Chapter 22: Where Is the Great Lord?

The Count of the Vampires knit his brows and remarked coldly, “You forget, all of you, this operation is under my command!”

The Demon Kin and the Lycans merely snorted but yielded. They displayed their displeasure openly yet refrained from verbal opposition.

At this very moment, three silhouettes stealthily appeared at the rear of the Hall of Heroes. Mere humans’ physical forms were insignificant in虚空—Void—yet they radiated powerful auras, making them highly conspicuous. They were the Right Chancellor, together with two commanders of the Imperial Elite Fleet—the three simultaneously appearing behind the Hall made it evident they had fully committed to the engagement.

Seeing this scene unfold, Lord QianYe’s pupils narrowed slightly. Beyond the three God-Commanders he glimpsed waves of Empire ships reforming their formation to align meticulously at the Hall’s backdrop, arranging into deadly battle order. With both the flank and rear of the warship shield now protected, a further envelopment had become unthinkable.

His finger drumming on the chair-arm ceased abruptly as the vampire count murmured calmly, “The Spider Demon’s campaign has failed. Sound the withdrawal.”

The moment this order rang out, spectral projections of the Demon Kin and Lycan Dukes once again materialized above. The Demon Kin was first to protest loudly, “Why withdraw? Pulling back now means surrendering our still-living warriors into human hands!”

“This is my command! Should you long to issue orders, procure authority from the Assembly first.”

With barely suppressed rage, the Demon Kin shouted: “I will impeach you at the Assembly!”

“You’re welcome.” A meaningful smile emerged upon the vampire magnate’s lips who suddenly added, “But you may continue this war by stepping in to replace me and face Him instead, should you find that to your taste?”

The Demon-Kins Duke started—stunned—his expression darkening sharply at the suggestion he engage directly. “What fool changes fronts at such moments knowing perfectly well the humans won’t stand idly by?”

“I’m sure diplomacy settles most concerns, or single combat—your challenge issued solely—should suffice either. Come… do I glimpse true fear among Demon Kin?”

The Duke’s demeanor swirled in anger—his glance razor-edged. Yet he found himself utterly unscathed beneath an aura of mockery, unshaken in defiance by Count QianYe, who further taunted: strength-wise, it could not compare. Hence why control of their coalition navies had passed securely into vampiric grip.

What lunatic dares one-on one duel versus an artifact vessel like 英灵殿 — the Hall of Heroes? They’d just obliterated two Dukal-flagships utterly crushing enemies beneath overwhelming might despite the structure appearing barely finished still bore qualities hinting of becoming a true Legendship itself.

Matters remained grim whether he dared such challenge himself. He’d already watched as 英灵殿 devoured previous Dukal Flagships merciless, revealing the path for victory only involved forced landing operations using top-tier forces. Yet recent memory of Spider-Duke failed abysmatically despite equal skill—thus the DemonKin Duke doubted outcomes would improve with him instead aboard ship engaging directly.

God only knew how many mighty powers 英灵殿 secreted within.

Ultimately relenting, tone lowered, he consented: “Okay… I concur but brace yourself—expect interrogation once we confront The Assembly for your acts this day.” Count Qianye’s icy laugh pierced the silence, “And brace you likewise—tell the Court why a flagship caliber gun designated for Kin Dukes graced human naval decks. That piece bore custom manufacture impossible to mistaken—I seem recall its proper mount resided upon Duke Linjia’er’s war-flag previously… still incomplete then yet operating effectively now—pray explain how it attained this improved state. And might I inquire just which ‘you’ provided such critical technical aid to humankind?”

Flaring, the kin snapped, “Destroyed alongside that flag flagship, it fell to human custody—a conclusion accepted long past.”

“Ah yes? Indeed… how convincing truly.”

With no chance of reply, the vampire cut short. The Lickan peer appeared hesitant briefly. His phantom figure eventually faded to darkness—no trace remained, while the fuming Demon Duke unleashed fury, chair reduced to shattered bits under grip.

Turning contemplative as the empty communication screen dimmed in Vampire Lord Qienye’s gaze. He added, “Fools though these might be—it still wasn’t stupidity enough.” Paused further, he continued, “But Spiderkind also reshaped formations earlier—unexpected clever play. But results… still indifferent… same outcome.”

Ships forming the rearmost ranks of the Ever Night Fleet commenced disengagement and withdrew—followed by midsection vessels—finally those ducal-flagships withdrew methodically keeping safe range, only shifting fully away when enough breathing space ensured passage without incident into the void. Moments trailing disappearance from visual range by last of the retreating Ever-Night units, exultant roar exploded from every remaining Imperial vessel echoing triumph across infinite space. A decade passed without a comparable Imperial naval glimmer—the cost borne amounted merely to one battleship &十余轻 cruisers—the price negligible—versus total annihilation dealt two opposing dukal taskforces whose destruction entailed flagship losses and culminated into elimination or wounding of a Grand Duke.

Though scarce few fathomed 全部破坏力 unleashed during Qianye’s final stroke—the Spider-Grand Duke’s howl alone betrayed terror’s full magnitude it induced. Victory achieved sealed the battlefield’s destiny into Empire’s possession: too battered vessels remained to escape and now overflowed with captive but living elite Dark Combatants—victory’s plunder immense alone compensating half in damages while adding valuable crew assets—inflicting grievous blow upon Ever Night coalition. Forced retreat marked space-dominance definitively transitioned into human hands—an era begun, where dominance secured in floating continents above. Based upon prior trends: Even were Assembly intervention marshaling entire Ever Night resources it would require a full year just to reforge equivalent loss, never mind relying on Spider Clan alone who might languish for years. In simpler language: this glorious victory had gifted Empire close to a full year of uncontested orbital supremacy.

Measured against the immense scale rewards, Empire’s costs rendered negligible—at minimum—thus a comprehensive victory by every analysis criteria available.

Unquestionably due credit to Right Ministers timely daring initiative bore weighty importance at initial stage—the audacity of flagship’s self-elimination strike dizzied Ever Night ranks—traditional positioning ill-prepared to counter decisive, desperation-fueled attacks that set stage swiftly defeating follow ons. Without that opening strike, delay enough for援军援救舰（援兵）to arrive, then full obliteration Dukal forces would’ve become improbable. Nonetheless key lay undisputed: 英灵殿.

Were it not 英灵殿 dramatic intervention & flagship dueling victories achieved the turning tide—the fleet’s necessity retreat unavoidable. With ducal assets left untouched, most of the navy would preserve operational capability—the empire would merely cripple a few lower weight vessels rendering all effort wasted.

Considering these nuances, many hearts among commanders grew conflicting and confused particularly given already notoriety characterizes Qianye’s tangled relationship with Empire leadership; yet his unexpected arrival decisively reversing tide raised deep, ambivalent emotion.

In climax 英灵殿 swiveling its form vanished into far reaches of Void. Observers included Commanding Officers of Empire’s elite armadas: exchanging significant side-gazes they instinctively positioned warcraft to guard against further contact between Minister-Right and mysterious hero. Those of average rank could not grasp the intricacies surrounding high-ranking figures; yet they were privy elite secrets—aware that faction traditionally holding strong grievances within military high command against Qient were originally under Minster-Right supervision directly.

Eyes shifting, Minister Right surveyed 英灵殿 departing gradually and murmured with faint irony: He seems disinclined toward meeting, probably for the best lest an embarrassing meeting unfold.”

Glancing toward fleet command faces, he added gently: “To-day’s martial success Empire owes much—likewise our Elites—my own self equally. No outward need declaring such; understanding silently suffices. Future turns in time may yet bear suitable repay.

Upon concluding his remarks his two officers’ features eased noticeably.

The Right Chancellor resumed more solemn tone: “Campaign concludes—my post thus transitions from present hands into yours. Effective now, supreme control over this fleet reverts accordingly unto thee both.”

Startled briefly—One responded first confusion: “Why? Our campaign continues. Cleanup remains pending alongside consolidation with First Fleet expected imminent. Yours being field-command directly conferred Emperor himself—a post cannot be passed casually by you alone?”

Wider grin graced Right Chancellor’s expression now: “Reboarded flagship will hear all discussion—meanwhile do relay word summoning Songziling.”

Soon following aboard restored command-deck, entire forward battle group command cadre now in attendance: with esteemed presence of The Chancellor occupying central seat with left/right flanks guarded command admirals while seated lowest Songziling marked a highly respectful honor bypassing seniority among gathered veterans. Yet no complaints.

Surveying all around solemnly the Right-Chancellor declared solemnly, “Tide decisively turned in this war—thus commences foundations establishing entire floating continent theater—maybe even a rebirth beacon marking Empire itself beginning anew! But remember: The road ahead still proves distant, filled arduous challenges; what we achieved is just initial paving stone for what is destined to follow: Let every future general here unite their efforts toward a great and prosperous Empire! The preservation of humankind is and shall remain our ultimate task.”

With a roar all pledged allegiance.

Chancellor silenced gathered hosts: Then added softly. “Among these heroes… I dare speak the most honor shall fall jointly upon Songziling and Qien, commander darkflame army—shall not others likewise agree this assertion holds valid?”

No commander present disputed obvious sight they witnessed; none.

With a calm expression, Song maintained composed silence with no shift noticeable; awaiting additional remarks as usual followed by significant implications. In this context, the chancellor—having seemingly offered enormous credit without claim for personal advancement—is possibly preparing some other schemes, perhaps a more ambitious maneuver.

“Once cleaned up this fleet now reposes from blood and burden,” Chancellor resumed: “My command here concludes accordingly—responsibilities of follow-up logistics rest henceforth unto worthy flag officers. Transports lay readied—I proceed onto the floating-continent forthwith—it pains admit my proper place remains still better suited behind the scenes more supportive role.”

“Admitted shame however still bears slight private longing… that this mission shall allow the Empire public to acknowledge—perhaps—my own bravery was never found wanting; a modest understanding strategy and conflict tactics still remained within my grasp despite traditionally a seat within civilian ranks.”

Nods met murmurs among gathered Commanders—Songziling too—reluctantly conceding the Chancellor conducted with neither shortcoming in bravery, execution capability or sheer fortune to any reproach.

Observing approval, The Chancellor then concluded: “And with said farewells pronounced I shall leave now. I take my leave.”

Without acknowledging entreaties for him to stay. Moments after abrupt farewell, swiftness vessel broke ranks, speeding away directly towards floating continent.

Even Songziling found himself startled. Had he merely truly abandoned all intrigue? Left no trace behind of schemes within shadows?

Cleanup concluded, soon First Guards Fleet joined the vanguard forming unified force; Song boarded own vessels of DarkFlame division setting course locating reunion spot Qien—await awaiting troop transports.

While Guards Fleet readied to assume patrol zones surrounding floating continents to hunt down and eradicate stragglers, clearing path for terrestrial incursions soon follow. Securing air superiority over continents, meant Dark-Flame could eventually mount clandestine landing operations behind enemy lines as plan foresaw.

In the vast silence of void, Song sped towards assigned concentration location and reunited promptly 英灵殿 already waiting in shadows there.

Opening main bridge entryway Qien stepped aboard, into BattleCruiser operational deck discovering Song deeply absorbed within contemplation focused entirely map of floating-land.

The map displayed was densely packed marking, anyone gazing for moment could find themselves dizzy with detail. Song himself still scribbled adjustments now again, lost within strategic evaluation.

Qien made no interruption—merely positioned silently besides him, observing.

Patterns emerged gradually; a revised version of the floating land operation plan: broad strokes remained the strategy Lin Xiting originally devised however with subtle nuanced distinction—undoubtedly reflecting Songziling’s own tactical preferences and interpretations which contrast in several critical aspects to prior scheme. Resources and troop strength seemed identical between both strategies—the approach diverged markedly at essential junction.

Though clearly still in the middle-game, Lin’s plan included even final-stages detailed contingencies and endgame planning, having developed much deeper into a comprehensive blueprint.

Song’s eyebrows scrunched tighter moving a unit into position—facing dilemma he could not resolve.

Qient’s focus drew tighter. Time passed. Both became so engrossed, they hadn’t noticed sunset.

Suddenly realization struck him—he turned in realization querying, “Where do the T’ang Lords, the King-Magnates stand in your arrangement?”

Indeed not present were indicators of the mighty beings. The chart showed no involvement of Heaven Kings nor High Princes throughout its unfolding entirely—rasing a question that hung heavy in the silence.