The elder of the Winged race spoke decisively. Regardless of anything else, the Winged race still valued their reputation. If something were to happen to the Human race here, who would ever trust their credibility again? That would be nothing short of dragging their own clan's name through the mud. Once a reputation is ruined, it is no easy task to restore it—and what gets damaged isn't just honor, but the entire race's karmic fate.
In the future, whenever the Winged race was mentioned, people would say: "Ah yes, that's the race that sets traps and betrays allies. Best to keep your distance. Nothing good comes from them."
This matter was too deeply tied to the well-being of the entire race. The Winged race had not yet gone insane enough to disregard that—Unless the benefits involved were so massive that even they couldn't refuse.
With just two treasures currently at stake, the Winged race wasn't about to throw away their credibility. To some extent, they still cherished their feathers—both literally and figuratively.
"Then, I suppose if we don't make a move here, your Winged race won't interfere, right?"
A strong warrior from the Gnoll race spoke.
If they couldn't act here, the implication was clear—they could do so after they left, once it no longer had anything to do with the Winged race.
The Winged race's elder didn't reply but stayed silent. Clearly, his silence was consent. As long as it didn't happen here, within or near the city, it would have nothing to do with them. Life or death afterward? Everyone's fate was their own. Nothing to do with the Winged race. No matter how vicious the battle. They were uninvolved. No damage to their reputation would follow.
"Since the insect tide is no longer a threat, our Werewolf race should take our leave. We offer our thanks and farewells to the Winged race,"
A Werewolf clan strongman stood up decisively and said loudly.
"Naturally. The Winged race thanks the Werewolf race for coming to resist the insect tide. Though the insects caused no true destruction this time, your assistance makes you our friends. Our doors remain open to your noble race,"
The Winged elder nodded, smiling.
"We'll be sure to visit again in the future."
The Werewolf strongman nodded back.
The goodwill from the Winged race was, of course, gladly accepted. Who would refuse kindness from a powerful race?
"Our Gnoll race shall also take its leave."
"Our Ogre race prepares to depart."
…
One by one, the other races spoke up, announcing their intentions to leave. The Winged race made no move to stop them. Rock City had always been open—anyone could come or go freely. The coalition had formed to resist the insect tide. Now that it had passed, there was no reason to keep anyone here.
Soon, race after race left in succession.
"It seems many races are making their own plans, preparing to secretly move against the Humans. Should I warn them? Perhaps this is a chance to build goodwill and deepen our ties."
Hu Li, of the Fox race, eyes darting back and forth, weighed her options internally. Moments later, her gaze hardened with resolve.
The Fox race was known for shrewdness and political savvy, their insight sharp and rare.
In a short while, the Gnolls, Werewolves, Ogres, and others led their armies out of Rock City and vanished into the forests. On the surface, it looked like they had truly departed.
Their army numbers varied—from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands—streaming out in groups. The army strength within Rock City quickly dwindled.
Naturally, this did not escape Yi Tianxing's notice.
"Choosing to leave at this time… So the alliance of foreign races is truly finished?"
Yi Tianxing narrowed his eyes slightly.
From the mass departure, he sensed an ominous storm brewing. Normally, such races wouldn't leave so abruptly. It was too sudden. Clearly, they had ulterior motives—namely, against the Human race.
"My lord!"
At that moment, Yang Yanping arrived quickly.
"How are preparations?" Yi Tianxing nodded and asked.
"Everything proceeds according to the military adviser's instructions," Yang replied. "Just outside the city, someone from another race shot an arrow into a secluded area, with a message addressed to you. I did not dare open it without permission."
He presented a parchment made of sheepskin. Unlike humans, the other races didn't use paper but rather beast or animal skins.
"I don't recognize this script."
Yi Tianxing glanced at the parchment and felt a headache—these weren't Human characters. Thankfully, he had the Wordless Heavenly Tome.
Though strange and obscure, the text was still within the tome's deciphering capabilities.
The Wordless Heavenly Tome, capable of perceiving all things under heaven, translated the content and revealed it directly to Yi Tianxing's mind.
"Interesting. So the departure of these other races was, as expected, a ruse. They're planning to ambush us on our return path?"
The scroll described everything that had occurred in the Rock City council in vivid detail—as if it had all played out right in front of him.
From this, Yi Tianxing could deduce much.
If nothing else, the Gnoll, Werewolf, and Ogre races had clear malicious intent toward the Human race. They were firmly on the opposing side. An ambush on the road home was inevitable.
A slaughter was coming, and it could not be avoided.
He hadn't expected the Winged race to block any actions against him here. That had disrupted some of his arrangements, but it was understandable. The Winged race wouldn't allow others to tarnish their reputation here. Reputation was power—and brought karmic destiny.
"Summon the military adviser."
Yi Tianxing ordered after a moment of thought.
"Yes, my lord!"
Yang Yanping bowed and left.
Soon, Jia Xu arrived at the city wall. Upon learning of the other races' plans, his eyes gleamed.
"The Winged race's prohibition changes little for us. My original plan was merely to draw their attention. Ultimately, it's our strength that must carve a path out. The key is to scatter their focus and prevent a full coalition. Divide and conquer—that's what best serves us."
"Since they can't attack Ice City, our layout there can be simplified. We only need to slip away undetected and disappear into the wilds. That alone will shatter their fragile alliance. Those races will never fully trust each other."
"They all believe they're stronger than us. Their pride makes them think they can kill us solo. That very arrogance is our best weapon."
"As long as we avoid their full force and begin our return, they'll abandon unity. They'll each try to gain the most. Some will even let others attack first, hoping to swoop in afterward and reap the rewards like a fisherman after a fight. Such treachery… is our opportunity."
Jia Xu's voice was filled with confidence, as if he had already foreseen every reaction.
Their aim this time was clear: To forge the reputation of the Human race and Xuanhuang City through a mountain of foreign corpses.Reputation was not granted—it had to be earned through blood.
"So long as we're not facing a united coalition, the soldiers of Xuanhuang City fear no enemy!"
Yi Tianxing nodded firmly.
Time passed quietly.
Though the foreign races had left Rock City, any truly strong observer would see it—their auras still lingered nearby. Those armies hadn't gone far. They lay in wait, surrounding Ice City. Eyes watched in the dark, cold and malicious.
Without realizing it, night fell.
The moon had risen, but dark clouds soon swallowed it, casting the land in a heavy gloom—as if a storm was coming. The pressure was palpable.
Darkness blanketed the earth.
On Ice City's walls, vague figures could be seen standing guard. Fires flickered within the city, glowing faintly.
"The Humans are still inside Ice City. Why haven't they left? Are they hoping for the Winged race's protection?"
"So now they're afraid? Too late. They can stay a day or two—but not forever. Even the Winged race won't shield them forever. Cowards. Truly, they are just livestock meant to be our blood food. And now they prance around like jesters. Laughable."
In the shadows, cold laughter rang out, barely audible. Pairs of eyes filled with disdain.
They had expected the Humans to put up a fight.
Instead, they saw only cowardice.
And that, to them, was contemptible.