While Zhang Liang, Bai Qi, and others ate, they discussed their next plans. There wasn't much to elaborate on, but Zhang Liang felt that opportunities like sitting together to eat were rare, so he gathered everyone for a meal.
The generals and soldiers had similar meals, with no significant differences. Zhou Yan ensured that the soldiers' rations were excellent, with different dishes every month.
The territory was vast, and some crops in the spirit fields could be harvested within one to two days, with many vegetables ready for harvest in just a few hours. This was possible because the territory used spiritual spring water for irrigation, which naturally sped up growth.
Aside from specific spirit fields dedicated to growing medicinal herbs, the rest were used for cultivating various fruit trees, rice, and vegetables.
The twelve legion commanders discussed the ongoing campaign. Huo Qubing received the most praise. Though he humbly claimed no one else was responsible, he was inwardly delighted.
Zhang Liang commended everyone and then announced that another major battle was imminent. He instructed them to eat heartily and then prepare to fight again.
Zhang Liang briefly outlined the battle plan and assigned specific tasks for the upcoming engagements to each legion commander.
While Zhang Liang strategized, Dian Wei, Yang Zaixing, and others were engrossed in eating, making considerable noise. One hand held a roasted chicken, the other a suckling pig, their mouths smeared with food.
Noticing everyone's gaze, Dian Wei became a bit embarrassed and said, "You all eat too. Don't just stare at me; it makes old Dian feel shy."
"Hahaha!!!"
A wave of laughter erupted. Although Dian Wei was powerful, he was more suited as a fierce general than a commander.
After eating their fill, everyone began organizing their troops and advancing towards the enemy.
The twelve armies were equipped with different armor, but all were of unified Diamond quality. The cost of such equipment alone was beyond the reach of ordinary lords.
The soldiers in Zhou Yan's territory were even better equipped than enemy generals. This was tens of thousands of full Diamond-tier equipment sets. How many people in the entire Lord Continent could afford such gear?
A few hours later, the two forces met on a plain.
They were only about a kilometer apart, with dense formations of soldiers visible on both sides.
At this point, there was no room for elaborate strategy; it was a matter of straightforward combat.
Zhang Liang had no worries about losing a frontal assault, as he had full confidence in his soldiers.
The territory had just achieved a victory, and morale was soaring. The enemy, after marching all night and hearing that their reinforcements of two hundred thousand had been annihilated, with only a thousand flying units escaping, was in a different state.
The enemy was well aware that Zhou Yan's territory was formidable and did not fear the alliance they had formed.
A force of ten thousand soldiers advanced, stopping five hundred meters from the enemy lines, and challenged, "Generals of the enemy, do you dare to fight!"
The generals were surprised to face a challenge of this nature for the first time. They all looked expectantly at Bai Qi and Zhang Liang, none daring to act without their command.
Duels between generals were common on the Lord Continent's battlefields. While a duel might not decide the outcome of a battle, winning one would undoubtedly boost the territory's morale.
Seeing the eagerness of his generals, Zhang Liang smiled and said, "Since the enemy challenges us, how can we disappoint them?"
Bai Qi nodded in agreement, "Though that's the case, the cultivation realms of our generals are still a bit low. They might be at a disadvantage against the enemy."
"They have to go through these experiences. Even if their cultivation is lower, our generals have higher quality, better equipment, superior mounts, and stronger skills. The territory's overall combat strength has also increased, so the fighting capacity isn't vastly different."
Zhang Liang had already accounted for these factors. However, this was the first duel, and they could not afford to lose, as it would affect morale.
Therefore, Zhang Liang looked at Chen Qingzhi and said, "General Chen Qingzhi, I entrust this first battle to you. However, Dian Wei, Zhang Wuji, and Yang Zaixing will accompany you."
Everyone envied Chen Qingzhi, but none dared to underestimate the white-robed scholar-general, whose troop-leading abilities were unpredictable and formidable.
The generals called upon were delighted, while those not chosen eagerly anticipated their turn to duel.
"I will not disappoint Minister Zhang." Chen Qingzhi led his [White Robe Ghost Soldiers] towards the enemy. The entire army marched in perfect formation, demonstrating its formidable strength even from their disciplined advance.
The enemy commander frowned upon seeing the discipline of Chen Qingzhi's army. Their two hundred thousand troops had been defeated by this very force, and no one dared to underestimate them.
However, they lacked a clear understanding of the specific combat power of Zhou Yan's soldiers, only knowing that an assault on their camp had caused chaos, leading to them being surrounded and annihilated. They were then pursued and completely wiped out during their attempted breakout.
The current two hundred thousand troops had no single commander, but ten lords leading their respective forces. They intended to test the martial prowess of Zhou Yan's generals, hence the challenge.
Upon reaching the enemy, Chen Qingzhi raised his hand, and his soldiers immediately halted, standing rigidly like sentinels, exuding an aura of invincibility.
Chen Qingzhi observed the enemy's taunts and then looked at the assembled generals before him.
Dian Wei and Yang Zaixing were impatient, quickly saying, "General, let me go. I will surely win the first round for our army."
"Old Yang, that's unfair. This first battle should be mine," Dian Wei quickly retorted.
Chen Qingzhi said, "Then for the first round, General Yang Zaixing shall fight. However, you are not to pursue."
Yang Zaixing was immediately elated, grinning widely, "Don't worry, General Chen. The enemy will have no chance to escape!"
Seeing Dian Wei's sigh, Chen Qingzhi added, "General Dian Wei, do not worry. Since it is a duel, the enemy will surely send more than one participant. You can rest assured, you will fight in the second round."
Dian Wei brightened upon hearing this, "Then General Chen, you've promised. The second round is mine."
"Rest assured, you won't be left out," Chen Qingzhi nodded.