Chapter 40: The All-Out Assault

Douling City had long been cut off from the rest of the world; no information could enter, and none could leave. It was only days later, when Xuanzi and the Xuanming Douluo arrived at the allied forces' camp, that they learned of the horrific catastrophe that had unfolded within.

Camped fifty miles away, inside the largest tent of the coalition, dozens of powerhouses from various factions gathered, all discussing with grim expressions how to proceed with the assault on Douling City.

"There is no need for a drawn-out siege. According to the Gluttonous Douluo, that dog of an emperor has lost everyone capable of serving him. The only trouble is that demonic tree; as long as we launch a frontal assault, we can win."

"A frontal assault? It’s easy to say, but will you take the vanguard?"

"This... let us deliberate further."

Upon hearing this, the man’s tone faltered instantly. He said nothing more, and those around him openly mocked him.

The man who had opposed him turned to Xuanzi and asked, "Your Excellency, you have clashed with that eerie tree. What is its strength?"

Xuanzi pondered for a moment before replying, "At most, ninety-eight, comparable to me. But with its terrifying vitality, even a ninety-nine-level Limit Douluo might not be able to kill it."

In just a few exchanges, Xuanzi had seen through the Ginseng Fruit Tree. After all, a creature with such chaotic intelligence would not know how to hide its true capabilities.

However, it was precisely because of this that the creature would not hold back in battle; every strike was delivered with full force. Whoever took the lead to withstand it would inevitably face the greatest pressure, and one careless moment could cost them their life.

This was the reason why, even though everyone knew this was the simplest and most straightforward strategy, no one dared to openly propose it. They had paid countless prices to reach their current level of cultivation, and thus, they cherished their lives above all else.

Seeing the hidden expressions of these men, Xuanzi sighed inwardly. The existence of the oracle had allowed them to unite, but it could not make them act with one heart.

Resigned, he had already anticipated this, so he said, "Our academy has prepared compensation for those willing to risk their lives. They may cultivate under the Golden Ancient Tree for ten years. Furthermore, they will receive a complete set of spirit bones. If their descendants require spirit rings, the academy is also willing to assist in obtaining them, even those of a hundred thousand years."

This news caused a massive stir. The coalition members were stunned. Setting aside the benefits of cultivating under the Golden Ancient Tree for ten years, a complete set of spirit bones alone was enough to drive anyone mad. Many present did not even possess a perfect set of spirit bones, and to be offered a complete set right from the start—who could help but be envious? It served as another reminder of how deep Shrek Academy’s foundations truly were. In comparison, the hundred-thousand-year spirit ring seemed secondary.

The meeting room erupted into intense discussion, and after a long while, the plan was finally finalized.

A group of defense-type and power-attack-type spirit masters would serve as the vanguard to clear the path and cover the advance of Xuanzi and the others, while the numerous spirit master legions would be divided into left and right wings to handle unnecessary trouble.

The current Sect Master of the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect spoke up: "I have no combat ability, so I will remain at the rear to organize support and provide rescue should the need arise."

Xuanzi glanced at him briefly and nodded.

Just like that, four days passed before the coalition had brought their state to the absolute peak.

Xuanzi led the group to the outskirts of Douling City. Gazing at the empty city walls and the gates standing wide open as if to welcome them, everyone felt a sense of heavy foreboding. They could all sense an indescribable aura in the air, and looking into the distance, they saw the blood-red tree swaying in the wind and rain, where something seemed to be happening even now.

And just as they had feared, today was the eighty-first day since the Ginseng Fruit Tree had begun to grow. Today, it would undergo its final transformation!

The Ginseng Fruit Tree could wait no longer. The earth roared, countless roots began to stir, and countless screams echoed from the sky. The inner city was reduced to ruins, and every surviving human was swept away in one fell swoop!

Beyond that, even more roots surged toward the coalition. To the tree, these powerhouses—each capable of matching hundreds or thousands of ordinary men—were the finest food, enough to drive its famished self into a frenzy!

"Aaaah—"

Wailing, ghostly cries reverberated through Douling City. Prepared, the group donned specially crafted spirit guidance devices to dampen the sonic waves that threatened their minds. Even so, those with weaker mental strength still felt bouts of intense pain.

Xuanzi released his spirit and let out a mighty roar. "Moo!"

The beast’s roar shattered the wailing of the ghostly faces and pulverized a large number of the roots attacking them.

"What are these monsters!"

Before they could catch their breath, someone pointed in shock at the distance, where a large number of strangely formed creatures were charging toward them. These creatures resembled canines; their mouths were filled with terrifying fangs, foul-smelling drool dripped incessantly, their bodies were hunched forward, their limbs bore sharp claws, and their eyes stared at them with greed.

They emitted sounds from their throats that were neither human nor beast. Only the deformed and broken golden armor on their bodies allowed them to be identified.

Xuanzi’s expression turned ugly. "They are the Day-Feather Golden Cavalry. What in the world did that emperor do to them?"

The fact that the Day-Feather Golden Cavalry had turned into monsters did not give him an ominous premonition; it was the thought of their commander, the Golden Cavalry Douluo, that worried him. He was not concerned for the safety of the Golden Cavalry Douluo, but rather that their all-out assault might encounter unexpected trouble.

Before he could ponder further, the monsters had already dashed within close range, their blood-filled maws wide open as they lunged with razor-sharp claws!

"Get lost!"

The defense-type spirit masters, led by the Xuanming Douluo, released their spirit skills, unleashing a fierce barrage, while the spirit master legions on the left and right wings erupted with colorful spirit skills.

After a ground-shaking impact, the monsters were all torn to shreds. Yet, even so, they retained a sliver of life, their eyes glowing red as they struggled to rise and continue their attack.

Seeing this, everyone was stunned by that terrifying vitality; they had never imagined that they would still be alive.

Suddenly, thick, red liquid fell from the sky, splashing onto the surviving monsters. Their wounds healed at a speed visible to the naked eye, and they became even more ferocious than before.

The group’s expressions shifted, and they issued a resolute command: "Charge! Charge forward! The left and right wings, rotate your spirit skills to surround them, and trample directly over them!"

"Boom!"

A tree root nearly two meters wide erupted from beneath the earth, slamming into the left wing. Caught off guard, a large number of spirit masters vomited blood.

Seeing this, the strongest Titled Douluos, including Xuanzi, released their spirit skills, creating a clear space around them.

Xuanzi cast his gaze toward the palace, his eyes filled with worry. Things were becoming increasingly uncontrollable.