Chapter 1385 - 699: Battle or Not? (Pink Ticket 75 Bonus - )

Xiling bit her lip without saying a word until her father pinched her arm, and then she reluctantly whispered: "Lord Xie Ning, I apologize for my offense!"

Chi Bihu immediately raised his cup, smoothed things over, and laughed heartily: "Come, come, everyone raise your glasses, to the Washing Sword Pavilion leading themselves to ruin."

Everyone laughed uproariously and indeed raised their glasses simultaneously.

Chi Bihu drained his glass and then spoke loudly: "Originally, we only needed to take Tuqing State. However, the Washing Sword Pavilion’s backing has crumbled, and they were the ones who tore the battle agreement first. If we don’t seize this opportunity to take down the Washing Sword Pavilion, it would truly be a pity. However—" He glanced at Ning Xiaoxian, "If we send an urgent message back to the Hidden Stream to consult the opinions of the lords, by the time we receive a response, it would waste ten or more days on the road, and the moment for action would be lost. If we give the Washing Sword Pavilion time to prepare before attacking, it would likely cost us more lives."

The leaders fell silent, listening attentively as he spoke about the serious matter.

Chi Bihu continued: "In other times, I could act first and report later, claiming command outside the army without receiving orders. But today, Lord Ning is present, and this matter must first seek Lord Ning’s opinion!"

As soon as he finished, dozens of eyes in the tent once again focused thoroughly on her.

Ning Xiaoxian realized that Chi Bihu had thrown her a hot potato. If she advocates for battle, the Washing Sword Pavilion’s headquarters is still across two states, and if we attack, who knows how many lives will be sacrificed on both sides. Not to mention the Washing Sword Pavilion, even the lives of the Hidden Stream Demon Soldiers are lives, particularly after the frequent battles at the start of the year. Every demon soldier’s combat power is extremely valuable! Furthermore, if she advocates for war, when gods fight, mortals always suffer. The tragedy at Taiwei Village might happen repeatedly.

However, if she says not to fight, firstly, it would shame the Hidden Stream’s reputation because the Washing Sword Pavilion first sent an Immortal Tribulation to attack her. For a Demon Sect that seeks revenge for the smallest grievance, if you get punched without kicking back, it would be difficult to swallow the humiliation; moreover, missing such a good opportunity would make the Black Blade Army’s leaders outwardly respectful but might inwardly criticize her as cowardly and mediocre. Is a woman like this truly worthy of the Shaking Heaven God?

Moreover, what are the benefits of taking down the Washing Sword Pavilion? The most practical aspect between Immortal Sect and Demon Sect is simply interests. Even when Changtian destroyed the Jiuxiao Sect to avenge her, he secretly considered Hidden Stream’s gains. Furthermore, the Hidden Stream’s battle plan originally intended to capture the resource-rich Tuqing State, and now extending to the entire Washing Sword Pavilion’s territory must outweigh the disadvantages. Is it really worth the Black Blade Army’s sacrificing more effort and lives?

The most important aspect, finally: What exactly is Ning Xiaoxian’s position in the Hidden Stream? Whether three years ago or now, her position as Garden Master of the Immortal Plant Garden has not changed, but since the Hidden Stream restored the army’s structure, she no longer holds the Elder Council position. Now she has not yet married Changtian, so aside from being the lover of the Shaking Heaven God, she has no actual title to dictate on military matters.

She’s only awakened for a month; perhaps Changtian has already noticed this issue but hasn’t had the chance to rectify it. At the moment, her status is somewhat awkward, which hadn’t been apparent in the Bashe Forest, but it immediately presents an issue in the hierarchy-conscious army.

At that moment, she understood Chi Bihu’s intention.

Chi Bihu is not seeking her opinion but hoping that she, with high regard among the Hidden Stream, would stand by his side. Clearly, he hopes to directly seize the Washing Sword Pavilion and achieve greater merit. So, how should she respond?

Ning Xiaoxian slowly lowered the fruit dew in her hand and said clearly: "I support the General’s decision."

All the leaders were seasoned warriors; while their expressions didn’t change dramatically, excitement gleamed in their eyes. Chi Bihu sneered, looking bloodthirsty: "Tomorrow the army will turn toward the Northeast direction, shall we pay a visit to the Washing Sword Pavilion’s old nest?"

"Yes!" The response in the tent was thunderous.

After the banquet dispersed, she gave Chi Bihu a look, and he understood, sending a message: "Two quarters later, please meet at my tent." He then hurried away.

Inside the tent, it was as warm as spring, yet snowflakes flew overhead. The Hidden Stream army used the Wind Stabilizing Plate to keep the wind and snow outside. This composite magic artifact, buried underground, can establish a stable barrier; the Hidden Guard used it at the Northwest Great Snow Mountain, but back then, the set only had ten pieces, whereas the Black Blade Army’s camp uses a set of at least thirty to forty pieces to cover the stationed troops.

The wind and snow were blocked, but the cold persisted. She lightly exhaled, turning it into white mist that dispersed in the air.

Walking slowly forward, she unexpectedly saw Xiling emerge from behind a tent, almost bumping into her. The female leopard saw her, seemingly unwilling to engage, only forced by her status to unwillingly greet: "Lord Ning." She turned to leave.

Ning Xiaoxian called her: "Have I offended you anywhere?"

Xiling paused, turned to look at her: "Naturally, you have not." Her eyes were bright, looking fearless.

Ning Xiaoxian examined her, realizing she hadn’t changed her outfit, still wearing the light armor, and said: "Just now in the tent, I saw an Iron Leaf Token pinned to your left chest, why aren’t you wearing it now?"

This woman’s observation is excellent. Xiling involuntarily touched her chest: "In such ceremonious occasions, it’s necessary to wear it, but while merely moving within the camp, naturally, it’s not required."