Cangyue Qianyu, having settled his plans, quickly calmed down. As for Jidu, Chi Ming, and the others, they understood this was no time for internal strife and could only let the matter rest for now!

The previous tension within the tent subsided!

Seeing Wu Yinhe and the others, everyone secretly felt a chill. It seemed the internal instabilities of the Black Flag Legion had been completely exposed due to the severe injury and unconsciousness of Jiuyou Shenzhen!

Firstly, there was the impact on morale. The entire Black Flag force was overly dependent on Jiuyou Shenzhen’s influence.

This was true even for heavily armored generals like Jidu and Yinhu. In the past, others hadn't fully recognized this, but today’s situation thoroughly demonstrated it.

Furthermore, without Jiuyou Shenzhen’s suppression, Cangyue Qianyu had begun to stir restlessly, presenting another factor of unrest.

As for Cangyue Zhenxian, no one could discern his thoughts, but since he was a confidant of Prince Wei, his position was likely similar to Cangyue Qianyu's.

These two were like time bombs buried deep within the Black Flag Legion; no one knew when they might suddenly detonate.

Yinhe and Jidu, along with Jianwu, remained wary of the Cangyue Empire. None understood the nature of Cangyue Zhenwu better than they.

He was someone who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals, and sending Cangyue Qianyu and Cangyue Zhenxian to the Demon Sealing Continent this time was clearly an act of concealed malice! This was evident from Cangyue Qianyu's frequent recent contact with Yin Shuang.

Yet, bound by their alliance, the Black Flag Legion had no legitimate grounds to refuse their foreign aid.

There were truly a host of troublesome matters!

Jidu instinctively pressed a hand to his forehead, only now profoundly feeling how vital Jiuyou Shenzhen’s presence was!

Although Jidu was well aware of Jiuyou Shenzhen’s true nature—that aside from feigning toughness and playing the bad cop, the man was essentially useless—it was undeniable that the image of ruthless, bloodthirsty, and overwhelmingly powerful dominance he had painstakingly cultivated over the long term had long been ingrained in people's minds! To the extent that even Jidu himself seemed influenced by it.

In a sense, Jiuyou Shenzhen's unconventional path to command had achieved unprecedented success. This was certainly not what Jidu had previously anticipated.

However, this prestige accumulated through personal charisma had both advantages and disadvantages, and Jiuyou Shenzhen's collapse had completely exposed the disadvantageous side!

Thinking of this, Jidu felt a headache coming on! He could only pray for Jiuyou Shenzhen to awaken soon.

The expressions of those in the tent varied, but they did not escape the notice of the meticulous Yin Shuang. Regarding the current situation, Jidu was far from the only one with a headache!

It could be said that Jiuyou Shenzhen’s sudden collapse placed the greatest pressure on Yin Shuang.

In the past, Jiuyou Shenzhen never involved himself in any military strategy or internal politics; everything was left to her management. Invisibly, within the Black Flag Legion, only Jiuyou Shenzhen and Yin Shuang held the greatest authority. Even seasoned veteran generals like Jidu and Jianwu had to follow her deployments in strategic arrangements.

This somewhat gave Yin Shuang a feeling of elation! During the period since the Black Flag Legion was formed, although every day seemed intensely tense and busy, Yin Shuang found joy in it.

Undoubtedly, having Jiuyou Shenzhen’s support allowed Yin Shuang, as a mere woman, to command the vast Black Flag Legion!

Although the overall strategy was formulated by the Military Strategy Department stationed far away in Bichi, the specific implementation of these combat plans was entirely decided by Yin Shuang!

This was an extremely rare situation on the Mafa Continent; perhaps only Yin Shuang, apart from the Demon Sealing Empress, could possess such an honor that ordinary people could hardly attain.

Frankly, Yin Shuang thoroughly enjoyed this feeling of holding great power, and she possessed absolute confidence in controlling the overall situation.

However, the moment Jiuyou Shenzhen suddenly fainted, Cangyue Qianyu eagerly jumped forth, while Jidu, Chi Ming, and Chi Hao nearly exploded on the spot. Even Yinhu and Yintao seemed uneasy, and the entire military strategy meeting was thick with hostility, as if a fight could break out at any moment.

All of this caught Yin Shuang somewhat off guard, and thankfully, her resilient mind allowed her to withstand it.

Yin Shuang instinctively glanced toward her father, Yinhe, and seeing the old fox merely nod slightly, she finally settled her mind. Surveying the room, she said solemnly, "Before the Marshal awakens, we will continue the strategy of pressing hard against Mancheng, surrounding it to compel the Mancheng side to hesitate in launching an attack, while simultaneously buying time to treat the Marshal's injuries. What are your thoughts on this, everyone?"

"That's a good idea," Jianwu said. "On the other hand, we should instruct the Blood Wolf Corps to intensify their deep operations behind enemy lines approaching the Wanluo Mountain Range, applying pressure on all cities across the Demon Sealing Continent to prevent the Demon Sealing armies from easily consolidating large forces to reinforce Mancheng."

"We just received news that the Blood Wolf Corps has captured Jindu and Jinmen," Yin Shuang reported. "They are now advancing toward Jinqiao."

"Worthy of the Blood Wolf Tribe; their actions are truly swift," Jianwu remarked with feeling.

"This expands the operational range of the Blood Wolf Corps' deep penetration behind enemy lines even further," Elder Yin Xi noted.

"If the Blood Wolf Corps can maneuver around to attack Mancheng from the rear, perhaps we can crush them between two fronts and take Mancheng," Chi Ming suggested.

"No! The defenses at the front and rear of Mancheng are extremely strong, with no exploitable weaknesses. Moreover, maneuvering to Mancheng’s rear would alter the original marching plan and directly impact later operational schemes," Yin Shuang countered.

"But among the three main thrusts, only the Blood Wolf Corps has broken deep into the hinterland of the Demon Sealing Continent; isn't that too risky?" Chi Hao worried.

"Therefore, until we capture Mancheng, once the Blood Wolf Corps takes Jinqiao, they must hold their position and avoid any further deep incursions behind enemy lines, lest they become isolated troops surrounded and annihilated by the Demon Sealing forces," Yin Shuang decreed.

Everyone nodded slightly!

"Are there any updates on the Wrathful Dragon Corps?" Jidu inquired.

"The Wrathful Dragon Corps is still struggling to take Honggang and Yayuan," the Dove Faction Executor Yin Xiang quickly rose to report. "However, the defenses of Honggang and Yayuan are incredibly solid, further bolstered by the main forces of the Merfolk; it will be difficult to capture them in a short time."

"So, among the three fronts, only the Blood Wolf Corps has achieved its expected operational goal," Jidu stated gravely.

"En!" Yin Shuang and the others all looked grim.

The current outcome did not exceed anyone's expectations. Mancheng, renowned as one of the world's foremost strongholds, would not be taken so easily.

Achieving the results they did in the initial siege operation already far surpassed expectations, though Jiuyou Shenzhen's severe injury was, of course, unforeseen by everyone.

However, the trajectory of the battle had been simulated countless times by the Military Strategy Department stationed in Bichi.

Detailed contingency plans had been prepared for this very scenario!

The plan was actually simple: gather the combat power of all heavy armored generals and unite to blast a massive breach in the thick city walls, clearing a path for the Byron Chariots!

But this simple method required the combined strength of all heavy armored generals to be even possible.

Naturally, the Mancheng side would not neglect to guard against this maneuver. It was certain that in the siege of Mancheng, the combat strength of the heavy armored generals would be the most crucial factor.

As things stood, the combat strengths of the heavy armored generals on both sides were fundamentally comparable!

The Black Flag Legion boasted ten heavy armored generals, including fighters with formidable individual combat prowess like Jidu, Jianwu, Cangyue Zhenxian, and Jiuyou Shenzhen.

Their overall combat strength was considered supreme.

However, the Mancheng side was by no means weak. The Eight Great Generals of Leiyan were not famous for nothing, and they possessed the continent-renowned combined formation, the Leiyan God-Slaying Array. Even the combined might of the strongest Heavenly Demon Jiuyou Chongyang, coupled with the Divine Matron and Jiuyou Zhutian, might not have a significant chance against this array’s terrifying power. Moreover, they had Moluo Yinfeng, the fifth-ranked among the Ten Great Heavenly Demons, and the remaining two Serpentine Generals, Teng Kui and Teng Shuo. Their overall combat power was clearly higher, not lower, than that of the Black Flag Legion!

If they were to launch a full assault, the Black Flag Legion might not gain any advantage! Especially given that Jiuyou Shenzhen was currently severely injured and unconscious, unable to participate, which significantly weakened the Black Flag Legion's combat strength.

"It seems we can only make further plans after the Marshal recovers," Yin Shuang said, looking toward the others gravely. "Until then, the news of the Marshal's severe injury and unconsciousness must absolutely not leak out, otherwise, morale will collapse, and widespread mutiny will ensue."

"Yes!" everyone responded in unison.

It was evening when they returned to the main tent!

Inside the tent!

"Your Highness, absolutely not." Cangyue Zhenxian nearly leaped up. "Jidu is old and cunning; he would never fail to guard against this. Your plan has no chance of success."

"General, you must be well aware that this is our only chance," Cangyue Qianyu declared decisively. "If we miss it, there will be no other." At this point, Cangyue Qianyu seemed somewhat deflated. "If I could, I wouldn't resort to such a radical approach and take such risks easily, but you have seen it: the Blood Wolf Tribe has been completely brought back under Jiuyou Shenzhen’s control. As for the Byron Tribe and the Wrathful Dragon Tribe, it’s not much different; trying to instigate them to break free from Jiuyou Shenzhen’s command is simply impossible."

"What about Yin Shuang?" Cangyue Zhenxian asked. "Can Your Highness manage to win Yin Shuang over?"

"That damned woman is completely impervious to persuasion," Cangyue Qianyu lamented. "I truly wonder if she even counts as a woman. I, this Prince, am young, handsome, dashing, and accomplished in both martial and literary arts, not to mention high in rank and power—plenty of women in the world would throw themselves at me." As he spoke, Cangyue Qianyu slumped onto his leather chair like a deflated ball, picking up a cup of fruit wine in frustration. "But this Yin Shuang seems utterly uninterested. After several interactions, I found she is only interested in two things."

"What two things?" Cangyue Zhenxian inquired.

"Martial might! Power!" Cangyue Qianyu exclaimed. "This woman is simply a terrifying figure who only values tangible benefits."

"Martial might and power." Cangyue Zhenxian looked momentarily confused, but quickly began to understand. "Your Highness, you are the future authority of Cangyue. Can your power not make Yin Shuang value you? Moreover, Your Highness is already a renowned heavy armored general on the continent at such a young age—surely such valor should not fail to impress Yin Shuang."

"In the past, dealing with women like this only required catering to their preferences, and success was guaranteed," Cangyue Qianyu said, grinding his teeth in irritation. "But here we have that damned Jiuyou Shenzhen. In terms of status, he is the Crown Prince of the Demon Dragon Empire, the rightful future Demon Dragon Emperor. In terms of martial might, he surpasses me by a considerable margin. Compared to him, I possess no advantage whatsoever. Furthermore, haven't you seen? Yin Shuang has effectively become the acting head of the Black Flag Legion. She is truly second only to the supreme leader. I believe this woman is thoroughly enjoying this power right now."

"........" Cangyue Zhenxian was stunned. He hadn't expected Yin Shuang to be such a difficult person. In his memory, His Highness was very adept with women; almost no woman he desired ever escaped his grasp, yet here was Yin Shuang of the Byron Tribe causing him to hit a wall.

"There is one more thing," Cangyue Qianyu said solemnly. "This woman is more farsighted than most. If I haven't guessed wrong, among everyone here, she is absolutely the most loyal to Jiuyou Shenzhen. Trying to win her over is simply a foolish fantasy."

"Ah, what is this about?" Although Cangyue Zhenxian was seasoned and a peerless veteran general, he remained a novice when it came to matters of the heart. Despite his advanced age, he remained a virgin, having never even touched a woman—a true anomaly.

"General should know that Jiuyou Shenzhen is barely twenty years old and not yet married," Cangyue Qianyu stated firmly. "Do you know what that implies?"

"Ah!" Even with Cangyue Zhenxian’s usual dullness, he finally grasped the meaning. "Are you saying Yin Shuang values the position of future Empress?"

"Precisely," Cangyue Qianyu confirmed. "From all the information gathered previously, Jiuyou Shenzhen is utterly incapable when it comes to romance. Perhaps for women pursuing passion and romance, Jiuyou Shenzhen is a dull figure. But for a calculating woman like Yin Shuang, one who values tangible benefits and possesses an extremely strong desire for power, Jiuyou Shenzhen is absolutely the most suitable candidate. If we can control him, what is there we cannot obtain?"

"....... " Cangyue Zhenxian was dumbfounded by the revelation.

It seemed the so-called psychological warfare plan they had conceived initially had completely failed! This situation was absolutely beyond what the two of them had anticipated!

"It seems we must resort to this final measure," Cangyue Zhenxian sighed helplessly.

"Indeed. We absolutely cannot let Jiuyou Shenzhen live any longer," Cangyue Qianyu ground out through clenched teeth. "As long as this man lives, my Cangyue Empire will never know peace."

"It looks like we must contact Yinglong and the others to prepare for action," Cangyue Zhenxian said grimly. "Additionally, we must spread the news of Jiuyou Shenzhen's severe injury and unconsciousness. I trust Moluo Yinfeng will not let this excellent opportunity pass."

"Old General, your wisdom is truly superior," Cangyue Qianyu praised. "I don't believe Moluo Yinfeng can remain passive after hearing that Jiuyou Shenzhen is gravely injured and unconscious."

"Haha! Once Moluo Yinfeng makes a move, our chance will come," Cangyue Qianyu exclaimed excitedly. "Jiuyou Shenzhen, this time you are finished."