“Imperial General Staff?” Song Zining seemed thoughtful, then said, “Please have them wait in the living room. I’ll be there shortly.”
In the meeting hall, Fang Zhan sat upright, accompanied by two attendants. However no sooner had Song Zining entered than his gaze fixed upon one person, hesitating a moment before greeting, “General Lan, how come you’re dressed like this?”
Lan Xincheng turned to Fang Zhan with a smile, saying, “See! I told you Seventh Young Master would see through us immediately, but you wouldn’t believe it.”
Fang Zhan remained somewhat unconvinced,”But he has never even seen you before; how could he recognize you immediately?”
Song Zining did not tease him further. Smiling, he replied, “There’s one technique in the Divine Calculations somewhat similar to Force Insight. General Lan did not intentionally mask your presence. Thus, at level sixteen Force cultivation, with sharpness lingering within like metal needles embedded inside cotton, could you deny this calling card?”
Fang Zhan extended his thumb in admiration, saying, “I admit my defeat—Seventh Young Master truly possesses exceptional vision! Even under ordinary circumstances while the general does not manipulate the Force, our abilities couldn’t begin to reveal his cultivation level.”
“Just a minor trick, nothing impressive, really. Moreover, I am no longer affiliated with the Song Clan, nor do I bear any ranking there—including the title ‘Seventh Young Master.’ Just addressing me as Zining will be just fine.”
“Mr. Zining,” Lan Xincheng got directly to the point, “I will not beat around the bush. I’m coming on two missions. Firstly, I would like to complete the resource exchange we agreed was to obtain leftover materials held by General Qian Ye Second, I am also bearing urgent news to see if Mr. Zining would provide assistance.”
“Please, speak freely,” insisted Song Zining.
“I have brought a newly built Skyborne warship—the very item previously settled between General Qian Ye and myself.”
To this, a slight surprise swept across Song Zining’s normally unruffled features. “You actually obtained this ship?! From what I know, the Empire only has three of that model in total.”
“There are still six under manufacture, so it won’t become uncommon in the future. At the moment, however, every ship matters more than a little.”
Opening his folding fan ever so gently, Song Zining waved it a few strokes contemplatively. “Difficult matters arise from losing every ship, which makes this decision even bolder—offering one to us so readily indeed speaks highly of how desperately they covet the assets Qian Ye currently holds.”
“That is exactly how things stand. Thus, the Empire has extended great sincerity toward the Song family—I humbly entreat Mr. Zining to speak kindly in our favor and help us fulfill the exchange.”
“Just hold that thought for now—what precisely did you say was the news you have come bearing?” interjected Song Zining.
Lan waved over his other retainer to step respectfully aside before whispering cautiously, “… recently plans aggressive operations against Floating Ground.”
“Floating Ground? Isn’t that still on deadlock?” Song Zining’s brow darkened in memory—had that not been among the battles he once stood in, having personally experienced full phases ranging from near conquest to complete retreat?
Different aristocratic houses showed different battle performances, yet there was an undisputable turning point that all acknowledged—when Qian Ye turned against the Empire that dark night.
That sorrow-laden night, when the evidence of Qian Ye’s Vassal bloodline became inarguably solid, seemingly the military committee committed no wrong. And who in those times knew of Qian Ye’s Vassal ancestry, bearing mortal trials that battlefield observers personally witnessed firsthand.
Recent partial-scale wars by Empire and the Dominion Council on occasion had become cauldrons in which Qian Ye, Zhao Jundu, Song Zining and others gradually grew into forces capable of independent command within a generation. Particularly among rising young commanders, Qian became viewed amongst the top potentials for breakthrough as a Heavenly Emperor-grade combatant contender.
Unofficial whispers even circulated in private—if not medded with needlessly by the Military Department, maybe not even to his death would Qian’s true heritage get revealed. In that case, what difference would his true blood between mankind or Vassal even make?
Beyond immediate consequences, the revelation itself had also stirred noble houses deeply—for one undeniable reason: The military committee simply meddled too much.
Long ago F valley made itself unmistakably visible through official declaration—heir status granted equivalent to F Clan’s most prestigious bloodlines was supported not only through countless times where statements backed him ‘at any cost’ but more meaningfully underwriting their stance came You County Duke, along with the Duke of Grace—who together possessed the decision-making powers that mattered. After Qian Ye slayed Lvifong and fled into hiding, the favoritism by the F Clans had been unmistakable; but paradoxically rather than opposing this favoritism, other aristocratic houses instead expressed a subtle yet shared indignation toward the military authorities.
Secret monitoring of clan core elites was considered crossing red lines defining house sovereignty, thus Qian’s situation exposed all to similar vulnerabilities, prompting collective questioning: “if such could happen to powerful and elite descendants under F Clan protections—then who among other houses would ever rest at ease knowing their descendants weren’t equally subject to scrutiny”? More importantly, was such methods employed by military investigators really justifiable when they stooped to such disgraceful levels: resorting abductions against confidants of targeted individuals, inciting universal anxiety. While indeed having ‘blood purity’ flaws, what evidence might others similarly find against different people?
The military committee demanding Zhao Jundu be subjected to questioning became final straw upon camel shoulders—it didn’t really boil down to considering battlefield prowess or prospects within F Clans alone, because bearing blood lineage being offspring to a former Emperor’s rare born-into-marriage daughter, Princess Gaoyi’s youngest son, even under entire royal, clan houses and independent principalities’ noble families, who could truly boast superior status? Once someone dared move against Zhao Jundu openly, there simply couldn’t remain any person who believed themselves beyond attack.
With heirs representing cornerstone family survival itself under threat, this move made even the secretly colluding clans with military committee begin fearing unseen dangers crawling over their backs involuntarily.
Subsequently during the period immediately after military authority接管 Zhao Jundu’s former battlefronts, privately maintained militias affiliated with various clans suddenly fell into disastrous performances of decline—while F Clans in particular lost morale, opting for retreating entirely without engaging further while neighboring families, openly or otherwise, deliberately began cutting all supports or rescue measures extended towards direct command forces under military authorities, instead shifting toward purely defensive stances focusing within their own spheres of immediate concern.
Already weakened from before, the Empire was poorly built for disjointed fighting alone, so immediately its battlefield fronts imploded and collapsed until Zhao Jundu returned in a frenzy to hold the battle lines along final defensive barriers protecting deeply strategic F Clans territories.
As ground battles turned against fortune, air supremacy became an even bleaker picture—militia fighter deployments under other various house control kept retreating whenever facing even a modicum of heavier assaults against them, until only imperial royal fleet reserves remained on forward defensive lines—private force retreating had always been acceptable, yet it was absolutely not for elite royal guards.
Consecutive disastrous air battlefront battles left these elite guards suffering irreparable losses, although enemy night-side damages were proportionately even worse. The darkness’ fleets however remained endless—while isolated without help, with nearly a third of warship units wiped out eventually the royal fleet had to retreat above the Undroppables City relinquishing all control of airspace throughout the entire Floating Ground battlefield completely.
This aerial disaster left even imperial authority shaking in shock, with outrage even Emperor himself expressed violently. While Emperor burned within, however the ruling dynasty itself lacked viable solutions toward addressing their helplessness due to military committee having initiated boundary breaching activities beforehand—but while smaller-scale past investigations had somewhat conformed towards centralization policies’ goals as well supported with Qian Yeyan having solid proof of guilt upon which to convict.
Furthermore, there had been absolutely no formal command power held over house-affiliated private armies by imperial rule—and families choosing survival-first strategies was absolutely commonplace—refusing engagements or weakening support forces under royalty guards’ control were long considered acceptable ways for house powers to register collective dissents.
Back in bygone eras, there would usually come timely stabilization by heavenly emperors-level martial artists or supreme marshal figures stepping in—yet with these sparks igniting in twin-star battle originating from house F territory this latest time, it seems even Supreme Marshals may fail to pacify affairs. With Muyan King & Qingyang Kingdom maintaining deliberate silences, while Lin Xitang’s reported fluctuating health keeping whereabouts uncertain—whether he remains confined somewhere in northerlands or still resided hidden away in city capital nobody really knew. The other supreme martial artist-level commanders lacking Lin Xitang’s ability simply weren’t interested in facing unnecessary troubles.
At the end of all analysis—it was indeed turning into a total mess with the only real release to Imperial wrath merely revolving dismissal the commander of royal fleet forces. Yet the empire’s only expert ace squadron tacticians were all very tightly numbered indeed, making Duke Liguo—a broadly recognized top strategist belonging in best-tier among two rival strategic schools leading this guard fleet. Whatever command hand-picked as his replacement, none likely capable of surpassing Duke Liguo’s already unmatched capabilities within air warfare.
Song viewed this scenario as having no viable resolution, thus finally leaving floating battlefield altogether heading toward neutral lands seeking Qian Ye originally. Hence now hearing Lan claim that military committee were re-planning military campaign against Flying Continental stirred instantaneous disbelief within Song Zining as his first thought. Although given who he knew Lan represented and the fact neither man was prone to fabrications lightly made Song decided it wouldn’t hurt hearing him speak further.
Just as beginning speaking however, knocks came upon door interrupting moments followed. From outside retainer voices came saying, “General Qian Ye is returned.”
Quick on his feet up rose Song Zining offering, “Please ask General Qian proceed within.”
Subsequently looking to Lan he added, “Wouldn’t you rather Qian Ye himself hear these developments together with us?”
Lan hastened to reassure, “Indeed why wouldn’t that work? The whole reason why this very meeting needs him here is to call upon general Qian directly for much needed collaboration.”
A short silence later—Qian Ye walked in, slightly surprised seeing two guests present, he smiled warmly, remarking with calm, “Seems you got to it pretty fast after all.”
Without delays both Lan and Fang made brief introductions regarding transaction motives before stating bluntly— “Imperial Armed forces intend launching military operations soon upon Flying Continent and seek your cooperation both as allies in advance.”
Glances exchanged briefly between Qian and Song—Qian Ye spoke out, remarking somewhat skeptically, “It must’ve come as unexpected for you both to approach me—since recently I completely wiped all military committee spy networks and hidden footholds within Tichow City—given those present circumstances would mutual collaboration truly be possible now?”
Lan did not become furious—on the contrary breaking into amused laughter saying, “Two different matter strands entirely…All these assets deployed inside neutral territory solely stem from Right Chancelor’s faction control—so naturally by you personally cleaning them up successfully instead would generate relief more than anger among certain circles. Senior Lords would probably just maintain an observant distance…as after all—they well recognize you to be that one crucial man directly saving them when things turned desperate!”
“You implying, I did the right actions after all?” Qian Ye asked dryly, lightly mocking.
Lan showed little irritation; smiling brightly again he answered “Definitely so—you did absolutely right indeed, more timely perfectly aligned than ever expected. Given existing heavy tensions against Right Chancellor factions, were anything bad to befall them unable to crush your power quickly before retribution comes their way, such adversaries would have long lived in perpetual fear.”
“Otherwise if wanting to eliminate you—then they certainly couldn’t resort brute-force openly, or at significant moments. Say—this huge military operation for example—their actions against such a huge public moment drawing the Emperor & nation’s attention would only invite too many unnecessary troubles—unlikely to have dared attempt anything reckless towards your honor!”
Raised brows Qian’s expression shifted only momentarily while besides him Song’s facial features shifted toward that unreadable half-smile only.
Continuing more conversations along these topics no longer holding relevance—Qian Ye resumed seated status within room motioning politely to remaining two to seat themselves, saying directly, “So—please, let’s hear it all. What precisely are military intentions at present?”
“The Empire proposes General Qian & Mr. Song command combined spaceborne forces—to launch a full-on assault piercing Dominion fleet’s one side defensive flanks. This will lead further maneuvering flying battlefield rear lines—providing flanking support cooperating directly with advancing primary forces initiating main frontal assaults all aiming directly towards heartland of darkness clans. One powerful decisive campaign that expels all the creatures of shadow right off from Flying Earth entirely.”
As words unfolded, Lan simultaneously retrieved documents sealed with intricately designed device in palm. Seal featured tiny gears thinner even than a strand of hair, meticulously interconnected.
Song Zining recognized such mechanisms immediately—they embodied more solid cryptographic techniques than common core jade manuscripts, relying both upon highly specialized machine structures operating similar to unique stamps or signatures while simultaneously utilizing exotic non-duplicate materials combined advanced engineering preventing counterfeit. Once the mechanical security locked in place after sealed—it rendered itself unopenable beyond brute-force attempts, thus absolutely resisting unauthorized inspections even by high-ranked Force warriors prying through super-scalar Force sensing methods.
Such file transfer techniques rendered practically impossible any chance mid-transit file tampering or exposure by enemy.
Song reached forth and skillfully released mechanical security latch before extracting its detailed internal documentation—reading through meticulously point-by-point.
It presented an elaborate operation scheme composed carefully and cleverly structured with precise linkups and breathtaking complexity—the document was breathtaking. So breathless even Song found he momentarily even caught his lungs held.
While Qian had some military strategy knowledge—just from looking on beside him he noted that several assault arrows upon presented battlefield plans carried a heaviness to their implications threatening to oppress even viewers beneath its immense planning implications.
Reading again back and forth numerous times, finally Song voiced out, “Now that is true craftsmanship from experienced Masterminds!”
Pleased reply quickly emerged Lan added, “How rare and fortunate—this singular word of commendation from esteemed Mr. Zining is itself a precious compliment.”
Yet not satisfied with mere praise he countered solemnly, “But actually Mr. Lan, allow clarification—not simple complement I meant to bestow but profound, genuine admiration!—The brilliant mind able creating these battle blueprints must exceed my strategic capabilities easily—possibly even ten years ahead myself yet unable catching up completely! Within whole empire such geniuses could scarcely exceed but five individuals combined hands!”
This time even minor visible astonishment crossed Lan’s own facial expression, yet with obvious respect he offered back, “Esteemed Zining sir indeed proves peerless in your eyes indeed! Let me inform—yes indeed it is none than our Grandmaster General Lin Xitang who penned forth above battle stratagems himself!”
“Grandmaster Lin!!”
Song Zhining and Qian Ye both involuntarily showed slight shock in eyes which shifted how valuable overall document appeared at once differently heavier once more.
Together the two leaders resumed deeper re-reads in unison upon plan documents. Honestly, upon previous reads together there were shared opinions held briefly that although overall concept sounded impressive yet demands placed upon tactical coordination requirements and precise executions had appeared excessively burdensome indeed—points that Qian had already marked noting several high risks existing around several pivotal junctions within assault timeline that demanded intensive negotiations and alignment prior to actual operations commencement. Yet with this current disclosure that mastermind General Lin was in direct overall strategy design—implies undoubtedly there may well be secondary options prepared with hidden layers planned alongside accordingly by grand general mind.
Even considering said enhancements still—Song Zining’s expression had grown somewhat gloomily focused still. A singular bloodline marked by thin crimson thread highlighted special emphasis—starting off first with fierce outer-space aerial combat engagements before weaving a dangerous flanking maneuver skirting the warfronts in attempt of launching decisive strike upon darkness races’ grand command base located at opposite floating earth side—precisely indicating path meant assigned specifically toward Qian Ye’s and Song’s combined assault formation route.
Abruptly lifting his gaze upward at last—Song Zining spoke out, “What condition might Grandmasters General Lin stand in currently?”
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