Moments later, narrow slitted bamboo draw tubes about a foot long, along with several bamboo draws of identical length and size, were brought over.

The City Lord took the bamboo draws to a concealed spot and began writing something on them with ink before placing them back into the bamboo tube.

"The vanguard must have the strength of a Martial Artist, if you're unwilling, please state so beforehand." City Lord Li said lightly.

Everyone exchanged glances, but no one spoke.

To back down now would ruin a lifetime of reputation.

"I have placed seven bamboo draws inside, only one has writing on it. If you draw the one with writing, you'll serve as that vanguard." City Lord Li surveyed the group, "Who's up first?"

"I am!" Marshal Yue stepped forward first to draw.

He gently shook the bamboo tube, the crisp sound of clattering echoed.

After about ten breaths, a bamboo draw fell out.

City Lord Li stepped forward to pick up the bamboo draw, showing both sides to everyone, they were blank.

Next to step forward was the City Lord's other right-hand man, Instructor Han, who also drew a blank.

The third person, Old Master Shi, also drew a blank.

The remaining four people were silent for a moment.

Just as Lou Yi was about to step forward, he was interrupted by Patriarch Fang: "I'll go."

He began shaking the bamboo tube, and after more than ten breaths, a bamboo draw fell out.

The next moment, his pupils shrank.

Everyone present had good eyesight and could see clearly written on the front of the bamboo draw were two prominent black characters: 'Vanguard'.

Lou Yi's face twitched, almost bursting into laughter.

In contrast, Patriarch Fang's face turned as dark as a pot bottom.

Lin, the Chief of the Escort, Old Master Xu, and High Lieutenant Gao, allied with him, also frowned.

"How is it?" City Lord Li stared tightly at Patriarch Fang.

"As someone from the Fang Family, I naturally abide by the rules," Patriarch Fang was unwilling to be the vanguard.

But as the family head of a prominent clan, he had to show such demeanor.

"For the remaining three..." The City Lord looked at the remaining martial artists.

"I am willing to go."

"I will also go."

Old Master Xu and the Chief of the Escort, fearing any mishaps from Patriarch Fang, volunteered.

"I am willing to assist the esteemed elders in slaying the Wolf King," Lou Yi spoke up.

This greatly surprised everyone present.

No one here was foolish; they could see these three families were targeting Lou Yi, yet he took the initiative to step into the trap.

"Young Liu, you lack experience, let me go instead." Old Master Shi interjected.

"Thank you, Uncle, but I am confident." Lou Yi replied.

Old Master Shi, listening to this, said no more.

It was for his daughter's sake that he wanted to help Lou Yi, but he hadn't anticipated the lack of gratitude.

City Lord Li frowned and said sternly, "Young Friend Liu, have you thought it through?"

He had intended to send Instructor Han, but Lou Yi disrupted his plan.

Ordinarily, he couldn't care less about the sordid dealings among these factions.

But with a formidable enemy at hand, he was unwilling to witness any internal strife.

"I understand the stakes, please rest assured, City Lord." Lou Yi replied firmly.

City Lord Li gazed at him deeply.

"Alright."

Then everyone began discussing the plan, pooling their thoughts to ensure maximum safety for the attackers and the success rate of the decapitation strike.

The plan was simple; Patriarch Fang would go to attract the wolf demons, causing their formation to disperse.

Then the other three would find an opportunity to slay the Red-haired Wolf King.

The greatest challenge lay in how to remain hidden initially, preventing detection by the beast hordes.

"I have a secret potion in my residence that, when applied on the body, emits an odor indistinguishable from wild animals.

As long as you remain discreet, ordinary spirits won't notice," Patriarch Fang smiled.

After speaking, he took out a small brown ceramic jar, the size of a palm from inside his robes.

Upon opening the lid, a slightly rancid beast scent wafted out.

Patriarch Fang handed the small jar to the others for inspection, looking confident.

"The Fang Family Beast-Repelling Powder, renowned for ages." City Lord Li sniffed and nodded.

Then, he began removing the Golden Chain Armor he wore: "Being a vanguard is too dangerous, cannot let Patriarch Fang go unprotected.

This treasured armor, forged by master craftsman Ou Fengzi,

Is blended from top-grade Profound Iron, Meteorite Iron, star patterned silver, Soft Gold, and other rare materials. In terms of defense, it ranks among the best in Wangjiang County, I bestow it upon you."

"Thank you, City Lord, for your kindness." Patriarch Fang felt touched and accepted the Golden Chain Armor solemnly.

On hearing the mention of 'Soft Gold', Lou Yi's heart stirred.

The next stage of his Talent of Tenacity lacked this rare material.

He had checked the Extreme Fist Sect's inner library and consulted both the Zhan and Su families, but found nothing, unexpectedly it appeared in the City Lord's treasured armor.

However, the matter of Soft Gold could wait, the immediate priority was to handle the current situation.

Only could hear Patriarch Fang saying: "I wish to execute the plan tomorrow night, any objections?"

Seeing no opposition, he nodded satisfactorily and began arranging specific details.

...

After another day of fierce battle, humans and beasts ceased their assault at night, entering halftime rest.

Four men clad in genuine leather coats, wearing fur hats, amidst everyone's gaze, silently leaped off the city tower.

Beneath the tower, the ground was littered with beast and bird corpses, a mix of blood and decay permeated the surroundings, big-headed flies buzzed and numerous wild dogs and crows gnawed at carrion.

Lou Yi and the others maintained their composure, ignoring the sights, eyes fixated on the beast army across the moat.

The once clear, deep moat was now strewn with various corpses, the water a bloody, milky mix, exuding a foul stench.

"Let's go!"

Patriarch Fang, leading the charge, stepped onto the nearest corpse.

Like a feather, he floated across the moat to the other side, merging into the nearest beast horde without causing any stir.

Seeing this, the remaining three imitated and crossed similarly, each exuding exquisite body technique, exciting many atop the tower.

"If only I had such body technique, the world would be mine!" Zhan Weida exclaimed.

"Brother Liu is exceptionally talented, I consider him a role model, hoping he returns safely." Nearby Jia Hong expressed herself rare.

Unfortunately, Lou Yi and his group, once inside the beast herd, disappeared amidst the enormity of the spirits, making it hard to observe their actions.

"Sniff, sniff..."

"Grunt, grunt..."

"Squawk, squawk..."

Wolves, apes, deer, bulls, zebras, pythons, lizards, hippos, rhinos, various sounds, multicolored fur, thick, pungent body odors completely engulfed those who had infiltrated deep into enemy lines.

Accompanied by occasional flesh collisions, snout sniffing, fur brushing, flea crawling...

Lou Yi's face slightly faltered.

Though their entire bodies were smeared with Beast-Repelling Powder, dressed in special beast hide garments, masquerading as one of them.

Yet this experience, they likely never wanted to repeat in their lifetime.

"Head east, the Beast King should be there." Patriarch Fang whispered.

...

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