A Man Without Might Cannot Stand

Outside, no sooner had Fifth Brother’s voice faded than Du Chen felt the lotus tattoo on his elbow twitch violently. His Lotus Internal Force and Primordial Spirit Power, activating uncontrollably, surged into the tattoo, desperately suppressing the wild, destructive force within!

Du Chen was utterly startled, hastily mobilizing all his power to contain it. "What in the world is going on, Fifth Brother? Is there something wrong with that jade stone?" he urgently asked.

Fifth Brother remained silent for a long while, seemingly preoccupied with something.

Once the tremors in Du Chen's arm subsided, Fifth Brother's furious voice echoed. "Francis, why are you throwing things around!? Damn it, are you trying to get us all killed?"

After a lengthy tirade, Fifth Brother's anger gradually subsided. He huffed indignantly, "How should I know what that jade stone was!? All I knew was that the moment it entered Old One’s body, that evil tree seed immediately began absorbing its power, then unleashed an immense shockwave! Its might was absolutely no less powerful than the Raging Fire Scorcher Cannon, the guardian sacred artifact of Battle God Isle! If not for the Lotus’s unique temporal suspension ability, which happened to counter it, you truly would have gotten us all killed!"

"An explosion comparable to the Raging Fire Scorcher Cannon!?" Du Chen was profoundly shocked, cold sweat of lingering fear breaking out all over him. The name Raging Fire Scorcher Cannon was already legendary; the mere fact that this Sacred Artifact Cannon was renowned as the 'Cradle of Battle Gods' and Battle God Isle’s guardian sacred artifact was testament enough to its devastating power!

"Thankfully, Old One suppressed that massive impact, otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable!" Du Chen wiped a bead of cold sweat from his brow.

"Suppress it, my foot! I just used Old One’s temporal suspension ability to halt the explosive impact, compressing that immense power into a single point. If you dare to release that power orb I’ve compressed… Hmm? Oh, by the way, how far is your home base, Newin Port, from here?"

Du Chen paused, taken aback by Fifth Brother's rapid shift in topic. He replied, "I was flying quite fast; I can already see the walls of Newin Port!"

"Oh, if you don't want your home base anymore, just take that power orb out of Old One’s body. If you do, the uncontrolled explosion would be enough to destroy your entire stronghold, killing tens of thousands, if not more, without a doubt!"

Seemingly perceiving Du Chen's look of disbelief, Fifth Brother continued, "Don't you dare disbelieve me. How many times have I told you before? The evil power of that tree seed has already exceeded the limits of my perception. Only Old One’s innate divine power in this world can suppress it. And now look, you made it explode! This is akin to a Peak Battle God’s self-detonation in a desperate, all-out attack. My estimation of its power is even a conservative one!"

This, this… Du Chen wryly smiled. Did that mean his first Lotus Pedestal contained an instant bomb equivalent to a small nuclear weapon?

"What about all the other items I had stored?" Du Chen frowned, asking.

"Thank me! My movements were swift enough to save everything. Wait a moment, I'll transfer them all back to you! Just make sure you absolutely do not touch Old One. If you accidentally release the power orb from inside Old One's body… Heh heh!"

Before long, dozens of items were transferred into Du Chen's Lotus Scripture. The Star of Turaam even reappeared. Fifth Brother explained, "That jade stone is just an empty husk now. Its original destructive power, just like the evil tree seed, has been compressed into that trembling orb of power!"

Du Chen picked up the jade stone, examining it with lingering fear, but couldn't discern any difference from before; it looked exactly the same. "Fifth Brother, how should I deal with the power orb you compressed? I can't just leave it in my sacred artifact forever!"

"Just vent its explosive force! But I must warn you, this explosion is a plant-elemental Undead Self-Detonation; it's different from the explosions you're used to. Its destructive power will be amplified in water and on land. Even if detonated in the sky, it will still rain Undead upon the ground below. So, you must choose the detonation location very carefully!"

Du Chen asked, "And the method for detonation? Will it harm Old One or me when I release the explosion?"

"You don't need to worry about Old One; as long as you don't detonate it inside him, you'll be fine. As for you…" Fifth Brother smugly revealed his method, then added, "Remember, you absolutely must choose the detonation site carefully, or it could lead to a massive disaster!"

Du Chen was stunned. "Are you saying that Old One’s outer layers aren't actually vulnerable to this explosion? So, if I hide inside Old One, and you control the release of this bomb, there won't be any problems?!" Fifth Brother’s irritating voice rang out again: "That's pretty much it. Do you have an ideal location in mind?" Du Chen froze for a long moment, then suddenly rubbed his nose and smiled. A sudden, uncontrollable thought had sparked in his mind, sending a shiver through him and drenching his palms in cold sweat…

…

On Hidden Boa Mountain, Adams and his group, after a moment of stupefaction, began frantically searching the area. But the Star of Turaam had vanished into thin air, leaving not a single clue!

Balu and four other mercenaries also rushed over from a distant hilltop, all looking despondent. When Brockman hurled the Star of Turaam towards the lightning, they had forcefully retracted their power, suffering considerable shock. Though their battle power remained, a period of recuperation was still ideal.

After a period of discussion, Balu sighed. "Let’s go. We've searched the vicinity multiple times, but it seems the Star of Turaam is no longer here! Adams, Third Master will be arriving soon; let's go prepare to greet him!"

The group supported their wounded and departed Hidden Boa Mountain with heavy hearts.

Meanwhile, in another location, Brockman and Tendon-Severing, though safe, exchanged bitter smiles.

"This time, the trouble is truly immense. Alas, I'll go confess my sins to Lord Philip myself," Brockman said slowly, cradling the small Tyran Beast, Homan, in his hands. "With both Star of Turaam artifacts lost, Marshal Francis, with his cautious temperament, will likely shut down the Turaam base completely, leaving no traces behind!"

"I imagine the same. The 'Purple Blood' project has already begun, but to suffer such a massive loss so suddenly… The Marshal will undoubtedly be furious, and many will face misfortune!" Tendon-Severing lamented.

"Forget it, let's go back. I have Homan, and you are the top master in the vanguard. At most, we'll just get a few scoldings. Let's not worry about our own kin!" Brockman gazed sadly at the distant sea from the mountain. "What I'm worried about is that with the Star of Turaam lost and the base closed, those Merfolk will lose control and plunge into madness once more. Who knows… how many will die!"

Upon returning to the Lord's Manor, Du Chen happened to encounter Deboning, who was rushing back from an outdoor mission. After hearing Du Chen recount the great battle, Deboning’s hands itched for action, but he also felt a pang of regret. What a pity he hadn't witnessed the Lightning Formation that could suppress Tendon-Severing with his own eyes, unable to determine which faction's Secret Technique it was!

However, for a mere five individuals to overpower a contemporary peak master! Only a handful of forces could wield such a powerful formation today. Deboning offered a few potential culprits: the Papal Curia, Mount Miglio, Battle God Academy, and then there was the Azure Heaven Continent, Lionheart King Alonso's Renault Empire, and the Sober Empire under the new king after the demise of 'Martial Venerable' Robert! In Deboning's mind, only these five could be responsible. Anyone else simply wasn't worthy!

Du Chen instructed Deboning to take Andy and Harry to the Hidden Boa Mountain battlefield once more. From the scent, they determined that Adams had headed north, stopping in a small village by the Newin River to recuperate. Brockman's whereabouts, however, were astonishing…

He and Tendon-Severing had jumped into the sea!

And they did so in the most densely populated Merfolk areas!

This could only indicate one thing: Brockman and the Merfolk very likely possessed some hidden connection. Perhaps that white jade stone also had something to do with the Merfolk!

After instructing Deboning to continue eliminating those major players and keeping an eye on Adams, Du Chen once again found himself buried under a mountain of official documents.

More than ten days passed quickly. Porter managed the government affairs and simultaneously presided over the new army's training, yet he did so with effortless grace, still finding time each day to chat with Du Chen. The dam project for flood control entered its on-site survey phase, and several talents recruited by the Holy Church on Du Chen's behalf had arrived… Everything within the territory was developing smoothly and orderly, except for…

Newin Port's South Dock, the Sea Defense Fortress!

Porter, clad in a sky-blue robe, sat half-reclined on the pavilion platform atop the Sea Defense Fortress, slowly perusing a scroll. Below the platform, the new army, divided into three training squadrons, continuously roared battle cries. Though lacking the veteran's killing intent, their formations were already taking shape. Porter's bowl cut, unclipped for over a year, had transformed into shoulder-length hair, now casually tied behind his head, letting the sea breeze dance through his azure locks. His large glasses had been replaced with a gold-rimmed pair featuring crystal lenses.

From afar, he looked every bit the elegant and refined young Marshal!

Outside the training grounds near the fortress, five hundred veteran soldiers, formerly part of Newin Port's forces, battle-hardened and experienced, guided the new recruits while vigilantly monitoring the changes in the sea! The sun blazed like fire, the blue sea stretched endlessly to the horizon. As subtle ripples began to appear on the water, a heavy-armored Battle-Warrior quickly ascended to the pavilion platform, pounding his right fist against his chest. "Lord Steward Porter, monitoring station Number Six beneath the fortress reports Merfolk attacking again from the southeast. Their numbers are approximately three thousand!"

Porter's gaze remained fixed on his scroll as he calmly spoke, "First Squadron, defend all strongholds. Second Squadron, halt training and assemble to observe the battle. Third Squadron, divide into two forces to flank and attack, with the Personal Guards holding the center to delay them! You will personally oversee the battle. Any new recruits who flee in combat will face military law enforcement! Those who fight valiantly will be heavily rewarded! Slay thirty Merfolk or more, and you shall be promoted to Squad Leader!"

"Understood!"

The Battle-Warrior replied with a resounding roar and departed. Porter set down his scroll and gazed out at the sea, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. This was the third attack today! The Merfolk were simultaneously harassing multiple sea areas, acting as if driven mad. Something must have changed with them!

However, let them come, Sea Clan. This city is now under my protection. I will never allow a repeat of that day, when my father’s broken body and the severed heads of our ancestral statues fell from the sky!

Damn you, Sea Clan!

A sharper coldness flickered in his eyes, but he lowered his head and resumed reading his scroll!

War erupted swiftly. On Newin Port's open dockside beach, soldiers met the chaotically charging Merfolk in three lines. On one side stood a nascent military formation; on the other, a disorganized horde of beasts. The clash was like three steel blades slicing into a tangled mess of hemp.

"Kill! As long as we kill thirty Merfolk, we can go from being mere soldiers to officers!"

"Mother, your son has personally slain twenty Merfolk to avenge you!"

"Damn it, it was you damned Merfolk who ate my sister…"

Almost every new recruit in Newin Port harbored a deep, irreconcilable hatred for the Merfolk. The moment battle was joined, their pent-up fury exploded. Every swing of their weapons was merciless, their eyes bloodshot, resembling beasts even more than the Merfolk themselves! Outsiders could never comprehend these soldiers who had personally witnessed their parents, brothers, sisters, and kin devoured alive by Merfolk before their very eyes!

On the platform, Porter subtly shook his head and sighed. He too wished to personally slaughter some Merfolk to vent the hatred in his heart! But a commander had a commander's responsibilities! This battle's outcome was already without suspense, and he had to plan for the Merfolk's next attack…

Just then, the Battle-Warrior overseeing the fighting rushed back, urgently exclaiming, "Lord Steward, another massive wave of Merfolk is surging from the sea! Their numbers… are beyond estimation! They seem to have gone completely mad, showing no regard for casualties, no fear of death!"

As he spoke, the sea opposite the docks seemed to erupt like a submarine volcano. Merfolk emerged in vast patches from the surface, suddenly creating an endless "sea of fish," their numbers stretching as far as the eye could see!

Some soldiers who had witnessed the Merfolk attack not long ago immediately panicked. That time, it had been just like this: countless Merfolk emerging from the sea, followed by an assault on the Sea Defense Fortress, an invasion of the city, and their own elderly parents being torn apart and shoved into their gaping mouths…

Engaging a few thousand chaotic Merfolk was a completely different concept from facing an innumerable, maddened horde. And these were just new recruits!

Taking in the scene on the beach, Porter slowly raised his head. "Something must have changed within the Merfolk! Immediately notify Lord Du Chen! His personal presence is absolutely necessary to stabilize the new army's morale at this moment!" He heavily placed the scroll on the table. Facing a battle that could not be won, the new recruits could only rely on defensive fortifications to survive. They absolutely could not take the initiative to attack and kill enemies, or their psychological resilience would shatter!

Porter spoke in a deep voice, "Issue the order: Do not engage the Merfolk on the shallow sea beach. The Personal Guards will cover the retreat. The entire army is to abandon the beach fortifications and fall back to the Sea Defense Fortress! Also, ask Lord Du Chen, using his prestige, to gather the young and strong within the city for defense, and invite the Holy Church to participate in the battle… And someone, go find me a harp!"

…

When Du Chen arrived at the Sea Defense Fortress, he was met with a truly horrific scene.

An endless stream of Merfolk surged against the several-hundred-meter-long, ten-meter-high Sea Defense Fortress. On the fortress, a line of small sacred artifacts of war cannons continuously bombarded them. With every shot, dozens of Merfolk were reduced to dust, yet they charged on without fear of death; for every ten that fell, a hundred more replaced them.

The new recruits, relying on their defensive fortifications, resisted wave after wave of Merfolk assaults. Yet, their faces showed little panic or anxiety; instead, they were composed and resolute, refusing to retreat in the face of countless foes and an unwinnable battle! This was hardly typical behavior for new recruits, yet it was perfectly logical!

Because, hovering above the Sea Defense Fortress, like jade chimes, resonated the melody of a harp!

Porter stood atop the fortress, his head tilted, eyes slightly closed, cradling the harp. His long hair danced gently as his slender fingers gracefully stroked the strings…

But his face was pale, and the music had begun to falter, intermittently, adding an atmosphere of tragic heroism to the Sea Defense Fortress besieged by Merfolk!

"Papa, it's a Secret Technique of mental appeasement!" little Beibei, hidden within Du Chen's Lotus Scripture, cried out in surprise. "Porter is amazing, but hurry, Papa! Porter’s battle qi is running low; he can only affect ordinary soldiers, and he's almost at his limit!"

Du Chen flew to Porter's side, giving him a brief nod. This was not the time to question why Porter possessed such a powerful Secret Technique. He roared, "My soldiers, behind you are your compatriots and your homes! In front are the Merfolk! You should know exactly what to do—if you cannot stop the Merfolk, your compatriots will become beasts' food!"

With that, Du Chen wrapped an arm around Porter’s waist, who looked slightly pale, and whispered, "Don't force yourself!"

Porter gently shook his head, leaning slightly against Du Chen, biting his lip as he murmured, "Francis, I will never allow the city I protect to be destroyed by the Sea Clan!" He glared at Du Chen, who was about to move his harp.

The two met each other’s gaze. Du Chen stared into Porter's resolute eyes for a moment, then looked back at the chaotic city and the tragic battlefield, nodding slowly.

"Hand over the Holy Relic! Damned humans, hand over the Holy Relic!" At that moment, a chorus of roars erupted from the Merfolk ranks. Porter paused, his music unbroken, and pondered, "There are Merfolk who can speak human languages!? And so many chaotic voices! Are there really many Level Four and Five High-Level Merfolk in this siege!? Francis, you must be extra careful…"

He frowned slightly in confusion. "Holy Relic? What could a Merfolk Holy Relic be? Could the Merfolk's abnormal behavior be because of this? Francis, what are you thinking?" He felt the hand on his waist stiffen!

Du Chen stared intensely at the Merfolk, his eyes flickering with indecision—at one moment reluctant, then ruthless, then hesitant…

Recent events had made it clear to Du Chen that the Merfolk's Holy Relic was very likely the white jade stone in his possession!

The idea that had made his palms sweat the other day resurfaced in his mind. However, at this moment, that thought was no longer an empty fantasy, but a potential reality, if only he chose to act! But… tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands of lives!

Porter suddenly noticed Du Chen’s sky-blue eyes turning red, his hand trembling. "Have you discovered something, Francis? Tell me quickly! On the battlefield, a single second of hesitation means more danger for your soldiers, your people!"

Du Chen pursed his lips into a faint smile, staring at Porter as he asked, "Someone once told me, 'When it's time to kill, kill. Sometimes, a butcher's blade is more effective than a thousand schemes!' What do you say?"

Porter looked at the battlefield, then at Du Chen, as if sensing something. He replied earnestly, "Then I'll tell you something too: on the battlefield, only the strong have the right to speak, and no matter what they've done, as long as they are strong, their words are truth! Francis, A Man Without Might Cannot Stand!"

"A Man Without Might Cannot Stand!"

A sharp glint flashed in Du Chen's eyes, his tone chilling as he cast a cold glance at the besieging Merfolk. "Porter, order the army to change strategy. Focus on defending against a sudden oceanic disaster. The Merfolk? There's no need to concern ourselves with them anymore!"