Chapter 237 : Countdown to the Return Day

Chapter 237: Countdown to the Return Day! The Territorial War Is About to Erupt!

Wen ‍​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌‌​‌‍Pin and Zhou Cang immediately began preparing for battle.

When ‍​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‍the Calamity Legion received the relevant notification.

The ‍​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‍official forum was quickly flooded with discussions.

"So ‍​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‍this is what a first-rate strategist in Twisted Three Kingdoms is capable of?"

"Even ‍​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‍setting strategy aside, just having full-map vision plus the ability to counter enemy spellcasters is already ridiculously overpowered. It's incredibly useful in warfare!"

"Talented ‍​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‍people really are the greatest guarantee for a territory!"

"The value of one Jia Wenhe is no less than a hundred thousand elite soldiers!"

"The more talents like this, the better! I want to know when the next map will open! Sleeping Dragon, Young Phoenix, Grave Tiger, Young Qilin, plus Xun Yu, Xun You, Fa Zheng, Guo Jia, and Lu Su—we've got to recruit them all!"

"Don't just focus on famous ministers and strategists. I think the territory needs one or two top-tier famous generals even more, like the Five Tiger Generals, the Five Elite Generals, Zhou Yu, Lu Xun, or Lü Bu!"

"Your vision's too narrow! Why not just recruit Cao Cao and Liu Bei directly to work for us!"

"Damn, the guy above really dares to dream!"

"Characters like Guan Yu, Cao Cao, and Zhuge Liang probably won't join the territory that easily. They've most likely already developed Divine Sparks in the Abyss, making them unique existences."

"I'd still rather have Diao Chan, Cai Wenji, or the Two Qiaos. I wonder whether characters like them have hidden abilities, and how they differ from famous generals, famous ministers, emperors, and warlords."

"..."

The players had become increasingly aware of the tremendous benefits important talents could bring to the territory's development. Many people were discussing how to recruit more famous historical NPCs and renowned generals into the territory.

This would become an extremely important part of the territory's future development.

The benefits were immediate!

Many players were also analyzing the details of this territorial campaign. After careful study, they realized that Jia Xu's arrangements were not only flawless in terms of strategy.

Even the finer details, such as troop allocation, division of responsibilities, and combat methods, had all been meticulously planned without a single flaw.

Jia Xu had completely adapted himself to territorial warfare.

His understanding of territorial troop types, Blessing Point utilization, and the strengths and weaknesses of both territories made him look nothing like someone who had only recently joined the territory. Instead, he resembled a veteran who had studied this field for years. His meticulous planning and strategic foresight left everyone speechless.

Little Bell, Black-Eyed Brother Rui, and the other veteran Calamity Army players trapped inside.

Were so excited upon receiving the good news.

That tears welled up in their eyes.

"Long live the territory!"

"Long live the Lord!"

"This is great! Not only are we saved, but we've also been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to earn merit!"

"I thought our Calamity Legion was going to spend this entire campaign sitting on the sidelines! Thanks to the Lord recruiting Jia Xu, he actually turned disaster into opportunity!"

"According to Jia Xu's deployment."

"Our Calamity Army is still the main force responsible for wiping out the enemy's effective strength!"

"Everyone hurry and get ready! Eat if you need to eat, use the bathroom if you need to use it. We absolutely can't afford any mistakes in the upcoming battle!"

"Exactly! This battle concerns the honor of the Calamity Legion. Nobody screw things up at a time like this!"

"Charge! Charge! Charge!"

"Victory to the Calamity Army!"

"It's time to reclaim our dignity!"

"..."

Of course.

Although most people were optimistic about this battle.

Quite a few players voiced different opinions.

"Heh, don't celebrate too early. I still think there are major uncertainties in this battle!"

"Don't forget!"

"The enemy lord has personally entered the battlefield!"

"That's definitely not an opponent we should underestimate!"

"Jia Xu is undeniably incredible. I have nothing to say about that. But purely in terms of combat power, he might not necessarily beat a lord-level opponent. And Wen Pin and Zhou Cang may not have any advantage against Gan Ning and Huang Zu either."

"In my opinion, following Jia Xu's strategy, we'll definitely win this war."

"But unless our invincible Lord personally steps onto the battlefield, the process definitely won't be as easy as most people imagine. Underestimating the enemy will come with a terrible price!"

"..."

"What are you afraid of?"

"Our Lord hasn't even made a move yet!"

"Exactly! With the Lord and a large number of Azure Dragon Guards holding the line, those Corpse Fiends won't be able to stir up any trouble!"

The discussions weren't limited to the forum.

Related topics could also be found everywhere on Zhihu, Weibo, Tieba, chat groups, and other online platforms, as well as in countless offline clubs and gatherings.

Although Twisted Three Kingdoms didn't have a particularly large player base, its popularity and influence had already surpassed every previous nationally popular game. Some television stations had even launched Twisted Three Kingdoms news programs and live broadcasts, analyzing Jia Xu's strategy and tactics live for viewers.

At least tens of millions of people were closely following the progress of the war.

……

Luoshui Main City.

Inside the Core Hall.

Hang Yu naturally continued paying close attention to Jia Xu's actions.

Sure enough, regardless of the era or the world, talented people were always the most valuable scarce resource. An outstanding subordinate not only improved efficiency but also greatly reduced the burden on the leader!

With one decisive move.

Jia Xu had not only dealt with Skeleton Gan Ning.

He had even turned this high-end combatant into an asset for the territory.

The Corpse Lich Territory hadn't deployed an especially large force within Woniu Mountain. However, with Xie Ming personally commanding, supported by Gray Decay and Gan Ning as Boss-level combatants, along with Huang Zu and at least six or seven skeleton generals, they still posed tremendous pressure.

Even if Wen Pin and Zhou Cang personally led the assault.

Breaking through such a lineup wouldn't be easy.

The Corpse Lich Territory losing Skeleton Gan Ning.

Wasn't merely the loss of one important combatant.

Compared to the loss of combat power, the greater loss was their ability to launch rapid surprise attacks against the human territory or strike at vulnerable enemy positions. Even more fatal than losing that tactical capability was Gan Ning's betrayal.

The Corpse Lich lord ruled through an unorthodox governing style.

Lords of this type didn't rely on brutality or military force. Instead, they controlled their subjects through temptation, deception, hypnosis, and racial transformation.

Although this style required far greater technical skill.

Its stability far surpassed rule through tyranny.

However, because of this, Xie Ming had lowered his guard against his own subordinates. These servants neither could nor would ever betray him.

That very complacency had given Jia Xu an opportunity to exploit.

Jia Xu was turning the battlefield at Huangmei Hamlet into a double-layered trap while making use of Sanxiang City's resurrection point and Huangmei Hamlet's Blessing Point teleportation to make the Calamity Army the main force of this battle.

This would both reduce the territory's casualties.

And generate greater loot during the war.

Hang Yu was extremely satisfied with Jia Xu's performance. Judging by the current situation, there was no longer any need for him to personally intervene. The Corpse Lich Territory's salient within Woniu Mountain was destined to fall.

The gains from this battle were well worth anticipating!

Just as Hang Yu continued observing the situation.

Suddenly.

The territorial core trembled.

【Ding! You have received a communication request from the Land of Stars. Accept? Yes/No!】

What was this?

Was someone actually calling him through the "Starsea network"?

The ability to contact a lord directly from the Land of Stars into an Abyssal Plane was no simple feat.

Normally, only the greatest high-ranking lords or Sanctuary Executors with special status within the Land of Stars possessed such an ability.

Furthermore, it wasn't currently Return Day. Active lords should all be busy developing their territories, while anyone still remaining in the Land of Stars at this time was likely a true powerhouse capable of traveling freely between worlds.

Overall, Hang Yu was still a newcomer.

Among his limited circle of acquaintances, Lord 3244 certainly wasn't qualified.

There was only one true heavyweight.

So there was no need to guess the caller's identity.

"Accept!"

Hang Yu immediately approved the communication request.

The territorial core released a beam of light that formed a projection.

Within it appeared an imposing Primordial Nether Dragon.

As expected.

It was Principal Long!

The legendary lord of Sacred Firmament City!

Hang Yu greeted him, "Greetings, Principal Long. You contacted your student so suddenly. Is there something important you wanted to discuss?"

The being speaking with Hang Yu appeared to be only a projection of Principal Long's consciousness, so his tone sounded somewhat mechanical.

"The Sacred Firmament Rising Star Tournament is about to begin. How are your preparations progressing?"

As expected.

It was about that matter.

Principal Long had previously recommended Hang Yu for the Rising Star Championship.

This was one of Sacred Firmament City's most important lord competitions. Every tournament saw many previously unknown rising lords distinguish themselves, attracting widespread attention before gradually growing into powerful and influential great lords of Sacred Firmament City.

Calculating the time.

About ten days remained.

Before the next Return Day arrived.

Principal Long had contacted him simply to confirm everything was in order, preventing Hang Yu's territory from encountering unexpected problems that would stop him from returning to the Land of Stars on Return Day and cause him to miss the tournament.

Hang Yu answered without hesitation.

"No problem. I'll participate on schedule. Please rest assured, Principal Long!"

Principal Long replied.

"As long as you participate successfully, regardless of whether you obtain a ranking, it will greatly benefit you. Prepare well."

Hang Yu nodded.

"Understood! Thank you for the reminder, Principal Long!"

Principal Long said nothing more.

He had merely contacted Hang Yu to confirm his situation.

Since everything was fine.

The special communication ended.

Hang Yu sighed.

"Time really does fly. The second Return Day is almost here!"

As for the Sacred Firmament Rising Star Championship, he had been paying close attention to it all along.

After all, events within the Land of Stars were not only opportunities to gain fame, but also offered exceptionally generous rewards.

He was already a Tier-Three Human Lord.

It wouldn't be long before he advanced to Tier Four.

The higher a lord's rank became, the broader the opportunities available. Gaining recognition through competitions like this would lay a solid foundation for future development.

These events were relatively safe.

At the very least, they weren't nearly as bloody or brutal as territorial wars.

They also provided opportunities to interact with many races, especially numerous Upper Races, allowing him to gain experience while expanding his network.

Of course.

Hang Yu wasn't foolish.

He had no intention of revealing all his trump cards.

Although order within the Land of Stars was strict and even top-tier lords found it difficult to violate the rules, the secret of the Heavenly Dao Cube was best kept hidden from Sacred Firmament.

With Jia Xu, Wen Pin, Zhou Cang, Zhang Zhongjing, and the others.

That alone would allow the territory to shine brilliantly in the competition.

When these powerful natives entered the Land of Stars.

They would display the territory's strength and foundation, establish its reputation, win glory for humanity, and earn enormous profits.

Without attracting unnecessary envy or hostility.

For now.

The top priority remained ending the territorial war as quickly as possible.

Otherwise.

The Corpse Lich Territory would continue to pose a threat.

Today's battle was critical.

Although Hang Yu didn't believe the Corpse Lich Lord Xie Ming could be eliminated so easily.

He would at least suffer a devastating blow.

Losing the initiative and his ability to threaten the human territory.

According to Jia Xu's deployment.

The Calamity Legion would remain the primary source of damage.

Because the Calamity Army could resurrect in Sanxiang City. As long as Huangmei Hamlet's Blessing Point was captured, even if players died on the battlefield, they could revive within seconds and immediately teleport back to Huangmei Hamlet to continue fighting.

Viewed this way.

If Huangmei Hamlet was a gigantic meat grinder consuming the Corpse Lich Territory's living forces.

Then for the human territory.

And for Hang Yu.

It was an enormous harvesting machine.

When thousands of players charged forward one after another.

The casualty rate and harvesting efficiency would reach unprecedented levels.

This battle would inevitably generate tremendous profits for the territory.

Pushing its Essence reserves to an entirely new level.

To maximize the harvest.

And remove all concerns from the players.

Hang Yu immediately had Xiao Ba issue a mission to support the operation.

【Mission Name: Capture Huangmei Hamlet!】

【Mission Description: Huangmei Hamlet in northern Woniu Mountain has become the Corpse Lich Territory's invasion base. Immediately assist the Territorial Guards in completely capturing Huangmei Hamlet and eliminating the threat.】

【Mission Objectives:

Capture Huangmei Hamlet's Blessing Point.

Eliminate as many invading troops as possible.

Kill as many important Corpse Lich Territory units as possible.】

【Mission Rewards: 1,000–200,000 Essence, 5,000–200,000 Contribution Points, with a chance to obtain a random reward chest.】

【Participant Limit: Unlimited!】

【Minimum Level Requirement: Level 5!】

【Note 1: Each participant receives three free revivals during this mission!】

【Note 2: Teleportation between Sanxiang City and Huangmei Hamlet is free for the duration of the mission.】

【Note 3: Death during this mission will not reduce levels. Any Essence deficit may be deducted directly from mission rewards!】

————

Hang Yu released the mission.

This would maximize the Calamity Army's morale.

While also fertilizing the "crop field" after harvesting it.

Ensuring a sustainable cycle of endless harvesting.

Next.

All that remained.

Was to watch how events unfolded.

Hang Yu wanted to see what other tricks the Corpse Lich Lord still had.

After finishing everything that needed to be done.

He once again opened the Lord's Vision.

Projecting it over Woniu Mountain.

In Hang Yu's eyes, the entire map of Woniu Mountain lit up. Looking down from above, he could easily discover many Boss monsters that players had yet to find, just like entering a full-map vision cheat code in a real-time strategy game.

This seemingly unfair ability.

Originated from Jia Xu.

As long as Jia Xu entered a map under the territory's effective control, all the Fog of War throughout the map would be dispersed, allowing Hang Yu to project his vision into any corner without relying on territorial units as anchors.

Setting aside its astonishing military value.

Even from the standpoint of resource development.

It was extremely useful.

It allowed the territory to locate overlooked secondary pollution sources promptly.

Maximizing resource extraction.

And creating tremendous economic value.

When Hang Yu projected his vision directly into Huangmei Hamlet.

He saw an undead fortress hidden beneath the mist, where construction was still underway everywhere.

Ordinarily.

The troop deployment and defensive facilities of such a strategic location were among the highest military secrets.

Anyone attempting to scout them would pay an enormous price.

Yet now.

Hang Yu freely overlooked the entire area.

To him.

Huangmei Hamlet held no secrets whatsoever.

Although, as a township-level Blessing Point, its accompanying Starsea facilities had construction limits and couldn't be expanded indefinitely.

That didn't mean its defenses relied solely upon Starsea Buildings.

In fact.

According to Hang Yu's knowledge.

Within the territories of long-established lords that had existed for hundreds or even thousands of years.

Starsea Buildings often accounted for only a tiny portion of the infrastructure.

Because Starsea Buildings were restricted by system rules and lacked flexibility.

Experienced lords with deep foundations frequently constructed massive numbers of facilities manually.

Within the Land of Stars.

Besides Forging, Alchemy, and Cooking.

There were also several hidden production professions.

The most common among them.

Was the Builder.

Naturally.

Low-level lords rarely had access to such professions.

Facilities built manually weren't necessarily weaker than those summoned through Starsea power.

The difference was simply that the former required enormous amounts of time, territorial foundations, and accumulation.

While the latter could be summoned instantly using blueprints and materials.

Huangmei Hamlet was the Corpse Lich Territory's most important foothold and salient within Woniu Mountain.

Naturally.

Xie Ming had invested heavily here.

With one glance.

Hang Yu saw Barrier Towers, Spell Towers, Scout Towers, city walls, Arrow Towers, and numerous other Starsea facilities.

In addition.

More than a thousand Cursed Corpse Arcanists continued arranging temporary formations and all kinds of magical traps.

It absolutely couldn't be underestimated!

Many other things also deserved attention.

Such as its special troop types.

And specialized equipment.

Near the fortress walls.

Every dozen or twenty meters.

Stood a gigantic undead creature with a bloated body and rotting skin.

"Corrosive Poison Giant Corpse!"

Hang Yu recognized the troop immediately.

It wasn't a native Corpse Fiend unit.

Instead, it had been recruited from the undead barracks building, the Corrupted Corpse Marsh.

The Corrosive Poison Giant Corpse was a Level 21 Tier-Three Elite unit.

Although it couldn't be trained or upgraded like ordinary soldiers.

It possessed terrifying destructive power.

Each giant corpse stood nearly ten meters tall.

Its bloated body moved sluggishly.

Yet it constantly spewed undead poison.

Creating vast poisonous miasma.

The poison had no effect on undead troops.

But any other race passing through it.

Would immediately suffer severe poisoning.

Becoming weakened.

And losing a tremendous amount of combat effectiveness.

Hang Yu counted carefully.

There were thirty Corrosive Poison Giant Corpses deployed around Huangmei Hamlet.

Although their numbers weren't particularly high.

The poisonous miasma they continuously emitted formed a protective barrier surrounding the fortress.

Any approaching enemy.

Would first be severely weakened by the deadly poison.

Besides these giant corpses.

Fifteen gigantic ballistae had also been deployed atop the walls.

These ballistae were specialized equipment.

Each one was massive and cumbersome.

The bolts alone measured five meters long.

Powered by magical formations and the operator's mana.

Each shot possessed enough power.

To instantly kill a Tier-Three Elite.

Several other types of special troops and equipment.

Had also been deployed.

Combined with the fortress itself.

Its countless temporary formations.

Magical traps.

And the Corpse Lich Territory's massive garrison.

Its defensive strength rivaled that of most cities.

After observing everything.

Even Hang Yu felt that capturing it would be extremely difficult.

That was precisely why Jia Xu had chosen to break through from the inside.

Hang Yu then shifted his vision toward Xie Ming.

At that moment.

Xie Ming sat atop an altar.

While Skeleton Huang Zu stood respectfully behind him.

Just then.

"My Lord!"

A Corpse Fiend general clad in black armor stepped forward.

Gray Decay bowed respectfully.

"The territorial forces have completed deployment within the Xian Mountain region. They are currently stationed mainly in Shaxian City. At your command, they can reinforce the front lines at any time!"

Xian Mountain?

Shaxian City?

Hang Yu immediately caught this crucial information.

He knew that Shaxian was a city in Jiangxia Commandery of Jing Province.

When Huang Zu served as Governor of Jiangxia.

He had relocated the administrative headquarters there for a long period.

To better defend against the Sun Clan of Jiangdong.

As for Xian Mountain.

It wasn't especially famous.

However.

An important event had occurred there during the Three Kingdoms era.

The Tiger of Jiangdong.

Sun Jian.

Had died there.

Hang Yu knew the Corpse Lich Territory fully controlled three map regions.

The one bordering Woniu Mountain was most likely the Xian Mountain region.

Part of Jiangxia Commandery.

And Shaxian was probably its main city.

Just as Hang Yu was about to continue listening.

Xie Ming suddenly sensed something.

His fifth eye abruptly opened.

Looking directly toward Hang Yu's observation point.

Hang Yu clearly felt an unknown force attempting to observe him in return.

This surprised him slightly.

Naturally.

He had no intention of allowing it.

He immediately cut off the Lord's Vision.

"My Lord, what's wrong?"

Skeleton Huang Zu immediately gripped the weapon at his waist.

The fifth eye on Xie Ming's forehead slowly closed.

A trace of coldness flashed through his gaze.

"Some force was spying upon this place."

"It should have been the human lord."

Huang Zu was greatly shocked.

"How is that possible? How could he possibly see this place?"

Xie Ming remained calm.

"Woniu Mountain is, after all, under the human territory's effective control. If they possess special reconnaissance relics or scouting buildings, observing this place is entirely possible."

"The fact that they're scouting us."

"Most likely means they're preparing to attack."

Only a few minutes later.

Another skeleton general hurried over.

"My Lord, a large human force has appeared at Shangting Hamlet! They're likely preparing to launch an assault!"

"So."

"They've finally come."

Rather than fearing the news.

Gray Decay and Huang Zu became even more excited.

They had complete confidence in Huangmei Hamlet's defenses.

They feared only that the humans wouldn't come.

Not that they would.

Of course.

Whether the humans attacked or not.

They were doomed either way.

The Corpse Lich Territory's main army had already completed deployment in the Xian Mountain region.

These forces could not only prevent the human territory from infiltrating and attacking their rear.

But could also rapidly reinforce Woniu Mountain whenever the situation changed.

Launching a pincer attack against any force assaulting Huangmei Hamlet.

If the human territory delayed its offensive.

The Corpse Lich Territory would continue pouring reinforcements into Woniu Mountain.

Eventually expanding from this salient.

To establish an extensive front throughout northern Woniu Mountain.

Such a deployment was virtually flawless.

No matter what the human territory attempted.

It would inevitably fall into a passive position.

Mere humans.

A pitiful weak race.

What right did they have.

To oppose the mighty Corpse Fiends?

Without that endlessly resurrecting army.

How many defeats and losses could they possibly endure?

Xie Ming asked calmly.

"How many human troops?"

The skeleton general answered.

"Approximately four to five thousand."

"The commanding general is Zhou Cang."

Only four to five thousand?

The human territory clearly hadn't committed its full strength.

Was this merely a probing attack?

Xie Ming decided to remain patient.

Issuing his orders.

"Gray Decay."

"Huang Zu."

"The humans outside are yours."

"Yes!"

Gray Decay and Huang Zu immediately completed their defensive preparations.

Less than fifteen minutes later.

A powerful human army appeared within their sight.

At its head.

Stood the Level 30 top-tier commander.

Zhou Cang.

Zhang Zhongjing followed closely behind.

Continuously casting restorative alchemy techniques.

The poisonous miasma surrounding the undead fortress.

Was steadily dispersed.

Around Zhou Cang and Zhang Zhongjing.

Approximately fifty magnificently equipped Azure Dragon Guards stood in formation.

The Eight Original Dragon Guards weren't present.

These weren't the territory's strongest Azure Dragon Guards.

Yet every one of them possessed quasi-commander-level strength.

Together.

They were equivalent to well over a dozen commander-level combatants.

Besides them.

Zhao Xian, Deng Hong, and other Black Tiger Colonels.

Led five hundred Black Tiger Guards.

Accompanied by four thousand Iron Eagle Guard soldiers.

Most of whom had reached Tier Two cultivation.

Plus.

Several hundred Calamity Army players.

Who had simply come to make up the numbers.

This lineup.

Was undeniably formidable.

"So this is the true main force of the human territory!"

Feeling the pressure emanating from this army.

Gray Decay became excited.

Compared to them.

The Calamity Army encountered earlier.

Aside from their troublesome immortality.

Couldn't even be compared.

"So exciting!"

"I'm so nervous!"

"It's finally starting!"

"We're about to watch the big shots fight!"

"I hope nothing unexpected happens!"

"Our territory has committed nearly all its elites!"

"..."

Ye Li Meng, Lone Boat, Mad Blade Old Wang, Chimera Wraith, and several hundred Calamity Army players.

Had also arrived on the battlefield.

Their primary role.

Was simply to make up the numbers.

Serve as cannon fodder if necessary.

And place greater psychological pressure on the enemy.

Among them.

Were even many newly promoted Level 5 players.

Who had simply come to watch the excitement.

Including Scallion-Braised Ribs.

And Black Baron.

"This is incredible! It's unbelievably exciting! It feels just like a dream!"

Scallion-Braised Ribs stood among the players.

Unable to contain his excitement.

"I've been in the Calamity Army for less than three days."

"And I'm already participating in an epic battle like this!"

"I'll be bragging about this for a long time!"

The territorial war.

Was on the verge of erupting!

(P.S. Sorry! I was not only busy today, but also wasn't in very good condition, so the extra chapter didn't happen. However, I've already finished half of it, and there will definitely be an extra update tomorrow afternoon.)