Eternal Life through Drawing Lots

「The next morning.」

The heavy rain had stopped and the dark clouds had scattered, leaving a fresh crispness in the air.

For the first time in a long while, the sun rose, casting rainbows across the Leran Grassland that hung in the sky like bridges of light.

At that moment, under Fang Yang’s orders, Lin Keyi, Fang Duanhai, and the others were hurrying back and forth.

They reported the status of each of the major tribes to Fang Yang, one by one.

"Commander, everything is ready."

Lin Keyi’s expression was calm. "Heh, I just wonder how many people will die along the way during this migration."

As soon as she brought it up, the generals in the command tent were moved to speak.

In an instant, a heated discussion erupted.

"The year before last, when we moved here, two unranked tribes were wiped out for various reasons, and three Bronze Tribes were demoted to unranked status."

"Sigh, if those tribespeople die, they die. What’s more troublesome is that our own army lost a tenth of its soldiers!"

"It can’t be helped. The road is not only fraught with man-made disasters like enemy armies and hordes of Fierce Beasts, but also natural calamities like hurricanes and blizzards."

"Those disasters, man-made or natural, are one thing. What I fear more is getting caught in the crossfire of Dao Seed Level prodigies. That would leave us with no escape."

"Pah, pah, pah! Don’t be such a jinx, stop talking..."

Clearly, everyone knew just how arduous the journey from the Leran Grassland to the Archipelago in the Clouds would be.

But they were bound by their orders and had no choice but to carry them out.

After all, in the Sen Yue army, failing to arrive on schedule was an extremely serious offense.

Summary execution on the spot was not out of the question!

That was a consequence not just anyone could bear.

At the very least, it was certainly not something they could bear, because they weren’t even Commanders!

’No escape...’

Fang Yang lowered his gaze, remaining silent.

He looked at the faces of his subordinates, a silent sigh echoing in his heart.

’He knew the outcome of this migration would likely be more horrifying than any of them could imagine.’

’Who would have thought that their own monarch would want to use them as a great sacrifice?’

’It is better to ensure one’s own survival than to try and save the world...’ Fang Yang thought silently.

RUMBLE...

RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE...

At Fang Yang’s command, the Leran Grassland garrison began to move out.

They advanced in a mighty, imposing procession.

And their first stop was the White Feathered Eagle Bronze Tribe.

With the support of Lu Yao, Seventh Uncle Fang, Hong Qishang, and the others, the White Feathered Eagle Tribe quickly fell in alongside the main army, securing a good position.

A good position was enough to reduce many potential mishaps and greatly preserve the tribe’s effective strength!

’The Immortal Crane statue?’

Fang Yang gazed into the distance at the Immortal Crane statue, which was being held aloft and protected by several strongmen.

Framed against the rainbow, he found the sight somewhat glaring.

’We offer you incense day and night, only to suffer a calamity in the end, to have our bodies and souls extinguished?’

’Such an act is truly demonic.’

’And one demon is enough; there’s no need for more.’

Fang Yang quickly looked away, no longer gazing at the Immortal Crane statue.

He cracked his whip forward, urging the army onward toward the Snow Swallow Bronze Tribe.

The White Feathered Eagle Bronze Tribe, the Snow Swallow Bronze Tribe, the other tribes, and finally, the Wind Sparrow Bronze Tribe.

The army’s migration route was the same as the inspection route used previously to check if the sacrificial Divine Temples had been completed.

One by one, the tribes were swept up by the army, as helpless and weak as lambs to the slaughter, completely at the army’s mercy.

In this situation, the White Feathered Eagle Bronze Tribe stood out.

Thanks to Fang Yang’s other identity, the White Feathered Eagle Bronze Tribe was treated with considerable respect.

Aside from them, the Wind Sparrow Bronze Tribe was also not in a panic.

This was because the Wind Sparrow Clan Leader had already reported the situation to Lin Tianxue.

When the time came, Lin Tianxue would come to lead them, to guide them toward the light!

"Commander, that’s the fifth group of scouts already," Fang Duanhai reported.

Fang Yang gave a noncommittal nod. "A commotion this big is bound to attract the attention of Liu Manlou and his men. That’s perfectly normal. Continue with defensive preparations and be ready to engage at any moment."

「Meanwhile, outside the Leran Grassland.」

As blood-soaked secret orders returned one after another, Liu Manlou and his men finally understood that Fang Yang’s departure was not a strategic ploy.

And so, horns sounded and hooves thundered.

Liu Manlou gave the command, leading his army to charge into the Leran Grassland with orders to kill as many as they could.

They had only one objective: do not let Fang Yang and his people leave the Leran Grassland so easily!

...

The sun rose high into the sky, looking down upon all living things.

But the brilliant sunlight it casually radiated did not bring sweltering heat to the migrating people of the Leran Grassland.

Instead, a cool autumn breeze, carried along with the sunlight, soothed the anxious and restless emotions of many.

Such weather was indeed perfect for a mass migration. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Perhaps, for the people of these tribes, this could be considered a silver lining to the bad news.

However, at this moment, in the very core of the migrating column, Fang Duanhai was rushing back and forth, reporting to Fang Yang.

"Report! Liu Manlou and his raiders are on the move, rampaging across the grassland."

"Report! Liu Manlou and his raiders are crossing Chenghe Lake and heading straight for us..."

One urgent report after another was delivered into Fang Yang’s hands.

Unburdened by supply trains or civilians, Liu Manlou’s raiders were indeed much faster than the motley army Fang Yang commanded.

Fang Yang saw this point clearly.

After all, one side was on the hunt, while the other was migrating to survive. The circumstances were by no means equal.

Finally, Fang Yang ordered all the tribes to halt and prepare their defenses.

He also dispatched generals like Lin Keyi and Fang Duanhai.

「A quarter of an hour later.」

Under the watchful eyes of all, Liu Manlou, the leader of the raiders, led a massive force that charged forward like a black torrent.

This time, there were no more duels between champions, only naked killing intent.

"BOOM!"

Facing a life-and-death crisis, the major tribes all unleashed their trump cards.

In an instant, the sky filled with offensive spells: ice lances, Fireballs, Bone Spears, and more.

The next moment, they were met with defensive spells like water shields, earthen walls, and iron plates.

Men and horses fell into chaos, like two opposing currents crashing into each other.

Cries, roars, and shouts merged into a cacophony of chaos.

The ground was strewn with mangled corpses, and blood flowed everywhere.

Seeing that Liu Manlou and his men were about to use their cavalry advantage to cut through and wreak havoc among the tribes again, Fang Yang gave a slight wave of his hand.

Immediately, great banners swayed and drums thundered.

The elite troops stationed at the center of the army moved out decisively, surging forward to kill.

Not only that, but Fang Yang’s most elite unit, the White Feathered Eagle Legion, also charged, forming a coordinated assault.

Just moments ago, the enemy raiders had been bullying the unranked tribes on the perimeter, but in the blink of an eye, these same raiders were dealt a heavy blow.