Under the cover of the barrier formation, the demon army of Blossom Mountain once again clashed in brutal close-quarters combat with the monk legions, blood raining down in torrents.
Commanding their own divisions, King Bullhorn, Nine-Headed Wyrm, and Shortbeak braced the monk legions from three flanks, shielded by Blossom Mountain’s formation. The other units rapidly redeployed, plunging the battlefield into a deadlock.
But how long can a wall built of flesh and bone truly hold?
Shortbeak stood on the flagship’s deck, eyes wide with anxiety.
Beside him, Lindsay seemed composed, but her eyes darted constantly between the five demon kings’ divisions, her hand clenched tightly within her sleeve.
Nigel Wyrm should be fine, but detaining Princess Marina Azurewave was a bit much. As for those five…
"Do you think we can withstand them?" Lindsay asked softly.
Ahead, a wave of ten thousand monks triggered the formation’s trap, caught between shields on all sides. King Macaque and King Gloomape’s forces closed in from both flanks, slaughtering them with ruthless efficiency.
With the formation’s support, the battle was far more effective than before. At the very least, the enemy’s assaults now came at a steeper cost.
"We should be able to…" Shortbeak frowned and sighed. "Given the current situation… it’ll be difficult. Buddhism isn’t as simple as we thought."
You must realize, if Nigel Wyrm dies and Blossom Mountain falls, Princess Marina Azurewave and her unborn child will be left alone. If you force Nigel to choose between the demon race and his family, what do you think he’ll decide?
Shortbeak paused, then let out a helpless laugh and shook his head.
It may be the right thing to do, but is it truly good?
"He’s a good husband, but he’s certainly not a good commander. I had no other choice." Lindsay said quietly.
Swallowing hard, Shortbeak whispered, "I’m not much of a commander either. I’ve never been up to the task… It’s always been the Holy Mother supporting us. Without her, I wouldn’t have lasted as marshal."
There are always things beyond our control. Even Heaven itself loses to time… Our journey is far from over.
A Luohan collided violently with King Bullhorn, sparks flying, the crash echoing thunderously.
Gazing at the battlefield ablaze with spiritual power, Shortbeak murmured, "You should evacuate while you still can. If you wait too long, you’ll never get out. Someone has to survive to prepare for the future. Who knows if the Holy Mother will ever return, or if the Great Sage… Only you are truly suited. Blossom Mountain must endure, even if not here."
Casting a glance at the Blossom Mountain demons still retreating in all directions, Lindsay sighed softly, "One person isn’t enough. That’s why we have to hold out and buy more time."