For the two Great Lords, being treated differently by the Blood Throne was somewhat acceptable. The Everburning Flame also wielded a renowned spear, and his strength surpassed that of many. Even in the Neutral Zone, the Blood Throne would be at a disadvantage. Moreover, the Everburning Flame only needed three days, a request easily met.
The demands of the Everburning Flame were not excessive, and he was willing to accept some constraints, out of respect for the Blood Throne’s power. He himself was not afraid of the Blood Throne, but with a large number of demon offspring active in the Neutral Zone, a direct confrontation would make it difficult for the Everburning Flame to ensure the safety of all his people.
The Shattered Flow of Time was known for its lethal strike, making it impossible to save even if the Everburning Flame was nearby.
Reaching a compromise between the Everburning Flame and the Blood Throne, the most difficult part was that no one, including Medanzo and Luosa, knew what the Everburning Flame would do during those three days. Although the spider demons and blood clan had troops entering the Neutral Zone, who besides the two Great Lords could monitor the Everburning Flame?
It was too easy for the demon offspring to make underhanded moves.
This piqued Medanzo and Luosa’s curiosity even more as to why the demon offspring insisted on obtaining these two additional slots.
With the agreement with the Blood Throne, the fleets of the three races merged and advanced into the Neutral Zone. Meanwhile, Medanzo and Luosa’s flagship ships remained on the periphery of the Neutral Zone, waiting for the outcome.
News of the arrival of the Eternity Army quickly spread throughout the Neutral Zone, causing all the powers, big and small, to retract like frightened birds, hiding in their lairs and not daring to come out. Rumors from unknown sources suggested that the mighty demon offspring, the Everburning Flame, was within the Eternity Army fleet, already deep in the Neutral Zone.
Upon hearing this, all the powerful figures in the Neutral Zone fell silent, with no one harboring any other thoughts. Even with the numerous restrictions on the demon offspring in the Neutral Zone and their familiarity with the terrain, they were no match for a Great Lord who wielded a renowned spear. Since the great war hundreds of years ago, no Eternity Great Lord had dared to venture so brazenly into the Neutral Zone.
Amidst the fear and gloating, many cursed and mocked the Blood Throne. After all, it was the Blood Throne’s rule that the Heavenly King Great Lord was barred from entering. Yet now, with the Everburning Flame here, the Blood Throne seemed just as weak.
They had forgotten that when the Eternity Army nearly conquered the entire Neutral Zone, it was this very figure who emerged, decimating the Eternity forces and forcing their retreat, thereby creating the Blood Throne and the rule that Great Lords and Heavenly Kings could not enter.
Whether in fear or schadenfreude, the massive Eternity fleet, like a dark cloud covering the sky, slowly and resolutely flew over the Neutral Zone, heading straight for the Eastern Sea.
The news also reached Southern Azure City, where the empire’s leaders gathered around Song Zining, seeking a solution. Only in such moments did they truly appreciate Song Zining’s indispensability. The future military god was not just a self-proclaimed title; it was backed by numerous battle achievements. At this critical moment, even the future military god provided some psychological comfort.
The command room was packed with people, all trying to hear firsthand what Song Zining’s strategy would be.
Ten minutes past the scheduled meeting time, Song Zining finally arrived. He walked through the crowd, sat down at the head of the table, and without hesitation said, “This is indeed a critical moment. As the commander of this campaign, I should plan our defense. But before giving my advice, what benefits will I receive?”
His words caused an uproar.
As a commander, openly demanding benefits before a battle was unprecedented. An elder immediately rose in indignation, slamming the table, and rebuked, “How outrageous! The empire has already given you immense power and status. What more do you want? If every soldier acted like you, how could the empire stand? Do you not fear disgracing the Song Clan’s ancestors?”
Some agreed, while others shook their heads. One person even pulled the elder aside, whispering, “Calm down. Let’s hear what the young master has to say. We can discuss it later.”
The elder fumed, “What more do we need to hear? This is heresy! How can such a person remain in high office?”
Another person’s face darkened, replying coldly, “Elder Lu, if your Lu family is not afraid of death, fine. But the rest of us still value our lives! Who else could take his place? You?”
Another laughed, “Elder Lu, why are you stopping the young master from speaking? Your Lu family might not have much, but many here depend on the young master!”
Elder Lu was speechless, his chest filled with anger. He forcefully brushed his sleeve, saying, “Fine, the Lu family will leave. We are returning to the empire!”
Several people stood up, blocking the door. Elder Lu’s face turned pale, asking, “Elder Chen, what is the meaning of this?”
An old man with a round face smiled, “Brother Lu, why such haste? If you leave now, any leaks could be blamed on you. It would be best to stay until the conflict ends, then return to the empire together, wouldn’t it?”
Elder Lu’s face turned blue, gritting his teeth, “Are you confining me?”
Elder Chen laughed, “We all serve the empire. Why speak like that? If Elder Lu truly wants to go, we won’t stop him. But any future changes in the Lu family could be unfortunate.”
The threat was clear. Elder Lu huffed, returned to his seat, and said nothing more.
Elder Chen bowed to Song Zining, saying, “The young master’s demand for benefits must have a reason. Perhaps you can explain why you need them. If it’s reasonable, we will support you with manpower and money, no questions asked.”
Song Zining smiled, “Elder Chen is a wise man. I’ve left the Song Clan, and I’m a bit short on funds. I need some wealth and supplies. Is that alright?”
Elder Chen, without hesitation, said, “So the young master needs payment. Fine, my Chen family will provide ten thousand gold coins first.”
Elder Chen’s swift response surprised everyone. Another soon followed, “My Wei family will contribute eight thousand gold coins.”
Then, Elder Li suddenly spoke, “My Jing Tang Li Clan will provide one hundred thousand gold coins.”
The room fell silent. The Li Clan was a prestigious family, always aspiring to become a dominant power. As the Li Clan’s commander in the Neutral Zone, Elder Li’s willingness to contribute a significant sum was noteworthy.
Palace Eunuch Zhang also spoke, “The palace funds are the emperor’s, and I cannot use them. However, over the years, I’ve saved some. Though not as much as the Li Clan, five thousand gold coins. I hope the young master doesn’t find it insufficient.”
Everyone was shocked. Even the Palace Eunuch was contributing, and although the purpose was unclear, the direction was clear. Other families quickly followed, contributing more. Within moments, a large sum was collected.
Elder Lu felt uneasy, realizing he had been used as a test. With the Li Clan and the palace’s actions, the situation was clear, and the Lu Clan was left behind.
His face alternated between red and white, and he stood up, loudly declaring, “Though the Lu Clan is small, we will contribute two thousand gold coins!”
The room fell quiet, then erupted in praise, and a harmonious atmosphere prevailed.
After the celebration, the room quieted, all eyes on Song Zining, awaiting his next move. He turned to Palace Eunuch Zhang, “When can I expect the money? Precious items are acceptable if there aren’t enough gold coins.”
The families were stunned by Song Zining’s audacity. Palace Eunuch Zhang smiled, “No one carries such heavy items. Of course, we’ll give precious items. I have a top-grade jade, a gift from the previous emperor. Worth around fifty to sixty thousand gold coins. Is that acceptable?”
Song Zining bowed, “That’s too kind.”
Palace Eunuch Zhang replied, “If you refuse, you’re not valuing my contribution.”
“Gratefully accepted,” Song Zining said, accepting the jade and putting it away. His quick and decisive manner showed no hint of reluctance.
Realizing that empty promises wouldn’t suffice, the others reluctantly contributed more valuable items. Soon, a pile of treasures lay before Song Zining.
He smiled, accepting everything, and had them moved to his residence. Then, sitting formally, he cleared his throat, opened his fan, and began to look the part of a future military god.
The families, having contributed, waited to see what they had bought.
Song Zining calmly said, “The Eternity Army, led by the Everburning Flame, is formidable. We cannot engage them directly and must avoid their advance.”
Many thought it was stating the obvious, but Song Zining continued, “However, the Eternity Army cannot sustain itself. We should withdraw from Southern Azure City, establish a camp three hundred kilometers back, and wait for three days. After that, the Everburning Flame will leave, and we can decide whether to fight or defend.”
The room was shocked. Someone asked, “Why do you think the Everburning Flame will leave after three days?”
Song Zining smiled, “That’s a secret. We’ll know in three days if I’m right.”
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