“Indeed, the numbers don't need to be excessive; one or two tens of thousands should suffice…” Fang Zhuguo said coldly, his tone less like a request for troops and more like a command, as if he were the true commander of Xuanyuan Xiaozhan’s forces…
However, Xuanyuan Xiaozhan paid him no mind and simply asked, “May I inquire why Your Excellency requires such a contingent of soldiers?”
“To kill…” Seemingly intrigued by the Xuanyuan Xiaozhan before him, Fang Zhuguo unusually disclosed his reason…
Observing Fang Zhuguo closely once more, Xuanyuan Xiao faintly guessed where he might originate from, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes, though it vanished instantly…
“If Your Excellency intends to kill, with your abilities, who in this world could possibly stop you? Why then would you require soldiers?”
“Heh heh, since I have arrived here, I must abide by certain game rules, mustn’t I? Xuanyuan Xiaozhan, give me the military tally for twenty thousand men, and I will help you reclaim every inch of territory you have lost. Refuse me the tally, and I will instantly slay you and every member of the Xuanyuan family, seize the throne myself, and continue the game…” Fang Zhuguo smiled, yet his voice was chillingly devoid of warmth…
Feeling the immense aura emanating from Fang Zhuguo, Xuanyuan Xiaozhan desperately wished to refuse, but the words simply would not come out. He understood the man’s formidable power and had already guessed his identity. Since Fang Zhuguo had made such a threat, he dared to follow through…
“Very well, these are the remaining troops under my command that can be mobilized; in total, eighty thousand. Even if you are playing a game, you should at least maintain some realism, shouldn't you?” Xuanyuan Xiaozhan pondered for a moment before agreeing. With Xuanyuan Jue and the others absent from the Douhun Continent on crucial missions, he had no way to prevent Fang Zhuguo from causing trouble. Moreover, Xuanyuan Xiaozhan had some knowledge of the events in Miao City and naturally understood exactly who Fang Zhuguo intended to target…
“You know what’s good for you…” Fang Zhuguo nodded in satisfaction…
The next day, Xuanyuan Xiaozhan issued an attack against the Tianyuan Empire, citing the Duke of Zhenguo of the Nanyun Empire for attacking the Lord’s Mansion in Miao City and murdering princes and royalty of the Xuanyuan Empire…
Furthermore, he appointed Fang Zhuguo as the Great General Southbound, granting him command of the eighty thousand Blood Guards, ordering them to advance south at maximum speed, determined to crush the Nanyun Empire in one fell swoop…
Ten days later, the army swept across various territories of Yanzhou with unstoppable momentum. Along the route, Fang Zhuguo exhibited a gruesome penchant for slaughter; every captive and every ordinary civilian was utterly annihilated. Fang Zhuguo’s name for cruelty instantly echoed throughout the Nine Provinces…
Half a month later, Fang Zhuguo led the Blood Guards, bypassing Lieyan City and Lingyan City, to strike directly at Yunjing, the capital of the Nanyun Empire. Along this path, hundreds of thousands of civilians and tens of thousands of Nanyun Imperial soldiers were slaughtered. His infamous reputation displayed once more, no one dared to intercept them along the way…
In Yunjing, the capital of the Nanyun Empire, within the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Imperial Palace…
Luo Ruofeng, clad in brilliant yellow imperial robes embroidered with dragons, sat upon the Dragon Throne, his face etched with frost. Below him in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the entire assembly of civil and military officials shivered like crickets, daring not to utter a sound…
They had all received the battle reports from the front lines, their hearts already paralyzed by the terror of Fang Zhuguo’s atrocities. In recorded history, no matter how famous a general, they never slaughtered common civilians. But the appearance of this Fang Zhuguo was different; he exterminated the populace alongside the enemy forces, leaving nothing but scorched earth in his wake. This was not a general; this was clearly a demon…
With such a commander, could the Emperor of the Tianyuan Empire truly let him act without restraint? Even if he successfully captured the capital of the Nanyun Empire, could he ever truly rule this territory?
In the entire hall, the only ones maintaining composure were Ye Jingyu and Zhuge Yi Shi, seated beside Luo Ruofeng. Ye Jingyu retained his seat due to his extraordinary military achievements and unique standing within the Nanyun Empire, while Zhuge Yi Shi’s position was due entirely to his lineage as a member of the Zhuge family, granting him transcendent status…
Many martial officers looked toward Ye Jingyu. Bieli, Ye Longyi, and Ying Xiaoxiao had all returned to the hall. After this extended period of comprehension, only Bieli had managed to break through to the Martial Saint realm; Ye Longyi and Ying Xiaoxiao remained short of it…
Fortunately, Ye Jingyu had returned, so they were not overly anxious…
“My loyal minister Ye, what is to be done now?” Seeing the silence in the hall, Luo Ruofeng turned his gaze to Ye Jingyu. Every time a critical juncture arose, only Ye Jingyu possessed the means to rescue the Nanyun Empire from this dire situation…
“Your Majesty, please allow me to lead the campaign…” Ye Jingyu did not hesitate, rising to his feet, bowing to Luo Ruofeng, and speaking his request…
From the intelligence gathered, he already knew the true identity of this so-called General Fang; this was undoubtedly someone dispatched by the Fang family to avenge Fang Jiuyou…
Otherwise, how could someone from the Douhun Continent act with such impunity, slaughtering ordinary citizens without restraint? This incident had arisen because of him; regardless of the circumstances, he was duty-bound to take responsibility…
Luo Ruofeng also had some inkling as to why the Tianyuan Empire had suddenly launched an offensive against the Nanyun Empire. He understood that the objective was likely aimed at Ye Jingyu. Yet, he was also aware of the formidable power arrayed against them. If anything untoward were to befall Ye Jingyu, what would become of the Nanyun Empire in the future?
Ye Jingyu was the War God of Nanyun! But under the current circumstances, if he did not fight, absolutely no one could stop the terrifying Fang Zhuguo…
As for Zhuge Yi Shi nearby, he remained silent, offering no counsel. To the other ministers, this might merely be an offensive launched by the Tianyuan Empire against the Nanyun Empire. However, he understood that for certain individuals, this entire war might be nothing more than a mere game…
Seeing Zhuge Yi Shi’s expression of profound silence, and observing the resolute light flashing in Ye Jingyu’s eyes, Luo Ruofeng spoke again, “Very well, I shall trouble my loyal minister Ye with this burden. All of you may retire…”
The court dared not utter another word. After offering their respects, they withdrew. Ye Jingyu and the others also said little, respectfully exiting the great hall…
Just outside the palace gates, Zhuge Yi Shi noticed they were alone and approached Ye Jingyu, asking with deep concern, “Do you truly have a means to deal with Fang Zhuguo?”
Ye Jingyu turned, met Zhuge Yi Shi’s discerning gaze, and offered a faint smile. “At this juncture, if I do not step forward, Fang Zhuguo will continue his advance all the way to Yunjing. With his strength, ordinary soldiers are no match. Brother Zhuge, I entrust the Nanyun Empire to you from this point forward, as well as our hope…” Ye Jingyu spoke calmly, gently patting Zhuge Yi Shi’s shoulder. Without waiting for any further questions, he turned and walked toward the Duke’s Mansion…
Hearing these words, Zhuge Yi Shi froze completely. He now understood what Ye Jingyu intended to do. He wanted to stop him but found himself utterly speechless, left only to watch Ye Jingyu’s retreating figure slowly vanish into the street…
Was there truly no better solution?
No, he absolutely could not let anything happen to Ye Jingyu…
He must find a way to resolve this crisis, absolutely…
“Quickly, the Matchmaker Temple…” Zhuge Yi Shi cried out, summoning his personal guard detail and rushing toward the Matchmaker Temple…
(By this point, I trust everyone has a sense of what kind of world this is. The past few days have been relatively calm; this serves as a turning point, all leading up to the imminent climax. Your continued support is greatly appreciated, please don't hesitate to offer feedback!)