Chapter 116: Fierce Battle

"The reasons are manifold!"

An elderly teacher appeared beside Fang Qingyun.

"Master Mu!" Fang Qingyun couldn't help but bow when he saw the man.

He was the most senior instructor at the Northwest Military Academy. Although he only possessed the strength of a common General-rank, his advanced age meant he could barely maintain even that level of power. Yet, no one dared to act insolently in his presence. Even the three high-ranking Generals, including Xi Liuan, regarded themselves as his students. He had once taught the Snake King and had fought fiercely on the battlefield in his youth. After growing old, he accepted the Snake King's invitation to join the Northwest Military Academy, determined to cultivate more and stronger warriors for the human race.

The Northwest Military Academy was on the front lines, and he was resolved to die there—to die on the battlefield, shedding his final drop of blood for humanity. Facing such an elder, Fang Qingyun felt deep respect, addressing him as Master Mu.

Master Mu smiled slightly, looking at Fang Qingyun with appreciative eyes. Having reached his twilight years, he no longer participated in anything other than teaching. Everyone at the academy knew this, so no matter how chaotic things became, they never bothered him. Even so, he had heard of Fang Qingyun's reputation and knew what a stir this young student had caused upon arriving at the academy.

In Master Mu's eyes, this was a display of vigorous initiative. While still immature in many respects, there was vast room for growth. Perhaps, in the future, Fang Qingyun would become the next Snake King. That would be a blessing for humanity. As a veteran of the battlefield, he knew all too well what a tremendous advantage it was for the human race to have one more Snake King.

He spoke slowly, "When I fought on the battlefield, the thing that gave me the biggest headache was this cannon fodder of the Demon race."

"Qingyun, do you know? The Demon race is the least numerous. While humans are quite prolific, compared to the Monster race, we are still a population-weak race. The Monster race outnumbers humans three to one, and the largest portion of them is this very cannon fodder."

Master Mu gestured toward the cannon fodder charging recklessly and sighed, "Their combat effectiveness is only slightly better than that of an ordinary person, but even divine Generals find them troublesome because there are simply too many of them. That is why many important figures have spent massive resources researching them."

Fang Qingyun straightened his expression and said, "Please, Master Mu, enlighten me."

Master Mu smiled slightly. "These cannon fodder, some have no choice. They charge the human lines because there is a chance of survival, but if they don't, death is certain! Even if a minefield lies ahead, that is their fate; they cannot change it." Master Mu's expression became somewhat distant. "Secondly, the higher-ranking Monsters control them. They cannot resist and must obey passively, even if ordered to die. This stems from their bloodline. Finally, everyone has weaknesses, and Monsters are no exception. Once captured, they have no choice but to become puppets."

Master Mu sighed. "Many Monster families cannot go out together; otherwise, both will die!"

"Is that so?" Fang Qingyun watched the cannon fodder charging up and let out a helpless sigh. It seemed that it wasn't just the human race; the Monster race suffered from similar tragedies. There were always so many complications!

"Actually, this is still relatively better. Because the Monster race came in such a hurry, if you were at the Beacon Fortress, you would see many humans charging the fortress as well."

"Why?" Fang Qingyun was shocked.

Master Mu gave a bitter smile. "Because those humans betrayed their own kind, or the Monsters captured them; if they don't charge the fortress, they will die!" He added meaningfully, "Within the Monster territory, many humans are kept like livestock, waiting to be devoured by the bloodthirsty maws of the Monsters."

Fang Qingyun fell silent once more. He could not imagine what kind of meat grinder the Beacon Fortress had become at this very moment.

"They are almost here!" Master Mu pulled out a rifle, looked at Fang Qingyun, and asked, "Are you confident?"

"Of course!" Fang Qingyun smiled faintly, his expression full of confidence. "A bunch of cannon fodder—no matter how many there are, after a few volleys, they will be gone."

A few volleys? Master Mu was stunned.

"Whoosh!" A shrill sound rang out. Several shells flew toward the cannon fodder.

"BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!" Massive explosions thundered. Countless Monsters were blasted away instantly.

Master Mu was dumbfounded. "This... are these third-tier shells? Where did you get them?"

"Where else?" Fang Qingyun smiled slightly. "When I was searching the supply depot earlier, I found a few semi-finished ones!"

"You finished them?" Master Mu stared at Fang Qingyun blankly. "Qingyun, your control over power has reached this level?!" He had heard that Fang Qingyun could manufacture bullets, but he never imagined he could complete semi-finished artillery shells.

"Master Mu, you flatter me!" Fang Qingyun watched the Monsters stop their charge. "It seems I went a bit too far; I scared them."

Master Mu immediately warned, "Do not underestimate the Monster race. These creatures are extremely ferocious when they fight! The Demon race and they are at two extremes: one is extremely crazy, the other extremely cold and calculating!"

Sure enough! After a brief pause, the Monsters launched another charge. Staring at the hideous faces of the charging Monsters and their gaping, bloodthirsty maws, Fang Qingyun's gaze grew cold. As soon as the enemy entered range, he gave the order.

"Fire!"

"Rat-a-tat-tat!" Countless bullets flew toward the Monsters. Simultaneously, small shells were launched as well.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

However, this attack did not have the expected effect. Numerous powerful Monsters appeared, unleashing their spiritual energy to intercept the shells. Furthermore, the Monsters began to return fire. The dense barrage of gunfire suppressed the humans on the high walls for a moment.

Fang Qingyun's eyes sharpened. He pulled out his heavy sniper rifle and aimed at a Monster. Master Mu watched with interest from the side. He had long heard that Fang Qingyun was skilled at sniping, and this was the perfect opportunity to see it for himself.

"Bang!" Fang Qingyun's heavy sniper rifle roared. Opposite them, the head of a General-rank Monster exploded.

"Beautiful!" Master Mu praised.

Fang Qingyun smiled faintly, and his heavy sniper rifle began to fire continuously. "Bang! Bang! Bang!" Bullets tore through the air. Each shot inevitably claimed the life of a Monster—some were General-rank, others were powerful warrior-rank individuals. In the end, even the massive shield-bearing Monsters were not spared; he blew their heads off with single shots.

Master Mu's initial admiration turned into confusion. Was this rate of fire and accuracy not a bit too high? Are you really a warrior? A warrior who focuses on physical prowess? Why does it feel like you are a General-rank who focuses on spiritual energy?

"Bang!" After firing another shot, Fang Qingyun finally stopped. Seeing this, Master Mu felt a sense of relief. He looked out. Many Monsters had hidden themselves. Fang Qingyun had sniped and killed three Generals, over thirty high-level warriors, and a huge number of large shield-wielding Monsters. The Monsters had considered counterattacking, and their snipers were active, but Fang Qingyun changed positions after every shot. The high walls of the Northwest Military Academy were so long, and it was wartime; the chaos was so intense that they couldn't find him at all, while Fang Qingyun precisely located their strongest fighters.

It was baffling! Master Mu was extremely puzzled and couldn't help but ask.

To this, Fang Qingyun smiled slightly, and a vast spiritual consciousness spread out instantly. Master Mu's breath hitched, and he blurted out, "Divine sense? You already possess such a powerful divine sense?" His eyes glowed as he looked at Fang Qingyun, as if he were observing a peerless treasure. With such immense spiritual consciousness, his future cultivation would be much easier.

"Master Mu, don't follow me anymore. I need to act independently!" Fang Qingyun said calmly, ignoring the elder's expression. "As for the command, Master Mu, don't worry. Just protect yourself."

"Haha, don't worry. This old man has been fighting on the battlefield his whole life; I've long since disregarded life and death," Master Mu laughed.

"No!" Fang Qingyun shook his head repeatedly. "Your precious experience must be passed on to more students. There aren't many veterans with your level of experience left."

This was the truth. Fang Qingyun had attended Master Mu's classes. The old man's experience on the battlefield was truly profound. After years of fighting, humans either rose to high positions or died. The few veterans who survived were either recruited by large factions or went into hiding to retire. There were truly few who were willing to stay on the front lines like Master Mu.

Fang Qingyun carried his heavy sniper rifle and disappeared into the chaotic battlefield. He appeared like a ghost in every corner of the high walls. Every time he appeared, the heavy sniper rifle would roar, and a powerful Monster would inevitably be shot in the head or have their chest cavity shattered. The second-tier heavy sniper, paired with second-tier bullets, meant even defensive-type General-rank Monsters were not safe. For ordinary powerful enemies, Fang Qingyun used standard bullets. With an astonishing reserve of ammunition, he became the Grim Reaper, taking lives every time he surfaced.

The Monsters were furious. Countless strong fighters tried their best to search for Fang Qingyun's whereabouts. Unfortunately, the high wall was too vast, and Fang Qingyun was exceptionally skilled at hiding and restraining his presence. The Monster powerhouses often couldn't find him and ended up exposing themselves, only to be killed by him.

Even the Blood-Break Earl did not dare to show his face. An Earl was a member of the high nobility among the three major races—someone worthy of being addressed as "Your Excellency." Within the three races, they were qualified to enter the Upper House. That the Blood-Break Earl had been personally named by Blood-Mane to lead the Monster attack on the Northwest Military Academy proved he was no weakling, even among Earls. Yet, now he was forced to hide by a single sniper, and he was so angry he nearly vomited blood.

"Attack! Everyone, press forward!" the Blood-Break Earl gritted his teeth and ordered. "There aren't many of them—bury them!"

"Yes!" Under the command of the remaining high-ranking officers, all the Monsters charged forward. The crossfire continued! The artillery continued!

Fang Qingyun watched the charging Monsters, his eyes filled with coldness and concern. There were simply too many of them. A conservative estimate was that there were at least thirty thousand left.

This was even after the landmines had wiped out several thousand. "So many Monsters actually broke through—my calculation was off!" Fang Qingyun sighed.

"Rat-a-tat-tat!" The students of the Northwest Military Academy also went wild, firing with near-manic intensity. They threw grenades without regard for their own lives. The sheer number of enemies made them perfect targets for their attacks.

The Monsters were ferocious, but they weren't stupid; not all of them were suicidal. Facing the cost-no-object assault from the Northwest Military Academy, they were suppressed. Especially with Fang Qingyun lurking in the shadows, specifically targeting high-level warriors or General-rank Monsters, the Monster army couldn't form an effective command structure.

Commanding from the shadows? Heh, they weren't Fang Qingyun! The many human warriors saw Fang Qingyun moving ghost-like across the battlefield, his sole purpose being to slaughter the Monsters. If the Monster commanders also hid in the shadows to lead, it went without saying that their morale would drop to the absolute limit. If the commanders were afraid of death, could they expect the ordinary Monsters to fight for their lives? Not all Monsters were cannon fodder!

"Damn it! Damn it!" After the first assault was beaten back, the Blood-Break Earl roared in anger. However, since this had been a direct frontal assault, he couldn't say much. He turned his gaze to the other three sides. Unsurprisingly, those sides were fighting intensely, having nearly breached the high walls several times. The human defense was extremely difficult.

"The sniper! That sniper! Damn it, kill him immediately!" The Blood-Break Earl continued to roar, his power fluctuating unstably, terrifying the Monster Generals into silence for fear of being torn apart by the Earl. As the commander-in-chief, he led the largest force, yet achieved the least; he was livid.

The crux of the problem was that sniper. Because of his presence, none of the Monster Generals dared to show their faces. Command wasn't even the most important thing; the most important factor was the strength of the high-level Monsters! Without their powerful support, while the human experts attacked wantonly, the gap became immediately apparent. A high-level warrior could kill a hundred ordinary ones, and a General-rank warrior could easily slaughter thousands of ordinary soldiers. If they were used for city defense, the effect was even more pronounced. For a group of weaklings to attack high walls defended by a group of strong fighters was simply too difficult.

The Blood-Break Earl fixed his cold gaze on a spot, but it was empty, which only intensified the violent aura around him.

"Earl, 'Shadow' has been killed!" A Monster General, following the Earl's gaze and understanding who he was looking for, whispered.

The Blood-Break Earl's breath hitched. "Shadow was a General-rank sniper and assassin—he was killed?"

"Yes!" The Monster General's mouth was bitter. Although Shadow was only a second-tier General, he was skilled in stealth and assassination, and he was a master of the sniper rifle. The Blood-Break Earl had ordered him to manage the snipers within the army. Who would have thought that before he could kill a single human, he would be taken out by a human sniper with a single shot?

The Monster General had seen it with his own eyes: a bullet had pierced Shadow's chest. Then, with a bang, Shadow was torn into several pieces. The second-tier spiritual energy bullet had been merciless! It was because of this scene that the Monster General felt a sense of terror toward the human sniper, to the point where he didn't dare show himself on the battlefield. Fortunately, he wasn't the only one; the other Monster commanders felt the same way.

"How could there be such a sniper!" The Blood-Break Earl stood frozen. Shadow was dead? Why would such a sniper appear at a school? With how difficult the human defense was at the Beacon Fortress, how could the Snake King be willing to keep such a sniper at the academy?!

"BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!" The assault continued outside. The Monsters scrambled crazily toward the high walls. The human experts, weapons in hand, harvested their lives to their hearts' content. In the chaotic battlefield, a loud roar could be heard from time to time. That was the sniper attacking!

The mysterious sniper still didn't miss any chance to strike. If the General-rank commanders weren't around, he killed high-level warriors; if the high-level warriors hid, he killed the shield-wielding Monsters. The latter two could never be finished off.

The Blood-Break Earl's expression was savage. He wanted to charge the high walls alone, but he knew that would be suicide. While there weren't many strong humans left, there were definitely enough Generals to kill him. Plus, there were many spiritual energy weapons; if he were truly surrounded, he wouldn't even have a chance to run. Within ten breaths, he would surely die! Unless...