Chapter 2222 - 2225: The Dragon Clan Trembles!

As for Qin Tian's sudden attack, Long Tianwu devised a counter-strategy within half a day.

Everything proceeded according to her plans.

The East State's 200,000-strong Dragon Clan army began their counteroffensive.

It indeed left Qin Yan somewhat distressed.

However, Long Tianwu calculated meticulously but missed one crucial point.

The next day, the City Lord of Longling City sent the information regarding Qin Country's forces and generals attacking Beimu Town.

Through reconnaissance, Qin Country's forces numbered between seventy thousand and ninety thousand.

And the leading general, upon verification, turned out to be Qin Country's sovereign, Qin Tian!

"Qin Tian? Did he personally take the risk to lead troops to attack Panlong Island?"

Long Tianwu, who was always steady as a rock, was momentarily stunned upon hearing this news and repeated, "Are you sure? This matter must be investigated thoroughly!"

The fact that the troops from Panlong Island were led by Qin Tian had critical implications.

The City Lord of Longling City said, "Your Majesty, I have already confirmed repeatedly. According to the deserters from Beimu Town and retrieved generals, some saw Qin Tian, and some heard people shouting 'Your Majesty.' Although they were far away, several dozens heard it, which surely can't be false!"

Upon hearing, Long Tianwu's expression finally changed.

All her previous assumptions were based on the premise that Qin Tian wouldn't possibly come to Panlong Island.

She actually never expected Qin Tian to arrive at Panlong Island at all!

Having met Qin Tian and even shared a brief interaction with him, she knew Qin Tian's character and abilities.

If Qin Tian wasn't leading this time, Qin Country's troops might retreat on their own when facing difficulties.

But with Qin Tian, things are different.

Not to mention Qin Tian's high cultivation; few among the Dragon Clan could defeat him.

Speaking of Qin Tian's military strategies, Long Tianwu once studied them with Long Xuanji, and Qin Tian notably never encountered defeat in battle.

Conversely, Qin Tian has repeatedly won against stronger foes, turning the tables.

Since Qin Tian, as Qin Country's sovereign, dared to personally risk coming to Panlong Island.

At the very least, Qin Tian must have some certain confidence in victory, which emboldened him to come.

"Seventy to eighty thousand troops, personally leading them here? He must be tired of living!"

Although learning that Qin Tian personally arrived at Panlong Island shook Long Tianwu's confidence in her previous plan.

Nonetheless, the arrow is on the string and must be released.

Qin Tian wouldn't relent against the 200,000-strong East State army, forcing them to fight desperately.

Regarding Panlong Island, whether Qin Tian came personally or not, it concerns the Dragon Clan's fate, and Long Tianwu dares not slack off.

"Longling City originally has a garrison of seventy thousand. I've transferred twenty thousand troops. Thus, transferring another thirty thousand there makes a total of 120,000 to face Qin Tian's attack and resist without advancing. Guarding against Qin Tian for three months should pose no issue."

After some hesitation, Long Tianwu decided to establish a defensive line in Longling City.

Acknowledging Qin Tian's prowess, even though Longling City is defensively advantageous and has a garrison of 120,000, Long Tianwu ordered the City Lord to strictly defend without attacking.

Surviving three months marks victory.

Within three months, Long Tianwu plans to cut off other escape routes.

With fewer than 100,000, she is confident in encircling Qin Tian, just as Qin Tian dealt with the Dragon Clan's 200,000 in East State, leading them to collapse without an attack.

At this moment, the State Preceptor hurried back to Panlong Island from East Capital City.

He was aware of the attack on Beimu Town at Panlong Island.

He addressed Long Tianwu, "Your Majesty, this battle determines the Dragon Clan's future, we must be cautious."

Long Tianwu said, "State Preceptor, I suppose you've divined about Qin Tian's attack on Dragon Clan during your return journey. Tell me, what's the result?"

"Indeed, I've already divined it."

The State Preceptor glanced at Long Tianwu and said, "Your Majesty, the divination indicates neither joy nor sorrow. The Dragon Clan didn't achieve victory, nor the Qin Army was defeated."

"Oh?"

Upon hearing the State Preceptor's words, Long Tianwu was directly stunned, "Your divination is quite mysterious. We didn't win; they didn't lose, so is there a third outcome to this war?"

The State Preceptor looked at Long Tianwu again and then shook his head bitterly, saying, "I also don't know... The will of the heavens is often mysterious, and human actions sometimes defy fate. This divination can only serve as a reference..."

"However, Your Majesty, I believe engaging in war with Qin Country now is indeed an unwise choice. Are we really going to lose our 200,000 in East State? This would severely weaken our forces."

Long Tianwu replied, "State Preceptor, you are repeating yourself. I know you're acquainted with Qin Tian, but there's no need to do so. He's from the Human Clan, and you're from the Dragon Clan; you must distinguish this."

"As for weakening forces… The situation is that you've already gone to East Capital to negotiate peace with him; it was he who broke his promise while luring us into neglect by launching an assault on Panlong Island to attack Dragon Clan."

"Now tell me, is the current situation within my control? If Qin Tian agrees to withdraw and spare East State Dragon Clan's officers, I, Long Tianwu, guarantee peace with him."

While Long Tianwu spoke, the State Preceptor shook his head slightly.

He knew Long Tianwu's character.

Moreover, the current situation arose because Dragon Clan seized the opportunity to invade Qin Country, and now Qin Tian's Qin Country found the chance for retaliation.

Yet Long Tianwu shifted all blame onto Qin Tian.

Being wise, the State Preceptor realized that Qin Tian and Long Tianwu's war is inevitable.

At least for now, neither side is willing to yield.

Thus, the State Preceptor stopped dissuading, urging Long Tianwu to swiftly deploy troops and prepare defenses around Panlong City.

"Qin Tian won't reach Panlong City; I won't give him the chance."

Long Tianwu asserted decisively, "I have assembled twelve regiments in Longling City. Qin Tian's forces are fewer than 100,000; if we strictly defend, they won't breach Longling City."

"Your Majesty, you may not know yet."

The State Preceptor said, "I received news that Qin Tian brought skilled warriors along in the expedition, with cultivation above the Flying Immortal Realm. Such figures coming to Panlong Island, combined with Qin Tian, also a Flying Immortal Realm expert, may render our solid Longling City defenseless against two Flying Immortal Realm experts, relying solely on numbers won't suffice."

"He also invited assistance?"

Long Tianwu was taken aback, her eyes subtly moved.

She finally understood why Qin Tian dared to risk leading troops to attack Panlong Island from Qin Country; he had skilled aide!

"He is quite aware of his capabilities."

Long Tianwu said coolly, "Let's first evaluate Qin Tian's strength in Longling City. If he can invite experts, so can I! And my experts are even more formidable than his!"