The three armies advanced towards the enemy's crystal. The enemy general, realizing his defenses were crumbling, decisively ordered, "Retreat!"
"General, will we be punished if we withdraw like this?" a Dragon family warrior asked.
"If we stay, we will all be buried. The enemy is too strong. I suspect these are the very people who annihilated the Dragon Fang territory."
"Since they dare to offend the Dragon family, it means they possess the strength to fear no one. It's only natural that we cannot resist them."
"It's better to preserve our strength. Since Dragon Fang is already dead and the Dragon family hasn't sent anyone to take over, we can only leave!"
Although the general was reluctant, the enemy's overwhelming strength compelled him to make the most rational choice.
"Yes!"
After this general led the remaining hundred thousand scattered soldiers away from the Dragon Fang territory, Sun Wu had completely occupied it.
Subsequently, Sun Wu collected the enemy's crystal. The entire territory was destroyed, and every building became ownerless.
Sun Wu immediately ordered his soldiers to collect all the buildings within the territory.
With their collective strength, the buildings were quickly gathered, leaving only a few destroyed structures that could not be collected.
This battle yielded many captives, at least a hundred thousand. Among them were thirty thousand soldiers, and the remaining seventy thousand were civilian personnel from the Dragon Fang territory.
Thousands of young women, previously held captive by Dragon Fang and used as playthings, were also found. They hailed from various races, including women from the Canglan Continent, some of whom were celebrities.
Sun Wu naturally intended to bring these individuals into his territory. However, for those from the Canglan Continent, he first sought Zhou Yan's approval.
Upon receiving the news, Zhou Yan instructed them to escort everyone back to the territory. He would personally arrange for their return to the Canglan Continent once he arrived.
However, Zhou Yan also stipulated that the women from the Canglan Continent must have their eyes covered upon entering the territory, preventing them from seeing anything within.
Following Zhou Yan's instructions, Sun Wu began to relay the orders.
Sun Wu allowed his soldiers to rest while others collected the spoils of war, working until morning.
As dawn broke the next day, Sun Wu received word that several armies were approaching. The commotion from the previous night had clearly alerted nearby territories.
However, they made no immediate move. Sun Wu, not inclined to engage them, began leading his soldiers back to his territory.
Only after Sun Wu and his forces departed did these approaching armies arrive at the Dragon Fang territory to investigate.
They discovered that everything of value had been taken.
Such a vast territory had been completely wiped out in a single night.
They were astonished to learn who Sun Wu and his allies were, marveling at their immense power.
However, Sun Wu's journey back to his territory was not without further challenges.
Because...
Dragon family reinforcements had arrived.
A contingent of over a dozen individuals appeared, and an army exceeding two million began to mobilize, advancing towards Sun Wu with an imposing momentum.
Shang Yang immediately issued an order, summoning Bai Qi and instructing him, "Bai Qi, lead your legions to reinforce Sun Wu. As for the strategy, I believe you know what needs to be done."
"Understood!"
Bai Qi accepted the decree and returned to the territory. He declared, "Summon the entire army! Prepare to depart!"
"Yes!"
Bai Qi then handed the decree to Zhang Liang and stated, "This time, our territory's entire army will march forth. We must utterly crush the enemy!"
Zhang Liang's brow furrowed as he read the information. "The Dragon family is no ordinary lord. This time, over a dozen of their territories have mobilized an army exceeding two million soldiers."
"Furthermore, within their territories, the martial generals must possess formidable cultivation, with many certainly exceeding the seventy-seventh heaven. This will be an extremely difficult battle."
Bai Qi was aware of the formidable nature of their opponents. "Even though our entire combined force is only half of theirs, the number of soldiers truly able to fight is less than eight hundred thousand, a threefold disparity."
"However, we have fought numerous battles, many of which were victories against superior numbers. This time will be no exception. Regardless of the enemy's strength, we must strike back fiercely and let them know our might!"
"In truth, it would be easy for us to secure victory. But if we win so effortlessly, it would negate the very purpose of this campaign."
"This is not merely a battle; it is also a form of training, a validation of our self-worth. We were born for war. Unless it is an absolute last resort, we should not resort to such measures."
Zhang Liang thought of the territory's "Nuclear Bomb Tower." A few dozen volleys would quickly turn the enemy to dust, leaving few, if any, survivors.
If they won every battle in such a manner, what would be the purpose of the martial generals and soldiers?
They would be rendered worthless.
Shang Yang understood this principle well, and their lord understood it even better.
This was a test for them, and also an opportunity.
Through successive battles, they could prove the meaning and value of their existence.
"Let's contact Sun Wu now. This Marshal Sun Wu is no simple figure. The lord entrusted him with commanding an army group, which must be due to his exceptional abilities."
Bai Qi considered this and made his decision.
Zhang Liang nodded. "The Marshal speaks wisely. I have interacted with Sun Wu, and his capabilities are indeed immense. Coupled with Guo Jia's strategic brilliance, there are many times I feel I am not his equal."
"Without truly competing, I do not believe Military Advisor Zhang cannot defeat him. You all have your unique strengths; the odds are fifty-fifty." Bai Qi replied.
"This time, we are fighting with two army groups. We cannot disappoint the lord. We must fight a magnificent battle to show him!" Zhang Liang declared.
"Military Advisor, do you think we should deploy the Flying Dragon Legion this time?" Bai Qi pondered.
"The enemy this time is not ordinary. Therefore, I believe they should be deployed as a surprise force. We cannot afford to lose, so any usable soldier must be sent out," Zhang Liang responded.
"Then, as the Military Advisor suggests. This will also be an opportunity to test the training effectiveness of this Flying Dragon Army." Bai Qi immediately ordered the Flying Dragon Legion to join the campaign.
Upon receiving this news, the soldiers of the Flying Dragon Legion were ecstatic. They would finally have the chance to ride the flying dragons into battle, something each of them had eagerly anticipated.
Once the entire army was assembled, Bai Qi and Zhang Liang mounted their steeds and swiftly departed the territory.