Inside the Central Army Medical Tent! Everyone watched the blurred silhouettes behind the curtain with deep anxiety.

After a long wait, Jian Qi and Yin Shuang finally lifted the veil and slowly stepped out! "How is the Marshal's injury?" Although Jidu tried his utmost to control himself, anyone could sense the agitated state of his heart at that moment!

"The left side of his chest, pierced by sword energy," Yin Shuang reported. "He was just shy of having his heart struck, coupled with significant blood loss.

Even with a Healing spell and potent medicinal aid, this won't mend quickly." "Damn it, how could this happen," Chi Hao worried. "Will the Marshal wake up?" "That depends on the Marshal's will to live," Jian Qi said gravely.

"I have already used the Healing spell to mend the wound; there is no immediate threat to his life." "This is the critical moment to strike at Man City," Jian Wu pointed out. "What are we to do now?" "Let's discuss this outside," Jian Qi stated seriously.

"The Marshal needs absolute rest." "........" Jidu glanced uneasily toward the curtain again, then instinctively towards Jian Wu. As former comrades, Jian Wu knew exactly what Jidu was thinking: with the Nine Luminaries Divine True Lord injured so severely, this was his weakest moment.

Any person could easily take his life, which explained Jidu's hesitation and anxiety! However, as an absolute core member of the Black Flag Army, he had to attend the subsequent war council.

"Jian Qi, you stay behind to look after the Marshal," Jian Wu instructed. "Yes!" Jian Qi nodded slightly.

Yin Shuang was momentarily surprised, but quickly realized the arrangement was absolutely necessary! With Jian Qi, a Celestial Venerable Daoist, guarding the injured Nine Luminaries Divine True Lord, the Marshal should be perfectly safe!

Inside the Central Command Tent! The generals took their assigned seats!

Yet, looking at the empty Marshal's dais, every face was etched with sorrow! In the past, the Nine Luminaries Divine True Lord always sat there, unmoving!

He rarely spoke and never offered opinions! Even his commands were usually read out by Jidu and Yin Shuang!

It seemed his only function in the tent was to occupy the seat before the dais! Like a statue!

However, no one could ignore his presence! Indeed, even though he remained silent, never letting a ripple cross his gaze, his composure and calm were like an insurmountable mountain, radiating an indescribable strength and confidence!

It compelled others to rely on him, to lean on him! As long as he was present, everyone felt an inexplicable steadiness, confidence, and peace, as if no difficulty could stump anyone present!

This was the Nine Luminaries Divine True Lord, possessing a terrifying, subtle influence and penetrating power, not just over the common soldiers, but over every powerhouse in that room too! Undoubtedly, the Nine Luminaries Divine True Lord was a peerless commander who made every soldier stronger and more confident, and even Jidu, who knew him inside out, was no exception!

But now that steady, mountain-like figure was gone, leaving a strange void and unease in everyone's heart! This feeling seemed dangerously contagious!

A flicker of apprehension and panic crossed everyone's eyes! Habit was a terrifying influence!

So much so that everyone felt momentarily adrift! But soon, Jidu and the others managed to regain their composure!

Now was the time to hold the line; they absolutely could not let their minds scatter! "Everyone!

The Marshal's injuries are severe, and we cannot determine when he will awaken! But the assault on Man City has reached a crucial juncture!" Yin Shuang stated.

"Regarding this matter, I believe we should discuss a suitable course of action." "........" Jidu and Jian Wu wore deeply thoughtful expressions; no one could discern what was going through their minds. Cangyue Qianyu was the same, but a strange glimmer flashed in his icy eyes as he looked toward the Marshal's dais.

Though minuscule, Jidu and Jian Wu noticed it and exchanged a look of shared, helpless understanding. "In my opinion, we should retreat first," Yin Hu suggested.

"Once the Marshal recovers, we can launch the siege operation against Man City." "How can that be?" Cangyue Qianyu immediately objected. "In warfare, morale is paramount.

Our army's spirit is high; we must press on and take Man City now. We cannot speak of retreat so lightly." "But how can we fight while the Marshal is unconscious?" Yin Tao was greatly displeased by Cangyue Qianyu's overbearing manner.

"Must we select an interim commander to lead the entire army without the Marshal's guidance?" the young and impetuous Qianyu retorted angrily. "Select another person to command the entire army." Everyone's expression shifted drastically, and Jidu's face turned exceedingly grim as he stared fixedly at Cangyue Qianyu!

A heavy, substantial killing intent enveloped Cangyue Qianyu. Jian Wu instinctively glanced toward Zhen Xian, only to see the old fox looking equally shocked at Qianyu, his right hand subconsciously moving towards his waist!

Clearly, Jidu's oppressive killing intent had startled Zhen Xian as well! But everyone could sense Cangyue Qianyu's dissatisfaction with the Nine Luminaries Divine True Lord, and it wasn't surprising that he would propose such a suggestion while the Marshal was severely injured and unable to chair the strategy meeting.

But starting a fight in the council hall would be disastrous! Cangyue Qianyu's words had also provoked discontent among others!

"Cangyue Qianyu, you have a lot of nerve," Chi Ming roared. "The Marshal's position is not something that can be so easily changed." "Are not all of us here seasoned, peerless generals?

Are Generals Zhen Xian and Jian Wu, both renowned as the Ten Great Heavenly Demon Warriors across the continent, incapable of assuming the Marshal's role!" Qianyu seemed rather disdainful of Chi Ming, meeting Jidu's sharp gaze with his own glare. "..." Yin He and the dozen or so elders present maintained solemn expressions; none could read their thoughts.

Only Yin He glanced thoughtfully at Qianyu! In truth, Qianyu's proposal was not entirely unreasonable, but changing commanders on the eve of battle was a cardinal sin in military strategy—it could easily lead to self-destruction.

More importantly, however, no matter who it was, they could not replace the Nine Luminaries Divine True Lord's unshakeable command status within the Black Flag Legion! Yin He and the others were perfectly aware of this, but these old foxes wanted to gauge the extent of the Nine Luminaries Divine True Lord's influence over the Black Flag Legion, and also see how much trouble young Cangyue Qianyu could stir up!

Indeed! As soon as Qianyu finished speaking...

Chi Ming and Chi Hao's faces turned extremely ugly, almost gnashing their teeth as they looked at Qianyu: "In my Blood Wolf Tribe, we recognize only one commander, His Highness the Divine True Lord, because the Black Flag Legion was personally established by him. If we absolutely must choose an acting commander, I propose General Jidu, representing the Blood Wolf Tribe, to serve in an interim capacity—and only in an interim capacity." The two men then offered Jidu slight nods of apology for their actions!

Jidu was slightly taken aback but greatly relieved by the staunch support from Chi Ming and Chi Hao. Their actions represented their firm stance, which was immensely significant!

"The Black Flag Legion is a direct subordinate of the Demon Dragon Imperial Family," Jidu stated sternly. "General Qianyu is merely an external supporting general; besides obeying orders, he seems to lack the authority to dictate the internal affairs of the Black Flag Legion, doesn't he?" Jidu then looked towards Zhen Xian.

"General Zhen Xian, must I explain these military disciplines to the Crown Prince of your nation?" "Haha," Zhen Xian smiled wryly, feeling somewhat in the wrong. "The General is correct.

Your Highness, please resume your seat." "Hmph!" Cangyue Qianyu finally sat down unwillingly, but his gaze toward Jidu, Chi Ming, and Chi Hao was dark and hostile. Even an idiot could see that Cangyue Qianyu now harbored deep hatred for the trio!

"Hmph!" Chi Ming and Chi Hao countered him directly, showing no fear of Cangyue Qianyu's malicious glare: "The stance of the Blood Wolf Tribe is clear: we obey only Marshal Divine True Lord. If General Jidu takes temporary command, our Blood Wolf Tribe can reluctantly accept it!" As Chi Ming finished speaking, he subconsciously glanced towards Yin Tao, Yin Hu, and Yin Shuang nearby.

Yin Hu and Yin Tao were both Heavenly Demon Warriors from the Byron Tribe, and their stance could potentially influence the position of the Byron Tribe Elders. As for Yin Shuang, she was the Great Chieftain of the Byron Tribe, and her attitude would directly affect the current situation!

Yin Tao and Yin Hu offered no immediate reply, merely nodding slightly. It was clear they leaned towards Chi Ming and Chi Hao's suggestion, but as warriors of the Byron Tribe, they were bound only by the orders of the Great Chieftain and the Elder Council.

Thus, both instinctively looked towards Yin Shuang and the Byron Elders. Yin He inwardly shuddered!

He hadn't expected the Nine Luminaries Divine True Lord's influence to be so deeply rooted that even the two strongest Heavenly Demon Warriors of his own tribe were affected. As for his daughter, although she showed nothing outwardly, Yin He knew Yin Shuang already had a comprehensive plan forming!

This was evident from her extraordinary composure and magnanimity, and the calm confidence in her demeanor. "What both Generals said has merit," Yin Shuang stated gravely.

"But now is not the time to select a new commander." Yin Shuang continued, "I believe everyone understands that the Marshal's severe injury and coma must not be spread, or the army's morale will certainly collapse, leading to defeat without a fight. Therefore, the immediate priority is to ensure the Black Flag Legion operates normally during the Marshal's incapacitation and proceeds with the plan to attack Man City." As the Great Chieftain of the Byron Tribe, Yin Shuang possessed a strategic vision far exceeding that of ordinary people, naturally understanding that the current predicament could not be solved merely by swapping commanders.

"Indeed, we absolutely cannot let the Marshal's grave injury and coma become public knowledge. However, the Legion's daily affairs must be managed by someone, so I propose we carry on as before.

Externally, we simply state the Marshal requires rest, and all military movements and operations will continue under General Yin Shuang's command. What are your thoughts?" Jian Wu stated firmly.

"As an external supporting general, I have no intention of interfering in your Legion's internal politics, but I offer this suggestion for General Jidu and General Yin Shuang to analyze clearly. This is a critical juncture, and replacing the commander hastily could incite mutiny and throw us into chaos." "General Jian Wu speaks soundly," Jidu conceded slightly, acknowledging Jian Wu's proposal, then looked to Yin Shuang.

"General Yin Shuang has always managed the military affairs previously; let's proceed as normal. The operational plan will launch as scheduled; I believe the Marshal will awaken before long." "....." Chi Ming and Chi Hao sat down silently.

Perhaps their previous actions seemed somewhat rash, but it didn't matter! In contrast, their actions clearly and unambiguously expressed their position: absolute allegiance to the Nine Luminaries Divine True Lord.

That was sufficient. Jidu would surely remember this favor!

Meanwhile, Cangyue Qianyu's expression was volatile and uncertain. His earlier words had clearly put him in a disadvantageous position, and he now realized too late that he had miscalculated!

Thinking back, every word Yin Shuang spoke reflected her broad perspective and her superior ability to manage the entire situation. In comparison, his own proposal seemed only to tarnish his reputation, making him appear superficial, short-sighted, and malicious!

This was evident from the subtle, complex looks the assembled officers cast in his direction! This left Qianyu feeling deeply uncomfortable!

He recalled how glorious he was in Cangyue! As the son of the powerful Prince Wei, even the current Cangyue Emperor treated him with deference!

Everyone around him was subservient and flattering! Yes, Prince Wei was the true ruler behind the scenes of the Cangyue Empire!

Reverently called the Uncrowned King by the world! And he was the future Prince Wei—what a noble, revered status!

Combined with being one of the continent's three youngest Heavy Armor Generals, this only amplified Cangyue Qianyu's noble status with a dazzling aura of absolute power! It was as if heaven had bestowed upon him every possible grace without reservation!

Noble, revered, powerful—this was Cangyue Qianyu in the eyes of the world! In Cangyue, no one dared defy his will!

But after arriving on the Demon Sealing Continent, everything seemed to have changed! He was no longer the focus or center of attention; the topic on everyone's lips was always four words: Nine Luminaries Divine True Lord!

Whether it was the warriors of the Byron Corps or the Blood Wolf Knights, even the serving maids beside Yin Shuang recounted the countless feats of the Nine Luminaries Divine True Lord as if reciting treasured tales! Even the usually cold Yin Shuang and Jian Qi seemed to subtly observe every move of the Nine Luminaries Divine True Lord!

This only intensified Cangyue Qianyu's bitter feeling! Yes, in terms of status, as the Demon Dragon Crown Prince and future Demon Dragon Emperor, the Nine Luminaries Divine True Lord's position was equal to or higher than his own!

Furthermore, being the continent's youngest Heavenly Demon General, and having personally established the awe-inspiring Black Flag Legion, had elevated his prestige to breathtaking and unattainable heights. Compared to him, the Nine Luminaries Divine True Lord, who had risen like a comet, was more noble and powerful; he had absolutely no advantage over him!

On the Demon Sealing Continent, it seemed everyone had forgotten his existence! All of this made Cangyue Qianyu nearly mad with jealousy!

No matter what, he had to change this situation! Otherwise, he would never complete the mission his father had assigned him!

Thinking of this, Cangyue Qianyu looked again at Yin Shuang's elegant figure! This was undoubtedly a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: to win over the Byron Tribe while the Nine Luminaries Divine True Lord was severely injured and unconscious!

No! That wasn't right!

He should seize this moment when the Nine Luminaries Divine True Lord was at his weakest to take his life! Otherwise, he would never have such a chance once he recovered!

Recalling the near-demonic, terrifying power the Nine Luminaries Divine True Lord displayed on the Man City battlefield, Cangyue Qianyu felt a chilling fear grip his heart! Indeed, previously, Cangyue Qianyu had wanted to find a chance to win over the Byron Tribe, but facing the unfathomable methods of the Nine Luminaries Divine True Lord, Qianyu had to be extremely cautious, fearing that a single misstep could lead to eternal damnation.

Though helpless, Cangyue Qianyu had to admit that facing this young man, who was more than twenty years his junior—even younger than his own son—he felt an inexplicable tremor and fear! This stemmed from the terrifying legends about the Nine Luminaries Divine True Lord circulating throughout the continent.

Especially what he had seen and heard on his journey infiltrating the Demon Sealing Continent, which made Cangyue Qianyu apprehensive of this formidable opponent! On the Demon Sealing Continent, the Nine Luminaries Divine True Lord and the Blood Wolf forces were described as the most terrifying demons, their horror so great it could silence a crying child at night!

And after meeting the Nine Luminaries Divine True Lord in person, Cangyue Qianyu was utterly awed by the deep-sea calm and indifference radiating from him! Cangyue Qianyu had only ever felt such terrifying pressure from his own father, Cangyue Zhenwu!

Cruel, bloodthirsty, death, destruction—the Nine Luminaries Divine True Lord, much like the Black Flag Legion he founded, existed purely for the most unadulterated slaughter and destruction! Especially the Man City battle, where the display of power by that single rider had utterly crushed the last shred of his inner complacency!

Like a demonic beast emerging from the Nine Hells, it mercilessly tore at the most vulnerable nerves deep within Cangyue Qianyu's core! This terrifying sensation almost drove Cangyue Qianyu to collapse!

But fortunately, this demon beast had chosen slumber due to its grievous injury! No matter what, he must kill him!

Such an opportunity would never come again! Qianyu was almost frightened by his own crazed thought!

Assassinate the Nine Luminaries Divine True Lord!