The Warlords

Two days passed in the blink of an eye.

The main hall of Black Island grew increasingly crowded.

Everything on the island was prepared, and an air of fierce determination permeated the ranks. Even though the Heavenly Dragon Mermen were terrifyingly powerful, Black Island had never been more united.

At this critical moment of life and death, the island’s leaders cast aside their past grievances. The three visiting elders were treated as close allies, blending seamlessly with the crowd, their occasional conversations echoing through the hall.

"Elder Xu, have you ever fought the Heavenly Dragon Mermen before?"

"To my shame, I’ve cultivated for over twenty thousand years, mastering blades, swords, and aerial techniques, but I’ve never excelled in naval combat. Nor have I witnessed the might of the Heavenly Dragon Mermen. I fear this battle may be dire!"

"Elder Xie, do you stand a chance?"

"The Heavenly Dragon Mermen are formidable warriors. How could I dare boast?"

"Even you two esteemed elders are so humble—this will surely be a bloody battle!"

After this round of tactical modesty, the North Sea Emperor and the Crab Sovereign began an exaggerated display of reverence, stirring waves of awe and fear among the crowd. They even threw in a few self-deprecating remarks, deftly shifting all blame onto the Heavenly Dragon Mermen.

Though the gathered cultivators were weaklings in their eyes, the three elders now treated them like kin, as if they were all part of the same family.

These three were no fools.

Their grandstanding wasn’t for the crowd—it was a performance meant for Yi Feng’s ears. That was why they could afford to be so humble and patient.

What seemed like casual chatter was, in truth, a masterful infiltration into human ranks. They had successfully positioned themselves as Yi Feng’s followers!

If not for each other’s presence keeping them in check, they might have even convinced themselves of their own act.

Laughing and exchanging pleasantries, the trio carried themselves like venerable human elders, their sea-born origins completely concealed beneath an air of scholarly refinement.

Even Yi Feng occasionally approached them for information.

A few exchanged words left the three elders overjoyed, feeling as though they had secured a firm grip on a massive lifeline!

Just as the atmosphere reached its peak, urgent news erupted from the hall’s entrance!

"Reporting to Master Yi and the Island Lord!"

"Disaster approaches! The sea surges with waves ten thousand feet high, and dark clouds roll across the sky, pressing toward Black Island from the east! Heavenly Dragon Mermen are visible among them—their might far surpasses anything we’ve seen before!"

The urgent shout sent shockwaves through the hall.

The dreaded Heavenly Dragon Mermen had arrived!

Yi Feng’s heart surged with excitement. With a sweep of his hand, he strode forward.

"Let’s take a look!"

As he marched out, Shi Tianchuan and the others hurried after him. The three elders blended into the front ranks, feigning tension.

When the group stepped outside and looked up, the sky had transformed.

Dark clouds loomed overhead, casting the world into premature night. Towering fish-men wreathed in lightning glared down from the heavens, their oppressive aura thick with the stench of blood. The sheer pressure alone was suffocating!

Even at high noon, darkness reigned.

Yi Feng’s eyes narrowed as he studied the shadowy figures standing atop the clouds.

The four leading mermen, clad in jade armor and wielding spirit halberds, radiated an extraordinary presence. Lightning itself seemed to shy away from them, as though they were deities from the legends of his past life.

Just as his curiosity peaked, the ever-attentive Crab Sovereign stepped forward with a bow.

"Master Yi."

"Those four armored mermen at the front—they must be the legendary Four Dragon Generals! With their appearance, it’s almost certain that the Dragon Emperor Ao Budong leads this assault in person!"

The hushed words sent murmurs rippling through the crowd.

The Four Dragon Generals themselves had come? And the Dragon Emperor was descending upon Black Island?!

No one had expected the battle to escalate so swiftly. The Heavenly Dragon Mermen were going all out from the very start!

The fight for survival had begun!

While the others paled under the overwhelming pressure, Yi Feng’s eyes gleamed with anticipation.

Honestly, he wasn’t too interested in these four oversized fish.

The Dragon Emperor was coming soon.

Why waste time on generals?

No matter how he looked at it, the Dragon Emperor had to be stronger. When the fight began, the experience points would surely be higher—and there might even be a chance to get himself killed!

To be safe, he glanced back at Elder Xie.

"Friend."

"Are you absolutely sure the Dragon Emperor is coming? Is this intel reliable?"

The Crab Sovereign nodded gravely.

"Beyond any doubt!"

"By tradition, the Four Dragon Generals lead the vanguard. Only the Dragon Emperor commands such a formation. Their presence confirms it—Ao Budong is leading this assault himself!"

"This old one has studied the Heavenly Dragon Mermen’s ways for years, seeking vengeance. I cannot be mistaken!"

Reassured, Yi Feng clasped his hands behind his back and waited calmly for the Dragon Emperor’s arrival.

His unshakable composure soothed the panicked crowd. If even the Four Dragon Generals couldn’t faze him, perhaps there was hope after all.

The subtle question also gave the Crab Sovereign pause.

As a centuries-old schemer, he immediately caught the underlying meaning.

Master Yi… seemed interested only in Ao Budong.

Of course.

This was the master of the Skeleton Lord—a being of unfathomable power!

What were mere Dragon Generals compared to him?

Even Ao Budong would count himself blessed to die by Master Yi’s hand. It’d be a story worth boasting about in his next life!

As tension hung thick in the air, thunder suddenly split the sky. A furious roar shook the land for thousands of miles!

"Insolent humans! You dare defy the might of the Heavenly Dragon Mermen?!"

"Today, the Dragon Emperor leads us in conquest! We, the Four Dragon Generals, are his vanguard! You lowly creatures are but ants—your deaths are inevitable! Surrender now, and we may grant you the mercy of intact corpses!"

The deafening proclamation sent a wave of oppressive force crashing over Black Island.

Even with all their elite fighters assembled, not a single soul dared to face it alone. Gripping their weapons, they stood frozen under the overwhelming pressure.

Yi Feng frowned.

He’d been waiting for the big boss, but these underlings had the audacity to start barking first—and with such arrogance!

How could he tolerate this?!

Screw waiting—he’d deal with them now!

Just as he prepared to step forward, the Crab Sovereign suddenly bowed and spoke up.

"Master Yi."

"These Four Dragon Generals are far too insolent, daring to belittle humanity like this! Allow this old one to face them first!"

Before Yi Feng could react, the elder’s fiery spirit took him by surprise.

The other two sea-born giants, however, immediately caught on.

Right!

They’d worked so hard to earn Master Yi’s trust—how could they let these Heavenly Dragon Mermen scum dirty his hands?

Were they even worthy of facing him?

But if they took care of these trash themselves, wouldn’t that be the perfect show of loyalty?

That crafty old crab—always one step ahead!

Snapping to attention, the two elders hastily stepped forward with bows of their own.

"Master Yi, let this old one fight instead!"

"No, Master Yi, I am the most suited for this!"

The sudden competition left Yi Feng utterly baffled.

After a moment’s thought, it clicked.

These elders had crossed oceans to seek vengeance against the Heavenly Dragon Mermen. Now that their enemies stood before them, of course they’d be eager to fight!

It was only right to let them have their chance.

But these three were white-haired old men, while the mermen above were towering and fierce.

The mismatch seemed obvious.

Even if their cultivation was strong, Yi Feng couldn’t help but worry. After a brief hesitation, he offered a cautious suggestion.

"I understand your thirst for vengeance."

"You may fight, but don’t take this lightly. There’s no need to argue—why not go together? If any of you struggle, the others can lend support."

"If you’re outmatched, remember to retreat at once!"

The three elders bowed solemnly, their expressions resolute as they accepted his words.

"Thank you, sir. Though we are advanced in years, we still possess some cultivation. We will never bring shame to our human race!"

With those words, the three immediately soared into the sky!

Rain fell like pearls, their white hair whipping wildly in the storm!

The aged figures fearlessly pierced through the clouds, their heroic ascent filling the onlookers with solemn admiration.

"Elders, you must return to us safely!"

Alas.

The three had already ascended beyond the clouds, the cheers and shouts growing ever more distant.

Under the rolling dark clouds,

Only the hulking fish-men stood towering above, looking down with contempt. Seeing that the humans had sent three old fools to their deaths, the four Dragon Generals laughed until their long whiskers trembled, their eyes brimming with disdain!