Ocean Lords: Start Harvesting Double from Dice Rolls Chapter 671 - 335: The Old Master’s Mission, Future Crisis (Part 2)

A military leader's decisiveness was precisely this. The elder had already grasped that the core of this situation had shifted from mere conflict to a deliberate act of invasion.

Confronting an invasion meant that anticipating Sovereign Lanyun would abandon hostilities due to diplomatic ties between their nations was as foolish as expecting a schoolyard bully to cease their torment out of sheer kindness.

To avert all-out war in the face of Sovereign Lanyun's resolve, the only recourse was to meet force with force and repel him.

Fang Yu felt a surge of exhilaration.

The elder's pronouncements acted like a potent elixir, coursing through Fang Yu and illuminating the elder's perspective with stark clarity.

Consequently, Fang Yu realized he no longer needed to waver or endlessly seek intricate strategies to avert hostilities.

"I understand, General. What are my orders now? Please guide me!"

At this juncture, Kong Huaao spoke, his voice low.

A sharp glint flickered in his eyes, and his entire bearing radiated an aura of unwavering determination.

Fang Yu looked at Kong Huaao with a trace of surprise before gradually regaining his composure.

It was true...

One should not be deceived by Mr. Kong's usual composed rationality; he had even journeyed to Lanyun Sea Country attempting to arbitrate the dispute concerning the Sin Domain issue between the two realms.

However, this very self-control was essential for Kong Huaao in his role as a military commander.

Hearing the elder signal that it was permissible to engage in combat, Kong Huaao instantly grasped the elder's endorsement of the aggressive approach.

With the elder's approval secured, there was nothing left but to fight without reservation.

As the esteemed young talent favored by the elder within the military, an aggressive commander was precisely what resided within his core.

Fang Yu recalled that the South Sea Third Army's inherent strengths lay in enhancements directed towards offensive power.

If the commander himself lacked an aggressive spirit, his troops would naturally follow suit, let alone benefit from power-enhancing attributes.

Mr. Kong... possessed an innate fearlessness in battle.

"To initiate warfare, two primary actions are necessary."

The elder, exhibiting signs of fatigue, spoke with a voice that seemed to have weakened, yet his thoughts remained exceptionally clear:

"Firstly, internal consolidation. Xiao Kong, you will proceed to the Central Continent and brief the President on the circumstances involving Lanyun Country. Naturally, the President is already fully apprised of Lanyun Country's actions; your principal objective is to convey my strategic perspective on this matter."

"Ultimately, the decision rests with the President, but once he gives his assent, I shall be free from concerns regarding internal discord and conflicting viewpoints."

Upon hearing the elder's directives, Kong Huaao's gaze intensified. He stood straighter, rendering a crisp, military salute:

"Understood, General!"

"As for Fang Yu..."

The elder's gaze settled on Fang Yu as he continued, his voice soft:

"An army's strength is often contingent upon its provisions."

"The South Island Continent's vigorous economic development was precisely in anticipation of such a juncture."

"Currently, a multitude of arms manufacturers and resource suppliers have emerged across the South Island Continent."

"With war on the horizon, beyond unifying the Federation's military might, the imperative task is the consolidation of resources for wartime provisions!"

"You are to approach Sky Dome Technology and Essence Feast, instructing them to commence preparations for resource acquisition."

"Simply state my name, and they will undoubtedly ensure all necessary arrangements are made."

The elder elaborated, his voice frail but his mind sharp as ever.

As the elder concluded his instructions, a distinct system prompt resonated within Fang Yu's mind:

"Congratulations, Captain Fang Yu, on receiving the mission: 'Resource Integration'."

"Mission Brief: In response to the demands of impending conflict, the time has come to consolidate essential war resources. Your objective is to visit Sky Dome Technology and Essence Feast companies to secure armament and resource contracts for the upcoming war."

"Mission Rewards: Military promotion, 3 million experience points, 'Immortal' Ocean Scripture, Essence of Flesh and Blood..."

Both individuals promptly accepted their assigned missions and were preparing to depart the chamber.

However, at this critical moment, the elder beckoned Fang Yu to remain behind:

"Fang Yu, kindly stay a moment longer. Xiao Kong, please await him outside the room."

"Understood!"

Kong Huaao acknowledged with a nod, then opened the door and exited alone.

Fang Yu stayed within the room, directing a concerned look at the elder, and voiced his worry, "Old man, shouldn't you rest first? You appear quite exhausted."

"It is nothing."

The elder indeed seemed considerably weaker, yet he shook his head resolutely. "My time is limited. I must impart these final instructions; once the military apparatus is functioning smoothly, I can find peace."

Heeding the elder's words, Fang Yu's expression shifted subtly, and he couldn't help but inquire, "Old man, is there a particular instruction you wish to convey to me personally?"

"Indeed!"

After a brief pause to gather his strength, the elder continued, "You must have heard from Xiao Kong regarding my intention to focus on nurturing both your potential and Xiao Kong's."

Fang Yu offered a slight nod in understanding.

"However, Fang Yu, your unique status as an Outer Realm Captain, being from beyond this world, means that assigning you to a high-ranking position might invite skepticism from others."

"For this reason, the successor who can eventually fill my shoes ought to be Kong Huaao. I trust you won’t hold this against me."

The elder conveyed this with a gentle tone, his eyes fixed upon Fang Yu.

Upon hearing the elder’s explanation, Fang Yu couldn’t suppress a light chuckle. "Old man, you worry unnecessarily. I possess little actual interest in wielding power, nor do I covet the splendor of being a prominent figure of this era."

"Should Mr. Kong be capable of assuming your mantle and bearing the future burdens, I would genuinely rejoice for him."

The elder regarded Fang Yu intently, discerning that his sincerity appeared genuine. A quiet sigh of relief escaped him internally, and a flicker of solace crossed his gaze.