Long Yan spoke leisurely, and with a few words, the situation was clarified.
The beasts also understood; the plan was to attack Supreme Academy, instilling a sense of crisis in humans, forcing them to send troops to rescue. Once they came to their aid, the beasts would ambush them mid-way, catching the humans off guard.
When Long Yan finished speaking, the various beasts showed expressions of admiration.
"As expected of the intelligence expert of the Flood Dragon Royal clan, truly peerless in wisdom."
"Such a stratagem, meticulously crafted with many twists and turns, it's a wonder those blockheaded humans could ever figure it out."
"Hahaha, Elder Long Yan's brain is truly marvelous!"
Long Yan, flattered, smiled and said, "Esteemed elders, there's no time to delay, let's act quickly."
Upon hearing this, the beasts looked at Long Qinglan. Long Qinglan nodded, and only then did the beasts bow and retreat, each having received their orders.
Soon, the entire beast army underwent changes. Two elite armies, each a million strong, quietly disappeared. Their departure was so discreet that even many of the beasts were unaware, only wondering why the numbers seemed fewer.
On the other side.
At the human base, atop a mountain peak.
The Elder looked at the people around him, his expression calm, and asked softly, "Are there any changes on the beast side?"
Human intelligence gathering was primarily handled by the Intelligence Department and the Beastmasters. The head of the Intelligence Department was a young woman in her thirties. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and said, "After the beast army retreated, the legion was in disarray. Our scouts have gathered that there are differing opinions within their ranks, and they seem to have intentions of withdrawing."
As she finished speaking, everyone looked at her with confusion. She met their gazes unflinchingly, though her heart tightened slightly. Taking a breath, she continued, "However, it's strange that the beast army did not withdraw, but instead set up camp on the spot, and it seems they truly do not intend to attack our human race. Based on my experience, unusual circumstances often signal hidden dangers."
"I personally suspect they have some maneuver planned. It could be a surprise attack, or they might be waiting for reinforcements. There's no more precise information at this time."
Upon hearing this, everyone fell into thought. With such limited intelligence, it was difficult to make accurate judgments. Thus, all eyes turned towards the Beastmaster, who was leisurely playing with a white tiger in the distance.
The Beastmaster felt awkward under their scrutiny. He cleared his throat and said, "Don't look at me, I don't know their plan either."
The Elder sighed, "Intelligence is crucial. Minister Bai, you'll need to put in more effort on this matter."
"This is my duty, you needn't be so polite," Minister Bai replied.
Suddenly, a voice echoed from afar. "Actually, I have a piece of information. Would you like to hear it?"
Everyone turned to look, only to see Chi Yu sitting on a rock with a smile, his hands resting on his knees, gazing at the horizon.
The Elder, feeling a touch of helplessness, chuckled, "Don't play coy at a time like this. Speak quickly."
Chi Yu leaped down from the rock with a thud, waving his hand and saying, "Actually, after they were repelled, of course, they would try to lure us out. So, they'll most likely be attacking our homeland."
At these words, everyone became immediately worried. The human territory was vast, surrounded by enemies on all sides. If they were to attack Xijiang City, Xijiang City would be utterly defenseless. What could be done?
"Don't worry, Xijiang City is too far from here. They won't go to Xijiang City. It's highly probable they're heading to Supreme Academy."
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, but their hearts then tightened once more.
At this moment, a small bird flew from afar and landed on the Beastmaster's shoulder. The Beastmaster and the bird chirped for a moment, and his expression immediately turned serious. He walked over and said, "Chi Yu's mind is quite sharp. I've also just received confirmed news: a million-strong beast army is heading towards Supreme Academy. This should be the army employing the 'surrounding Wei to rescue Zhao' tactic."
"What should we do? If Supreme Academy is breached, our southern gate will be half-opened."
"What's there to fear? Isn't there still Nanjang City?"
"How could the garrison at Nanjang City possibly hold them back?"
At this point, the Elder said, "This matter must be taken seriously."
The Beastmaster hesitated as if wanting to say more, but the Elder raised a hand to stop him. The Beastmaster ultimately kept his unspoken words to himself.
The Elder said, "Fuyaozi, open the void gate and have our people go ahead to set up defenses. We'll catch them off guard. Take more people, and ensure they are all annihilated."
Fuyaozi's expression became solemn upon hearing this. "Very well, this task shall be undertaken by this humble Taoist."
Fuyaozi accepted the order and went down to prepare. Soon, the Blood Dragon Army's First Legion followed him through the void gate and arrived at Supreme Academy.
The Elder continued, "The beast race is cunning. The journey might not be entirely safe, so we cannot relax our vigilance. Lord Yan, you too, take a contingent of troops to rendezvous with Fuyaozi."
Lord Yan cupped his hands and replied, "Understood."
Having made these arrangements, the Elder said, "Alright, you are all dismissed."
The crowd dispersed, each to their own preparations.
At this time.
Lord Yan, leading the adventurer groups, was heading outwards. And among these adventurer groups, there was a peculiar team, for all members of this team shared the same face. They were numerous, all possessing seventh-tier strength, making them among the strongest groups. Even a few ninth-tier adventurer groups had only a few hundred seventh-tier powerhouses, whereas this one group directly possessed two thousand seventh-tier powerhouses. However, everyone knew these were all clones of Lin Yu alone, which made it even more astonishing.
At this moment, Lin Yu was mingling amongst his clones. On the way, he communicated with Lin Fan. Soon, Lin Fan's vision appeared in his consciousness.
Lin Yu: "Where are you?"
Lin Fan: "Brother, you finally contacted me! I've already dug a tunnel to Nanjang City. Can I go back now?"
Lin Yu: "Don't go back yet. Come over to my location. Use your puppets underground to help me scout the vicinity."
Lin Fan: "Roger that, I'm on my way."
Lin Yu broke the connection. When the army had only marched about ten li, Lin Fan sent a message saying he had arrived. Lin Yu closed his wristband, connected with Lin Fan mentally, and asked, "How is it?"
Lin Fan said, "Main body, be careful. About a thousand meters ahead of you, there's a pile of rocks. Millions of beasts are hidden there. In reality, that pile of rocks is an illusion. They are all elite beasts. Be extremely cautious."
Lin Yu: "Okay, I know. Continue your surveillance. Also, when we get within a hundred meters, charge in and cause chaos, then self-destruct in the end."
Lin Fan: "Then I'll be dead."
Lin Yu: "It's fine, I'll revive you at the base."
Lin Fan: "Alright, *sob sob sob*, I'm finally free from digging tunnels. It's been so difficult."
Lin Yu: "Stop complaining. When you get back, I'll buy you a talent crystal."
Lin Fan: "You promised! Don't go back on your word."
Lin Yu: "Less nonsense, act now."
After breaking the connection, Lin Yu refocused his attention on the army. The army was large, comprising thousands of adventurer groups, big and small, advancing slowly under Lord Yan's leadership.
Suddenly—
—Rumble!!!
"Not good, there's an ambush ahead! Prepare for battle!" Lin Yu's clone shouted from behind.