The arrival of the imperial envoy sounded the silent trumpet, officially beginning the bloody battle. Flocks of young and talented individuals swarmed from all corners of the empire, rushing into the Iron Curtain without a second thought.
The dark world also regarded this bloodbath as a grand festivity. The Eternal Night Council formally resolved to offer generous rewards that were shocking in their abundance, including various martial resources, titles of nobility, territories, and superior bloodlines. Lured by these enormous rewards, many tribes mobilized all their adult warriors, even bringing along their older children.
If there were a pair of high and almighty eyes, they would see that on the continent of Eternal Night, the forces of Eternal Night and Dawn were like two tidal waves, drawing ever closer.
At the edge of the Iron Curtain, a previously inconspicuous small city was now brimming with multiple imperial units, outnumbering the original residents. Many buildings in the city center had been requisitioned, with the lord’s mansion transformed entirely into a command center. This small city was chosen by Zhang Boqian and Lin Xitang as their base of operations.
Occupying one-third of the room was a sand table, intricately detailed with rolling hills, winding rivers, and scattered settlements. Upon closer inspection, key locations such as fortresses and bases were inscribed with arrays of primal power, emitting various glows representing different combat strengths and readiness states.
A deep, dark arc traversed the human-controlled regions, with most of the important models near the dark territories illuminated, signaling the completion of their mobilization.
As the last envoy from the Imperial Military Department finished his report, the towns in the western region of Three Rivers County also lit up accordingly.
Closing the file in his hand, the envoy’s forehead was damp with sweat, his back as taut as a fully drawn bow. This wasn’t due to any issue with his report, but rather the tension in the room filled with high-ranking officers, all of whom shared his state of constant alertness.
The source of this tension came from the man standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, dressed in black and gold regal attire. Zhang Boqian hadn’t spoken a word, his gaze fixed outside, yet an invisible pressure filled the room.
Raising his head from deep thought, Lin Xitang, seated at the head of the long table, said, “In that case, please keep a close watch on the movements of the dark territories. Meeting adjourned.”
The attendees left the room in an urgent manner. These generals, who had survived countless battles, were reduced to rookies under the scrutiny of Zhang Boqian and Lin Xitang. Many breathed a sigh of relief only after stepping out of the door, wondering why the Imperial Military Department had assigned these two rival marshals to the same battlefield.
Soon, the room emptied, and Lin Xitang stood up, walking to the other end of the sand table. He picked up a mountain model, examining it while lost in thought.
Turning around, Zhang Boqian’s eyes fell on the lone major general still in the room. “Leave,” he said indifferently.
This major general’s uniform was different, with golden edges depicting clouds, a symbol of the Imperial Guard. Despite Zhang Boqian’s imposing presence, he stood firm, unflinching.
Zhang Boqian’s eyes seemed to hint at an impending storm.
Lin Xitang’s gentle voice broke the tension, “Weisang, you can go now. No more matters for you here.”
The major general saluted and left without a word.
Zhang Boqian’s tone betrayed no emotion, “The Emperor gave you the Thunder Cavalry as your guard. Is it because he fears I will harm you, or is it to… monitor you?”
When Lin Xitang arrived on the continent, he brought only a regiment of the North Army. The presence of the Thunder Cavalry indicated their recent arrival.
Frowning, Lin Xitang replied, “Boqian, be cautious with your words.”
Zhang Boqian walked to Lin Xitang’s side, bending slightly to examine the terrain. “Despite the first-level mobilization, the forces entering the Iron Curtain lack significant strength and powerful figures. Is the Eternal Night Council uninterested in the Heavenly Ghost’s artifacts, or do they already know what’s inside the Iron Curtain?”
Though the dark faction responded positively, the level of combatants and the number of high-ranking officials from the Eternal Night Council were less than in previous wars. This discrepancy, despite extensive espionage, yielded no further information.
Lin Xitang said, “The Empire’s intention is a bloodbath. With fewer Eternal Night forces, we might have an easier time.”
Zhang Boqian pointed to a specific area, “The Red Scorpion recently completed a mission on the Eternal Night continent.” His finger traced a circle, including the western part of Three Rivers County and the adjacent dark territories. “What’s there?”
After a pause, Lin Xitang replied, “That falls under the jurisdiction of the Seventh Department. I am not privy to those details.”
Zhang Boqian didn’t press further, merely waving his hand, causing the primal power arrays on the sand table to flicker.
For the Empire, the reaction of the dark world was secondary. The focus was on internal politics. The current balance of power among the factions was precarious, and everyone wanted to make a move. Timing and method were crucial. Every major realignment in history had been accompanied by rivers of blood.
However, for Qian Ye, the political machinations were irrelevant. After sending Zhao Yuying off, he briefly organized his Dark Flame affairs and set off into the wilderness, aiming to earn military merit.
The bloodbath had begun, and initially, well-defended cities like Black Current City were unlikely targets for large-scale attacks. Qian Ye planned to use this opportunity to hunt and gather intelligence.
His primary target was the domain of his old foe, Count Spider-Demon. The Stuka Count, severely injured by Qian Ye and Zhao Yuying, was still recovering. Additionally, Qian Ye had seized a third of his eastern territory, leaving him weakened.
Count Spider-Demon’s domain was the best target, too juicy to let slip through his fingers.
Qian Ye headed west, soon reaching Silver Stream Bay. The construction of defensive works was in full swing, with several light cannons controlling the river. He crossed the bay, re-entering the Spider-Demon’s territory.
Circling the werewolf settlements, Qian Ye aimed for the northeast, targeting the Viscount Blacknest. Another Spider-Demon, a first-class viscount, allegedly the Stuka Count’s brother, resided there.
Geographically, Blacknest and Silver Stream Bay were separated by the Stuka Count’s territory. Originally, it was not in Qian Ye’s plans, but the dual rewards from the Empire and Zhao family made killing the viscount highly profitable.
Traversing the forest, Qian Ye stayed alert. Suddenly, a fierce wind blew, and a massive beast lunged at him. Evasion was easy; Qian Ye sidestepped and plunged his Crimson Fang into the beast’s heart, absorbing its essence.
Killing the giant leopard, Qian Ye frowned. With his skill, even a count would struggle to detect him. Yet, this beast, no stronger than a fifth-level, had detected him from a distance, raising alarms.
In just half a month, the leopard had grown larger, its fur darker, and its essence greatly increased, which was abnormal. Inspecting the corpse, Qian Ye found signs of overgrowth in its organs, suggesting it had overdrawn its vitality for a temporary boost.
The journey ahead was fraught with similar challenges. Within a short distance, Qian Ye faced seven to eight attacks from five to seven-level beasts, all relentless. They were no threat, but their ferocity slowed his progress. No matter how Qian Ye concealed himself, the beasts seemed to find him easily, attacking from a distance.
Killing them gained no military merit, but the precious materials and essence were valuable. After two days, having slain nearly a hundred beasts, Qian Ye finally exited the mountains.
Stepping out, Qian Ye felt a sense of freedom, the oppressive sky seeming less heavy.
A joyful sigh nearby caught Qian Ye’s attention. Turning, he saw a raggedly dressed bloodkin youth, his once fine garments now tattered, his skin scarred from claw and bite marks. It seemed he, too, had suffered in the forest, with the usual blood aura failing to repel the beasts.
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