After hearing the explanation from the God of Systems, Hao Jiu and Xiang Yu finally breathed a sigh of relief, and were extremely excited. A weapon that can freely change its form truly deserves the title of a divine weapon. When it turns into a luxurious gold color, it is the Ruyi Jingu Bang!
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Xiang Yu said, clasping his hands in thanks.
The God of the System said again, "Hao Jiu, your newbie mission has been updated. Each of the six time-splitting planes is developing independently and has a mutated system. Once you remove the mutated systems in all the time-splitting planes, your newbie mission will be complete."
Only now did Hao Jiu understand what this time diversion was all about, and also figured out why the mission wasn't completed. It was as if the time reversal item had copied six identical worlds, making a total of seven identical worlds, all starting from the moment the reversal item was used.
However, only their world successfully reversed time. The other six worlds are still developing along their original historical trajectory, but the flow of time is different, and it is unknown where they are now.
"Oh my god, are Xiang Yu and I still in those split planes? What would happen if we met?" Hao Jiu suddenly thought of this somewhat mysterious question.
"He might have one, but you definitely won't, because it was you who used the reverse flow tool. However, even if you or Xiang Yu are in the split plane, you will immediately merge into one after you cross over. No matter what situation you are in on the other side, you two will immediately reach their location."
The beings in the time-splitting planes are very special. If they do not encounter the main body of the main plane, they are real life. However, if the two appear in the same plane at the same time, they will immediately merge into one. Usually, the split-flowing entity disappears, while the main body will only feel that it has been a dream. What is fake will always be fake.
In fact, it's not just living beings; if there are any treasures in the main plane, the Time-Dividing Plane will also produce these semi-real, semi-illusory things that disappear upon seeing the original. Even truly heaven-defying treasures cannot be replicated by the Time-Dividing Plane.
"Oh, I see. So what are these seven discs for?" Hao Jiu noticed the seven discs. There are seven planes in total, one main and six sub-planes. The discs are also one large and six small. Could there be some connection between the two?
"These array plates are the tools used to resolve the dimensional collapse. Originally, only six tools to sever the connections between the branch dimensional planes were needed to save the main dimensional plane."
But because you care so much about the safety of billions of lives and saved me the trouble of using a spaceship, I was very touched. So I gave you an extra super item, which is this primary and secondary dimension array plate.
When using it, place the large array plate on the main plane, and then bring the small array plate to the secondary plane and place it there. Then a stable channel can be formed between the two planes, allowing free movement between them, which means connecting the two planes.
However, once a plane becomes a subplane, its energy will no longer increase. The newly absorbed energy will be transferred to the primary plane. Although it will not be completely absorbed by the primary plane, it cannot be upgraded. That is, it cannot be transformed from a broken plane into a lower plane, or promoted from a lower plane to a middle plane.
I'm not sure if the billions of beings in the Time Divide Plane are considered real beings in your eyes. If you consider those beings to be real life, as long as you turn the Time Divide Plane into a secondary plane, you can form a stable energy cycle. The primary plane will not collapse, the secondary plane can continue to exist, and the beings inside will naturally not disappear along with the disappearance of the Time Divide Plane.
"I've given you the perfect solution. What happens next is none of my business. Hao Jiu, do you have one last reasonable request? Would you like to make it now?" the System God asked eagerly.
"Uh, not for now, but oh my god, can you give me your contact information? Otherwise, what am I supposed to do if I can't find you when I want to make a request?" Hao Jiu felt that he didn't understand the world of the system very well, and if he made a request now, he would be at a disadvantage no matter how you looked at it.
"As you wish..."
The voice of the God of the System faded into the distance, the sky returned to normal, and Hao Jiu had another small item in his hand: God of the System Communication Device x1 (a one-time consumable).
Hao Jiu immediately opened the God's Shop to search for this item, but couldn't find it. This meant that Hao Jiu only had this one chance to contact the God of the System, so he had to make good use of it.
Next, Hao Jiu casually checked the prices of Ruyi Divine Iron and other new props.
The Ruyi Divine Iron was also not found; it's unclear whether it's simply not for sale or is temporarily out of stock.
The item that cuts off the connection between the two planes is not expensive because its purpose is relatively simple; it only costs 10,000 energy points.
However, the main and secondary dimensional array plates are expensive, with a total value of 1.6 million energy points! The main array plate costs 1 million energy points, and each sub-array plate costs 100,000 energy points!
This primary and secondary dimensional array super item has a wide range of uses. It is usually used to accelerate the growth of the primary dimensional plane when a certain dimensional plane wants to be upgraded. However, it is worth noting that dimensional upgrade is not necessarily a good thing.
For example, if this Chu-Han Contention plane were to be upgraded to an intermediate plane now, then experts from intermediate planes would not have their strength suppressed when they come here. However, since the low-level plane has just been promoted, experts from this plane will not be born so quickly and will inevitably be enslaved for a period of time.
Of course, if this array is used on a time-dividing plane, the main plane will not be able to absorb any energy. No matter how much energy it absorbs, it will all be its own, so it will not play a role in accelerating the ascension.
However, this dimensional array disk super item has other special uses. The main array disk can prevent the current dimension from becoming a secondary dimension of another dimension, while the sub-array disk can secretly turn those undefended dimensions into secondary dimensions, blocking their path to ascension, and so on.
Hao Jiu looked at the item worth over a million energy points, feeling a mix of emotions. He really wanted to sell it and get something more practical. Plane upgrades and such were just too far removed from a newbie like him.
As for the beings in the split planes, just sever the plane connections and let them fend for themselves. Anyway, they all appeared out of thin air and are all fake.
Unfortunately, all the items the System God gave us this time were bound!
"God of Wine, when are we going to the split plane to complete the mission? Wasn't this world about to collapse?" Xiang Yu asked.
Hao Jiu smiled and said, "Don't worry, such a large plane isn't so easy to collapse. We can set off after you've completely ended this great battle and made all the necessary arrangements."
Hehe, I wonder what kind of expression those who bet on Liu Ji will have when they hear the news of his death.
"Overlord, let's go, and take Liu Ji's head with us!"
Chapter 99 The Belated Reinforcements
When Xiang Yu killed Liu Ji, the great battle near Turtle Mountain also ended.
Xiang Sheng, Xiang Guan, and Shen Tu Jia joined forces to annihilate Xiahou Ying's troops, thus wiping out Liu Ji's entire army of 100,000.
"There's still no news of Xiang Yu. Shall I take more men to search for him?" Shen Tu Jia was a little worried. It was one thing for Liu Ji to break through his defense zone and escape, but if something happened to Xiang Yu, he would be guilty of a hundred deaths.
"No need. With Xiang Yu's abilities, chasing one Liu Ji or even ten thousand Liu Jis would be no problem," Xiang Sheng rejected Shen Tu Jia's suggestion.
“That’s right, Doctor Shen, there’s no need to worry too much. With Xiang Yu’s help, he will surely capture Liu Ji easily. Liu Ji will definitely not escape.” Xiang Guan nodded in deep agreement. He had already asked many of the soldiers present, and at that time, only Xiang Yu and Liu Ji had escaped from this place, one chasing and the other fleeing.
Later, although soldiers followed in pursuit, they failed to catch up. Liu Ji's horse was so startled that it ran too fast, and even Xiang Yu could barely keep up.
Of course, the black horse also chased after it. This may sound unbelievable, but horses are intelligent and have a sense of smell and hearing that far surpasses that of ordinary people. Especially a fine horse like the black horse, it is possible that it would run to help when it sensed its master's call.
"Well, that puts my mind at ease. Hmm? Is that Xiang Yu coming from over there?" Shen Tu Jia said, pointing to a figure of one man and three horses approaching from the north.
"That's right! It's King Xiang!" Xiang Sheng exclaimed excitedly, and immediately spurred his horse to go and meet him.
"And there's Wuzhui! Wuzhui really did go to find King Xiang." Xiang Guan started up around the same time.
Shen Tu Jia hurriedly spurred his horse to catch up, muttering, "When Xiang Yu went there, he had one horse, and with the black horse that followed later, that makes two horses. So the third warhorse must be Liu Ji's? Then Liu Ji..."
Soon, Xiang Yu met with Xiang Sheng and the others.
"This is Liu Ji's head." Xiang Yu casually tossed Liu Ji's head to Shen Tu Jia.
Shen Tu Jia was startled and hurriedly reached out, almost knocking Liu Ji's head to the ground. But the hideous head was indeed Liu Ji's. "Congratulations, King Xiang, on slaying our great enemy Liu Ji!"
"Congratulations to King Xiang for slaying his formidable enemy Liu Ji!" Xiang Sheng and Xiang Guan echoed.
"That horse is carrying Liu Ji's body. Keep it safe and take it back to Juchao." Xiang Yu didn't feel like he had finally killed his mortal enemy, because he still had to kill Liu Ji six more times.
"Yes!" the three replied in unison.
...
Not long after, Xiang Yu returned to Juchao, and the news that the Chu army had killed Liu Ji and Xiahou Ying in the battle that day caused a sensation throughout the city.
In fact, after Liu Ji's army sent people to the south of Juchao to ask for help, Zhou Bo and Cao Can immediately set off to the north of Juchao to provide relief.
However, Zhou Bo realized the seriousness of the situation when he found that the waterway was impassable. He immediately sent troops to attack Juchao from the south. But the Chu army was also prepared. Fan Zhong organized the soldiers and civilians to defend the city to the death. How could Zhou Bo, who was attacking the city hastily, possibly break through?
Cao Can's route started from Liyang and had to go around the mountains east of Juchao, which was a relatively long distance. Before he even reached the north of Juchao, he learned that Liu Ji's camp had been breached, so he immediately changed his route and headed east.
At this time, Zhou Bo also met Chen Bi, who had gone through many hardships and escaped from the north by crossing the mountains and was covered in wounds. He learned about the detailed battle situation in the north and then abandoned the attack on Juchao and urgently retreated to Shuxian.
Meanwhile, Lü Ze and others in Jiangdong also learned of Xiang Yu's surprise attack on Liu Ji's camp.
Wuhu, Han Army Camp, Central Command Tent.
"The King of Han is in grave danger. We should cross the river and return to his aid as soon as possible. But should we all go back, or only a portion of our troops, while the rest intensify our attack on the cities of Jiangdong?" Lü Ze's face was ashen, his mind in turmoil.
Lu Shizhi was the first to step forward. "In my opinion, isn't Zhou Bo's army still in Jiangbei? We can't quench our immediate thirst with water from afar, and it would be too much trouble for us to send troops back to reinforce them. We should focus our efforts on taking Jiangdong instead. Besides, Xiang Yu's forces are limited. Even if he has hidden a force, it won't be many. With the King of Han's 100,000 troops plus Zhou Bo's, it won't be so easy for Xiang Yu to break through our camp, will it?"
Guan Ying snorted coldly, "Xiang Yu has gone to so much trouble to conceal his whereabouts. Now that he has made his move, it must be with overwhelming force. It's possible that the main camp has already fallen. Time is of the essence. I suggest that the cavalry army set off immediately to support the King of Han."
“Indeed, the cavalry is fast and best suited to go first. Whether all of them return or only a portion of them do, the cavalry must return to provide reinforcements,” Jin Xi said, cupping his hands in greeting.
Lu Ze frowned. "Then General Guan Ying will immediately lead 50,000 cavalry across the river to support the King of Han. But please be careful. Xiang Yu's military tactics are unpredictable. He may have already anticipated that our army would send reinforcements. If we ambush him on the way, our army will suffer heavy losses."
Furthermore, if the Han King's camp at Juchao has indeed fallen, General Guan Ying must first ascertain the Han King's whereabouts before heading to his aid. Prioritize the protection of the Han King and absolutely avoid direct combat with Xiang Yu.
"Yes, sir." Guan Ying bowed respectfully and then hurriedly left.
After careful consideration, Lü Ze said, "Gentlemen, I believe that we cannot continue fighting in Jiangdong, otherwise Xiang Yu may cut off our retreat route."
Moreover, as Guan Ying said, Xiang Yu must have made thorough preparations before launching his attack on the King of Han, and Zhou Bo, south of Juchao, probably couldn't offer any help.
Relying solely on Guan Ying's cavalry support might not be enough, but if we send troops back to reinforce, the forces remaining in Jiangdong will be too small to achieve much.
"The General is absolutely right," Kong Cong, Chen He, and others echoed.
Although Lü Shizhi still wanted to attack Jiangdong, he was, after all, Lü Ze's younger brother and could not oppose Lü Ze at this time.
Therefore, the generals agreed to the decision to cross the river and return to reinforce the city, and each began their preparations.
...
Southeast of Guchao, a floating bridge spans the Yangtze River.
Guan Ying led 50,000 cavalry across the pontoon bridge with trepidation, and then encountered Chen Bi who had come from Juchao. He learned that Liu Ji's camp had been captured by Xiang Yu and that Liu Ji had fled to Shouchun ahead of time.
Chen Bi volunteered to take on the task of delivering the message from Zhou Bo. After a quick bandage, he borrowed a horse and hurriedly headed towards Jiangdong to seek help from Lü Ze. He happened to be on the road to Fuqiao when he encountered Guan Ying.
The situation was critical. To rescue Liu Ji, a large number of cavalry were needed, but unfortunately, the main force of the cavalry was in Jiangdong.
Fortunately, Lü Ze and Guan Ying immediately dispatched cavalry to support Xiang Yu after learning of his surprise attack on the Juchao camp, which saved them a lot of time.
"General Guan Ying, please be careful. I will continue my journey to Jiangdong to inform the General." Chen Bi could have sent someone else to deliver the message, but for some reason, he felt it was better to go in person.
"In that case, I will lead my troops towards Shouchun first, hoping to meet the King of Han soon." Guan Ying bowed with his hands clasped.
"Take care!" Chen Bi rode his horse across the pontoon bridge to Jiangdong, while Guan Ying ordered the entire army to advance towards Shouchun.
However, not long after Guan Ying's army left, a general riding a fine steed, as if descending from heaven, rushed straight towards the frail soldiers left to guard the pontoon bridge...
Chapter 100 The Sky Has Collapsed
Shortly after Lü Ze ordered the entire army to return and cross the river overnight, the Fan army's Gongshang Buhai also abandoned the attack on Tongling and ordered the entire army to retreat to Fanyang by water overnight. The Qi army's Chongda also dismantled the newly built camp and crossed the river at the Wujiang ferry overnight.
Although retreating at this time might result in an attack by the Chu army, staying in Jiangdong would definitely mean certain death. This was the consensus in the hearts of the 300,000-strong anti-Chu coalition army that crossed the river!
They were utterly terrified by Xiang Yu's unpredictable appearances. At first, they thought he was in Juchao, but then he ran to Jiangdong and suddenly attacked right under Liu Ji's nose. Who could guarantee that Xiang Yu wouldn't run back to Jiangdong after defeating Liu Ji?
Moreover, Gongshang Buhai and Chongda were also somewhat complacent, since Xiang Yu's main target was the Han army, so the possibility of them escaping safely by taking advantage of this opportunity was not small.
At least Liu Ji should be able to hold out under Xiang Yu for a while longer, right? Then Lü Ze's main force will return to reinforce and engage Xiang Yu in a decisive battle at Juchao, which will buy a lot more time.
When the sky falls, someone taller will hold it up—that's the principle. There's absolutely no way Xiang Yu would abandon the Han army and instead chase after the Qi and Fan armies to fight them.
But who was the tall man in Xiang Yu's eyes?
Without a doubt, after killing Liu Ji, the tallest man in the Han army was Guan Ying's 50,000 cavalry.
However, they were completely unaware that they had unexpectedly become tall.
"Faster! Faster!"
Lu Matong felt a little panicked because he was the vanguard officer of Guan Ying's army, and he increasingly felt that he had surrendered to Liu Ji a little too early.