Right now, no one could say for sure whether the undead warriors were more powerful, or if the strength of the generals within General Valley surpassed them. No one could predict with certainty which side would be superior without an actual contest.
As for the undead, they remained a mystery. Their background was difficult to discern. On the other hand, the undead might know something about General Valley's inner workings. Still, this proposal seemed like a rather good choice.
Feng Xianlin exchanged glances with Xue Kunlun and the others.
"A general duel is acceptable," Feng Xianlin said firmly, taking a deep breath, "but how can you guarantee that once it's done, you'll keep your word? What if we win, and you suddenly go back on it?"
Agreements could be made—but whether they'd be honored was another matter entirely.
In chaotic times, trusting in integrity was the height of foolishness. Even father and son could turn swords on each other for profit. National treaties were torn apart like scraps of paper. Believing in someone's honesty was the same as gambling your life on a dream.
"You need not worry," the High Priest said coldly. "I have a Dueling Platform, a heavenly treasure born of heaven and earth. Once activated, it becomes a platform for general duels, with the contract witnessed by the heavens. No matter who wins or loses, no party can break the contract. If they do, the Heavenly Dao will strike them with divine punishment."
Once the duel begins and the victor is declared, any breach of contract would bring heavenly retribution—so severe even a mighty cultivator might not survive. The price could be instant death.
"Very well—let's duel!" Feng Xianlin's eyes flashed with resolve.
Swoosh!
A slit opened in the humanoid bronze coffin. A flash of light shot forth, appearing in midair.
It quickly expanded in the sky, transforming into a colossal arena. The platform was dark red, as if it had long been soaked in blood. A killing aura surrounded it, striking fear into all who looked at it.
Blood-red runes flickered across its surface.
Faintly, the clash of weapons and cries of battle echoed from it, igniting one's blood with wild fervor. A person could hardly resist the urge to leap onto it and fight to the death.
It was filled with boiling battle intent.
On the platform, ancient crimson characters were engraved:
Dueling Platform!
The blood-red script exuded a dense scent of blood and murderous aura. Waves of battle will surged skyward.
Mystical Dao runes flowed across the Dueling Platform.
Swoosh!
Suddenly, the platform emitted a crimson divine light, piercing the skies and seemingly attracting an invisible yet mighty heavenly will. A sacred presence settled over it.
It gave off an air of solemnity and justice. Once a general duel began, no external force could interfere.
This was a duel acknowledged by Heaven and Earth.
"How is the contract witnessed?" Feng Xianlin asked, staring at the coffin. Though the High Priest offered the platform, he wouldn't let anyone enter it without seeing a binding contract. It could be a trap.
"Repeat the oath after me," the High Priest said emotionlessly.
"Fine."
"I, the High Priest, make this oath with General Valley. If I lose the general duel, I will lead the Undying Legion to withdraw, and for the next hundred years, we will not invade General Valley by even a single inch. Otherwise, let Heaven scorn me—witness, Heaven and Earth!"
"I, Feng Xianlin, on behalf of General Valley, enter into this pact with the High Priest. If I lose, then General Valley shall belong to the High Priest. I shall not go back on my word—witness, Heaven and Earth!"
At the moment the vows were spoken, both felt a profound heavenly will descend upon them. Their souls were marked. If either broke the vow, they would face immediate heavenly retribution—possibly a lightning strike, a meteor, or worse.
"Now that the vows are made, let us begin selecting our champions. Best of five matches—the first to three wins is the victor. Do you accept?" the High Priest said coldly.
"Agreed." Feng Xianlin accepted without hesitation.
Five matches gave each side more room to strategize. Losing one or two wouldn't spell total defeat, and it gave General Valley time to understand the enemy's strength. This setup was the safest option.
"How interesting—this Dueling Platform is a true heavenly treasure." Yi Tianxing's eyes swept over it. The patterns on it were natural and flowing, without a single trace of carving. Innate light shimmered across it—it was a Xiantian Spirit Treasure.
This platform was specifically designed for combat. Once on it, some mysterious force would come into play.
Almost unconsciously, Yi Tianxing activated the Wordless Heavenly Tome to probe the Dueling Platform.
Dueling Platform
Heavenly treasure born from Heaven and Earth. Derived from ancient military arenas, it is a dueling ground for generals. Once dueling begins, a participant may concede—upon doing so, the opponent cannot strike again. Any violation results in rejection by the platform. Victory allows the winner to seize one-third of the opponent's luck (Qi Yun), which merges seamlessly with the winner's body. Killing the opponent grants not only their luck but one-third of their blood essence, also absorbed without any backlash.
As this information surged into Yi Tianxing's mind, he couldn't help but draw a sharp breath.
"A treasure that seizes one's Qi Luck in battle... This is beyond extraordinary."
Qi Luck was no trivial thing.
It defined fate. Those with high Qi Luck could survive death, reverse disasters, and escape doom. Those with low Qi Luck tripped on flat roads and were plagued by misfortune.
Even the most untalented person could soar if their Qi Luck was strong. Without it, even a genius might die prematurely.
And to increase Qi Luck? That was no easy feat.
But this Dueling Platform offered a shortcut—a way to steal it directly.
If other top-tier cultivators discovered this treasure, they'd lose their minds. It was a treasure of unimaginable value.
If one was strong enough, they could use the platform to plunder Qi Luck from countless foes, growing stronger with every victory. With strong enough luck, almost nothing could stand in their way.
"Fascinating… Perhaps I should personally try it out."
A glimmer of ambition passed through Yi Tianxing's eyes. If the chance arose, he would seize this Dueling Platform. But with it being the High Priest's treasure, that wouldn't be so easy.
"Who among you will step forth to participate in the general duel?" Feng Xianlin called out to the warriors of General Valley. "This will decide the future of our home. Only the strong are worthy."
General Valley was full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers—powerful cultivators hidden in plain sight.
Feng Xianlin's call was also a way to summon these hidden experts.
The Four Great Generals—Feng, Hua, Xue, and Yue—couldn't take the field themselves. If one of them lost, it would devastate morale. And if the High Priest broke his word afterward, they'd be at a severe disadvantage.
"A wise move," Yi Tianxing mused. The Four Generals were the spiritual pillars of General Valley. As long as they stood undefeated, the valley remained unshaken. Their staying off the field preserved that advantage.
But if no one stepped up, they'd have no choice but to fight.
"Agui," Yi Tianxing turned to the Unrivaled Ghost, "this kind of duel is a rare opportunity. Take part. If you win, there will be great fortune for you."
"Yes, my lord."
Hearing "great fortune," the ghost's eyes lit up. He could tell the platform had mysterious power—it wasn't just a simple arena. If he won, there'd be benefits beyond imagination.
He stepped forward with clinking chains and declared loudly:
"I've long wanted to fight these undead bastards. Count me in. I'll see if they're really so undying!"
His massive body and brutal weapon radiated oppressive might—he was ready for war.
"Good! Thank you, Ghost Daoist!" Feng Xianlin nodded in appreciation. He had heard of the Unrivaled Ghost and knew this man was a body cultivator—a rare powerhouse whose strength made him a perfect general for this duel.
His strength was on par with even the Four Great Generals.
"Count me in too!" another voice boomed.
A burly man in coarse clothes stepped forward, a cleaver strapped to his waist.
"Using this blade to chop wood is a waste. Time to let it taste blood again."