Chapter 966: Water Source Contamination! Despicable Tactics!
While Cassie was feeling melancholic—
Adasim's aura had already flared to the point that everyone nearby instinctively backed off.
The tall, world-class powerhouse now loomed like a mountain shrouded in shadow, his eyes glowing red.
Humiliation!
Total and utter humiliation!
He never imagined Ling Zhan's merit accumulation would be this fast!
Didn't he share a huge chunk of the Lemoris Fortress merit?
How could he still have so much left?
Combined with the recent battle at Demon Valley, it had rocketed him from who-knows-where straight into the top fifty!
Even knocking out someone like Adasim, a veteran of the leaderboard!
It was a disgrace!
An absolute disgrace!
The more he thought, the angrier he got.
The surrounding legion members could feel their commander's explosive aura—none dared approach or even glance at him for fear of being blamed.
Once Cassie was done being melancholic and saw Adasim in this state, her expression turned cold.
Others might fear Adasim—she didn't.
Not just because he was her simp.
But because she was also a world-class powerhouse!
"Adasim, enough! Stop with the tantrum. You're only embarrassing yourself more!"
"Instead of getting angry, you should focus on catching up."
"Otherwise, you'll lose the wager."
Cassie said flatly.
Adasim might ignore others, but when this witch spoke, he listened.
Not just because he liked her, but also because she was one of the Four Great Archmages.
Her strength was even slightly above his.
"Huff..."
Adasim let out a long breath.
He finally calmed down.
His eyes grew darker.
He'd made up his mind—
No more rest!
The war had just begun, and Ling Zhan was already applying pressure. He had underestimated this young non-specialist.
Back then, he thought a brat with no experience wouldn't know how to fight or command.
Clearly, he was wrong.
But whatever...
Starting now, he would march straight toward the Ten Thousand Demons Fortress!
He would conquer every camp, tower, and stronghold in the way at lightning speed!
Of course…
He wouldn't be so arrogant this time.
Though he won the Battle of the Abyss of Betrayal, it had cost him dearly.
And the Xuantian Legion soldiers who followed him were long-time guild members—he couldn't afford to keep losing them.
"Cassie! Help me!"
"I'll grant you one favor in return!"
Adasim turned to her.
Seeing him composed, Cassie chuckled.
Though her smile was a little mocking.
She shook her head. "Even if I help you, do you think that'll be enough to surpass him?"
That one line—
Made Adasim's newly restored calm shatter again.
What did that mean?
Did even Cassie doubt she could help him beat that non-specialist?
"Enough thinking."
"Just do your best."
Cassie said softly.
......
......
Meanwhile—
Trouble hit Demon Valley again.
Right after reinforcements from Lemoris Fortress arrived and took over the stronghold—
Before Ling Zhan could lead his army out, the giant river outside Demon Valley was suddenly contaminated.
Demon Valley sat in a low-lying area.
That massive blood-red river was the primary water source, flowing through the entire valley.
It wound uphill from plains to highlands.
Don't let the Ten Thousand Demons' filthy aura fool you—they still needed water.
All life depends on it.
Even magical energy production heavily relied on water elements.
This time, the enemy got clever.
They polluted the river upstream.
Poison, demonic energy—dumped straight in, turning it into a crimson ribbon bubbling with green froth.
Demon Valley immediately deployed priests and magical purification devices.
But it was no use…
They couldn't purify it all.
The river was just too vast. Human effort and basic purification spells weren't enough.
"These bastards are beyond disgusting!"
Many members couldn't help cursing.
Water shortages were now affecting camp life.
At the very least…
They'd been told they couldn't shower anymore.
Water had to be conserved until more could be supplied from Lemoris Fortress.
Though they grumbled, it was just venting.
Everyone knew war was ruthless.
For humanity and all other races, this war was righteous.
But to the Ten Thousand Demons, they believed they were in the right.
In war, nothing is off-limits.
Poisoning the upstream supply? Sadly, standard tactics.
"Looks like these demon bastards finally wised up..."
Ling Zhan's eyes were calm as he took in the scene.
When he took over Demon Valley and saw the river, he'd expected this.
That's why they'd stocked magical purification units in advance.
But now… they weren't enough.
"General Ling Zhan, scouts report that tens of thousands of kilometers upstream lies a place called Tianxing City..."
"That's where the Ten Thousand Demons built a stronghold, dumped poison, and used water-element experts to rush the flow downstream..."
Clodas gave a quiet report.
Ling Zhan stood up without hesitation. "Change of plans—take Tianxing City first, then advance into the Dark Magic Forest!"
"Yes, sir!"
Clodas and Aivina both nodded, fired up.
Clearly, another battle for merit was coming!
Orders were issued.
The Amethyst and Demon-Slaying Legions geared up immediately.
Then, under Ling Zhan's command, they surged toward Tianxing City on the highlands.
Worth mentioning...
Along the way, they encountered multiple Ten Thousand Demons towns.
As mentioned before, while the Ten Thousand Demons looked monstrous to lower-realm races—
They had their own history and culture.
Those towns were home to Ten Thousand Demons civilians.