"Where is my uncle? Where is he?"
Zhong Tianque held Dongguo Chenxi’s hand, asking with a face full of joy.
The three Grandmasters fiercely battled over the Eastern Sea, and Zhong Daoling wanted to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat by taking on two opponents at once.
He aid to secure a chance of survival for the Zhong Dynasty.
Unfortunately, the plan was ruined by that damn disruptor, Tang Fei.
Since then, Shen Boyu has been recuperating by the Cold Pond, and Xuanyuan Mingjing has vanished without a trace.
Zhong Daoling’s fate remains unknown.
Zhong Tianque wasn’t particularly close to Zhong Daoling, but he knew that because of the ’Zhong’ in his na, they were naturally aligned.
The whole world could betray him, but not Zhong Daoling.
No one hoped more than he did that he could rise to power and restore the Zhong Royal Family’s status and prestige.
As kingdoms change hands and dynasties fall, even a Great Grandmaster wholly dedicated to Taoism couldn’t remain unshaken.
Therefore, upon hearing news of Zhong Daoling, his emotions surged.
He had far too few cards to play...
With a Great Grandmaster ace, even Shen Wuxiang had to restrain himself a bit before him.
Dongguo Chenxi looked at Zhong Tianque’s firm hand. Since that scandal, he rarely took the initiative to hold her hand...
She knew he thought her tainted.
Ha, did he not have enough won when he was a prince?
He can set fires, but she’s not allowed to light a lamp?
"I don’t know either." Dongguo Chenxi looked at Zhong Tianque, showing no concern even as her wrist was gripped painfully, and softly said, "While attending the Won’s and Children’s Rights Conference, he sent a letter via the little Taoist, insisting that I hand it to you personally."
As she spoke, she handed a sealed letter to Zhong Tianque.
Zhong Tianque was confined within Fengming Palace day and night, surrounded by impenetrable defenses.
Even occasional outings were under Shen Que’s close protection.
Dongguo Chenxi, on the other hand, had a bit more freedom and could occasionally represent the Royal Family in social service activities.
This was why Zhong Daoling chose to contact her.
Zhong Tianque glanced at Dongguo Chenxi after taking the letter, but she didn’t turn away.
He hesitated montarily, then chose to tear it open in front of her.
At this point, if she wanted to betray...
Having betrayed once, she really didn’t have many choices left.
A whore and a dog, a match made in heaven.
"If the lips perish, the teeth will feel the cold."
On the white paper, there were only four elegant, cursive characters.
Zhong Tianque’s face instantly turned ashen.
After seeing the content on the paper, Dongguo Chenxi also gently sighed.
She seed both saddened and relieved.
No matter what, they would have to make a decisive choice.
They had no opportunities left.
------
The war in Luo City had reached a fever pitch.
First ca the artillery duels, then the cha battle, and finally hand-to-hand combat...
The Fla-Bathed Legion and the Undying Army fought in a world-consuming frenzy, rivers of blood flowing.
The Fla-Bathed Legion sought to cleanse their stigma and restore their reputation, while the Undying Army aid to remain undefeated and sustain their glory.
Both hailed from the Empire’s Three Imperial Ace Armies, the elite of the elite, the strongest of the strong.
Thus, when they clashed head-on on the battlefield, it brought out all their inherent pride and ferocity.
Why?
’You’re just a defeated remnant, how are you worthy of being our opponent?’
’We’re both Imperial Ace Units, why are you the number one army under heaven?’
’Why are we inferior to him? Why can’t we win?’
------
Everyone had their excuses for needing to win; everyone had their reasons for being unable to lose.
If the Fla-Bathed Legion lost, they would completely fall to second-rate forces.
If the Undying Army lost, Luo City would be lost...
Thus, every gate, every wall, every street was strewn with bodies, soaked in blood.
War is fought with economy and competed with technology.
Ultimately, it’s the young lives that are sacrificed... along with their vigorous bodies.
The commander at the front line, Gongshu Xuesong, was thoroughly enraged, having entered the battlefield to kill the enemy three tis, sustaining more than ten wounds all over his body, and forever losing an arm, which had been replaced with a chanical arm.
However, Luo City remains guarded by the Undying Army.
Unless the defenders of Luo City are annihilated, the city gates cannot be breached.
------
U77 Star Domain.
Under the escort of four Silver Demon Attack Ships and more than a dozen Fierce Tiger Destroyers, cargo ships floated through the sea of stars like devil fish, with their large bellies.
This is the Qishan Group’s supply convoy, currently transporting a large amount of weapons, food, and dical supplies to Luo City.
In charge of this transport mission is General Chi Yunfeng, commander of the second division of the Phoenix Dance Army, which was originally a royal force loyal to the Royal Family and guarding the capital.
But, due to the collapse of the Zhong Royal Family, it had beco infiltrated, like a sieve.
Anyone could ’leak’ a hand.
Chi Yunfeng was a great general personally promoted by Shen Wuxiang, and also the plant in the Phoenix Dance Army.
Seeing the commander’s grave expression, eyes fixed on the real-ti fleet route map on the big screen, Staff Officer Wei Liushen offered a word of advice, "Commander, don’t worry. This is the heartland of the Empire, could the bandits actually reach here?"
"Moreover, if they really dare to co, it would just an they’ll be encircled by our forces... Whether it’s the border troops of Shattered Star Abyss, or the air units of Henghe Port, they can rush to support in no ti. They will certainly not return."
Chi Yunfeng shook his head and said, "Better safe than sorry. Our transport mission this ti is extrely important. The Military Minister personally called to remind us, under no circumstances must the supplies be safely delivered to Luo City. I have pledged a military order in front of the minister."
"If we’re not careful and the supplies fall into the hands of the bandits, Luo City would be in a difficult position, while the bandits would gain montum. At that ti, we’d all be in for it."
Hearing the commander ntion the military order, Wei Liushen also grew cautious and apprehensive.
When the Military Minister chops off the commander’s head, it’s possible the commander might chop off theirs first.
Which leader would shoulder the bla alone?
"I never expected the battle for Luo City to be so fierce. Now, Luo City is called the ’at grinder battlefield’, with reported casualty numbers on both sides reaching two hundred thousand."
"Since the founding war, there has never been such a large-scale war, let alone an internal war... The bandits have really beco a force to reckon with."
Chi Yunfeng turned to sweep a glance at Wei Liushen, and reminded, "You can say things like this in front of , but make sure no one else hears it."
Wei Liushen imdiately bowed and apologized, saying, "Understood, I only speak freely in front of you. I wouldn’t say such things if there were others present."
Chi Yunfeng knew, Wei Liushen knew, and even the ordinary people knew, that the bandits had indeed beco a force, possessing the ans to rival the Qishan Group and vie for the realm.
However, those above don’t want to hear these words...
If soone informs, the Security Bureau would invite you over for tea.
If the tea goes well, good; if not... your entire history would be dug out by the Security Bureau.
How many officials can withstand a check?
Especially now since the Director of Security Bureau is Bai Xingjian, a young officer highly regarded by the Military Minister. There’s no room for appeals with such a person.
The military and political spheres within the Empire are now rife with fear, worrying about catching the eye of Director Bai.
They even slightly miss ’the Five-Vices’ Director Guo Nu, who although was greedy, lustful, and liked drinking, was easy to talk to. He listened to superiors’ hints and accepted bribes from below...
But how to persuade an official like Bai Xingjian who’s focused solely on climbing up by clinging to Shen Wuxiang’s thigh?
Impossible.
"Walls have ears, there’s no wall impervious to the wind. It’s always better to be cautious and to endure through this ti," Chi Yunfeng advised reassuringly.
"Yes, thank you for the teaching, Commander, I will rember it wholeheartedly."
"Old Wei, it’s too formal to say such things. We’ve worked well together over these years, and I do acknowledge you as an old friend and a colleague. But, you also know, tis are turbulent now... Do your work well, and take good care of yourself."
"I understand. I’m willing to follow you, Commander; you discovered and nurtured my talent, and I will repay you with unwavering loyalty and service."
Chi Yunfeng’s gaze once again fell upon the route map, and he whispered, "I hope Luo City remains unscathed. If Luo City is secured, the rear will also be safe."
"If the bandits seize Luo City, they could either advance into the heartland of the Empire or retreat to the vast expanse of the Northern Border. Trying to uproot them then would be daunting... Luo City must not fall."
"With General Shen Annan present, Luo City is sure to be impregnable," Wei Liushen reassured.
Chi Yunfeng wanted to say sothing, but after a mont of silence, rely nodded gently, "I hope so."
At this mont, dozens of red light spots appeared on the route map, converging from all directions to encircle the transport fleet.
"Enemy attack!"
Chi Yunfeng shouted loudly, "Enemy attack!"
At the sa ti, the piercing alarms of the ship’s defense systems sounded.
------
Tang Fei walked into the conference room, where the leaders of the Staff Headquarters and high-ranking mbers of the Fla-Bathed Legion all rose to salute.
Tang Fei did not sit down but solemnly scanned the surroundings and said in a deep voice, "Everyone, the ti has co to launch our full-scale attack; victory is within reach."
"Willing to give our lives for the Lord."
Everyone shouted in unison.
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