Chapter 644: You want me to surrender? Dream on!

Lu Yu stood by a bamboo forest on the back mountain of Shrek Academy. The breeze blew, and the bamboo leaves rustled. The sunlight shone through the gaps onto his handsome face, reflecting a faint smile.

His eyes fell on a pretty figure not far away. Meng Yiran was holding an exquisite wooden box, her brows slightly furrowed, as if she was thinking about something.

"Sister Yiran, do you like this herb?"

Lu Yu walked over slowly, his voice gentle and a little teasing.

Meng Yiran looked up when she heard the voice and saw Lu Yu. A hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, but then turned into confusion.

She gently opened the wooden box, and inside lay several crystal clear spiritual herbs, emitting a faint medicinal fragrance that was refreshing.

She couldn't help but exclaim, "This... is this the Hundred-Year-Old Ice Heart Grass and Purple Jade Ginseng? Lu Yu, where did you get them? These herbs are priceless!"

Lu Yu waved his hand, his smile unchanged: "It's just a small gift, just right for your grandfather to recuperate.

Why, Sister Yiran thinks it's inappropriate?"

Meng Yiran quickly shook her head, her tone somewhat hurried: "It's not that it's inappropriate, it's just too expensive! How can I just accept it? Lu Yu, tell me honestly, is this herb related to that pharmacy?"

She paused and stared at Lu Yu with a bit of inquiry.

Lu Yu chuckled and said without hesitation: "Since you asked, I won't hide it from you.

The pharmacy is managed by my people, so these herbs naturally come from there."

When Meng Yiran heard this, her pupils suddenly shrank, as if she had heard something incredible.

She took a deep breath, her tone filled with shock: "The pharmacy... is actually managed by your people? Lu Yu, you've only been away from Shrek for two years, how come... you already have such a powerful influence? This is too exaggerated!"

Lu Yu looked far away, as if recalling something, and said slowly: "In the past two years, I have traveled to many places and encountered many opportunities.

It sounds complicated, but it is actually achieved step by step.

Sister Yiran, haven't you become much stronger? Your soul power is almost catching up with mine."

Meng Yiran was interrupted by him, and a blush appeared on her face. She said angrily, "Don't change the subject! I'm not as exaggerated as you.

Back then, you were just a kid who had just entered the academy, but now, even a giant like the Pharmacy is related to you."

She paused, her tone softening a bit, "However, thank you for the herbs. My grandfather hasn't been feeling well recently, and these will be of great use to him."

Lu Yu waved his hand, his tone sincere: “It’s a gift for grandpa, so don’t refuse it.

Come to think of it, I haven't seen Mr. Meng for a long time. How is his health now? "

A trace of worry flashed across Meng Yiran's eyes, and he sighed, "Grandpa is old and has many old injuries. He's been coughing a lot lately, and his soul power isn't flowing smoothly.

I was just worrying about how to find some good herbs for him, and you brought them here."

She looked at Lu Yu with a little more gratitude in her eyes, "Lu Yu, I accept your gift, but don't spend so much money in the future."

Lu Yu smiled, a sly look flashing in his eyes. "That won't do. I have to give the best gifts. Otherwise, how can I show my sincerity? Oh, Sister Yiran, I have a request."

Meng Yiran was stunned for a moment, then raised an eyebrow and asked, "What's your request? Tell me about it."

Lu Yu's tone became more serious: "Three months later, I want to visit Mr. Meng. Can you take me to see him then?"

Meng Yiran thought for a moment and nodded, "That's no problem. Grandpa has always liked you and said you are a promising young man.

I'll take you there when the time comes."

She paused and couldn't help asking, "But what are you looking for grandpa for? Are you going to do anything big again?"

Lu Yu smiled mysteriously: "You will know when the time comes.

Anyway, Sister Yiran, thank you very much."

Meng Yiran looked at his confident look, feeling curious yet helpless, and shook her head, "You are always so mysterious.

Forget it, I'll take you there in three months, don't keep me in suspense."

Lu Yu laughed, his eyes softening: "Okay, then it's settled."

The two smiled at each other. The atmosphere in the bamboo forest was warm and peaceful, as if all the troubles in the outside world had nothing to do with them.

However, war clouds were quietly gathering in the distance.

At the same time, inside the Wuhun Empire's palace, the atmosphere was completely different.

In the magnificent hall, Bibi Dong sat on a high platform, her majestic gaze sweeping over Hu Liena and Xie Yue, the siblings, who were standing below.

Her voice was cold and majestic: “The Xingluo Empire has surrendered to our Wuhun Empire and its strength has greatly increased.

This time we send troops to the Garo Empire, we must demonstrate the power of our empire.

Hu Liena, Xie Yue, the two of you will lead the First and Second Legions and strive for a swift victory."

Hu Liena, dressed in a gold and red battle robe, looked heroic and valiant. She bowed and replied, "Yes, Master! I will definitely fulfill your orders!"

Xie Yue stood aside, his handsome face showing a hint of solemnity, and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, don't worry, although the Jialuo Empire has some background, it is definitely not the enemy of our Wuhun Empire.

This battle must be won! "

Bibi Dong nodded slightly, her gaze lingering on Hu Liena for a moment, and she said meaningfully, "Nana, remember to prioritize the overall situation and don't be swayed by personal emotions."

Hu Liena's heart trembled, and she lowered her head and said, "Disciple understands. The interests of the Wuhun Empire must be put first."

The atmosphere in the hall was heavy. Xie Yue glanced at Hu Liena, and a hint of worry flashed in his eyes.

After the two of them left the hall, Xie Yue finally couldn't help but speak: "Nana, you're still thinking about him, right?"

Hu Liena paused, turned around and looked at Xie Yue with a complicated look: "Brother, what do you mean?"

Xie Yue frowned and said in a low voice: "You know who I'm talking about.

Lu Yu is no longer the Lu Yu of the past. His current power cannot be underestimated, but don’t forget that he has a different stance from the Wuhun Empire.

You are the teacher's disciple, the Holy Maiden of the Wuhun Empire, how could you..."

"enough!"

Hu Liena interrupted him, her voice a little cold, "I know what I'm doing.

I have my own judgment and don't need you to remind me."

Xie Yue wanted to say something else, but saw Hu Liena had turned and left, with a determined look on her back.

He sighed and murmured, "Nana, neither you nor I can forget the teacher's kindness..."

Hu Liena didn't look back and walked towards the military camp with firm steps.

Lu Yu's face flashed through her mind, but she quickly shook her head and whispered, "Lu Yu, this time, we are destined to be enemies."

Ziai Pass, the border of the Garo Empire.

This dangerous pass is located between mountains, with high walls, making it easy to defend but difficult to attack.

Inside the pass, the level 89 Soul Fighter Pan Shan, wearing armor, stood on the city wall, gazing into the distance with a serious look.

The news that the Wuhun Empire had dispatched troops had already spread, and the entire Jialuo Empire was preparing for battle, mobilizing troops and generals.

"Report——!"

A scout came running over, panting, "General Pan, the Wuhun Empire's First and Second Legions have arrived outside the Great Wall. They have about 50,000 elite soldiers and many spirit masters. They are led by Hu Liena and Xie Yue!"

Pan Shan frowned and said in a deep voice, "Fifty thousand elite troops? How many soul masters are there?"

The scout swallowed his saliva, his voice trembling: "At least... three thousand soul masters, among whom there are no less than ten soul masters!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the faces of the soldiers on the city wall changed drastically.

Pan Shan clenched his fists and gritted his teeth, saying, "The Wuhun Empire is indeed coming with great force.

Pass the order down, prepare the entire army for battle, and never let the enemy take even a single step inside the pass!"

"Yes!"

The soldiers responded in unison, their morale high.

In the distance, the Wuhun Empire’s army was like a dark cloud looming, with flags waving and momentum as high as a rainbow.

Hu Liena, dressed in battle robes, stood in front of the army, scanning the towering walls of Ziai Pass with a cold gaze.

Xie Yue beside her whispered, "Nana, the terrain of Ziai Pass is dangerous, and Pan Shan is a fierce general. This battle will not be easy."

Hu Liena sneered, "Even if it's not easy, we must fight! The reputation of the Spirit Empire must not be tarnished!"

She turned her head and looked behind her, shouting, "Soul Cannon ready!"

With an order, dozens of soul guides and soul cannons were pushed forward, with cold light flashing from their muzzles.

Seeing this, Pan Shan's pupils shrank sharply. "Is that... a soul guide? The Wuhun Empire actually has such a weapon!"

"Pan Shuai, what should we do?"

The deputy general asked anxiously.

Pan Shan gritted his teeth and said, "Order the archers to prepare, and activate the soul defense at full power! No matter what, defend the pass!"

Seeing the guards at the pass on full alert, Hu Liena's eyes flashed with disdain, and she shouted, "Pan Shan, I am Hu Liena, the Holy Maiden of the Wuhun Empire, and I am here to conquer the Jialuo Empire on His Majesty's orders! If you surrender, you can save the lives of your entire army. If you resist to the end, I will make the Purple Pass a river of blood!"

Pan Shan stood on the top of the city wall and shouted loudly, "Hu Liena, don't even think about shaking the morale of our army! Ziai Pass is the gateway to the Jialuo Empire. I am here, and you will never dare to cross this line!"

Hu Liena snorted coldly and waved her hand, saying, "In that case, attack!"

"boom!"

The soul cannons roared in unison, and dozens of soul power beams bombarded the city wall. The soul power defense light curtain of Ziai Pass trembled violently, and the defenders exclaimed in surprise.

Pan Shan roared, "Archers, release your arrows! Soul Masters, meet the enemy!"

In an instant, arrows rained down, soul power and light intertwined, the vanguard soul masters of the Wuhun Empire rushed towards the city wall like a tide, and the soul douluo masters soared into the air, and the soul skills shone brightly.

Pan Shan took action personally, his soul ring blossomed, and he faced a Soul Douluo from the Wuhun Empire. The two sides fought fiercely, and the fluctuations of soul power shook the earth.

Hu Liena watched coldly and said in a deep voice, "The First Legion will follow me in the charge, and the Second Legion will cover the soul cannons. We must break through today!"

Xie Yue frowned and whispered, "Nana, the soul cannon consumes a lot of energy. If we can't take the city for a long time, the logistics will be difficult to support."

Hu Liena's eyes were determined. "No problem, let's fight quickly and decisively! Pan Shan may be strong, but facing our Soul Fighter lineup, Zi Ai Pass will definitely be broken!"

The night was as dark as ink, and the flickering flames on the walls of Ziai Pass reflected a solemn and murderous atmosphere.

The roar of the soul cannons rose and fell, making the valley buzz. With the help of Master Fu's soul power, the guarding side's light curtain barely withstood the tidal wave of the Wuhun Empire's offensive.

On the city wall, Pan Shan was wearing armor and his face was weathered, but his eyes were as sharp as an eagle, staring at the dark enemy camp in the distance.

The generals around him had different expressions, some gnashed their teeth, and some looked worried.

"General Pan, the Spirit Empire's soul cannon is too powerful. I'm afraid the light curtain won't last long!"

A deputy general couldn't help but speak, his voice filled with anxiety, "We don't have many men to begin with, and we just lost 30% of them in battle. What should we do next?"

Pan Shan was silent for a moment, his gaze withdrawing from the distant enemy troops, and slowly sweeping over the generals around him, "Everyone, Zi'ai is the throat leading to the capital. If we lose it, the consequences will be disastrous.

Although Master Fu's light curtain is powerful, it is not a long-term solution.

How should we respond, you ask?

A bearded general slammed the city wall and shouted angrily, "General Pan, let's fight! These scoundrels from the Wuhun Empire have gone too far. Brothers, we would rather die in battle than surrender!"

"Death in battle?"

Another general frowned and sneered, "General Zhang, you are indeed heroic, but with our limited numbers, how can we fight against the Spirit Empire's Spirit Master Corps? Don't forget, they have that enchanting woman Hu Liena in command, and they have the support of Titled Douluo behind them! In my opinion, it is better to retreat for the time being, conserve our strength, and make plans after reinforcements arrive."

As soon as these words were spoken, there was an uproar on the city wall.

Some people agreed, some people scolded, and the atmosphere suddenly became tense.

Pan Shan raised his hand, signaling everyone to be quiet, and said in a deep voice: "Whether it is retreat or fighting to the death, it is not a trivial matter.

I will consider this carefully tonight. Please go back and rest, and we will discuss this tomorrow morning."

The generals looked at each other and finally dispersed.

Pan Shan stood on the city wall, facing the night wind, gazing into the distance with deep eyes.

At this moment, a figure came from a distance, wearing a golden and red battle robe, looking heroic. It was Hu Liena, the Holy Maiden of the Wuhun Empire.

Behind her, several soul masters gathered together, looking very imposing.

"General Panshan!"

Hu Liena's voice was clear and cold, with a hint of teasing, "Zi Ai is already at the end of its rope, and you and I both know it.

If you surrender now, I can guarantee the lives of your soldiers and let you continue to be in charge of this pass.

Otherwise, when we capture the city tomorrow, no one will be left alive!"

Pan Shan snorted coldly, a trace of disdain flashing in his eyes, "Hu Liena, stop talking nonsense! As long as the Purple Pass is in my hands, the Spirit Empire will never be able to take a single step forward! You want me to surrender? Dream on!"

A cold light flashed in Hu Liena's eyes, but a meaningful smile appeared on the corner of her mouth, "Okay, General Pan is indeed a man of integrity.

Then I'll give you one night to think it over carefully.

I will wait for your reply tomorrow morning."

After saying that, she turned and left, with the flags of the Soul Master Corps behind her fluttering in the night wind.

Late at night, Pan Shan returned to the tent, summoned his personal guards, and whispered, "Go, call An'er."

Soon, Pan An walked quickly into the tent.

The young man was only seventeen or eighteen years old. His features bore some resemblance to Pan Shan, but he had a bit more youthful vigor.

As soon as he entered the tent, he hurriedly said, "Father, what is your command for me? The Wuhun Empire is aggressive, and I am willing to follow you into battle and destroy them without a single piece of armor left!"

Pan Shan looked at his son, a complicated look flashing in his eyes, and said in a deep voice: "An'er, this battle is dangerous. It is still unknown whether Ziai can be defended.

You don't need to say anything more. Take this letter and immediately set off for the capital to hand it to His Majesty personally."

Pan An was stunned. He took the envelope and frowned. "Father, what do you mean? We are in great need of people now. How can I leave? Although I am not talented, I am willing to do my best for Ziai!"