Chapter 1601 - 408: Desperate Reversal, Newcomer to Earth

Chapter 1601: Chapter 408: Desperate Reversal, Newcomer to Earth

It planned to unleash the deep foundations of the Mingwu Clan in a cost-no-object assault, forcibly cutting off Shuyan’s process of leaping through the Dragon Gate.

In the very instant Ye Ming’s command was issued, a majestic will surged out from the deepest part of the Mingwu Clan’s domain and rang directly within its consciousness:

"Ye Ming, be calm!"

It was the voice of the Mingwu Emperor.

"Once this array is activated, our clan’s resource foundation will be rapidly exhausted. For a period of time to come, our clan will fall into decline. Do not forget that our greatest threat has always been the Ancient God Race to the north of the Bright Star Sea Area—perhaps they will strike when our clan is at its weakest."

"Though the Shuyan Army has obtained a fortuitous chance, they are already like a bow strung to breaking, frightened of the slightest stir; they may simply flee far away. Cornered prey should not be pursued—that is the superior strategy. To stake the safety of the entire clan on gains and losses of a single moment—can it truly be worth it?"

The Mingwu Emperor’s persuasion carried rational analysis, focused on the safety of the whole clan.

But Ye Ming’s will did not waver in the slightest. It immediately gave a respectful reply:

"Your Majesty, precisely because our clan’s greatest threat is the Ancient God Race to the north of the Bright Star Sea Area, we must not let slip the opportunity before us."

"Indecision, forever looking forward and back, is the slow poison that will destroy our clan’s future. Have you forgotten how our clan struggled free from the very brink of extinction, and at last returned to this sea? It was because we fought for that single thread of opportunity bestowed by the Destiny Clan."

"The Laws of the Monster World have never changed: risk and opportunity are ever entwined. If we let Shuyan depart today, taking the Ascension Clan’s Rules and fleeing far away, then when he returns in days to come, he will surely have become an even more intractable hidden peril. But if today we can take him down and devour all that he is... our clan will gain not only the Ascension Clan’s Spirit Root Rules, but also Shuyan’s story-system, whose potential is boundless."

"At that time, the Mingwu Clan—fusing both sets of Rules—will possess Infinite possibilities."

"Your Majesty, since we have resolved to wage war once more in the Monster World and contend for the supreme authority, we cannot cower before risk. When faced with a chance to ascend, there is only one path: to stake everything in a full-strength struggle."

"If we win, our clan will forge a glorious future never before seen. If we lose, it is no more than meeting, a bit earlier, the destiny that was always ordained."

"Do we choose to cling to a moment’s safety, to tread the road to extinction in supposed stability—or do we choose to gamble everything here and now, for a chance at our clan’s true rise? ...My choice is war!"

Almost at the same time as he gave his reply, several more wills descended in succession; the voices of other factions or influential elders within the Mingwu Clan rang out.

"General, think thrice. His Majesty speaks with full correctness. The Mingwu Death Language Array is the strongest Strength our clan has amassed during our slumber period, using the Death Words trait. To stake our strategic reserves against the Ancient God Race—for the sake of a battle result that for now cannot even be affirmed—this price may be far too steep. The outcome is yet unclear; the risk far exceeds the gain."

"General, impulsiveness will bury everything." Another will intervened, tinged with warning:

"We already have a preliminary understanding of the Ancient God Race’s Strength. They are like a blade hanging above our heads. Any major decision our clan makes must first consider their reaction. If we activate the Death Language Formation now, the Energy Fluctuation it triggers will inevitably alarm them. Should they take the opportunity to strike, while our clan is mired in a war with Shuyan... the consequences would be unimaginable. To proceed prudently, we should focus on intimidation, forcing Shuyan to withdraw—that is the superior strategy."

"General, this is a perilous gambit..."

Will after will of persuasion wrapped around Ye Ming’s resolve like invisible shackles.

Ye Ming knew they were not cowards.

What they saw was the survival of the clan; they wished to avoid any gamble that might lead to utter and irrevocable ruin.

These voices of opposition echoed within Ye Ming’s consciousness, making it clench its fists despite itself.

It understood the concerns of the clan’s upper echelon, yet the scene it beheld was utterly different from theirs.

Beyond the potential risk, there was also a fleeting chance of transcendence that had to be seized and held fast.

Once missed, what the Mingwu Clan would lose is a broader future.

Living within the Monster World is itself the greatest wager.

Since they had decided to remain in the Monster World, how could they fear taking on risk?

Yet the caution of the Mingwu Emperor and the clan’s high command still weighed down upon its decision.

But the War Intent in its heart had not gone out.

Its desire to lead the clan in tearing apart the present state and stepping into a stronger future burned ever more fiercely.

It knew that persuading them would take time, whereas Shuyan’s Evolution was progressing with every passing second.

Under immense pressure, Ye Ming no longer tried to refute them one by one, but instead condensed the resolve and faith in its heart into a single, steel-hard request, throwing it toward the Emperor and members of the Elder Council, who had remained silent for so long:

"Your Majesty, honored elders... I am deeply aware of the risks of this battle."

"But please trust my judgment: if we shy from this battle, what our clan loses will far exceed what it gains."

"I, Ye Ming, will bear all consequences alone. If we lose, I am willing to shatter my own Divine Soul, in apology to the clan."

"This battle-chance... must not be lost. I beg Your Majesty... grant us war!"

Ye Ming’s voice echoed through the Space of consciousness that interlinked the clan.

It had staked everything of itself, simply to fight for the future it believed must be pursued.

War or peace—the final right of decision was handed back into the Emperor’s hands.

And Ye Ming’s will was like a bow drawn to its fullest, Momentum gathered and ready to be loosed.

After a long silence, the Mingwu Emperor’s sigh sounded:

"Granted."

Ye Ming was just about to move when it heard the Mingwu Emperor continue:

"But we cannot gamble all on a single throw. The Mingwu Death Language Array may only draw upon seventy percent of our resources; thirty percent of our foundation must be preserved to hold the core of the Bright Star Sea Area, to guard against the unforeseen. This is the baseline, and also the backing for our response to any surprise assault from the Ancient God Race... Ye Ming, do not let fervor devour reason. Remember: this battle is to win a future for the clan, not to bury everything."