After three intensive days of preparation, An Huo at last finished initial war mobilization and issued the order for deployment. In no time, the whole Nanqing metropolis boiled with excitement, armed soldiers swarming out of barracks towards designated zones within the airship take-off and landing area.
Military trucks without end clogged city streets, laden to maximum capacity with goods. Temporary checkpoints arose at major crossroads, where quartermasters quickly scrolled through documentation, cross-checking supplies against manifests on vehicles for final accounting.
Inspection protocols stood extremely rigorous; only upon verifying that license numbers, destinations and cargo corresponded accurately were vehicles authorized passage. Such stringency naturally caused massive delays, forming huge queues of heavily loaded freight trucks backed up indefinitely from each checkpoint.
Though certainly quiet grumbling occurred, An Huo’s ironclad discipline, restructured under Song Zining’s reforms, had effectively quelled dissent. Not a soul dared vocalize grievances openly.
Yet observed from above, a contrasting spectacle emerged. Within Nanqing metropolis, crowded clusters seemed in hopeless chaos at first glance. However, sustained attention revealed continuous human and vehicle fluxes concentrating methodically into coordinated flows forwards—all remaining fluidity maintained. Organized yet hasty activity showcased the refined competence of professional logistics expertise.
These stringent procedures ensured each vehicle traced correct transit routes to appropriate terminals. Although slow-going, this remained vastly superior versus risks of detours or errors. Beyond efficiency, these measures significantly obstructed spying threats seeking entry into secure operations.
Song Zining himself remained wholly gratified; even imperial regular armed forces performed no greater precision. In spite of An Huo personnel’s relatively poor average professionalism versus imperial ranks—whose command comprehensions frequently barely met comprehension—he still obtained flawless execution from dutiful officers following orders accurately and fully. This offset typical inefficiencies within complex inter-regiment dependencies found plaguing true imperial military cooperation itself.
Ultimately though, before war’s towering machine, all men remained but infinitesimal gears spinning mindlessly along their predetermined fates, largely oblivious to total design significance.
By now, almost every agent operating under Neutral Territories fixed eyes upon Nanqing metropolis. Spies entrenched thoroughly around, inside and outside fortress walls monitored each movement without oversight.
Beyond Nanqing’s perimeter sprawled several industrial worksites across tall elevated terrains outside main circuits’ defensive boundary. Originally devoted to mining and smelting industries, these facilities occupied extensive surface space and offered limited value themselves—therefore placed distant and peripheral.
Yet from an observation tower rising amongst one factory compound, several shadowy figures atop watched silently—a spot ideal for commanding the entire urban landscape below.
Such crucial territory didn’t lack protective presence entirely, as watchtowers stationed beneath hosted patrols that patrolled the surroundings continuously. Mysteriously however, none seemed to pay attention towards whoever resided above—turning blind sight deliberately in their presence.
High tower’s apex, stood centered two elderly sages with trailing flowing beards dancing freely upon windswept heights.
The older gazed out upon distant Nanqing city while softly caressing his silver beard musingly, “Such efficient haste, truly rare. That Song boy hailed as Future Marshall of the Empire does appear to justify his lofty titles.”
“The lad Qianye proves not to be lightly trifled with either; Wolf King himself now seeks to avoid hostilities with him lest earning ire against Tian王府.” the companion sage murmured in response.
Beside them in youthful curiosity arose another question, “Just who holds stronger capability though… Qian Ye… or Song Zining?”
“One must agree,” one elderly sage remarked reflectively,”Though Song Zining bares prestigious titles of ‘Future Divine General,’ rumor suggests great mastery in Heaven’s Omen Calculations techniques allowing him to circumvent adversities skillfully while commanding thousands—easily prevailing over the younger.”
“That logic bears flaws however. What value do multitudes truly possess against truly superior forces alone? Qian Ye, still a tender sprout, has already planted seeds of concern inside Wolf King’s heart alone—imagine his powers after blossoming fully! Despite Song’s elaborate strategies, Qian need only break past outer defences, charging heart-first straight amid Song’s headquarters—to cleave him mid-hosts!”
The elderly quarreled, tension swelling by tones rising, until intervened by a calmer intermediary middle-aged individual suggesting urgency at hand: “Esteemed Lords—the matter at stake requires deliberation now.”
“What critical event?” The elders turned with rekindled attentions.
“The An Huo navy prepares imminent embarkation. We must resolve whether interposition strikes against passage, delivering them a decisive rebuke.”
Such was no trivial matter. In truth, Tian Family had long prepared fleets concealed in nearby void regions. Detailed advance intelligence acquired through secret contacts had enabled repositioning along expected passage routes well previously.
However, exact strength assessments of An Huo fleet’s capabilities remained frustratingly limited—observation merely from distances outside heavily guarded Nanqing airfield restricted intelligence only visible outer hull characteristics—never interior statistics or concealed armaments unknown still.
Initially Tian forces mustered fleets hastily, expecting possible mobilisation contingencies—anticipating possible An Huo offworld excursions while fearful of covert threats potentially aimed their dynasty’s way, after Qian ye’s malicious deeds elsewhere like Ting Chau. Suspicion persisted whether deception maneuver masked further attacks against their domains.
Thus, here at final crucial moment, doubts plagued decision to attack despite previous intentions.
Destroying An Huo main dreadnought amidst celestial spheres would represent optimal triumph. A success equated irrevocable damage potentially sidelining Qian / Song’s resurgence possibilities. Such victory also would demonstrate unambiguously T’ien dominance—intimidating rivaling factions like aforementioned Wolf Sovereign.
One decisive success struck three targets perfectly at once.
But failure’s ramifications loomed equally catastrophic—if miscalculations backfired?
The two seniors gazed into shared anxieties—the typical caution developed through decades of experience making decisions fraught. Failure scenarios left too much to fathom, including irreversible fleet devastation from mismatched combat capability.
Their associates grew anxious nearby yet dared not prod. To them, with over three-dozen allied craft already assembled surpassing An Huo likely under ten crafts—where lied legitimate concern?
After prolonged hesitations finally one elder stamped his footing resolutely,”I suggest abandon assault plans—it simply too uncertain,” seeking concurrence through questioning tones glancing aside toward second elder comrade.
With lifted thin white brows displaying intrigue the second patriarch countered calmly,”Lao Bro, though intriguing, do clarify underlying reasoning?”
“One thing puzzles me,” Lao resumed,” multiple witnesses spied An Huo flagship—Yet not one amongst recognized classifications in standard reference volumes.”
Interrupting a youthful aide speculated carelessly,”Might be ancient war relic then—unlikely?”
A fierce warning glare shot shut further youthful interruption mid-sentence. “You personally witness vintage designs akin previously?” he rebuked. Observation posts lacked comprehensive detail—but certain overt visible elements still discerned—on-board original power armaments being one particularly ominous clue.
Senior ‘Ji’ wrinkled brows deeper,”Unless possibly this craft belongs to Qin dynasty’s brand new commission fleet?”
“But unlikely…”
“Then what remains?”
“Alternatively, rumors spoke of certain Qin’s frontline warships hidden solely for high stakes nation warring engagements—rarely if ever documented publicly.”
“And worse,” Lao continued icily,”Even considering un-deployed reserves—if we face active duty battleships—do we still claim chances versus junk armada like ours?”
Sweat beaded upon Ji’s brow—Neutral Territory fleet mostly outdated rustbuckets vulnerable versus true Empire / Ever-night heavy warlords alone. Only relative defense lay hidden inside battlefield terrain anomalies preventing deep territorial invasions—not withstand true naval clash engagements against real imperial grade battleships without total annelation.
Final consensus reached: “Too great a gamble to pursue! Withdraw fleet—ensure no contact forms against passage.”
An aide received order wordlessly, departed the tower silently. Remaining personnel redirected eyes attentively towards unfolding movement below in distant cities.
Hours trickled, Nanqing mobilization remained methodically deliberate—a few trivial disorganized events rectified swiftly without disrupting grand rhythm completely.
Now upon watching prolonged proceedings, even bitter opposition reluctantly admired Song Zining’s brilliance organizing forces surpassing normal logistical expectations.
Anticipating this disciplined preparedness underlying entire army, it naturally suggested an extremely efficient supply chain upon real battle breaking—making victory assured if basic competent field troop deployments ensured minimum breakdowns.
This reflection planted uncertainty into all observer hearts—was opposing such enemies even worth risking all?
Late too belated realization, hatred seeded deep—left regretted with impotence.
Suddenly several long solemn bell peals rose drifting distant through wind. Even at distant tower, clarity reached all—a floating battle fleet departure’s signal. Eyes strained further with renewed focus upon city beyond.
Initially emerged two aerial warships from base. Small dimensions quickly designated light destroyers, though sleek graceful exterior designs already displayed yawning technology gaps beyond Neutral fleet capability.
Swift and stable ascensions followed instantly once ignited. Within moments they ascended hundreds of meters—already circling for surveillance patrol tasks underway.
Lao Ji, plus their entourage wiped perspiring brows nervously. They understood implications perfectly. Against Neutral Territories’ standard warship, such rapid acceleration promised doom. Probably unable nearing effective targeting ranges before adversaries completed liftoffs and fully entered active battle formations.
More destroyer escorts emerged paired successively until six already in continuous orbits guarding skies above base perimeter. In a flash of brilliance previously invisible from all—something unimaginably vast yet elegant ascended skywards with ethereal grace.
Magnificent beyond compare while ominously deadly—every line of its frame oozing perfection—predator ruling apex of every predatory pecking order—hidden threats concealed inside exquisite exteriors.
Its floating ascent executed simultaneously soundless yet terrifyingly rapid, leaving those six lighter escorts seeming clumsy behind like baby-brothers. Main nose/cannon armaments fully articulated without coverage weak points. Side turrets aligned evenly in overwhelming firepower display from all angles—top/bottom blind-spots existed possibly in technical design but effectively useless—since pursuers rarely maintained angles for effective attack before being outflanked and destroyed first.
Speed easily surpasses entire Neutral force. Flight stability far exceeding typical operational expectations—doubtless not full capabilities revealed yet fully either.
At that very moment witnessing this sky-cleaving marvel first-hand—only did these would-be attackers understand truly what monstrosity previously considered a simple target entailed.
A vessel matching such specifications made isolated assaults from War-Duke ranked opponents already laughably implausible—completely impossible to outpace or chase once evasive trajectories engaged. Furthermore, aboard resided two figures of extraordinary capability — even the most formidable warlords among Tian clan forces—none capable of posing serious threat.
Nonetheless, the vessel embarked without its esteemed commander presence; Song Zining and Qian Ye remained standing alongside other groundside observers side-by-side amidst Nanqing fortress’s walls—personally witnessing ascent of the most fearsome capital battleships within entire Everlight realms—six escorts in trailing formations disappeared skyward swiftly afterwards as one unified force.
“You expecting some poor clueless fool attempting interception?” Qie asked eagerly glances at his companion.
Song grinned shaking head knowingly,“Tian folks aren’t fools themselves—not the type committing self-erasing suicidal gestures knowing no odds of survival ever exist.”
“What a shame indeed,” replied Qie with slight wistful sigh.
“No matter. These peripheral disruptions bear limited impact on grand designs,” consoled Song,” What matters most… how do you suppose we’d cope should Zhang Busheng reemerge?”
After momentary contemplation Qian responded solemnly,”Reaching War-Duke status myself shall provide some restraint—prevent his more extreme hostilities at least.”
Song Zining exhaled quietly in subtle longing. “Achieving Divine General rank though… the one critical missing resource from our grasp has always been simply: *time*.”
Qian Ye’s thoughts turned instinctively inwards recalling Yeting. His heart echoed similarly.
Fateful torrents ever-rushing—ceaseless and fleeting—never awaiting even slightest moment for anyone regardless of genius or mediocrity. All souls—equal before passage of irreversible eternity.
In this era—Qian Ye fervently hoped for extra ten youthful spring cycles. Meanwhile, those other titans like Zhang Boquian and Liu Xitang currently defining world events—they too felt similar fleeting sentiments at times?
Thus, drifting minds caught inside history surging—such encapsulated shared helplessness amidst tidal forces beyond our command.
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