"Little friend Chu Feng, who might this elder be?"
At that moment, Yaojiao Guang could not help but step forward and ask upon seeing Duan Jidao. He naturally knew that Duan Jidao was that powerful expert from the Hidden Spirit Valley.
But he had always wanted to know — who exactly was this fellow who had occupied his Hidden Spirit Valley for so long, and had grown so powerful?
"Elder Duan..." Chu Feng did not answer directly. Instead, he looked toward Duan Jidao, consulting the latter's wishes — to see whether Duan Jidao was willing to reveal the truth to Yaojiao Guang.
"I am Duan Jidao. Over these years, I have caused much disturbance to the Yaojiao Royal Clan. Truth be told, I had my own difficulties. I hope the members of the Yaojiao Royal Clan will not hold it against me." Duan Jidao cupped his fists toward Yaojiao Guang and the two War Faction Elders behind him, his tone solemn and full of apology.
In truth, given Duan Jidao's temperament, he would never have bowed or apologized to the Yaojiao Royal Clan. But he could see that the Yaojiao Royal Clan shared an extraordinary bond with Chu Feng — otherwise, why would they have dispatched such a formidable force to fight on his behalf?
So, simply out of respect for Chu Feng, Duan Jidao had to give the Yaojiao Royal Clan some face.
"Duan Jidao? Are you the Duan Jidao of the Duan Dynasty?" Yaojiao Guang asked in astonishment.
"That is indeed me. However, Clan Chief Yaojiao, please don't address me as 'elder.' In terms of age, I am far younger than you," Duan Jidao said with a smile.
"Oh my heavens — it really is the legendary Duan Jidao!" Upon hearing Duan Jidao confirm his identity, let alone the rest of the Yaojiao Royal Clan, even the two War Faction Elders were utterly shocked.
Duan Jidao's reputation across the Martial Sacred Land was simply too great.
In their astonishment, they also felt a twinge of regret — regret that they had repeatedly besieged the Hidden Spirit Valley in the past. Had they known it was Duan Jidao residing there, how could they have ever done such a thing?
After all, Duan Jidao was a terrifying existence capable of annihilating the entire Yaojiao Royal Clan single-handedly.
"I never imagined I would have the chance to fight alongside the illustrious Duan Jidao. It seems today's journey was truly worthwhile for our Yaojiao Royal Clan!" Yaojiao Guang exclaimed with great excitement. He was genuinely elated.
When he had originally led the army toward the Ximen Imperial Clan, he had been prepared to face death. But with Duan Jidao joining their ranks, he could now see the dawn of victory.
"The Yaojiao Royal Clan values loyalty and righteousness above all. It is my honor to fight alongside the Yaojiao Royal Clan."
"However, this battle is no ordinary affair. It is a matter of success or death. I trust that none of you wish to suffer pointless casualties."
"Therefore, we cannot simply march in as we are. To guard against any contingency, we must prepare a thorough strategy." Duan Jidao addressed the Yaojiao Royal Clan's army as he spoke.
"Brother Duan, what do you have in mind?" Yaojiao Guang asked.
"I know of a formation called the Demon Dragon Sky-Breaking Formation. It was created by combining the bloodline power of the demon races — it is perfectly suited for the Yaojiao Royal Clan's army to deploy."
"For instance, since the Yaojiao Royal Clan has brought eight hundred thousand troops, you can evenly distribute their collective strength, then divide them into eight divisions, each deploying one Demon Dragon Sky-Breaking Formation."
"With the power of my Demon Dragon Banner to augment it, your eight hundred thousand soldiers will no longer be half-emperors — they will become eight Martial Emperors. And not ordinary Martial Emperors, at that."
"Their offensive combat power may be comparable to only a first-grade Martial Emperor, but their defensive power will rival that of a third-grade Martial Emperor."