Chapter 617 - 285: Battle Between Humans and Ghosts (Part 2)

Almost no one gave them respect.

Faced with such a situation, Li Changqing originally had the Evergreen Commerce Association step in to mediate, as complications might ultimately play into the schemes of the Longevity Sect.

However, unexpectedly for Li Changqing, just as the Evergreen Commerce Association managed to mediate conflicts among a few forces, others faced yet another heavy blow.

Two forces were even completely wiped out by the Ghost Race.

Such brazen arrogance would anger even a clay figure, and thus, a great battle ensued.

The Human Race began a campaign to exterminate the Ghost Race in the Three Wilds, and even the Ghost Race in Celestial Sea City were not spared.

Some Ghost Race members, who had long mingled with humans, became targets of extermination as well.

Better to kill by mistake than to let one escape.

If it was so severe for the Human Race, the Ghost Race retaliated even harder, slaughtering humans in the Cloud Wasteland.

Within just a month, the long-maintained balance between humans and the Ghost Race completely collapsed.

Even though many forces realized something might be amiss, with enemies at their doorstep, there was no time for rationale discussion or sitting idly by.

In no time, the entire Cangyuan Realm was filled with the scent of gunpowder.

Under such circumstances, mediation was no longer an option; Li Changqing realized the severity of the matter.

It seemed an inevitable war between Humans and the Ghost Race was on the horizon.

Li Changqing suspected that the Longevity Sect was poised to benefit from this war.

However, the situation had developed beyond reconciliation.

Even Guang Ancestor and others came to Changting Town to discuss the matter with Li Changqing.

"The Ghost Race killed tens of thousands of our people, and our stationed personnel in the Long Night Ancient Kingdom were hunted down by them." Guang Ancestor spoke with a cold expression.

The stationed personnel in the Long Night Ancient Kingdom included an elder from the Guanglan Palace and an elder from the Zu Xuan family; both were pillars of strength and Grandmaster-level figures.

Yet they were killed in Cloud Wasteland at the hands of the Ghost Race.

"Furthermore, Ghost City wiped out all the humans in just one night." Someone else added.

"Ghost City..."

Li Changqing naturally knew this place, reputed to be the only safe haven for humans in the Cloud Wasteland, but later, Li Hengsheng mentioned that the City Lord of Ghost City, Xu Zhi'an, had aligned with the Longevity Sect.

"There's movement from the Cloud Wasteland side, whether it's the Destiny Star Hall, Yin Shi Tower, or various City Lords and the Ghost Nether Palace, they are all joining forces to strike against our Three Wilds." Zu Xuanming said.

"Cloud Wasteland dares to take action against the Three Wilds?"

Li Changqing was somewhat surprised: "Cloud Wasteland has only a few Earth Immortals, fighting against our Three Wilds is like an egg hitting a rock."

"Such wars have repeatedly occurred throughout history."

Luo Xiaochuan explained to Li Changqing: "Generally, in these wars, we old hands are not allowed to participate."

"Earth Immortals not allowed to participate..."

Li Changqing dawned with realization.

Earth Immortals are akin to gods for ordinary people.

Though there are more Earth Immortals on the human side compared to the Ghost Race, at such a level, killing an opponent is exceedingly difficult.

Once provoked, a furious Earth Immortal can slaughter indiscriminately, something even the Great Martial Sect cannot withstand.

It would be a one-sided massacre.

Thus, allowing Earth Immortal powers to participate in battles would mean catastrophic loss for both Humans and the Ghost Race.

So a rule existed prohibiting Earth Immortals from participating in such wars.

After all, neither Humans nor the Ghost Race can afford to gamble on such a risk.

"If we can avoid war, I hope we can." Li Changqing sighed.

"Unfortunately, the arrow is already on the string." Guang Ancestor also remarked: "Even though this is likely a trap by the Longevity Sect, we have no choice but to step in. The Longevity Sect has already fanned the flames between Humans and the Ghost Race to this level; there's no turning back now."

"Then let's fight."

Li Changqing narrowed his eyes: "Our Evergreen Commerce Association will take care of the logistics after the war. Non-human races have different intentions. If we could terrify the Ghost Race thoroughly, it would be a good thing. Meanwhile, I will keep an eye on the Longevity Sect. If they try anything, I will inform you."

A grand war between the Human Race and the Ghost Race began!

This war nearly represented the stance and dignity of both races, and the Ghost Race, having lain low for many years, also amassed many strong warriors.

The many factions of the Human Race formed an alliance.

Led by experts from various factions, young disciples conducted assaults on the Ghost Race.

Beginning from the border of Beihan Country, they spanned the Three Wilds to resist the Ghost Race.

Numerous experts were also dispatched from the Dao Mountain Ancient Land, including Li Hengsheng and Lu Shiran, naturally.

Before leaving, Li Hengsheng returned home once more. Li Changqing didn't say much, only reminded Li Hengsheng to be careful. Given Li Hengsheng's current strength, armed with the Overlord Immortal Spear and some Painting Treasure Li Changqing had given earlier, plus the backing of the Yin Yang Realm, he needn't worry about danger.

Unless a Great Martial Sect-level warrior was determined to kill him, Li Hengsheng could absolutely protect himself.

Add to that, the Evergreen Commerce Association, being the largest trade association, finally showcased its role.

There were no issues with logistics and supply, besides, the Evergreen Commerce Association also slashed prices on many goods to support the war, adopting a strategy of small profits but quick turnover. Even so, the association still made a hefty profit.

Even Li Shu volunteered to manage the Evergreen Commerce Association's operations elsewhere due to the workload.

Li Changqing was initially hesitant, as Li Shu had never left his side since childhood.

Now that he wanted to work elsewhere, Li Changqing naturally had his concerns.

Ultimately, he decided to send Ah Fei to go with Li Shu.

A year passed.

Humans and the Ghost Race skirmished hundreds of times, the Ghost Race's fighting power far surpassed the Human Race's expectations. Some cities were even breached by the Ghost Race, forcing the Humans to retreat their lines in struggling resistance against the Ghost Race's forces.

Various tribes within the Ghost Race banded together, and even the Giant Race joined the war, representing the Cloud Wasteland.

The Giant Race became the main force in the battle; their formidable physiques made them overwhelmingly powerful against human experts of equivalent strength.

The Humans suffered numerous losses at the hands of the Giant Race.

What's more concerning was a kind of race among the Ghost Race called the Ghost-controlling Race, adept at commanding Spirit Beasts, also bringing significant troubles to the Humans.

Lingxia Pass!

This pass had been defended for over a year, involving dozens of skirmishes, overseen by a Grandmaster-level expert and four experts at Innate Perfection.

There, Li Hengsheng stationed himself.

Li Hengsheng's combat power rivaled that of a Grandmaster, and thus, in this year alone, he had slain countless Ghost Race members, earning a spot on their must-kill list.

Within the Ghost Race, some even offered bounties for Li Hengsheng's head.

Yet still, none dared to accept.

Not because Li Hengsheng was too strong.

But because they knew Li Hengsheng had two influential fathers.

One was Realm Master Cangyuan.

The other was Li Changqing.

Neither of whom they could afford to offend.

On this day, new recruits arrived at Lingxia Pass.

"Senior Brother, go and take a look, this batch of newcomers is pretty decent, and there is one particularly promising individual among them." At this moment, a disciple came out to inform Li Hengsheng.

Li Hengsheng nodded and entered the grand hall.

Every month, new human forces were sent to the battlefield, and without exception, only those above the Postnatal Realm were permitted.

Upon entering, Li Hengsheng's gaze immediately fixed on a young girl.

She wore red, with sharp eyes, her proud Sword Intent made her stand out among the others present.

Though only at the Postnatal Peak, her Sword Intent seemed capable of slaying Innates with a single strike.

"What's your name?"

Li Hengsheng asked the girl.

The girl, seeing Li Hengsheng's interest, replied cheerfully, "Senior, my name is Li Lu'Er."