Chapter 665: Chapter 397: A Heavy Price
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"I am a King Ranking Expert," Yan Xiaobao sighed. "However, I know of certain abilities that can enhance my strength. This ability comes at a heavy price, but you needn’t worry," he continued with a smile, "Tomorrow I won’t bring any fame to you others. I will be unable to fight alongside the Saints for quite some time." Although Yan Xiaobao didn’t reveal the full truth, he was not far off, and his honesty made the Saints nod in approval. After all, he was their Great Marshal. Naturally, he held secrets that allowed him to enhance his power. The Saints, who initially felt fear, now felt proud of their Great Marshal. Despite facing an overwhelming enemy, he still achieved victory.
"As long as they’re busy celebrating rather than questioning me, everything will be fine," Yan Xiaobao muttered to himself as he caught sight of the Siban Capital ahead. He knew he would soon need to enter the city. The battles on the city walls repeatedly showed that the Beasts were the stronger army, but the young man couldn’t shake the feeling that entering the city would lead to problems. As to why he felt this way, the young man was completely unaware.
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The next day arrived, but the entire army was shocked when they heard Yan Xiaobao wanted them to stay in camp all day. They were ordered to fully replenish their energy. To ensure they would be at their peak for training tomorrow, efforts were made to get as many injured Beasts back into the game. Yan Xiaobao especially looked forward to Wan Qiao’s return.
Hui Le gave the order, and the day passed. Although the soldiers and Saints were curious about why he issued such an order, no one questioned his words; they all met his expectations. Yan Xiaobao spent the entire day in the medical room. As he watched each Beast return to active duty, he felt their strength soaring into the sky. Even if they encountered the Crusaders, Yan Xiaobao’s troops should be able to defeat them. They should be able to use numbers to defeat them, a strategy the Siban Empire had also tried but failed. "We are not like them," Yan Xiaobao assured himself while shaking his head. "They are much weaker than us. They are not strong at all, and my soldiers are all very skilled." He repeatedly reassured himself.
Though Yan Xiaobao felt the pressure and the weight of the war upon him, the rest of the Beast Army was the most relaxed they had been since leaving the Divine Origin Forest. They spent time training, cultivating, and discussing the war. They talked about why they hadn’t yet stormed into the city and what exactly their Great Marshal was wasting time doing.
The Saints, like all the other soldiers, were curious about what was happening in Yan Xiaobao’s mind, but none of them asked him. They seemed to trust him unconditionally, deciding to relax for that day, chatting like soldiers enjoying a holiday. They felt that if they really needed anything, Yan Xiaobao would surely impose it on them.
Only Yan Xiaobao knew what he was waiting for. One such thing was Wan Qiao, who improved with time until she was finally able to leave the medical room. Upon seeing this, Yan Xiaobao’s face broke into a bright smile. He knew that what he was doing was not only beneficial for him but also advantageous for the Siban Empire. Just as he had time for training and healing, the injured soldiers of the Siban Empire also had ample time to heal and recover. Although this was true, Yan Xiaobao felt a decision needed to be made, as he worried about how the final conflict against the Siban Empire would unfold.
He sighed deeply and said to the many Saints around him, "Pack it up," he whispered. Each Saint immediately left their tranquil surroundings and stood in front of him, waiting for his orders.
"I’m sorry it took so long," Yan Xiaobao said with an apologetic smile. Though the Saints shook their heads in disagreement or said there was no problem, Yan Xiaobao still felt he had taken too long. He continued with a sigh, "Tomorrow is the day. Tomorrow we will prepare for the final battle."
These words, spoken calmly and quietly, seemed to travel across the entire camp. Every Beast heard them. Every Beast rose in surprise. Many faces turned shocked; happiness and eagerness flashed quickly. This was what they had been waiting for. This was the final stretch. Their freedom was within their grasp.
The night passed quickly, and every Beast in the camp was restless. Some tried to train but couldn’t focus on refining the essence of heaven and earth. Others attempted to spar but were all too cautious. No one wanted to be injured just in time for the final conflict.
Yan Xiaobao sat in his tent. Next to him was a table, the small space filled with chairs, with all the Saints deciding to await him in Yan Xiaobao’s tent. Some were drinking wine from crystal glasses, others were deep in discussions about the outcome of the war, while others busied themselves with snacks, as if no significant event would happen soon.
Though it was Yan Xiaobao’s tent, the Great Marshal seemed to be the only one left alone, which was his preference. He stood in a corner, with a part of the table beside him displaying maps made by his soldiers, revealing the city’s layout. They were made by flying Beasts who deliberately flew over the city while memorizing the positions of streets, houses, and castles within the city.