Chapter 73: The Heavy Eastern Walls

The Azurewing Roc streaked through the skies with unrelenting speed, its powerful wings cutting through the wind like a blade through silk. After two hours, the eastern horizon came into view. What greeted Jiang Feng was an imposing sight—the massive eastern wall, a towering structure that stood like a sentinel against the wilderness beyond.

Yet, it bore the scars of endless battles. Large sections were battered, cracks and scorch marks running like veins across its surface. The eastern wall stood, but only barely, weathered by countless assaults from the demonic beasts of the Obsidian Woodlands.

The eastern wall, unlike the north, west, or south, was perpetually under siege. Its proximity to the Obsidian Woodlands made it a constant target, and it carried the burden of defending the realm from ferocious beasts that prowled its shadowed borders. The faint outline of the forest loomed beyond the wall, a dark and foreboding expanse that seemed to shift and writhe, as though alive.

As the roc descended toward the eastern wall, Jiang Feng's sharp eyes caught a glimpse of the inner wall, positioned strategically just behind the eastern one. Unlike the heavily assaulted outer wall, this inner structure seemed more intact, though its purpose was evident: a second line of defense and a haven for retreating soldiers should the eastern wall fall.

The inner wall was an architectural marvel of utility, forged from a blend of iron and stone, giving it both flexibility and strength. It wasn't simply a barrier but a fortress in itself, featuring hidden chambers and winding escape tunnels. These chambers served multiple purposes: emergency storage for supplies, fortified bunkers for resting soldiers, and concealed passages leading deeper into the city for strategic retreats. Jiang Feng noted the intricacy of its design, likely the result of master blacksmiths and engineers working together to create a fortress that could endure even the worst.

As the Azurewing Roc landed on a cleared platform atop the inner wall, Jiang Feng observed the bustling activity around him. Soldiers and workers moved with purpose. He saw healers tending to the wounded, their hands glowing faintly with restorative energy. Nearby, blacksmiths hammered furiously at portable forges, reinforcing weapons and armor. The acrid scent of burnt metal and medicinal herbs mingled with the crisp, cold air.

Despite the chaos, there was a grim order to it all. Siege weaponry lined the walls—catapults, ballistae, and even newly installed elemental cannons, which crackled faintly with residual energy. Archers stood atop the battlements, their eyes fixed on the forest beyond, where faint howls and growls hinted at the restless beasts waiting for their next attack.

Jiang Feng dismounted the roc and scanned the wall. He noticed deep claw marks etched into the iron and stone, evidence of past battles where beasts had scaled the heights in their relentless pursuit. Some parts of the wall had hastily patched sections, with timber and iron sheets crudely bolted to cover the worst damage.

Among the activity, he spotted commanders in heated discussion, their voices carrying over the din of preparation. A tall figure, clad in heavy armor adorned with an insignia of a soaring eagle, approached Jiang Feng, his expression grim but resolute.

"This," the man said, gesturing to the damaged eastern wall, "is what we're up against. The Obsidian Woodlands never sleeps, and neither can we."

Jiang Feng's gaze shifted to the forest beyond, where shadows danced between the towering trees.

_____

Jiang Feng, scanning the forest ahead, had his eyes drawn to the orderly ranks of soldiers not too faraway, their postures rigid and disciplined, as though bracing for another attack. Among them, his sharp sight caught the familiar banners of the Lei Clan, fluttering in the cold wind. They had clearly arrived hours before his group, and their presence was impossible to ignore.

Several Situ Army soldiers stood in neat rows nearby, exuding a polished confidence that only came from rigorous training and countless battles. Yet, Jiang Feng's expression betrayed a hint of disappointment—Lin Rou was nowhere among them. His absence was an unexpected letdown. Still, Jiang Feng's eyes lingered on another figure, one of undeniable stature among the Lei Clan: Lei Wenshan, a young man whose reputation had preceded him.

Yumo, standing just a step behind Jiang Feng, leaned in slightly, his voice low yet clear. "That's Lei Wenshan" he said. "The third strongest in the younger generation of the Lei Clan. They say his Lightning Python Spear is as quick as a flash storm."

Jiang Feng nodded, his focus narrowing in on Lei Wenshan. The young warrior carried himself with an air of quiet intensity, his sharp features framed by long, dark hair that flowed loosely over his shoulders. Clad in deep blue armor adorned with faint lightning motifs, he stood among the Lei Clan members like an unyielding mountain. His spear, resting against his back, crackled faintly with residual electricity, a clear sign of its connection to his bloodline abilities. This wasn't just a warrior—it was a prodigy in his own right.

But it wasn't only the Lei Clan that had drawn Jiang Feng's attention. To the right of their formation stood another contingent, their presence distinct and unmistakable. The Zhen Clan, known for their mastery of formations, talismans and sealing techniques, had also arrived. It didn't take long for Yumo to point out the most notable figure among them.

"See him?" Yumo said, gesturing subtly. "That's Zhen Ming, another prodigy. Third strongest among their younger generation and already a candidate for the Obsidian Waterfall Realm. This must be part of his training mission too."

Zhen Ming was a stark contrast to Lei Wenshan. Dressed in flowing black and gold robes, he carried an aura of refinement, like a scholar who had stepped onto a battlefield. His every movement seemed deliberate, his piercing eyes scanning the damaged wall as though deciphering its weaknesses. Beside him stood the elders of the Zhen Clan, their long beards and intricate formation banners marking them as masters of their craft. Jiang Feng knew their presence was no accident—if anyone could reinforce the wall with advanced formations, it was them.

"Impressive" Jiang Feng murmured to himself, his eyes flickering between Lei Wenshan and Zhen Ming. Each represented the pride of their clans, and their arrival signaled the gravity of the situation.

Just as Jiang Feng's thoughts began to churn, his attention was drawn to someone unexpected. A woman stepped forward, tall and striking, her presence commanding despite her understated attire. Her strong yet graceful frame was clad in dark steel-black robes with faint ironwood patterns, identifying her as a member of the Ironwood Sect, the renowned blacksmithing faction.

Yumo's voice dropped into a tone of slight awe. "That's Wu Lihua. You don't see women blacksmiths often, but they say she's among the best of her generation. Twenty-six, and already a master crafter."

Jiang Feng's gaze lingered on her. She was unlike what he had imagined a blacksmith would be. Tall and poised, Wu Lihua carried herself with an elegance that was more reminiscent of a noblewoman than a forge worker. Yet there was no mistaking the burning intensity in her gaze, a fire that spoke of countless hours spent at the forge, hammering steel until it bent to her will.

Her hands, while strong, weren't rough, and her movements betrayed no signs of hesitation. She exuded confidence, not arrogance as one would think, and that made her presence all the more striking.

"She's something else" Jiang Feng admitted, his curiosity piqued, "She also has a strong flame seed to boot" Jiang Feng raised a brow, he could sense flames seeds in others but didn't know if others could do the same.

Yumo grinned slightly, clearly enjoying his role as guide. "It's not just her skill. Her Ironwood Bloodline allows her to craft weapons with unparalleled durability. She could probably repair half the damage on this wall herself if given the chance and enough time, though that would take years of work for her alone."

Jiang Feng let out a soft chuckle, his mood lightening slightly as he processed the gathering of talent before him. From Lei Wenshan's electric prowess to Zhen Ming's formation mastery, and now Wu Lihua's quiet but undeniable presence, the eastern wall was shaping up to be a stage for prodigies.

But as he surveyed the scene once more, Jiang Feng felt a twinge of unease. For all the power and skill gathered here, he couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched—not by the soldiers or clans, but by the darkness beyond the wall. Something was stirring in the Obsidian Woodlands, and it wouldn't wait for them to be ready. 'I can sense dark energy' Jiang Feng turned to look at the far away forest once more, not realizing a tinge a darkness turning his eyes completely black before quickly fading away.