Cargo convoys on the highway were also subjected to fierce shelling.
The defense line, formed by tens of thousands of troops on the front line, held on for only three days before beginning a full retreat.
What else could they do but retreat? Supplies from the rear were not coming in, and they were stuck in their fortifications with no food or water.
As neighboring units retreated, several units would soon be surrounded and in dire straits if they didn't withdraw as well.
The clashes between the two sides lasted less than a week, and the outcome was already very clear.
By this time, the fence-sitters were also beginning to choose sides and declare their allegiances.
As fence-sitters, they naturally had their own characteristics.
When these people began to declare their stances, they acted in unison.
Almost overnight, seventeen noble leaders jointly issued a statement.
Everyone gave a passionate speech, and then they swarmed towards the territory of the Imperial Army.
Kaiaton's main forces had all been deployed to the front line to resist the offensive from Kaixuan City.
This directly led to the Imperial Army's defense zone being severely depleted of strength.
The scramble for territory by various noble factions from all directions further accelerated the collapse of the Imperial Army's main forces.
As various armies rushed in to seize the fruits of victory, the Kaixuan City Guard slowed its offensive.
This was Liu Kai Xuan's decision.
If others were willing to fight and die for him, why should he risk his life?
Since those noble leaders were eager to seize territory, let them seize it.
It is said that most of the territory of the Kaia Empire was barren desert.
Apart from abundant oil resources, there were basically no other valuable resources.
Liu Kai Xuan's desire to possess resources was no longer as strong.
After all, Liu Kai Xuan himself was a merchant.
For merchants to make big money, there must be a vibrant market.
Monopolizing industries would cause the entire market to lack vitality and eventually become stagnant.
Kaixuan City's industries had already developed into a bloated state.
Liu Kai Xuan no longer wanted to expand his territory. What Liu Kai Xuan wanted was to sanction Kaiaton, the tyrant!
The Imperial Army's defense line had completely collapsed and was in a state of disarray!
On Hero Island, in a luxurious villa, a man with a stern appearance watched the news report on the television screen, lost in thought.
This stern-looking man was none other than General Mi Jian, the former commander-in-chief of the Imperial Army.
After General Mi Jian resigned and left the Kaia Kingdom, he had originally intended to immigrate to the United States.
However, after actually going to the United States, Mi Jian couldn't stay for more than a few days.
He didn't lack money, but the cultural customs in the United States were too different from the Mannia Gulf.
He had no social connections there and was completely alone.
Living a solitary life with no social activities was too depressing for Mi Jian.
Mi Jian wanted to return, but Kaiaton had already issued a warrant for his arrest throughout the entire territory.
After much consideration, Mi Jian went to Hero Island.
Hero Island was a place with a mixed population, and Mi Jian had some friends there.
Furthermore, Hero Island was Liu Kai Xuan's territory.
Although Mi Jian had many enemies, he had no animosity towards Liu Kai Xuan.
Before long, Mi Jian settled down on Hero Island.
Now, Mi Jian had been closely following the decisive battle between Liu Kai Xuan and the Kaia Empire through television news.
Although Mi Jian had left the Imperial Army of the Kaia Kingdom, he still had many brothers in the Imperial Army.
Therefore, on a personal level, Mi Jian hoped that the Imperial Army would win.
But reality was very cruel!
Just a few days after the war started, the Imperial Army was beaten black and blue by the Kaixuan City Guard.
Up until now, various noble warlords had joined the fray, and Kaiaton had completely lost hope of turning the tide.
"Idiots, all useless idiots!"
In a fit of rage, Mi Jian overturned the tea table in front of him.
At this moment, a middle-aged woman heard the commotion outside and came out of the room.
"Mi Jian, what are you going crazy about? You're no longer an Imperial Army general, so what does the outcome of the war have to do with you?"
Mi Jian angrily retorted, "Of course it has something to do with me!"
"They lost so badly, I'm even ashamed for them, humph!"
The middle-aged woman said impatiently, "So what if you're ashamed? It's already like this, you should just accept reality!"
"Alas!" Although Mi Jian was unwilling, he could only sigh helplessly and let it go!
This middle-aged woman was Mi Jian's wife, Lu Ya.
Seeing Mi Jian looking lost and dejected, Lu Ya forced herself to persuade him.
"If you really can't let go of your brothers, you can have them change their identities to civilians and come to Hero Island for refuge!"
"How can that be!"
Mi Jian shook his head like a rattle drum. "It's still wartime. If they leave the army without authorization, won't they be deserting?"
"What are you thinking?"
Lu Ya said grumpily, "You, the commander-in-chief of the army, have already fled to Hero Island!"
"Since you've run away, do you still care about this empty reputation?"
"No, absolutely not..."
Mi Jian repeatedly shook his head and refused. "Alright Lu Ya, I appreciate your kindness!"
"However, let's just let this matter take its course!"
If Mi Jian were to act as Lu Ya suggested, he might indeed be able to save a few of his former comrades.
However, doing so would have no substantial meaning for Mi Jian.
When Mi Jian left, the Imperial Army was in a period of peace.
Moreover, Mi Jian himself had submitted his resignation to Kaiaton when he left!
Although Kaiaton considered Mi Jian's departure to be an escape, Mi Jian himself felt his conscience was clear.
Now the situation was different; war had broken out.
The Imperial Army had been defeated, but the war was not over.
If Mi Jian were to call his comrades to Hero Island at this time, he would truly become a deserter.
Mi Jian would have no face on Hero Island in the future, and people would no longer respect him.
Even for his own benefit, Mi Jian would certainly not act rashly.
...
Half a month later, a united army of one hundred thousand nobles had surrounded the imperial capital.
The Imperial Army had lost more than eighty percent of its strength during these half a month.
Now, the situation in the Kaia Kingdom was completely out of control.
Kaiaton, confined in the royal palace, was as frantic as a mad dog but powerless to reverse the situation.