy's Tier 3 players on the surface. Logically, there shouldn't be such a huge gap between the two forces' strength, even if the Tier 3 Knights were fully armed with Epic Weapons and Equipment.

However, God's Domain's current players didn't know that there were significant differences among NPCs' combat power, even at Tier 3. One of the most obvious was the liberation of their Mana Bodies.

Unlike players, NPCs did not need to invest a large amount of time to unlock their Mana Bodies' potential after reaching Tier 3. Instead, they relied on their talent and Growth Potential. As long as Tier 3 NPCs had the required talent and Growth Potential, they could unlock their Mana Bodies immediately. Conversely, some failed to accomplish the feat throughout their lifetimes.

The applicants Shi Feng had accepted into his Knight Division were considered elites among NPCs. Their innate talent and Growth Potential were far superior to the soldiers in NPC cities. Hence, as soon as they reached Tier 3, they had unlocked their Mana Bodies' full potential. They hadn't needed to experiment as players did.

But what about God's Domain's current players? Most hadn't even started the process of unlocking their Mana Bodies, let alone unlocked them fully. They were ten years too early if they thought they could stand against Shi Feng's Knight Division.

Moreover, Shi Feng had employed plenty of Ores, Elves, and Giants. Their combat power was even greater than human NPCs of the same tier and level. For example, a Mysterious-Iron ranked Ore warrior could rival a Secret-Silver ranked human warrior.

Of the non-human members of Shi Feng's Knight Division, even the weakest had Mysterious-Iron Growth Potential...

Not even Tier 3 peak experts in full, top-tier equipment would last more than a few seconds against these NPCs, much less ordinary Tier 3 experts.

Before the Dark World's players could snap out of their daze, Zero Wing's Knights swept through them again. Like harvesting wheat, the Knights needed no more than three moves to slay the Dark Players, reaping their lives in the blink of an eye.

None had time for elegant or astonishing combat techniques on this battlefield. Only pure strength and terror reigned!

The first unit, consisting of more than 50,000 players, had been annihilated in less than two minutes, and over 6,000 of them had been Tier 3 experts. In contrast, Zero Wing hadn't lost a single Knight. In fact, they had hardly taken any damage...

Silence descended on the battlefield. The Dark Players that had eagerly charged into combat had begun to back away, one step after another.

"How is this possible?" Furious Heart, who had been preparing to join the fray, gasped when he saw the field of corpses.

He had assumed the Dark World's overwhelming victory had been assured; he had never expected the battle to end like this.

They were talking about more than 6,000 Tier 3 experts!

The horrific force could easily destroy a Guild City, yet before Zero Wing's Knight Division, those experts had been as weak as Common monsters.

"How do they have so much more combat power?"

Blue Rainbow and Elder Gold, who watched from afar, were just as shocked after watching the Knights obliterate the first wave of players.

They had thought Shi Feng's confidence had been a joke. They had never dreamed that his Guild was actually this strong.

When Zero Wing had refrained from using its Flying Ships, they had seen the decision as foolish. Looking at it now, however, that was not the case. Zero Wing had merely decided against using the ships because it didn't need them.

How could these 1,000-plus NPCs even be Tier 3 beings? They seemed more like Tier 4 Mythic monsters, and ones with incredibly high combat standards.

If the Dark World wanted to defeat such a frightening force, it would have to rely on its foundations. Otherwise, it didn't matter how many players they sent at those Tier 3 NPCs. All would perish.

How are these Tier 3 NPCs so strong? Dawn Dominance frowned after watching several thousand Tier 3 experts die. Gritting his teeth, he snarled, "Everyone, now is not the time to hold back! All Guilds and adventurer teams, use your trump cards and crush those NPCs! If we keep holding back, Zero Wing will take the Teleportation Gate!"

The various Guilds and adventurer teams' upper echelons immediately took action.

Zero Wing's Knight Division might be scary, but their members were no pushovers. Like Zero Wing, they had trump cards that could boost their combat power far above what they currently wielded.

One after another, the Guilds and adventurer teams activated their trump cards.

Tier 4 Summoning Scrolls!

Advanced Magic Barriers!

Tier 3 Personal Guards!

In less than a minute, more than 50 Tier 4 summoned creatures and 4,000 Tier 3 Personal Guards appeared on the battlefield, their combined aura making everyone in the vicinity shudder. The various superpowers' members watching the battle from a safe distance were especially flabbergasted.

The Dark World's Guilds and adventurer teams had just revealed their strength in its fullest.

Amazing! Truly amazing! No individual power can hope to stand against the Dark World! Furious Heart's heart pounded as he watched.

He had been shocked to see Zero Wing field over 1,000 Tier 3 NPCs, but that was nothing before the Dark World's full power.

"Excellent! Everyone, attack!" Dawn Dominance proudly ordered. "Annihilate Zero Wing and avenge our fallen brothers!"

As soon as they heard the command, the various Guilds and adventurer teams sent their Tier 3 NPCs and Tier 4 summoned creatures into battle. Not even they had thought their combined strength would be so terrifying.

Zero Wing's players began to panic a little. Now, the tides had turned.

But just as the Dark World's residents expected to see Shi Feng fall into despair, the person in question gazed upon the approaching NPC force and summoned creatures with an extraordinary calm before retrieving a small ring from his bag.

"Miniature World!" 

Chapter 2566 - Mouths Ajar

Seeing Shi Feng step forward and chant an incantation, Blue Rainbow and Elder Gold were stunned.

"He still wants to fight?" Confusion changed Blue Rainbow's expression when Shi Feng showed no intention of retreating.

The difference between their combat power was clear for all to see. The Dark World's invading army was far too strong for any individual power to stop.

Based on Shi Feng's behavior, however, he intended to stay in this fight. Blue Rainbow struggled to understand.

During its investigations, Dark Rhapsody had obtained quite a bit of detailed information on Zero Wing from the main continent's superpowers and knew the Guild had a plethora of astounding trump cards. The Ring of Gospel, a Domain treasure, was one of them. When activated on a large battlefield, it had proven miraculously effective. Not only did the Ring of Gospel have large AOE Skills, but they were also considerably powerful.

However, the ring's effects on this battlefield would be very limited. Zero Wing currently faced Tier 3 Personal Guards and Tier 4 summoned creatures, after all. They had incredible resistance to suppression effects.

Moreover, more than 50 Tier 4 summoned creatures had joined the fight. Even if the Ring of Gospel could suppress them, a measly 1,000-plus Tier 3 NPCs wouldn't be enough to stop them. The invading army also had over 3,000 Tier 3 Personal Guards to support it.

Even Graceful Monarch and Purple Rakshasa, who watched from a hidden location, were confused.

"What is Black Flame trying to do?"

"Is he going for broke?"

They had only come to get a glimpse of the Dark World's strength. They had never dreamed that they'd witness a large-scale war between Zero Wing and the Otherworld.

They had been unprecedentedly shocked after seeing Zero Wing's combat power. No one had expected the Guild to have the strength to stand up to a force that included every expert from an entire Otherworld. Moreover, Zero Wing had even successfully deterred the Dark World's experts. The Guild's strength was unbelievable.

When they recalled the relatively amicable relationship between their Extreme Light Shelter and Shelter One, they breathed a sigh of relief. If Zero Wing wanted to, its Knight Division alone was more than capable of flattening the entire Dark Den.

On the other hand, Zero Wing's current opponents were bona fide Tier 3 NPCs and Tier 4 Mythic monsters. With such a large difference between the two sides' combat power and numbers, retreating to Stone Forest City was the wisest move Zero Wing could make. Every one of those Tier 3 Knights was apart of Zero Wing's foundations, and if they were slain, Zero Wing would be crippled.

Zero Wing had already proven its strength. Once news of this battle spread, the various superpowers that wanted to capture Stone Forest City would back down. The Dark World's players and powers wouldn't underestimate Zero Wing again. In fact, they might even avoid offending the Guild's members in Cold Spring Forest.

While Graceful Monarch and Purple Rakshasa were fraught with confusion, something suddenly changed above the valley.

A phantom world gradually descended, growing as it grew closer to the valley floor. In less than three seconds, not only had the phantom world grown large enough to cover the battlefield, but it also enveloped the spectating players, including Graceful Monarch and Purple Rakshasa, in the distance.

The instant they felt the phantom world's power, both Graceful Moon and Purple Rakshasa felt out of tune with the world around them. It felt like they had become enemies with their surroundings. Not only had their physiques started to weaken, but they also lost a significant portion of their Basic Attributes.

The phantom world's power also seemed to affect the Tier 3 Personal Guards and Tier 4 summoned creatures. They had slowed considerably, and their auras even seemed significantly weaker.

"What did he do?" Blue Rainbow gaped, shocked when she realized how much the Tier 3 NPCs and Tier 4 monsters had been suppressed.

She had experienced Domains' effects before, which tended to be much weaker than magic barriers. The stronger the target was, the less the Domain would suppress it, yet Shi Feng's domain had destroyed everything she thought she knew about the mechanic.

Normally, not even Intermediate Magic Arrays could suppress Tier 4 monsters to this extent, but within Shi Feng's Domain, their auras had weakened considerably. This Domain could practically rival Advanced Magic Barriers, and it was so massive that it covered the entire valley. She had never heard of such a powerful Domain.

Before anyone could react, however, Shi Feng began another incantation.

"Ring of Brilliance!"

When he finished his chant, a light rippled across the battlefield, stunning every Dark Player in the area.

"Crap! This is cheating!" Magic Flash cursed aloud, glaring at Zero Wing's Knight Division.

The intensity of those Knights' auras had skyrocketed, and the combined energy made them feel as if they were truly a legion of Tier 4 monsters. The Knights' mental states had also visibly improved. They looked nothing like they had a few moments ago.

The sudden development caused an uproar among the various Guilds and adventurer teams' upper echelons, who commanded the Tier 3 Personal Guards and Tier 4 summoned creatures, and they halted their advance, exchanging looks. A deathly silence had fallen over the Dark World's invading army, and the passion and killing intent they had radiated was nowhere to be seen.

"Do you wish to continue this fight?" Shi Feng calmly asked after sweeping his gaze over the Dark Players before him. This time, not one Dark Player dared to speak up. They simply stared back with angry, reluctant looks.

Fight?

More like suicide!

Determined, they had revealed every trump card they had previously hidden, and yet, thanks to the Ring of Gospel's two Skills, they hadn't even shortened the gap between their strength and Zero Wing's. Rather, it had only grown...

Since no one responded to his question, Shi Feng turned to Dawn Dominance, who still succumbed to his shock.

"Guild Leader Dawn, since you can speak on behalf of the Dark World, may I know if you wish to continue this battle?" Shi Feng asked, smiling at the robust man.

Dawn Dominance's countenance turned ashen when he heard the question, and he was at a complete loss for words.

If he chose to fight, he'd be sacrificing himself and his Guild to oblivion. He had dispatched every Tier 3 Personal Guard World Domination owned for the sake of driving the other Guilds and adventurer teams into action. If just one of those NPCs died, his Guild would suffer a huge blow. If they all died, World Domination wouldn't survive.

However, nothing would remain of World Domination's hard-won prestige in the Dark World if he admitted defeat...

Chapter 2567 - Suppressing an Army of Millions

Upon hearing the question Shi Feng directed at Dawn Dominance, silence fell over the battlefield as the various powers' upper echelons turned to look at World Domination's Guild Leader, who served as the Dark World's representative.

Zero Wing's strength had far exceeded their expectations. The Guild possessed not only an incredibly strong Knight Division but also a Domain treasure capable of significantly suppressing even Tier 4 creatures. The combination of the two cards meant no power could threaten Zero Wing's Knight Legion at this stage of the game.

For a time, silence reigned over the Dark World's army of several millions because of Shi Feng's words. This situation stupefied Magic Flash and the others, who were spectating the battle from afar.

Arrogance?

Ignorance?

When Magic Flash and the others thought back to the opinions they had of Shi Feng, they realized how ridiculous those were. At the same time, they celebrated inwardly.

This was because they finally saw for themselves what a true monster was today.

Previously, in their opinion, single-handedly going up against thousands of enemies simultaneously could already be considered a legendary feat. In fact, 99% of the people who claimed to be capable of such a feat were undoubtedly spouting nonsense. As expert players, Magic Flash and his companions knew just how difficult it was to go up against thousands of enemies simultaneously, especially in a large-scale Guild War. The enemy side would definitely have numerous expert players amidst their forces. Trying to fight against thousands in such a situation ramped up the difficulty.

Now, however, not only did this legendary feat happen right before their very eyes, but the scale of this feat had even been magnified by one thousand!

Shi Feng had single-handedly suppressed an army of millions!

Due to just this one scene, they could say with certainty that the name of Black Flame would shake the entire Dark World in the future.

"Is he really human?" Purple Rakshasa's heart pounded rapidly as she took in the army of millions remaining motionless before Shi Feng. At this moment, she earnestly doubted Shi Feng was human.

He had intimidated several million expert players and several thousand Tier 3 NPCs!

Although Shi Feng's previous performance at the Extreme Light Shelter had already been plenty shocking, that feat was nothing compared to this.

Even standing a great distance away, she had still shuddered upon sighting the army of millions. Shi Feng, however, had single-handedly silenced these several million experts. The power and influence he wielded were simply inhuman.

"It seems Shelter One no longer has to worry about its development from now on," Graceful Monarch said, a bitter smile forming on her face as she gazed at Blue Frost, one of her rivals in the Dark Den.

Originally, Graceful Monarch thought that, with Crimson Emperor's help, the Extreme Light Shelter could surpass Shelter One in the Dark Den. In light of the turn of events, however, that was categorically impossible.

Zero Wing was a Guild capable of suppressing an entire world's players to the point where they didn't even dare to breathe. Once news of this feat reached the Dark Den, the experts that revered strength would definitely do everything they could to join Shelter One and Zero Wing. Moreover, Shi Feng had previously displayed extraordinary individual strength in the Dark Den. With these two factors combined, Shelter One would surely become a sacred land for Dark Den's experts.

After the silence on the battlefield persisted for some time, Dawn Dominance walked up to Shi Feng with an incomparably gloomy expression; the pride and fighting spirit he had before were nowhere to be seen now.

"Guild Leader Black Flame, this move of yours is indeed amazing. I'm afraid nobody ever thought that Zero Wing might actually possess so much hidden strength," Dawn Dominance said after taking a deep breath. "However, it is wise not to bum one's bridges. I admit that the Domain Skills you used are very powerful. However, these Domain Skills will only remain active so long as their user is alive. Once the user dies, the effects of the Domain Skills will disappear. The Dark World's army might not be a match for your army, but we have plenty of people. We have more than enough manpower to spare to kill you, the user of the Domain Skills.

"Of course, I also have to admit that we will suffer plenty of losses before we succeed. However, the final outcome is similarly one that you will not wish to see, Guild Leader Black Flame. Instead of suffering mutual destruction, why don't we each take a step back?

"Our request is very simple. So long as Zero Wing stops having designs on the Teleportation Gate, everything else is negotiable."

Upon hearing Dawn Dominance's suggestion, realization immediately dawned upon the Dark Players present.

"Guild Leader Dawn really is the best. How could we have forgotten such a thing?"

Due to the immense shock they felt before, one simple thing actually slipped their minds.

In God's Domain, magic arrays and Domain Skills required a user to sustain them. Domain tools were no exception. If they killed the player using the tool, then the tool would naturally lose effect.

Meanwhile, once the dark army no longer suffered under the effects of Miniature World' taking care of Zero Wing would be a piece of cake.

However, Dawn Dominance was also correct in that they would have to pay a huge price to annihilate Zero Wing if they continued fighting, and this was not something they wished to see.

The best solution now was for both sides to each take a step back.

"What if I refuse?" Shi Feng asked, smiling.

At Shi Feng's words, silence filled the battlefield once more.

"Lunatic! He's definitely a lunatic!"

"The Dark World has already taken a step back, yet he's still insisting on controlling the Teleportation Gate?! Is he really not afraid of losing everything?!"

The spectating experts of the various superpowers found Shi Feng's intransigence insane. Previously, the Dark World's offer to give up on participating in the superpowers' fight for Stone Forest City was already plenty shocking. Now, the Dark World was even willing to take another step back and provide Zero Wing with other benefits in exchange for Zero Wing giving up its designs on the Teleportation Gate. In the eyes of the main continent's various superpowers, this was an unbelievable opportunity—something any power would wish to obtain—yet Shi Feng had still rejected it without hesitation.

They had no doubt that this was the Dark World's bottom line. There would be no more concessions after this. If Shi Feng continued insisting on taking control of the Teleportation Gate, then Zero Wing really would enter an irreconcilable feud with the Dark World.

"Guild Leader Black Flame, do you really intend to drag Zero Wing into a fight to the death?" Dawn Dominance demanded as he tried to suppress the anger in his heart as much as possible. "You'll regret it if that happens!"

Zero Wing's strength thoroughly exceeded Dawn Dominance's expectations. If both sides continued fighting, the only outcome would be mutual destruction—an outcome he was not willing to see. After all, World Domination still needed to develop on the main continent. Without sufficient strength, its efforts would be futile. However, he never imagined that Shi Feng would actually be so stubborn as to refuse to take a step back even when given an excellent opportunity to do so.

"Guild Leader Dawn, there's no need to continue showing Black Flame any respect! Since he doesn't know how to appreciate goodwill, I say that we just teach him a lesson! At worst, we'll have a slower time developing on the main continent!"

"That's right! Since he doesn't want the goodwill we're showing him, let's just annihilate Zero Wing and be done with this! Let's see what he can do then!"

The Dark Players present similarly grew enraged at Shi Feng's response. They had already offered a huge concession to Zero Wing, a condition that even Super Guilds wouldn't dream of obtaining, yet Shi Feng had still chosen to reject it.

This rekindled the various powers' thoughts of annihilating Zero Wing.

"A fight to the death?" Shaking his head, Shi Feng said, "Guild Leader Dawn, you're overexaggerating things. In my eyes, it is, at most, negligible losses."

"Good! Since you wish to remain stubborn, you have only yourself to blame, Guild Leader Black Flame! Brothers, no need to hold back anymore!" Dawn Dominance snarled as he glared at Shi Feng in anger.

Negligible losses?

Such arrogance!

Shi Feng was simply too arrogant!

However, just as the Dark World's army was about to advance once more, Shi Feng made his move.

Unsheathing Killing Ray, Shi Feng executed a forward slash.

Lightning Slash!

A blue lightning bolt promptly streaked through the area before Shi Feng. A bystander would also see a pitch-black spatial tear following closely behind the lightning bolt. Without Dawn Dominance noticing, both the lightning bolt and spatial tear brushed past his body.

When the lightning bolt disappeared, the dozen or so Tier 3 experts in its path instantly lost all their HPs. An eighteen- meter-tall, Level 115 Mythic monster standing a short distance behind Dawn Dominance was also sent flying and crashing into a bunch of Dark Players.

For a time, deathly silence filled the battlefield.

Chapter 2568 - Dark World Defeated, Zero Wing Flourishes

After a short period of stunned silence, a gabble of confusion erupted as everyone present stared at Shi Feng in disbelief.

"What happened?"

"How did he send a Tier 4 summoned creature flying?"

"What did he do?"

Everyone present had seen Shi Feng's actions very clearly. In fact, they even felt that Shi Feng had moved very slowly.

However, nobody could wrap their heads around what had actually happened. All they had seen was Shi Feng executing a forward slash at the empty space before him and releasing a streak of blue light from his sword. And by the time they snapped out of their daze, the Tier 4 summoned creature that stood over 60 yards away from the Swordsman was already in the air.

"He sent a Level 115, Tier 4 summoned creature flying with a single hit?" Blue Rainbow wore a somber and confused look on her face as she gazed at Shi Feng. "Just how high are his Basic Attributes?"

From previous investigations, she knew that Shi Feng possessed ridiculously high Basic Attributes. Even Rebellious Thunder, who was a Demon Count and wielded the Magic Weapon Cruel Darkness, had only a slight edge on Shi Feng in this regard. Moreover, that was when Shi Feng was in his normal state.

In other words, even back then, Shi Feng's Strength Attribute should already rival that of Mythic monsters of the same level.

Now, however, Shi Feng had actually sent a Level 115 Mythic monster flying with his attack. Something was wrong with this situation.

After all, blocking an attack from a Mythic monster and sending a Mythic monster flying were two entirely different concepts!

Unless there was an enormous gap in Strength, it was impossible for one to send their opponents flying, yet not only did Shi Feng send a Mythic monster flying, but it was even a Level 115 Mythic monster. The current Strength he displayed was starkly different from what the reports mentioned.

How is this possible?" Furious Heart, who was spectating from afar, was similarly stunned by this situation. He had personally witnessed Shi Feng's Strength before. However, despite so little time having passed since their last meeting, Shi Feng could now actually send a Level 115 Mythic monster flying with his attacks.

For a moment, Furious Heart suspected that the Main God System was playing a prank on him.

With such frightening Strength, let alone Tier 3 NPCs, even Tier 4 NPCs would struggle to deal with Shi Feng. Needless to say, it would be a fool's dream to hope that a bunch of Tier 4 Mythic monsters would defeat him. Monsters generally had very low combat standards. In a situation where the difference in Basic Attributes was negligible, they would be no different from Common monsters in front of even ordinary expert players, let alone a Domain Realm expert like Shi Feng. If all 50-plus Tier 4 summoned creatures attacked the Swordsman, they would still have an incredibly difficult time inflicting damage on him.

Not to mention, Shi Feng still had a legion of Tier 3 Knights behind him.

"How did he get so strong?" Hell Rush, who stood among Zero Wing's forces, was similarly astounded as he looked at Shi Feng.

Ever since Netherworld Empire had partnered with Zero Wing, Hell Rush had been following beside Shi Feng almost every day. Hence, he had a very good understanding of Shi Feng's strength.

Moreover, Shi Feng had spent much less time grinding than Hell Rush. In fact, Hell Rush had rarely ever seen Shi Feng going out to grind for levels as the man was tied down by all sorts of Guild affairs.

In contrast, Hell Rush had been frantically grinding every day. And thanks to Stone Forest City's help, not only was he close to reaching Level 110 already, but he had even replaced two pieces of his equipment thus far. He had also achieved considerable progress in unlocking his Mana Body. Personally, he deemed that the gap in combat power between himself and Shi Feng should've shrunk by quite a bit.

However, contrary to Hell Rush's belief, not only had the gap in combat power not shrunk, but it had actually grown instead.

As for Dawn Dominance, who originally planned to ridicule Shi Feng for his arrogance and ignorance, he was stunned by this unexpected development as well. When he saw the Tier 4 summoned creature sprawled on the ground, his mind froze momentarily.

Dawn Dominance had known that Shi Feng possessed Basic Attributes rivaling those of Mythic monsters and that the man was considered a peerless monster in God's Domain. The Swordsman definitely wasn't an existence that ordinary experts could hope to contend with—even a group of Tier 3 peak experts wouldn't be his match.

However, what was up with the current situation?

How was Shi Feng just a peerless monster?

He was much stronger than even Zero Wing's nigh-invincible Tier 3 Knights!

In fact, killing several hundred of Zero Wing's Tier 3 Knights would be much easier than killing Shi Feng!

At this moment, only Shi Feng himself remained unfazed by the latest development.

In God's Domain, weapons played the biggest role in determining a player's combat power. The Abyssal Blade's recent promotion into a Fragmented Legendary Weapon had boosted Shi Feng's Strength beyond that of Level 115 Mythic monsters. With the Ring of Gospel's assistance, which weakened the dark army's Tier 4 summoned creatures and improved his own Basic Attributes by a significant margin, it was only natural that he could send a Level 115 Mythic monster flying.

"Guild Leader Dawn, do you still wish to continue?" Shi Feng asked the motionless man before him.

This time, Shi Feng did not speak that loudly. However, the Dark Players found his voice unusually ear-piercing and vexing. This was already Shi Feng's second time asking them this question. It was as if he was ridiculing them for their previous mockery of him, and they could not help but wish they could charge forward and kill Shi Feng right now.

Humiliation!

This was absolute humiliation!

Nevertheless, despite feeling greatly humiliated, none of the Dark Players present dared to speak up. Instead, they all stared at Dawn Dominance in silence.

Meanwhile, after Shi Feng repeated his question, an indescribably gloomy expression appeared on Dawn Dominance's face.

"Black Flame!" Dawn Dominance gnashed his teeth as he glared at Shi Feng. However, aside from calling out Shi Feng's name, he couldn't think of anything else to say.

In this situation, the upper echelons of the Dark World's various powers sympathized with Dawn Dominance despite themselves.

Previously, Dawn Dominance's bid to increase World Domination's influence in the Dark World through this war had exasperated the various powers present. This was especially true for Dark Rhapsody and Deity Society.

Currently, however, both Blue Rainbow and Elder Gold only felt pity for Dawn Dominance.

After all, Shi Feng was truly too vicious!

By deliberately repeating his question, not only did Shi Feng thoroughly humiliate Dawn Dominance, but Dawn Dominance also had no choice but to stomach this humiliation in silence.

"Guild Leader Dawn, if you wish to continue fighting, I won't object. Only, the outcome will not be within my control," Shi Feng said and shrugged as he looked at Dawn Dominance's enraged expression, indicating that he had no qualms whatsoever.

Upon hearing Shi Feng's words, the upper echelons of the Dark World's various Guilds and adventurer teams immediately grew nervous, and they all sent meaningful looks at Dawn Dominance.

The Zero Wing members and various superpowers' spectating experts present gaped in shock at this sight.

The Dark World that had once stricken fear into the main continent's various superpowers was now timorous after a few words from Shi Feng. If they were to retell today's tale, nobody would believe them. However, it had happened right before their very eyes.

Of course, the various superpowers' experts could sympathize with the Dark World's players.

The current battle involved the foundations of both sides. If the dark army perished, then the Dark World's various powers would lose all the fruits of their efforts, with nothing to show for it. This definitely wasn't an outcome they could accept.

"Guild Leader Black Flame, I admit that you are very powerful! The Dark World will give up on this Teleportation Gate! However, don't think you can feel pleased for long! You won't be able to defend this Teleportation Gate forever!" Dawn Dominance said after taking in a deep breath.

As soon as Dawn Dominance finished speaking, he turned around and walked back to the Teleportation Gate. He had no intention of staying in Cold Spring Forest for even a moment longer.

Upon seeing this, the members of the Dark World's powers promptly withdrew to the Dark World as well. None of them chose to remain in Cold Spring Forest. Only a few independent players decided to stay behind and take a look at the situation.

"Zero Wing won, just like that?"

Purple Rakshasa was stunned when she saw the Dark World's various powers retreating. For a moment, she felt as if she was dreaming.

Against an entire world's experts, Zero Wing had actually emerged victorious!

Chapter 2569 - Gathering for Nothing?

Cold Spring Forest, Stone Forest City:

As news of the Dark World's Teleportation Gate's opening had already spread across the entire Cold Spring Forest, the tension in Stone Forest City had increased, and many of the city's resident players had decided to leave and develop somewhere else. This development left the once bustling city quiet.

Stone Forest City's previously crowded main street now had less than half the players it originally did. Moreover, it was only because of the newly established Freedom Hotel that this many players chose to remain in the city. However, the majority of these players were actually experts belonging to the various major powers. Very few were independent players.

At this time, a group of cloaked players entered the Freedom Hotel's first-floor lobby, the appearance of these players triggering loud discussions among the other players there.

The reason for the strong reaction was the Secret Pavilion's experts guiding this group of nearly 100 cloaked players. Standing at the head of the Secret Pavilion's experts were the well-known Yuan Tiexin and a male Half-elf who looked to be in his forties.

"Amazing! Who are those people? They're actually being guided by an Elder of the Secret Pavilion!"

"Those people must be bigshots of superpowers. I recall that the Secret Pavilion is a shareholder of Stone Forest City. Now that the Dark World's players have entered Cold Spring Forest, Stone Forest City faces a very bleak future. Those cloaked people might be reinforcements the Secret Pavilion recruited."

"Reinforcements? What's the point of calling in reinforcements? That's an entire world we're talking about. That's not something any individual superpower can go up against. Even multiple superpowers working together won't be able to stop the Dark World's invasion."

The various major powers' experts in the lobby were eaten up with curiosity as they discussed the identities of the cloaked experts.

Nowadays, Stone Forest City was already a holy land for players who wanted to develop themselves. After all, the city boasted not only an incredibly high Mana density but also the Freedom Hotel, which greatly amplified the rate at which players accumulated the Double EXP buff. It was even rumored that the Freedom Hotel's top-floor rooms could accelerate the removal of foreign energy from one's body and increase the efficiency of one's training in combat techniques.

In the current era, where combat techniques had become more commonly available in God's Domain, the Freedom Hotel's functions held a fatal temptation to expert players. If a power could develop their expert players using the Freedom Hotel's functions over long periods, the development speed of said power would reach unimaginable heights.

Since the Secret Pavilion was one of Stone Forest City's shareholders, the Guild naturally wouldn't give up on the city without a fight.

Only, now that the Dark World's Teleportation Gate was open, the various major powers' experts found it inconceivable that any power could stop the Dark World's players.

"Please wait a moment. I'll go rent an advanced reception room," Yuan Tiexin said to the cloaked players behind him.

He went up to the front desk and presented a gold card to the receptionist there. And upon seeing the card, the various major powers' upper echelons were green with envy.

The Freedom Hotel's Gold Membership Card!

Due to the Freedom Hotel's amazing functions, the various major powers all sought membership in the Freedom Hotel, the higher, the better. However, doing so was incredibly difficult. Even now, those major powers had managed to gain only a Bronze Membership. If they wished to elevate their membership status to Silver, they would need to accumulate a large number of Contribution Points in the Freedom Hotel, which could be acquired only by selling rare materials and doing quests. Moreover, each player could sell only a limited amount of materials per day.

Meanwhile, a Gold Membership allowed players to rent the rooms on the Freedom Hotel's top floor.

While Yuan Tiexin was handling the rental procedures, the cloaked players standing behind him studied the Freedom Hotel's interior.

"So, this is Zero Wing's Freedom Hotel? This place really is amazing!" said a cloaked, male youth radiating dense darkness energy. He sighed ruefully when he sensed the density of the Mana inside the hotel and the Mana's effects. "It's no wonder Zero Wing dared to offend our Guild before."

"So what if Zero Wing dared to offend us? In the end, Zero Wing still lost to Vice Guild Leader Light," a Level 109 Elementalist standing beside the male youth and similarly radiating darkness energy said disdainfully.

This time, the Secret Pavilion had not only taken the initiative to invite the various superpowers that Demon's Heart had secretly partnered up with but also extended an invitation to Demon's Heart. One could easily imagine the direness of Zero Wing's current situation.

Unfortunately, even if the Secret Pavilion stepped forward this time, it couldn't do much to change the outcome of this war, as the various superpowers present were hell-bent on obtaining Stone Forest City.

As the two experts from Demon's Heart quietly conversed with each other, Illusory Words, who similarly stood among the cloaked players, wore a frown on her face.

"Illusory, it seems the chances of Zero Wing surviving are slim. So many superpowers have actually gathered to obtain Stone Forest City. I doubt even the Secret Pavilion expected such a development," the fierce man standing beside Illusory Words said, sighing.

The Secret Pavilion had invited all the superpowers targeting Stone Forest City to the negotiations. Crimson Emperor had estimated that six or seven superpowers, at most, had their eye on Stone Forest City. However, the actual number turned out to be more than ten. Even Battle Wolves, which had an irreconcilable feud with Demon's Heart, had decided to join in the fray.

If these superpowers banded together, they would have a minimum of 4,000 Tier 3 experts with very high combat standards. If they worked together with the Dark World's forces and attacked Stone Forest City from both the inside and outside, Stone Forest City wouldn't stand a chance.

Of course, the fierce man could also understand why the various superpowers were willing to go to such lengths to obtain Stone Forest City. After all, the advantages the city brought were simply amazing. This was especially true for the Freedom Hotel. No superpower would pass up the Freedom Hotel's benefits.

Moreover, Zero Wing had even taken the initiative to meet the Dark World's army at the Teleportation Gate. That was simply suicide. Now, even if all of the Five Great Super Guilds banded together, they still wouldn't be able to save Zero Wing.

At this moment, let alone Illusory Words and the fierce man from Crimson Emperor, even Yuan Tiexin, who had invited the various superpowers secretly targeting Stone Forest City, was surprised by this situation.

He never thought that there would be more than ten superpowers targeting Stone Forest City this time. Aside from Demon's Heart and Starlink, which bore deep hatred for Zero Wing, the superpowers included the Ten Saints Empire's Demon Palace, the Shadow World's Shadowless Empire, and the Super Guilds Battle Wolves and Pantheon. Not to mention, Mythology, one of the Five Great Super Guilds, which wasn't present among the superpowers he invited, was sure to be taking action in secret against Stone Forest City as well.

If all these superpowers worked together, they could shake the entire eastern continent, what more a measly Stone Forest City. For a moment, Yuan Tiexin could not help but doubt if the negotiations this time would truly yield any results.

Hahaha! Zero Wing is doomed now! Troubled Times, who had come with Flaming Light, could not help but grow ecstatic as he took in the various superpowers' representatives around him. With so many superpowers gathered here, even a Super Guild won't be able to stop the upcoming assault!

Previously, when Shi Feng had publicly executed Troubled Times in Demon City, not only did Troubled Times's strength diminish greatly, but his reputation in the Dark Den had also fallen into ruin.

Originally, Troubled Times thought that he wouldn't have an opportunity to get revenge on Zero Wing. However, his chance had come so quickly.

"Everyone, the reception room is ready. Please follow me," Yuan Tiexin said to the cloaked group behind him.

However, just as Yuan Tiexin was about to lead the group to the Freedom Hotel's top-floor reception room, a figure suddenly appeared before him. The other players present in the lobby gaped in shock at the development.

The players the Secret Pavilion invited might be hiding their identities, but they had not done anything to conceal their auras—and their auras made it clear that every one of these people was a peak expert or above. Anyone that dared to stand in their path had to be tired of living.

However, someone actually dared to do so. Moreover, this person was a woman wearing Zero Wing's Emblem, and her level was only a pitiful 100.

"Miss Melancholic, do you have business with us?" Yuan Tiexin asked in confusion. He had recognized this woman immediately.

This woman was none other than Melancholic Smile, the manager of Zero Wing's Candlelight Trading Firm as well as one of the Freedom Hotel's managers.

Yuan Tiexin had not intentionally tried to conceal the fact that he had invited the various superpowers for negotiations. And in his opinion, Zero Wing should have no reason whatsoever to stop him from doing so. After all, the Secret Pavilion was one of Stone Forest City's shareholders, and negotiating with the various superpowers could reduce the number of enemies Zero Wing would have to face.

Now, however, Melancholic Smile had suddenly appeared before their group.

"It's nothing important," Melancholic Smile said, shaking her head. "I'm just following the Guild Leader's instructions to relay a message to these people."

"Relay a message? Is he taking the initiative to hand over Stone Forest City's shares now that he knows he can't win?" Troubled Times asked, laughing in ridicule.

Upon hearing Troubled Times' words, the various superpowers' experts present also started laughing.

With things having reached this point already, wasn't it a little too late for regrets?

"Our Guild Leader has stated that if you wish to develop in Stone Forest City with peace in mind, then Zero Wing will welcome you with open arms. However, if you wish to meddle in Stone Forest City's affairs, you'd best return to wherever you came from instead of asking for trouble!" Melancholic Smile declared calmly as she swept her gaze across the players before her.