World of Cultivation Nine Hundred and Thirteen – Response

Within the higher echelons of the yao, a covert power shift was unfolding. Youqin Lie’s meticulously crafted scheme extended its reach far and wide, catching the vast majority of the yao’s elite completely off guard. The timing for his move was impeccable; since the meeting was of paramount importance, very few were absent. The ostensible purpose of the gathering was to establish a new council of elders. However, the high-ranking yao quickly recognized this as a strategic redistribution of power, leading to intense discussions and political maneuvering. Before long, the new leadership emerged into public view. Ming Yue Ye, Bing Lan, and Mu Xi all managed to retain their previous positions. This particular meeting did not result in any widespread unrest among the populace. Youqin Lie, having previously governed the underworld, possessed an intimate understanding of how to exploit people's vulnerabilities. After ten years of diligent preparation, he finally made his decisive move. Employing a dual strategy of coercion and reward, he brought the prestigious yao families under his control. Those who dared to resist were swiftly and silently eliminated overnight, leaving them no opportunity to incite any disturbance. The methods Youqin Lie employed in executing his duties were known for their ruthlessness and cruelty, instilling fear in all who were aware. While conflicts between families were common across the land, they paled in comparison to the Shadow Guard’s brutal tactic of completely eradicating an entire family, leaving not a single trace. Their actions made such family squabbles seem like mere childish disputes over trivial matters. A profound sense of dread washed over them. The newly formed Council of Elders ascended to become the supreme governing body of the yao. Bing Lan and Mu Xi found themselves alone in the courtyard. The Shadow Guard showed no inclination to make things difficult for the two women. Their freedom was preserved, and remarkably, their status and positions remained unchanged. The entire experience felt as surreal as a dream to them. Both women were highly intelligent individuals. They understood that the Nether King harbored no concerns about them staging a rebellion. With all the yao higher-ups and prominent families having already submitted, any attempt at an uprising, even if instigated by Ming Yue Ye, would be utterly futile. The ruling caste of the yao had effectively become impotent. They sat in silence for a considerable duration, the atmosphere thick with unspoken tension. “It’s all over for us,” Bing Lan’s voice was raspy, her eyes brimming with profound sorrow. As a seasoned warrior, she instinctively harbored a deep aversion towards covert organizations like the Shadow Guard. Yet, she had never anticipated being defeated so effortlessly by such clandestine operatives. “But nobody seems to care,” Bing Lan let out a wry laugh. “Everyone is celebrating the fact that they no longer have to fight the mo.” Immediately after the new Council of Elders assumed power, they proclaimed an unbreakable alliance with the mo. Both factions pledged to remain eternal brothers-in-arms, standing united against any common adversaries. Furthermore, the Council of Elders actively encouraged increased interaction between the allied yao and mo. Numerous transportation formations were to be constructed across both the yao and mo realms to foster greater interrelations between the two races. Upon the dissemination of this news, the entirety of the yao erupted in cheers and joyous celebrations. When the mo had first successfully unified their forces, the yao had felt a palpable sense of unease, harboring widespread anxieties about a potential mo invasion. The formation of the yaomo alliance effectively dispelled these fears of invasion. A great weight was lifted from everyone’s minds. The concept of a united yaomo front was not entirely novel. The yao and mo shared a long history of fighting alongside each other against the xiuzhe, making an alliance a natural progression. Unlike their historical relationship with the xiuzhe, there had never been significant animosity between the yao and the mo. This historical context made the current situation particularly ironic to Bing Lan. She was certain that the Nether King was systematically consolidating control over the yao. Within a few short years, she believed, the yao would be entirely under the Nether King’s dominion. Yet, she could only stand by and witness this inevitable outcome, completely powerless to intervene. She had long ago grasped a fundamental truth about humanity: people did not concern themselves with who their ruler was. Their primary concern was whether they could live in peace. The elders of the prominent families were no different; their allegiance was determined not by the ruler, but by who provided them with benefits and instilled fear. All the corps commanders of the yao served as representatives for these influential elders, each backed by their respective family ties. As long as the Nether King held the Palace Lake Wood Clan as a hostage, Mu Xi was left with no choice but to comply. Every member of a prestigious family was indoctrinated from birth with a profound sense of duty towards their clan, habitually prioritizing their family’s welfare above all else. Those who had genuinely remained loyal to Ming Yue Ye found themselves unable to resist Youqin Lie’s decisive actions. Even Bing Lan found herself in a position where any attempt to resist would directly endanger the lives of her subordinates. If she were to make any move, the loyal sisters who had followed her for many years would inevitably face dire consequences. This was Youqin Lie's signature modus operandi. “I intend to step down as corps commander,” Bing Lan stated with a calm demeanor. Mu Xi abruptly lifted her head in surprise.

Bing Lan waved her hand, signaling for Mu Xi to cease her persuasion. A relieved smile graced her lips. "Actually, this outcome is not detrimental. In terms of wisdom and martial prowess, the Nether King will undoubtedly make a competent ruler. Following the formation of the yaomo alliance, he will ensure the yao are treated equitably. Moreover, once the alliance is solidified, it will be an unstoppable force."

She turned, her gaze meeting Mu Xi's. "You must carry the mantle of the yao," she stated with gravity. "If my intuition serves me, the Nether King will establish an elder council for the yaomo alliance, to be governed by their respective elders. Among the yao, you stand as the sole top battle general; your burden is immense."

"Where do you plan to journey, Daren?" Mu Xi inquired, her heart heavy with sorrow for the elder who had championed her.

"I intend to establish a battle general academy," Bing Lan disclosed with a sigh. "Our yao possess a dearth of exceptional battle generals. Regardless of the yao's ultimate destiny, nurturing young talents capable of supporting the heavens is the true future of our people!"

"I will provide the necessary funds!" Mu Xi declared without a moment's hesitation.

Mu Xi was aware that Bing Lan Daren had no familial support and possessed limited personal resources.

Bing Lan offered a gentle smile. "No, that will not be necessary. The Nether King will not be stingy with this endeavor. His Majesty already regards this territory as his own, and its inhabitants as his people."

As Bing Lan had accurately foreseen, Zuo Mo demonstrated remarkable generosity. Without hesitation, he allocated substantial resources to Bing Lan and granted full authorization for her undertaking.

Bing Lan, a true titan among yao battle generals, possessed unparalleled experience. Upon her appointment as principal of the newly formed academy, the battle general house generated significant anticipation even before its construction.

The Bing Lan Battle General House was destined to shine brightly for the ensuing millennium, becoming one of the two most renowned battle general academies for the yao.

The other esteemed institution bore the name Pu Pu's Home for Battle Generals.

Over the next thousand years, these two institutions would cultivate countless celebrated generals for the yao populace.

From every perspective, Zuo Mo's execution of these plans was remarkably swift.

Yet, for Gongsun Cha and his cohorts, the passage of time felt agonizingly slow, each day stretching into an eternity. The entirety of Kun Lun appeared consumed by a frenzied mobilization, reinforcing their borders with relentless disregard for the cost.

Confronted by this colossal tide, the might of an individual battalion seemed utterly insignificant.

The encroaching masses formed shadows that blotted out the land, advancing like a slow yet inexorable wave. Observing this spectacle, a profound sense of powerlessness washed over the onlookers.

The immense human ocean continued its relentless expansion.

Mo Cloud Sea persisted with its guerrilla tactics, aiming to impede the enemy's advance. While their efforts yielded some success, these were rendered negligible against the ever-accelerating momentum of the opposing forces.

Kun Lun seemed utterly unfazed by their persistent harassment.

"Advance! Continue reinforcing!"

Gongsun Cha and his companions dared not penetrate the heart of Kun Lun's amassed legions. Despite the troops' apparent lack of rigorous training, they hesitated, aware that entering such a dense formation might preclude any possibility of escape.

The enemy had amassed a staggering force exceeding one million and two hundred thousand individuals!

"What course of action should we take?"

The situation deteriorated with each passing day. None doubted that if an assault were launched, their only recourse would be to flee for their very lives.

"We shall retreat!" Gongsun Cha's eyes burned with intensity. The bashful smile that typically adorned his face had vanished, replaced by a sharp, chilling resolve. Bie Han and Yang Yuan Hao were in a similarly grim state, having endured sleepless nights since Kun Lun's battalions first appeared on the frontiers.

Retreat?

A hush fell over the assembled company.

The decision, arrived at by the three top battle generals after days and nights of unceasing deliberation, was indeed to retreat?

Yang Yuan Hao elaborated, "We cannot halt their advance. Should they breach our defensive perimeter, their morale will surge, while ours will plummet. It is far preferable to withdraw on our own terms than to suffer such a devastating blow."

Thoughtful murmurs spread among the ranks.

Gongsun Cha further explained, "Kun Lun's army is so vast that logistical support will inevitably become a significant challenge. We will withdraw, ceding territory but enacting a scorched-earth policy to poison their supply lines. This strategy will serve a dual purpose: to erode their morale and to expose their vulnerable supply routes."

The assembled strategists, all seasoned experts in warfare, had their eyes light up, and a fervent discussion ensued.

"We will obliterate every single transportation formation, forcing them to rely solely on the jie rivers for transit! Hmph! A million 'pigs'—even transporting them will prove no simple feat!"

"Every water source, every mine, must be destroyed. This will cripple their ability to resume production swiftly and replenish supplies."

"We must evacuate every single individual. We will leave behind empty jies, devoid of any resources!"

"We must establish hidden guide points. By leaving numerous such concealed locations, we can utilize them to construct smaller transportation formations. These formations need not transport large numbers of personnel, thus allowing us to easily launch rear assaults on their supply lines."

“Martial law is essential for Mo Cloud Sea! Everyone must be strictly controlled to prevent any troublemakers from causing a disturbance.”

With a large number of people gathered, their collective power became immense. As discussions unfolded, numerous critical details were clarified, highlighting the importance of not underestimating such specifics. Advantages in battle are often forged through these very details.

Gongsun Cha couldn't help but heave a sigh. While the expansion over the past few years had somewhat diluted the unity of Mo Cloud Sea, it had strategically benefited them in the current situation. Had Mo Cloud Sea remained as small as it once was, its defenses, no matter how formidable, would have been overwhelmed by such a vast multitude.

“This marks the final battle!” Gongsun Cha declared suddenly. All other conversations ceased as everyone turned their attention to him.

“If we emerge victorious from this battle, we shall claim ultimate victory. Should we lose, all will be for naught.” Gongsun Cha’s gaze blazed with intensity, his tone stern and unwavering. “The final battle! This is the decisive engagement!”

“Annihilate them!” The crowd roared in unison, their eyes alight with ferocity and a burning desire to kill!

Translator Ramblings: It’s going to be so weird in three days time when I don’t have to get up and post a chapter. On the other hand, if I somehow disappear in the meantime, WanderingGummiOfDoom can post the remaining chapters.