"When I killed Haiyang, I clashed with the Black Star Army."
"In that battle, I initially estimated the Black Star Army's casualties to be around one hundred thousand."
"Based on the intelligence I've gathered, the Black Star Army has a mecha force of three hundred thousand, distributed across their territory."
"The armies outside Black Star territory total approximately two million three hundred thousand."
"Of course, this includes the armies of the occupied nations themselves."
"In reality, the regular Black Star Army's total strength is conservatively estimated to be around eight hundred thousand."
Gu Ya finished explaining the situation and awaited a response from the others.
Jin Quan Ao Tian was Gu Ya's devoted follower, naturally inclined to obey him.
However, in front of Jin Quan's civil and military officials, he needed to maintain his composure to avoid gossip and the impression of insufficient authority, which would be detrimental to his rule.
Jin Quan Ao Tian, with a stern face, addressed his ministers, "What are your opinions? Those who agree to dispatch troops to counterattack the Black Star Empire, raise your hands."
Out of the twenty civil and military officials, only a few raised their hands.
Seeing the result, Little Jin Quan's face instantly turned grim.
One of the civil officials stated, "My opinion is to proceed with caution. By political negotiation, we can secure development space for the nation and vigorously strengthen its hard power."
"I don't agree! We have already fallen out with the Black Star Empire, there's no need to hide our intentions anymore."
"I believe we can rally more allies to resist Black Star together."
The officials began to chatter amongst themselves.
Little Jin Quan raised his palm and slammed it heavily onto the table with a "Bang!"
With an arrogant air, Little Jin Quan coldly declared, "I'll say it again. Those who agree to dispatch troops to counterattack the Black Star Empire, raise your hands."
Those seated below were stunned by Little Jin Quan's demeanor; this young king, in his teens, possessed such courage.
Several resolute pro-attack generals immediately raised their hands.
Following them, several civil officials slowly raised their hands.
Before long, almost everyone had raised their hands.
Little Jin Quan's grim expression finally eased, and he smiled, saying, "Good, next we will discuss the invasion route and strategy. Brother Gu, our Jin Quan nation needs your intelligence."
Gu Ya nodded and began the strategic arrangements.
The entire morning was spent with the men discussing and refining the offensive strategy.
Ye Ying, with nothing to do, wandered around and finally stopped in front of Tao Na's door.
After hesitating for a few minutes,
Ye Ying dismissed the two maids behind her, gently knocked on the door,
After receiving Tao Na's permission, she pushed the door open and walked in.
"What are you doing?" Ye Ying asked softly.
Tao Na lay on the bed, smiling weakly, and said, "What else can I do? Rest up and prepare for war."
Ye Ying walked to Tao Na's bedside and sat down, sighing softly as she looked out the window.
If Li Fang were here now, the atmosphere wouldn't be so somber.
Even though his words were often unpleasant, he could sometimes liven things up.
Ye Ying turned around, reached out, and embraced Tao Na, saying softly, "Nothing is more tormenting than this..."
Tao Na closed her eyes, tears falling onto Ye Ying's chest, and whispered, "If it wasn't for my tactical missteps, if I could have been stronger, Li Fang wouldn't have died..."
"Yes... I know, but... but if it were to happen again, Li Fang would still trust me without hesitation..."
Ye Ying gently stroked Tao Na's hair, saying, "But heaven will not pity us; it will only push all of us forward..."
"We are warriors, always prepared for sacrifice, whether it's our loved ones or ourselves."
"Tao Na, pull yourself together."
"Gu Ya and I need you, Jin Quan nation needs you, and the entire world needs you."
"When all is well, we will all accompany you and have a good, hearty cry for Li Fang."
Tao Na, buried in Ye Ying's embrace, nodded gently.
The air raid sirens sounded around the royal palace, melodious and inspiring,
This was the horn of the general offensive,
The first war drum of the world's counterattack against the Black Star Empire.
Accompanied by the inspiring sirens,
Swarm after swarm of magnificent mechas flew past the towering buildings, over the majestic capital of Jin Quan nation, heading towards the sea.
Ye Ying helped Tao Na up and gently wiped the tears from her eyes,
The two female warriors, one after the other, walked out of the room and rushed towards the hangar.
-------------------------------------
According to the strategy, the Jin Quan army advanced into the Black Star Empire in three waves,
Namely, the vanguard, the main force, and the rear, advancing in echelon.
The most elite, courageous, and battle-experienced veterans formed the first wave, leading the entry into the Black Star Empire.
The main force would swiftly consolidate the territory captured by the first wave, providing cover for the third wave.
The third wave consisted of logistics supplies and engineering mechas.
The invasion point was chosen at Wanglv Bay on the southwest side of the Black Star Empire.
The reasons were:
One, Wanglv Bay is adjacent to the extreme south, sparsely populated, and far from the Black Star Empire's capital.
Two, Black Star's military deployment in the bay was not substantial.
Three, most importantly, it was less than five hundred kilometers from the Jin Quan nation's border, ensuring a short supply line.
Jin Quan nation also established two supply lines, one by land and one by water.
Four, the strategic location was excellent. Invading the Black Star Empire from here would allow for the rapid occupation of a large number of uninhabited islands to the south,
And to the north, it could cut off the Black Star Empire's supply and reinforcement routes, leaving the Black Star border troops isolated and unsupported.
To the west, a swift strategic retreat was possible,
And to the east, it would allow for a deep penetration into the heartland, like a steel nail driven into Black Star's land.
However, Wanglv Bay had a geographical disadvantage,
That is, it was too far from the Black Star Empire's core urban areas, and even if the invasion were successful, it would not be very effective in deterring the Black Star Empire.
In fact, it was a forgotten corner of the Black Star Empire.
Initially, Little Jin Quan and his generals did not favor this bay,
They wanted to attack the Black Star border army's main base directly, to achieve an early victory and create a deterrent effect.
But Gu Ya insisted on capturing Wanglv Bay first,
And then having Little Jin Quan lead the vanguard north to attack the border army's main base together with Gu Ya.
Gu Ya did not disclose the reason.
Little Jin Quan ultimately chose to trust Gu Ya,
With a flourish, the invasion order was signed, and the troops marched out.
Three hours had passed since Little Jin Quan and the Jin Quan nation's army had departed,
Given the speed of surprise marches, the vanguard should have already reached Wanglv Bay.
In the empty, vast hangar,
Gu Ya stood beneath a towering mecha, head bowed, hesitating to move.
Qiao Weiwei darted out from the alloy gate, glanced back to confirm no one was following, and let out a long sigh of relief.
She jogged over to Ye Ying and Tao Na, a broad smile on her face, saying, "Everyone was waiting for me? How touching!"
Tao Na forced a wry smile and said, "Yes, you are the heavyweight participant; the war can't be fought without you."
Seeing Tao Na's condition improve, Qiao Weiwei was also relieved.
She had been worried that her marriage would psychologically impact her recently bereaved best friend.
It seemed her worries were unfounded.
"Then what are we waiting for? I've shaken off those annoying servants, let's go! If we don't leave now, I'm afraid they'll drag me back!" Qiao Weiwei urged.
"Don't you see our Captain Gu is lost in thought again? He's been standing still for two hours," Tao Na said.
Ye Ying sat on a chair nearby, resting her chin on her hand, her demeanor as calm as still water.
Qiao Weiwei quietly asked, "Did they have a fight?"
Tao Na shook her head and smiled, "They don't fight easily."
"Indeed, neither of them talks much, it would be a miracle if they fought," Qiao Weiwei muttered softly.
A moment later, Gu Ya's wristband rang; it was a call from Little Jin Quan.
Gu Ya answered, saying, "Hmm... the second wave has landed? Good! You commanded well, your speed is impressive."
"The vanguard has already marched north, is that right? Yes, attack simultaneously as agreed."
After hanging up the communication,
Gu Ya turned and said calmly to the three ladies, "It's been a long time since we fought side by side."
"Flying Eagle Team Three, depart!"