Chapter 277: Chapter 267: Whoever Breaks Through the Gale Sea Area First Becomes the Alliance Hierarch

"A joke. Your master clearly has courage but no strategy..."

"As far as I’m concerned, my master Hongde should be the Alliance Hierarch."

"Nonsense, who do you think you are to speak such grandiose words?"

"..." 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Inside the Dragon Star Pavilion, three factions were clashing, each unwilling to give ground, their quarrelsome state almost resembling that of fishwives. Even the strategists and military advisers, in the midst of their bickering, showed signs of wanting to come to blows.

Leading these three currents were the three Tao Species of the Dragon God Sacred Land. They were Lang Fanyun, Liu Hongde, and Zhu Jiushi, all outstanding young members of the Demon Clan. Although they shared the common goal of "defeating Xuan Guangqiao," none was willing to bow their head and relinquish the position of Alliance Hierarch. Anyone with a modicum of insight would understand the immense advantage of becoming the Hierarch of the united forces. It was a significant title that could continuously attract young demon prodigies to one’s camp, laying a solid foundation for taking charge of the Green Dragon’s Heavenly Scenic Tower Demon Realm!

Blinded by greed. The matter of defeating Xuan Guangqiao hasn’t even properly begun, and already there are signs of internal strife within our own ranks, several Sea Area Monarchs thought to themselves.

The noise grew louder, yet the three Tao Species allowed their subordinates to argue. Seeing this, the Sword Shark Dragon could not help but speak out. He was the eldest Monarch of the Sword Shark Sea Area, had experienced three Ten Thousand Domains Wars, and possessed great influence and prestige within the Bridge-Claiming Army.

"What a disgraceful ruckus! This is no way to achieve great things."

"All of you are distinguished figures. Why entangle yourselves in such trifles?"

"In my view, all three Tao Species are peerless demon heroes, so closely matched it’s hard to say who is superior."

"Since that’s the case, why not declare whoever first conquers the Gale Sea Area as the Alliance Hierarch?"

The Sword Shark Dragon was a Monarch whose power and prestige were among the highest in the Bridge-Claiming Army. When he spoke, the Demons in the hall respectfully quieted down, pondering the feasibility of his suggestion.

Suddenly, one Monarch clapped his hands in approval, and the others followed suit. Everyone had their own motives. If the three great Tao Species could attain the position of Alliance Hierarch, then so could they.

"Good, this proposal is excellent, truly befitting Elder Sword Shark!"

"Indeed! The Monarch who first conquers the Gale Sea Area will certainly have formidable troops and extraordinary strength. Such a Demon deserves to be the Alliance Hierarch!"

In an instant, this new wave of opinion overwhelmed the previous proposals made by the strategists of the three great Tao Species.

Seeing this, the three Tao Species reacted differently.

Lang Fanyun smiled, his eyes crinkling, "This is also good."

Liu Hongde nodded, "I have no problem with it."

Zhu Jiushi remained expressionless, "I don’t have a problem with it either."

「...」

Meanwhile, Hong Yuan also gathered his generals to discuss countermeasures. One hundred and eight Sea Areas clashing against eighteen Sea Areas represented a gargantuan disparity—so immense it could drive one to despair. The mere thought was enough to send shivers down one’s spine. Monarch Hong Yuan’s calm and composed demeanor was like a steadfast pillar, instilling a profound sense of security. If it hadn’t been for him, the Zero Desolate Army would have likely fled at the enemy’s approach and fallen apart.

After this battle against the forces of the eighteen Sea Areas, I wonder how many of my demon soldiers will remain, Hong Yuan mused inwardly. The Ten Thousand Domains War... each time it commences, countless demon soldiers perish. Such cruelty. I’ve hardly heard of such ’traditional activities’ among the Human Race.

At that moment, he sat back in his dragon-carved silver chair, head raised, scrutinizing the generals before him.

Inside the strategy tent, discussions were lively. The generals freely expressed their opinions, debating strategies and tactics. Hong Yuan only interjected when decisions stalled, primarily to ensure they maintained focus on the overall strategy.

Zhang Fan, animated and defiant, declared, "As long as those three Tao Species don’t intervene, my Nine Poison Troops fear no one! Your Majesty, please dispatch me as the vanguard!"

War is the best catalyst for the growth of Heavenly Talents—provided they survive, of course. Having participated in numerous battles, large and small, Zhang Fan’s strength had soared. He had already touched the threshold of a Tao Species-level Heavenly Talent and thus had earned the right to his pride.

"It’s good to have confidence, but don’t become overly arrogant," Hong Yuan cautioned. "The enemy is formidable. A head-on assault would only lead to our own destruction. Everyone, prepare for a protracted defense. We must be patient and resist the temptation of easy gains."

Zhang Fan repeatedly affirmed his understanding.

Subsequently, Li Jianqiu, Ji Qingxue, Gui Qu, and several other generals elaborated on the plans based on the strategy outlined by Hong Yuan, each contributing their insights. Under Hong Yuan’s will, the Zero Desolate Army finalized its strategy. They would firmly defend their own sea area. Meanwhile, they would secretly dispatch elite warriors to disrupt the enemy’s supply lines, waiting for the adversary to collapse under the logistical burden of their large forces.

This strategy wasn’t perfect. However, facing an enemy several times stronger, their only option was to defend first and await an opportunity to counterattack.

The meeting ended, and the generals departed in an orderly fashion. Hong Yuan rose, turning his back to them. He gazed at the sea area map on the wall, contemplating how to further refine their strategy.

At the base of the camp, Li Jianqiu, clad in red battle armor and holding an oil-paper umbrella, looked up, her gaze fixed deeply on Hong Yuan’s silhouette.

He hasn’t become reckless from continuous victories, nor has he taken rash gambles despite possessing absolute power. Xuan Guangqiao, you are truly the most formidable enemy I have ever encountered. But the more challenging you are, the less I will yield! In this Sea Area struggle, I will perform so impeccably that you’ll be utterly satisfied, unable to find a single flaw. Then, I can issue my second challenge to you!

Li Jianqiu’s expression was resolute, her fighting spirit reignited. One must stand up where they have fallen. She was never a Demon to give up easily. From an ordinary carp, she had cultivated into a Demon, even transforming into a Red Dragon Carp and winning the favor of the Red Luck Demon Saint. It was precisely this unyielding fighting spirit that had brought her this far.

「...」

When Li Jianqiu returned to her own camp, she received a letter from her mentor, the Red Luck Demon Saint. It read:

"Jianqiu, my disciple, the Zero Desolate Army and Xuan Guangqiao are now in turmoil. It is time for you to prepare to leave the Zero Desolate Army and establish your own faction.

"Although your oath binds you to serve Xuan Guangqiao for three years, it has many loopholes. You can choose a mediocre opponent and feign engagement, going through the motions without truly exerting effort.

"When Xuan Guangqiao is defeated and withdraws from the Ten Thousand Domains War, that will be your moment to strike out on your own!"

Li Jianqiu held the Three-Tailed Black Carp Arrow Tao Species, the medium for the letter, her expression unchanging.

CRACK—

The Three-Tailed Black Carp Arrow Tao Species instantly crumbled, dissolving into black water that vanished into the air.

Clearly, she was not receptive to the proposal from her master, the Red Luck Demon Saint.

Li Jianqiu stepped out of her tent. She gazed towards Hong Yuan’s Monarch camp in the distance, her eyes brimming with a surging battle intent.

Master, you once taught me to learn from the Great Moon Saint: to rise where I have fallen, that failure is nothing to fear. Yet now, you seem to have forgotten this. Even if the situation is dire, a lord and their subordinates should stand united, fighting with their backs to the wall. I, Li Jianqiu, will never be a treacherous betrayer. Xuan Guangqiao, I will defeat him openly and honorably, convincing him utterly in both heart and mind!