During the following few days, the first stronghold was in an uproar. Especially the Enlightened that would be mobilized for the war.
Kei trained diligently with Yuna while Noboru trained diligently with Yori.
Rina and Ayumi focused on their dual cultivation during this period. They also trained to fight better in perfect harmony.
Hana completely isolated herself and locked herself into her own apartment. She didn't react to anyone, focusing solely on her cultivation so that she could reach rank 4 in time. She was not successful.
Yuna also announced the plan for the upcoming battle during this time. Yori and Noboru would attack the jade palace from the south alongside a dozen or so other unimportant Enlightened to aid them.
Hana will fight alongside Rina and Ayumi, also with a dozen Enlightened. They would enter from the east.
Yuna and Kei would be accompanied by no other Enlightened. They will attack from the north.
Lastly, the second, sixth, eighth, ninth and tenth strongest Enlightened in the first stronghold would all attack from the west. They would have a dozen Enlightened with them like everyone aside from Yuna and Kei.
Yuna's plan was met with great criticism, because the strength of each of the four teams varied greatly and wasn't equally distributed. Her reason for choosing teams like this is nothing other than synergy and harmony. She believed that the harmony between the main fighting forces of each team was far more important than anything else.
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The four teams all met around the central building of the first stronghold before parting ways.
Yori, Noboru and the dozen Enlightened headed in the direction of the first stronghold's south gate.
Mortals have gathered on the sides of their path, applauding them and praying for their success.
The dozen Enlightened were all ecstatic about the applause and happily received it.
Yori was used to it and didn't care much, while Noboru detested it.
"Why are they applauding already? It's not like we just won. We could very well die. It's a waste of energy and excessively noisy."
Noboru spoke in an annoyed manner with his usual gelid expression plastered on his face.
"It is an odd thing indeed, but it is simply tradition. Enjoy it, Noboru. It may be the last applause you ever hear after all."
Yori's smile was gentle as they walked together.
"I won't die. Maybe I'll enjoy the applause once we've come back alive and killed all those who oppose us."
He spoke with such confidence that it left no space for doubt.
Yori could only chuckle, thinking that his reaction was nothing but the youthful arrogance he had long-lost.
Despite the possible dangers they would soon face, neither Noboru nor Yori showed any fear or hesitation. The dozen Enlightened behind them clearly felt these emotions plenty.
It was not long before the bunch of them exited through the South Gate of the first stronghold.
Yori and the dozen Enlightened were disgusted by the sight and smell of this place. Some even vomited.
Noboru didn't mind either one bit. He felt relief in his heart now that the noisy applause was over. At the same time, this was his first time outside the first stronghold. He finally knew how it smelt, looked and felt to be here. He savored these sensations and relished his newly gained knowledge.
They marched with haste and arrived at the jade palace within merely a few hours.
Yori and Noboru were completely fine,cand it looked as if they hadn't walked such a long distance just now. The other dozen Enlightened were panting and sweating profusely, their legs shaking uncontrollably.
All of them readied themselves and stood before the jade gate.
"Master, I want you to have the honor."
"How kind."
Noboru simply wanted to preserve his essence by not using his primary element yet.
The door was completely destroyed by multiple massive rocks and rock spikes summoned by Yori.
As they gazed into the jade palace, all they could see was carnage and destruction.
Screams, the sound of waves and gunshots were all that was audible in the distance.
Near the freshly destroyed gate were many mortified mortals, cowering in fear and trying hard to survive.
At the same time, a few Enlightened were waiting for the mountain's arrival. They expected him to attack from the south alongside Noboru, his apprentice.
They spoke no words before launching at the group. Yori responded quickly with offense and so did Noboru. The dozen Enlightened were useless and didn't attempt to help. Some were convinced that Yori and Noboru could handle this situation perfectly without any help and others were simply struck by fear.
The short battle was decided as quickly as it had started. All the defending Enlightened died in vain. They won't be remembered, and they didn't leave a scratch on anyone. They amounted to nothing.
Or so they thought.
A sharp sound of bones snapping erupted from behind Yori and Noboru.
They managed to turn around just in time to see a tall figure standing over one of the weak and frightened Enlightened on their side.
The Enlightened's head was ripped clean off his neck. The Enlightened were merely a distraction.
The tall figure was a man, an Enlightened man, for that matter. He wore a crimson red robe and his eyes were crimson red. He had no facial hair and his hair was shaved off completely, leaving him bald.
The blood of the freshly killed Enlightened splattered onto him, seemingly pleasing him.
He held the Enlightened's detached head in his hand before lifting it up to his face and licking the dripping blood from the open and bleeding wound on his throat, swallowing it.
He proceeded to gaze at Yori and Noboru with a wicked and smug grin. His voice was overjoyed, and he was unable to contain his excitement.
"Blood shall flow~. Bones shall crack~. Lives shall be taken~!"
"Ah~. How amazing life is when you get to kill!"
Watching this deranged man and his brutal actions sent both Yori and Noboru into fight or flight mode instantly.
The man's ambush was perfectly executed, and his aura was an indicator of great strength.
One wrong move and this man would kill them without hesitation.