Chapter 397: Heading to Dark Moon City (Part 1)

“Alright, let’s do it!” The next moment, Locke said eagerly. But when he looked at Rod again, he felt a bit puzzled, noticing Rod’s solemn expression, as if he was still worried about something. “What? Is there a problem?” In his view, this plan should be flawless, but Rod’s expression indeed made him concerned.
“We can’t be careless. We must be ready to confront enemies at any time!” After pondering for a while, Rod continued, “There’s still a strong force in Ice City. If they all set their sights on Water Curtain City and attack us from all sides, suppressing the conflict, that would be troublesome. If necessary, we can abandon Water Curtain City!” With a serious expression, Rod warned them. While he didn’t rule out such a possibility, giving up Water Curtain City would inevitably lead to a civil war among the pro-war factions, and it would still be possible to regain it later.
“Mm, that’s right. We can do that. I’ll arrange it on my end!” Nodding, Merk said seriously.
Under Rod’s guidance, these people also realized the issues involved. Without objection, they quickly devised a thorough plan. Next was the stage of implementing the next phase of the plan.
Merk, along with the main members of the Black Phoenix clan, remained in Water Curtain City, ready to respond to any situation. As for Locke, he was to return to Wuyou City and take complete control of it. As for Rod, after some thought, he decided to head to Dark Moon City. The crisis there still hadn’t been resolved, and many more things could happen. Yet he still felt uneasy.
“Are you really leaving? Do you need to bring more people?” Merk asked after hesitating. Rod wasn’t taking anyone with him this time; he was only taking his own Death Scythe Squad. In Merk’s eyes, these people wouldn’t be of much use even if they went to Dark Moon City.
“No need. Bringing too many people won’t help. Fewer people make it easier to act!” Rod firmly rejected Merk’s suggestion. He already had his own plan in mind, not to mention there was still one major hidden force yet to be deployed!
“Are we not going to Ice City? Damn it, why not just take Ice City too?” Locke said with interest, pouting.
Hearing this, both Rod and Merk broke into cold sweats. They really didn’t know what this guy was thinking. Was he stupid, as many things were obvious to him? Or was he smart, to come up with such ideas?

“What’s the matter? Why are you looking at me like that?” Seeing the two of them staring at him in surprise, Locke felt uncomfortable. He moved slightly and touched his face to confirm everything was fine before asking in confusion.

Such Locke made Rod smile bitterly. With a sigh, he said, “We can’t take Ice City. The pro-war faction still has considerable strength there. Right now, we need to exploit their internal conflicts. If we go to Ice City now, it will only give the Crown Prince and his allies the chance to attack Water Curtain City directly. Fighting on both fronts won’t benefit us at all!”

Thud… Hearing Rod’s words, Locke slammed the table and forced a smile. “Yes, I almost forgot that.”

Rod and Merk exchanged a look and smiled knowingly. There were far more things than just this that Locke had overlooked. After all, what conditions had the pro-war faction offered to win over the Wolf Clan? Ice City was now more under the control of the Wolf Clan than it was of the pro-war faction!

The Wolf Clan was a family whose strength was no less than that of the pro-war faction. Moreover, they hadn’t suffered any losses since the war started, keeping their formidable strength intact. Going to Ice City? That was clearly inviting conflict with them. Would they agree? Could you gain any advantage under their full counterattack?

Up to now, their side had been able to gain such a significant advantage precisely because the Wolf Clan had been hesitant and hadn’t taken any decisive action. Otherwise, the situation wouldn’t be as it was now. At the very least, the pro-war faction wouldn’t be in such a predicament, and Water Curtain City wouldn’t be in their hands.

“Alright, let’s proceed according to this plan. If it’s not necessary, everyone should avoid taking rash actions to prevent unnecessary trouble. As for Ice City, try to avoid them if possible. Don’t engage in any conflicts with them!” With the plan finalized, Rod gave instructions to the two of them.

“Don’t worry. Be careful on your end too. If you need anything, feel free to contact us. It’s no problem for us to send some people over!” Merk also gave instructions to Rod, as the most critical situation right now was still in Dark Moon City.

“Kid, how’s things with the Dragon Clan? What the hell are those bastards selling? Staying in this stalemate doesn’t seem like a good plan!” Talking about the situation, Locke couldn’t help but think about what was going on in Dragon Valley.

The clash between the Wolf Clan and the Dragon Clan, once expected to be the most exciting battle, turned out to be the most disappointing. Not only was there no fierce fighting, but now neither side is making any moves either, as if they’ve reached some kind of agreement. Staying there without taking any action is indeed suspicious.
“No problem, we don’t need to worry about them. It’s good if nothing happens!” Rod said with a mysterious smile on his lips.
“Do you know something and are hiding it from us?” Locke asked doubtfully, noticing Rod’s expression. It seemed like Rod knew something and was keeping it from them all.
Merk also looked puzzled. He shared the same feeling. From the information leaked by the Mi Jiao Clan during the Black Phoenix Clan’s siege, it should have seemed like the Dragon Clan was in grave danger. But now it seems nothing has happened at all. Given Rod’s relationship with the Dragon Clan, he shouldn’t be so calm, let alone not even care about Dark Moon City. There’s something intriguing here.
“What could I possibly know? The Dragon Clan is protected by Dragon Valley. Even if the Wolf Clan tries to attack, can they really get in? That would be underestimating the Dragon Clan. It’s an ancient clan that has stood for tens of thousands of years—you know well enough about its strength. Add in their ingeniously designed terrain and architecture, along with that mysterious void space—can the Wolf Clan really break through?” Rod said with a sigh and a bitter smile.
“Hmm, you’re right. Those old guys are really afraid of death. They’re preparing so thoroughly—maybe they’re just afraid that danger might arise one day?” Locke mumbled, seemingly convinced by Rod’s words.
It was both amusing and frustrating. If those old Dragon Clan members heard this, they’d probably go crazy with anger and rush over to settle accounts with Rod right away. Unfortunately, they didn’t hear it, otherwise we’d have seen some interesting action.
Locke was convinced, but Merk still looked at Rod with doubt. He wasn’t as carefree as Locke and wouldn’t simplify things so much. If it were that simple, how could wars even happen?
Feeling Merk’s skeptical gaze, Rod knew he still didn’t fully believe his words. With a sigh and a bitter smile, he realized he had no choice but to stop discussing it. After a brief pause, he quickly changed the subject.

“There’s no time to lose. I’ll set out with my men tomorrow. Elder Locke, you guys need to hurry up as well—Weiyu City must be fully taken under control as soon as possible. Shuimu City can be abandoned or given back to the war faction, but Weiyu City absolutely cannot! If necessary, Weiyu City must do its utmost to help Chief Merk regain Shuimu City!” After a moment of thought, Rod gave his final instructions.

“Don’t worry!” Locke said carelessly. Indeed, even Merk’s attention was diverted by Rod at this point, and he stopped pressing further on that issue.

“So quickly? Without resting for a couple of days?” Seeing Rod’s slightly tired expression, Merk asked.

Having been in a state of high tension lately with continuous battles, he was worried about Rod’s health.

“It’s fine. There won’t be any problems. Time is running out, so we must hurry!” Rod’s reply was simple.

After discussing some details, that very day, the energetic Locke led the Scorpion King clan toward Weiyu City. Their boundless energy was truly admirable. Meanwhile, Merk also began making intense preparations. The news of opening the city caused a sensation throughout Shuimu City. Opening the city so soon after the war seemed unbelievable, but most people were happy, especially the merchants.

The effects were immediate—the streets quickly filled with people again, and some shops reopened, seemingly forgetting the hardships of war.

Everything was progressing in a positive direction, and Rod sighed in relief.

Looking into the distance, his gaze turned somewhat melancholic. Half a year had passed, and today was only the first day. Nightingale—could he really save her?

“Big brother!” Lucy’s familiar voice came from behind. Turning around, he saw her still dressed in white, her delicate skin as beautiful as that of a celestial maiden. After Nightingale was taken away, this little girl went back to rest, though she still seemed a bit upset.

“You’re here!” Rod moved aside to make room for her.

“Mm, are you going to Dark Moon City?”
Rod knew it must have been Merk who told her. Without any intention of hiding anything, he answered frankly.

“I’ll go with you!” A moment later, Lucy bit her lip and said in a low voice, her face slightly flushed.

“It’s very dangerous there!” Rod frowned and said with a bitter smile. Perhaps nowhere in the entire Dark Source was more dangerous than Dark Moon City. What was this little girl thinking? She wanted to go there when others couldn’t even escape in time.

“I’m not scared; as long as Big Brother is here, there’s no danger!” Lucy said in a childish, coquettish tone, with a hint of stubbornness.
These words really put Rod in a difficult position. Although he enjoyed spending time with Lucy, he genuinely didn’t want to take her there—after all, it was too dangerous. The main faction’s army of a hundred thousand wasn’t something to be taken lightly.