Lin Yun slowly stood up. “I have one more thing to say. After you esteemed Dominion Realm seniors return, you’ll begin organising the Eternal Beings under your command. I hope you’ll tell them we’re heading to the Tianqian Empire, not that we’re going to Huangyang Pass in the Huoyun Empire. Even to the most trusted Eternal Beings under your command, say the same.”
Lin Yun’s reasoning was to guard against potential Demon Clan spies among the Eternal Beings.
The incident with the peaceful coexistence agreement had shown that not all Eternal Beings were reliable.
“Lin Yun, you’re planning to feign an attack in the east while striking in the west!” Vice Palace Master Yao’s eyes lit up.
According to the plan, the Human Clan would actually launch the attack from Huangyang Pass in the Huoyun Empire, but Lin Yun’s strategy was to create the illusion of deploying troops to the Tianqian Empire.
The corner of Lin Yun’s mouth curled slightly. “Exactly, feign east and strike west! We’ll openly organise the Eternal Beings, and the Demon Clan will easily catch wind of it. By spreading false information that we’re heading to the Tianqian Empire, we’ll mislead them!”
“Lin Yun, not only are you exceptional in cultivation, but it seems you’re also skilled in warfare,” the Xiaoyao Tower Master said with a sigh, lightly fanning himself.
“Indeed, I only realised today that Lin Yun is a born general,” Vice Palace Master Yao said with a smile, nodding approvingly.
“You’re all too kind. In war, deception is key,” Lin Yun said with a grin.
Back on Earth, during his university days, Lin Yun had read Sun Tzu’s *Art of War* and the *Thirty-Six Stratagems*. Though he hadn’t studied them deeply, he had some basic knowledge.
Even with the Dragon Clan’s aid giving them an overwhelming military advantage, employing strategies to amplify that advantage, simplify the counterattack, and reduce casualties was naturally preferable.
Moreover, in this cultivation-focused world, warfare primarily revolved around strength. Strategy was less emphasised because, in the face of absolute power, other factors often seemed trivial.
As a result, military tactics here were not particularly advanced.
“Then, everyone, follow Lin Yun’s plan and inform your Eternal Beings accordingly!” Palace Master Mo said.
“Understood!”
The Dominion Realm leaders present nodded in agreement.
“Good. Time is tight. Everyone, go organise now. We’ll meet at Huangyang Pass at nine tonight!” Palace Master Mo said.
“Yes!”
The Eternal Beings responded and dispersed.
…
After the meeting, the four empires, Xiaoyao Tower, Taixu Tavern, Shadow Hall, and Taigu Sect all sprang into action.
Evening.
In the Demon Beast Mountain Range, inside the Demon Commander’s Mansion.
The Demon Lord sat on the throne at the front.
At that moment, the Demon Commander hurriedly entered.
“Demon Commander, why aren’t you overseeing the front lines? What are you doing back here?” the Demon Lord asked, eyes closed.
“Demon Lord, I have urgent news to report. The Dragon Clan’s reinforcements have arrived and are now stationed at the Heavenly God Palace!” the Demon Commander said urgently.
“So they’ve finally come?” The Demon Lord opened his eyes, his expression darkening.
They had already received some reports from the Endless Sea indicating that the Dragon Clan was sending troops to aid the Human Clan.
“Demon Lord, the Dragon Clan’s involvement is indeed a major problem for us, but there’s one thing to be thankful for: the number of Dragon Clan reinforcements isn’t too large. They’re currently stationed at the Heavenly God Palace,” the Demon Commander said.
“No matter what, we must not underestimate them. From now on, we need to prepare for battle. With the Human Clan and Dragon Clan allied, it won’t be long before they launch a counterattack,” the Demon Lord said, his gaze narrowing.
“Demon Lord, I was just about to report a second piece of news. According to our information, all the Human Clan’s Eternal Beings are mobilising and heading toward the Tianqian Empire tonight,” the Demon Commander said.
“Oh? They’re moving so soon?” The Demon Lord was surprised.
“Demon Lord, we don’t have much time. We must prepare for battle immediately!” the Demon Commander urged.
“Immediately issue the order: all Heavenly Demons are to gather at the Tianqian Empire’s border!” the Demon Lord commanded.
“Yes!” the Demon Commander below promptly accepted the order.
“I must go as well,” the Demon Lord said, standing abruptly.
…
Nine o’clock at night.
Huoyun Empire, Huangyang Pass.
The checkpoint’s walls stood a hundred metres high, stretching thousands of miles to either side.
Though it was nine at night, the high walls were still patrolled by numerous soldiers, guarding against a potential Demon Clan night raid.
A Ninth-Turn Transcending Tribulation Realm commander named Fei Xiuyuan was inspecting the walls, offering words of encouragement to the stationed soldiers.
“Hmm?”
“There’s movement behind us?!”
Suddenly, the patrolling and stationed soldiers sensed a massive disturbance from the rear.
Feeling it, they turned to look back.
In the sky behind, several powerful figures approached from a distance, landing in the military camp within Huangyang Pass.
“They’re Eternal Beings, our Human Clan’s Eternal Beings!”
The soldiers patrolling and stationed on the walls were astonished.
At that moment, more figures appeared in the distance, equally powerful, clearly more Eternal Beings!
“Good heavens, why have so many Eternal Beings suddenly come!”
“What’s going on?”
The soldiers on the walls were utterly shocked.
Even Commander Fei looked stunned.
As the commander responsible for this checkpoint’s defence, he hadn’t received any word that Eternal Beings were coming tonight!
Of course, they were unaware of the Heavenly God Palace’s plan.
“Commander Fei, what’s happening?”
The soldiers around Commander Fei hurriedly asked.
“With so many Eternal Beings coming to Huangyang Pass, something big must be happening. I’ll go check!”
Commander Fei quickly took to the air, flying toward the main camp behind the checkpoint.
The sprawling camp, stretching as far as the eye could see, housed the soldiers guarding the pass.
In front of the camp.
Emperor Huoyun, Lin Yun, and all the Eternal Beings of the Huoyun Empire were the first to arrive, along with Little Azure Dragon and the Dragon Clan reinforcements it led.
Moments after they landed, Palace Master Mo, Vice Palace Master Yao, Song Lin, and other Eternal Beings from the Heavenly God Palace descended from the sky.
The third wave to arrive was Empress Kunlan, leading the Eternal Beings of the Kunlan Empire.
Then, the Shadow Hall Master, leading the Eternal Beings of the Shadow Hall, appeared in the sky and descended, including Mo Qing among them.
“Senior Sister Mo Qing,” Lin Yun called out with a smile, stepping forward to greet her.
With the resources Lin Yun had provided, Mo Qing’s cultivation progress had been remarkably swift.
“Lin Yun, you’ve reached the Dominion Realm? Your breakthrough speed is simply terrifying. Congratulations!” Mo Qing said, a bright smile on her face.
