"The situation is becoming increasingly favorable for us."
Looking at the intelligence delivered by the spies, Bibi Dong was deeply moved.
Ye Tian also held a copy in his hand.
The eastern provinces of the two great empires, Heaven Dou and Star Luo, had both been affected by typhoons.
The disaster area spanned several provinces.
This would undoubtedly weaken the strength of both nations.
"Aside from the disaster, the Star Luo Empire has also relocated the residents of northern Tianhun."
"It seems they are preparing for war."
Ye Tian chuckled lightly: "The situation has deteriorated to this extent—it's practically at the point where both sides are drawing their weapons. How could the Star Luo Empire not take precautions?"
"Indeed, it's time to prepare." A hint of determination flashed in Bibi Dong's beautiful eyes.
Two days later.
Bibi Dong brought Ye Tian secretly to the Kingdom of Siles.
To the south of the Kingdom of Siles lay the Star Dou Great Forest, which did not border the Star Luo Empire.
Precisely because of this, the Kingdom of Siles was not a bustling hub of commerce but rather relied primarily on agriculture.
This place was also a traditional stronghold of the Spirit Hall.
The Spirit Hall in the royal capital not only had a branch master but even a presiding elder.
It could be said that the decrees of the Spirit Hall carried more weight than the orders of the king of Siles.
More than half of the Spirit Hall's army was secretly stationed here.
However, on paper, these troops were nominally under the command of the Siles royal family.
Arriving at the military camp,
Ye Tian, accompanied by Bibi Dong, observed the army's training and preparations.
The soldiers were already packing their belongings, ready to march.
Bibi Dong smiled faintly: "These 100,000 troops are essentially the main force of the Spirit Hall."
"Would you like to be the commander?"
Ye Tian waved his hand: "Specialization is key. I can manage strategy and planning, but leading an army is something I've never done."
Bibi Dong looked unconvinced: "Your Heavenly Strategy Army is practically unmatched on the continent."
"Is there anyone on this continent more skilled than you in leading troops?"
Ye Tian smiled wryly: "Training an army and commanding one are two entirely different things."
This wasn't false modesty.
When it came to training troops, Ye Tian could indeed be called peerless.
But leading an army in campaigns and conquests was not his forte.
After all, the art of war was unpredictable, and he hadn't studied many military texts.
A trace of disappointment flickered in Bibi Dong's eyes, but it vanished quickly as she laughed lightly:
"Finally, I've found something you're not good at."
"Coming here today, you've seen it for yourself—I've already begun preparations to launch the war of unification."
"From the Kingdom of Siles, there are two routes to attack the Star Luo Empire."
"One is to cut through the Star Dou Great Forest, striking deep into the heart of Star Luo and catching them off guard."
"The other is to pass through the Kingdom of Balak and others, advancing south from Star Luo's due north."
"Which path do you think is better?"
Ye Tian chuckled helplessly: "You've probably already decided—you're definitely not taking the Star Dou Great Forest. Otherwise, the army wouldn't have started preparations so early."
Taking the Star Dou Great Forest, while shorter and more surprising, posed a great risk due to the soul beasts within.
A force of 100,000 soldiers, plus the civilian laborers transporting supplies, would number close to 200,000.
This would practically provoke every soul beast in the vicinity.
"Nothing escapes you," Bibi Dong replied, her smile growing brighter.
Ye Tian assumed a thoughtful expression: "Actually, we don't need to mobilize our troops so soon."
"Of course, the army can be assembled to pressure the Star Luo Empire."
"Force them to gather all their forces at the northern border."
"Their eastern provinces are severely affected by the disaster—it's likely to spark rebellions."
"We can send elites to the disaster-stricken areas to incite uprisings, attacking Star Luo from both front and rear."
A glimmer of light flashed in Bibi Dong's eyes: "That's an excellent strategy!"
"But who should we send to the eastern provinces?"
"Me." Ye Tian grinned.
Leading armies wasn't his strength, but the art of inciting rebellion was something he'd mastered!
"You? No." Bibi Dong refused outright.
"It's too dangerous. I won't allow you to put yourself in harm's way."
"It's not like I'm going alone."
Ye Tian explained:
"I have a fleet in East Sea City. The eastern provinces of Star Luo are near the sea—with ships, we'll always have a way out."
"Besides, I still have the Heavenly Strategy Army."
"The new army has also been training for over a year—it's time to put them to use."
"Let Gu Yuena assist you and stay by your side for protection." After much deliberation, Bibi Dong added.
She knew that once Ye Tian made a decision, it was hard to change his mind.
So she chose not to insist.
Bibi Dong also roughly understood Ye Tian's plan.
The Star Luo Empire, strained by war preparations, lacked the resources to address the disaster in its eastern provinces.
Ye Tian could leverage his sister Dai Ya's reputation to rally the people, organizing forces to attack Star Luo.
From the eastern provinces to Star Luo City, there were few natural barriers.
If Ye Tian could establish a foothold, the Star Luo Empire, caught between two fronts, would be doomed.
"Fine." Ye Tian smiled faintly: "With you leading the Spirit Hall's attack from the south and me from the east, Star Luo will fall within a year."
"Should Xiao Xue participate in this war?"
Bibi Dong had been uncertain about this.
If the Heaven Dou Empire were to send troops against Star Luo, the domestic opposition would likely be fierce.
Although Qian Renxue was the emperor, the territory she truly controlled wasn't extensive.
"Let Qian Renxue focus on consolidating her power at home." Ye Tian shook his head.
As long as the Heaven Dou Empire didn't ally with Star Luo, the Spirit Hall's victory in the war was practically guaranteed.
Time was pressing.
Ye Tian and Bibi Dong didn't linger in Siles.
After summoning the military commanders to arrange affairs, they returned overnight to the Kingdom of Balak.
That evening.
"Yuena."
"Brother."
Gu Yuena, who had been stargazing in the pavilion, brightened at Ye Tian's voice.
She rushed over eagerly.
"Come back to Spirit City with me tomorrow. We have important matters to attend to."
"Okay." Gu Yuena agreed without hesitation.
After all, this meant she could spend more time with Ye Tian.
"Out with the old love, in with the new, huh?" A melancholic voice drifted from behind—it was Bo Saixi's.
"Haha, Sister Bo, you're joking." Ye Tian rubbed his nose.
"Not just forgetting old loves—you've even forgotten us, your friends." Standing beside Bo Saixi, Sea Witch crossed her arms and rolled her eyes.
Xiao Bai also chimed in unhappily: "Young Master Ye is such a busy man. We searched for you for half a month after you disappeared."
"Yet after coming to Balak for so many days, you couldn't spare time to see us."
Ye Tian wouldn't take the blame for this. He replied earnestly:
"Xiao Bai, after you and Sister Bo reunited, you've been touring the mountains and waters around Balak's capital every day. It's not that I didn't want to see you."
Bo Saixi's expression turned curious: "Where have you been these past two days? Half the capital couldn't find you."
"I went to the Kingdom of Siles with Bibi Dong to arrange military affairs."
"So that's what happened." Bo Saixi nodded in understanding: "Does that mean the war is about to begin?"
"Exactly. That's why I plan to return to Spirit City tomorrow to make preparations." Ye Tian answered.
(End of Chapter)