Chapter 278: A Monster Even More Monstrous Than the Descendants of True Spirit
As dusk fell, the war came to an end. The Star Alliance began to clear the battlefield.
Reports on enemy casualties and their own losses were quickly delivered to Su Nan and Lize.
“The main force of the Black Suo Tower is essentially annihilated. The few remaining stragglers pose no threat; they have effectively withdrawn from this conflict,” Lize said slowly as he reviewed the documents in his hands.
“As for us, the heaviest losses were sustained by the Flying Fleet. Seven of the thirteen vessels were completely destroyed, and the remaining six suffered varying degrees of damage. If we reorganize, we should still be able to field three more units. Our overall casualty ratio is close to eighty percent.”
“Twenty-three Star Fortresses were entirely destroyed, while the remaining thirty sustained varying degrees of damage and will need repairs. It's estimated that this will take at least two to three months.”
Su Nan nodded calmly.
The losses of the Flying Fleet and the Star Fortresses were within his expectations. After all, they had been up against the Wizard Tower.
The Star Alliance's development time had been too short, and the insufficient number of Wizard Towers was a glaring shortcoming. The creation of the Flying Fleet and the Star Fortresses was meant to compensate for that.
However, despite the significant losses, the gains were also substantial.
After repairs and modifications, these twelve Wizard Towers could greatly strengthen the Star Alliance’s military capabilities.
In comparison, the losses in the Flying Fleet and the Star Fortresses suddenly seemed minor.
“The Golem Legion suffered approximately 250,000 casualties, but we seized about 130,000 Golem Puppets from the Black Suo Tower on the battlefield. After erasing the spirit markings and repairing them, we can put them to use. The numerous wrecks can also be disassembled into materials, helping to offset some of our losses.”
“The Magic Knight Order's losses were relatively small—less than 10,000.”
“The losses of Wizard-Level Puppets amounted to 435 units, but the Puppets and wreckage seized from the enemy will also help mitigate some of our losses.”
“On the Wizard front,” Lize paused, then sighed, “Eighteen Level One Wizards unfortunately died in battle.”
Su Nan shook his head slightly, a silence enveloping him.
War was like that; it was impossible for casualties to be avoided.
Especially since the strength of the Black Suo Tower army far exceeded that of the Youxi and Wolf Tide Plane of the past.
If he hadn’t caught the enemy off guard at the start and taken out Elliott with the striking momentum of Lightning, the Star Alliance would have ultimately won, but at a cost several times greater than what they faced now.
In addition to the Wizard Tower and Golem remains, the spoils of war seized from Black Suo Tower included fragments of the God Corpse.
Although not as abundant as what the Star Alliance had discovered so far, combined with their own findings, the Star Alliance now possessed roughly a handful of God Corpse Fragments.
“How should we handle the God Corpse Fragments?” Lize asked, putting down the documents and looking at Su Nan.
“The scale of our war with Black Suo Tower was considerable. The other Wizard Factions must already be aware of it, and they can certainly guess that the God Corpse Fragments from Black Suo Tower have fallen into our hands.”
“Right now, besides the few large Wizard Factions, we likely possess the most God Corpse Fragments. I estimate there are quite a few people eyeing them covetously.”
Su Nan understood this concern clearly. Hearing Lize’s words, he replied without hesitation, “The research on the God Corpse Fragments is basically complete. After extracting the divine energy, we will hand this hot potato over to Wisdom Codex.”
Lize smiled slightly and nodded in agreement. “It’s best to make a big show of it, so that the other Wizard Factions will know.”
The Wizard Factions that came here were all drawn by the God Corpse Fragments. Without incentive, even Gloomy Throne, who had a feud with the Star Alliance, wouldn’t bother exerting effort against them.
Lize acted with great efficiency; on the same day, he dispatched troops to escort the God Corpse Fragments, ostentatiously delivering them to the Wisdom Codex base.
Sure enough, after transferring the God Corpse Fragments, the various overt and covert surveillance around the Star Alliance base decreased sharply.
Following that, the Star Alliance ceased dispatching troops to search for additional God Corpse Fragments and instead focused on recuperation, gradually repairing their various war machines and Golem Puppets.
As time passed, the number of remaining God Corpse Fragments yet to be discovered dwindled, and many Wizard Factions began to turn their attention towards one another. Various conflicts, both large and small, broke out frequently, leading to an atmosphere of extreme tension across the entire Earth Crystal Plane, filled with the palpable anticipation of imminent war.
In the fourth month of the Earth Crystal Plane blockade, Gloomy Throne launched a surprise attack on the Sea King Whale camp, completely annihilating their forces. Following the fate of Black Suo Tower, Sea King Whale became the second Wizard Faction to be eliminated.
The assault by Gloomy Throne seemed to trigger a chain reaction, sparking warfare among the various Wizard Factions almost overnight. Attacks occurred nearly every day, with battles unfolding one after another.
In this turmoil, the Star Alliance camp had transformed into one of the few peaceful havens. After the Star Alliance handed over the God Corpse Fragments, the subordinate organizations of Wisdom Codex followed suit, passing on the contentious burden.
As the situation rapidly deteriorated, Wisdom Codex also began calling on its subordinate organizations to assist in the fighting. Cyril even made a special trip to the Star Alliance camp, hoping to persuade them to join the war.
However, Su Nan cited that the Star Alliance had just endured a fierce battle and required rest, only sending two teams of the Large Golem Legion as a courtesy. With no other option, Cyril took the two teams of the Large Golem Legion from the Star Alliance back with him.
This unending fighting continued for two months until a sudden event brought many Wizard Factions to a halt.
“So, the reason they suddenly ceased hostilities was because they found the Head of the Poisonous Undead Monarch?”
Inside the Council Hall, Su Nan listened to Sheman's report, a thoughtful expression etched on his face.
“Yes, Teacher,” Sheman replied firmly. “The Head is located in a remote mountain forest. The Deep Blue Alliance, Gloomy Throne, Star Spirit Clock Tower, and Bloodline Jungle—these major Wizard Factions—have already blockaded the area and are currently at a standoff, while the remaining Wizard Factions are also heading there.”
After two months of war, little more than ten Wizard Factions remained on the Earth Crystal Plane, four of which were subordinate organizations of Wisdom Codex.
"“That doesn’t make sense,” Fakado questioned. “The entire Earth Crystal Plane has been searched inch by inch, and not even the Deep Sea was spared. Yet we never found anything. Why are we suddenly locating the Head of the Poisonous Undead Monarch now?”
Sheman shook his head. “I have no idea.”
Lize joined the conversation, saying, “The Wisdom Codex came again this morning, demanding that the Star Alliance also head to the location of the Poisonous Undead Monarch's Head. It seems they are determined to contend for it.”
“Should we agree?”
Everyone turned to Su Nan, awaiting his decision.
Su Nan sat at the head of the table, a thoughtful glint in his eyes.
Half a year had passed since the God Corpse Contention began, yet the initial question in his mind remained unanswered: Why had this contest turned into a Wizard Civil War?
Despite the recent fervor of conflict among the various Wizard Factions, their forces in the Earth Crystal Plane constituted only a small portion of their overall strength.
In comparison to the entire Wizarding World, this was merely a small-scale skirmish; the True Spirit Wizards hadn’t even truly engaged yet.
Once they left the Earth Crystal Plane, everything would likely return to normal.
If things continued to develop as they were, there was little chance of a Wizard Civil War occurring.
Unless, in the late stages of the contest, a highly impactful event arose, acting as the spark that ignited the Wizard Civil War!
Now, it seemed the Head of the Poisonous Undead Monarch could very well be that spark.
Perhaps the location of the Head concealed some kind of secret?
With his thoughts racing, Su Nan quickly reached a decision. His voice was firm as he declared, “Agree to the Wisdom Codex’s request. The army will depart immediately for the location of the Poisonous Undead Monarch's Head.” He paused and then altered his tone.
“However, the Star Alliance will not be deeply involved in the fighting. Upon reaching the destination, we will establish a garrison on the outer perimeter, staying at a distance and remaining ready to retreat at any moment.”
The others exchanged bewildered glances, not fully grasping Su Nan's meaning.
It was Lize who reacted first, his brow furrowing as he asked, “Do you think there’s danger there?”
“It’s possible.”
After all, it was merely a guess, with no solid evidence. Su Nan chose not to elaborate further."
"The primary force contending for the Poisonous Undead Monarch Head will undoubtedly be the several Large Wizard Factions; our involvement is merely a minor addition. There’s no need for us to overexert ourselves. We should send just enough people to maintain our dignity.”
The others found this rationale reasonable.
Although they were an affiliated organization of the Wisdom Codex, they had a duty to assist in the battle, yet they couldn't commit all their resources.
After all, their adversaries were the Large Wizard Factions, and overextending themselves could likely result in severe losses.
Moreover, the Star Alliance already had far more troops in the Earth Crystal Plane than the other affiliated organizations, and even if they dispatched only a portion, it would still surpass the combined forces of the other three factions.
The Wisdom Codex had no grounds to object.
Noticing that no one raised any objections, Su Nan promptly issued the order.
"Set off immediately!"
"Yes, sir!"
Everyone replied in unison.
The Star Alliance garrison became bustling with activity.
After four months of repairs, the Flying Fleet and Star Fortress, which had been damaged during the battle at Black Suo Tower, were now restored.
Although the Wizard Tower hadn't been fully repaired, it had regained its flight capabilities.
One after another, Wizard Towers and Star Fortresses, accompanied by a dense swarm of Magic Ships, ascended from the Star Alliance garrison, filling the sky.
On the ground, columns of marching Golem Puppets stretched out in neat rows, seemingly endless.
As the Star Alliance army approached the mountains, they quickly drew the attention of the various Wizard Factions.
At the Deep Blue Alliance garrison, a group of Wizards stared at the images of the Star Alliance army displayed on the Light Screen, their faces displaying a range of emotions.
"How could a third-rate Wizard Faction transport so many troops here?"
"Not only that, but the Star Alliance also fought at Black Suo Tower, and their losses must have been significant. Their original forces were likely even greater."
"What exactly is the background of this Star Alliance? How can a Wizard Faction originating from a Sealed Plane be so powerful?"
"What do you think, Lord Gale?"
Everyone turned to the young man at the head of the conference table.
He possessed handsome features, a tall and slender figure, and rare sea-blue hair.
In the Deep Blue Alliance, such traits often symbolized a True Spirit Descendant.
Facing the gazes of the crowd, Gale smiled faintly. “Compared to Star Alliance, I’m more interested in their Controller.”
“You mean Su Nan, sir?” a Wizard replied thoughtfully. “According to our intelligence, during the recent conflict between Star Alliance and Black Suo Tower, Su Nan single-handedly killed over two hundred Level One Wizards of Black Suo Tower, which secured our victory.”
“Over two hundred Wizards? Is that information accurate?” someone questioned.
“The information is genuine.” Gale stared intently at the Light Screen. “If nothing unexpected happens, Su Nan will soon be promoted to True Spirit Wizard. I estimate it won’t be long before Star Alliance rises to the rank of Second Rate Wizard Force.”
Seeing Gale vouch for the authenticity of the information, the crowd's doubts dissipated, replaced by expressions of astonishment.
To instantly kill over two hundred Level One Wizards with a single blow is a feat that even a Level 3 Crystallization True Spirit Descendant would struggle to achieve!
The most astonishing part is that Su Nan is still only at Level 3 Liquefaction!
Once he breaks through to Level 3 Crystallization and starts grasping the power of rules, how formidable will he become?
Such a person is undeniably more monstrous than a True Spirit Descendant!
“Wisdom Codex really struck gold by discovering such a talent.”
“If I had known, I would have rushed to the Starlight Continent first; perhaps we could have absorbed Star Alliance into our organization.”
“Maybe we could poach him?”
Listening to the crowd's discussions, Gale remained unfazed, a strange glint flashing in his eyes.
Initially, he believed that among the younger generation, they, the True Spirit Descendants, were the only remarkable figures. He never expected to encounter a freak like Su Nan.
Not a True Spirit Descendant, yet his talent surpasses that of many True Spirit Descendants!
Such a person will undoubtedly have a significant place in the Wizarding World in the future!
Meanwhile, at the headquarters of the Gloomy Throne.
A group of Gloomy Throne Wizards were also focused on the Star Alliance army.
However, the entire Council Hall was unusually quiet, with no one speaking above a whisper.
Some stared at the Light Screen, others lowered their heads deep in thought, while a few subtly observed Bo Ben sitting at the head of the table.
Everyone present knew that the one who sent Youxi to invade the Starlight Continent was Lord Wood, Bo Ben's father.
Star Alliance's defeat of Youxi and the annexation of the Wolf Tide Plane was, you could say, a huge slap in the face to Lord Wood.
If Star Alliance had not later become an affiliated organization of Wisdom Codex, Bo Ben would have personally led an army to attack the Starlight Continent long ago.
Even so, to this day, Bo Ben still clings to the desire to eliminate Star Alliance.
If it weren't for the higher priority of the God Corpse Fragments, he probably would have already launched an attack on Star Alliance.
Silence lingered for a long time before Bo Ben finally withdrew his gaze from the Light Screen and spoke, breaking the stillness.
"What's the situation in the mountains?" he asked.
Matic, seated in the first chair on the right, immediately replied, "We've pinpointed the location of the Poisonous Undead Monarch and its Head. They're in a cave, but over sixty Divine Beings are nearby. A lightning raid to seize the Head is likely unrealistic."
Bo Ben frowned deeply and responded in a low voice, "What about the situation with the other Wizard Factions?"
"The Deep Blue Alliance and the Bloodline Jungle have both sent representatives, inviting us to a meeting. From what they've implied, they probably want to divide the Poisonous Undead Monarch's Head equally."
Matic then paused, carefully glanced at Bo Ben, and continued, "Given the current circumstances, it's impossible for any one Wizard Faction to secure the Head while facing opposition from the others. Even if they managed to do so, they would most likely be attacked by the other factions. Therefore, I believe that an equal division isn't necessarily a bad option."
Bo Ben remained silent for a moment before giving a slight nod.
"Let's have a meeting."
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