Inside the temporary palace of Tongshui City.
Qian Renxue stood before a massive sand table, which was divided into northern and southern fronts spanning hundreds of kilometers along the Tongshui River.
To the north was Tian Dou, to the south was Star Luo.
At the center of both fronts stood the opposing cities of Tongshui City and South Tong Pass.
Currently, she was intently studying the areas flanking South Tong Pass.
Along this extensive frontline, the armies and Soul Master Legions of both sides had been locked in a battle of wits, experiencing countless raids and major battles.
There had been numerous surprise attacks and counterattacks targeting each other's provisions, equipment, and rear supply lines.
Through various intelligence reports, Qian Renxue had thoroughly grasped Star Luo's combat methods.
This time, she planned to lure the enemy out and eliminate at least three thousand soul masters from the Star Luo Royal Soul Master Legion in one fell swoop.
Achieving this objective would give Tian Dou absolute advantage in subsequent battles, allowing them to quickly breach Star Luo's defenses and send a million troops across the river for a deep advance.
Having waited two years for this day, Qian Renxue's eyes shone with irrepressible excitement.
Winning this battle would pave the way for smooth progress ahead, enabling her to devote herself entirely to cultivation and rapidly advance to Soul Douluo.
As she was immersed in these thoughts, two soft sounds echoed behind her.
Snake Spear Douluo and Pufferfish Douluo had silently appeared.
"Greetings, Young Master!"
Both Titled Douluos knelt on one knee, paying respects to Qian Renxue.
Qian Renxue slowly turned around. "Is everything prepared?"
"Reporting to Young Master, our hidden forces are fully deployed. Once the Star Luo Empire's Soul Master Legion leaves the city, we will surely annihilate them!"
Snake Spear Douluo stated solemnly.
Qian Renxue nodded calmly. "I will order the main force of the Royal Soul Master Legion to flank South Tong Pass in three routes, penetrating deep to lure the enemy into an ambush.
By tonight, both sides' forces will be in close proximity.
You must strike immediately then—swiftly and decisively—focusing on eliminating their Soul Master Legion!"
"Yes, Young Master!"
Snake Spear Douluo and Pufferfish Douluo promptly acknowledged.
"Move out!"
With Qian Renxue's command, Snake Spear Douluo and Pufferfish Douluo departed silently through special passages.
"Summon Ge Long Marshal, Jade Phosphor Crown, Feng Zongzhu, Clan Leader Ye..."
Qian Renxue stepped outside the room and ordered the messengers nearby.
"Yes!"
Over a dozen figures swiftly departed.
These were the agility-type soul masters from the Min Clan, serving as Qian Renxue's battlefield messengers.
"It's time for the decisive battle!"
Qian Renxue gazed into the distance, feeling her heart surge with passion. She was about to take a major step on her path to becoming the continent's ruler.
She didn't have to wait long before all high-ranking members of the Royal Soul Master Legion and military commanders had arrived.
Dugu Feng was also present.
Such an important military operation naturally required his notification.
Once everyone had gathered, they quietly seated themselves around the oval conference table beside the sand table.
The simultaneous presence of so many key figures indicated that a major operation was imminent.
Both military commanders and soul masters from the legion wore serious expressions, awaiting Qian Renxue's address.
Qian Renxue's gaze swept over each of her subordinates seated around the table as she declared with fervor, "After nearly two years of warfare, we have fully adapted to the Star Luo Empire's strength and combat methods."
"Now I have decided to divide our forces into three routes—left, center, and right—to advance separately.
Jade Phosphor Crown and I will form the central route, providing support at any time while simultaneously containing the Star Luo Emperor.
The other two routes will penetrate deep into enemy territory, threatening the supply lines of South Tong Pass. If enemy forces engage, we will resolutely counterattack and annihilate them.
No one is permitted to retreat without my command!"
Qian Renxue declared with unwavering authority.
Her attitude immediately startled Ge Long and the others.
Her Majesty is preparing for the decisive battle!
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
The military commanders were eager and ready, having repeatedly rehearsed for this moment. They bowed in acknowledgment.
After accepting the order, Ge Long promptly stood up and began meticulously allocating the troops.
The assigned generals filed out of the council hall one by one, mobilizing their forces for the offensive.
Dugu Feng observed Qian Renxue and Ge Long's methodical arrangements from the side.
He sighed inwardly, thinking that without his intervention, Qian Renxue might have actually succeeded.
What a pity.
Once all forces were deployed, only Qian Renxue, Dugu Bo, and Dugu Feng remained in the hall.
"Your Eminence, Brother Feng, do you have any suggestions regarding my arrangements?" Qian Renxue asked with a cheerful smile.
This was naturally a formality, as everything had already been settled.
"Brother Feng's strategic brilliance is admirable. With this battle, we are sure to defeat the Star Luo Empire. Second Grandfather and I will reinforce the main army. If the Star Luo Emperor dares to attack, we will undoubtedly hold him back!"
Dugu Feng replied calmly.
"Haha, you flatter me, Brother Feng. Let us go and join the central army in the advance!"
Qian Renxue exclaimed with soaring confidence, waving her hand grandly as she led the way out.
Dugu Feng and Dugu Bo naturally followed behind.
They were to witness the decisive moment together.
Meanwhile, at South Tong Pass.
Zhu Zhuyun also received news from Dugu Feng and was greatly shocked.
The Heaven Dou Empire actually had two hidden forces.
Two Titled Douluos.
Of course, Dugu Feng did not reveal that they were from the Spirit Hall, only informing her that these were the Heaven Dou Empire's concealed strength, now ready to strike.
He even provided Zhu Zhuyun with the precise locations of these hidden forces.
Zhu Zhuyun did not dare delay. She immediately donned her soft armor and headed toward the Star Luo Emperor's temporary palace.
Along the streets, Halberdiers clad in black Dark Feather Armor stood guard with a stern and deadly air.
Yet, upon seeing Zhu Zhuyun, they all showed respectful expressions.
Zhu Zhuyun was not only the top talent of Star Luo but also a formidable figure.
In the two years of war, countless enemies had fallen by her hand.
Moreover, the Zhu Family's Netherworld Cat Spirit was the most suitable for reconnaissance on the battlefield, serving as the eyes of the army and earning numerous merits.
All these honors were bestowed upon Zhu Zhuyun.
Making her reputation as a female Soul Saint renowned throughout the entire army.
Upon arriving at the palace, she was immediately admitted.
Zhu Zhuyun entered the main hall without raising her head and knelt on one knee. "I pay my respects to Your Majesty."
"Rise, Zhuyun. The guards informed me you have crucial intelligence to report!"
Seated on the main throne was a middle-aged man with a square, stately face, distinct features, and sharp, rugged lines.
The man appeared broad-shouldered and large-framed, with golden hair flowing freely, exuding an aura of wild dominance.
This was the Star Luo Emperor, a level ninety-five Titled Douluo.
And the only Titled Expert in the Star Luo Empire.
Although this great war was instigated by Qian Renxue, the Star Luo Emperor was in his prime and had his own ambitions.
He also wanted to seize the opportunity to defeat his opponent.
Were it not for his apprehension about Dugu Bo—whose formidable Ninth Soul Skill was said to be capable of destroying an entire city—he, as a Titled Douluo of the ninety-fifth rank, would have long since taken the fight to their doorstep.
(End of Chapter)