Chapter 1933

"Thirteen, no, twelve—is it one of the Twelve Great Demon States, Meng Shan State?"

The Demon King of Meng Shan State must be a ferocious tiger; each generation holds the title of Meng Shan Jun, one of the strongest Demon Kings in Bekka, and also commands Bekka's top three powerful vassal demon states.

The fact that Meng Shan Jun has been mobilized shows that Lingxu City is determined to win this campaign.

Zhong Shengguang nodded, his face solemn.

He Lingchuan immediately clasped his fists: "Your subordinate requests orders; I will lead the Ximo Legion to rush to Yuheng City."

We are about to fight a tough battle.

"Don't rush." Zhong Shengguang waved his hand slightly, "The meeting will start soon; I first want to discuss something with you."

He showed a rare hesitation on his face before speaking: "We have just captured Xianyou. Regarding this place, what do you think we should do with it?"

Deal with it? He Lingchuan couldn't immediately grasp his intention, thought for a moment, then said: "Xianyou State originally blocked our northwest development route; whether for communication or trade, it was always strangled by Xianyou. Now that Xianyou has been conquered by us, I suggest we immediately organize manpower to clear and pacify the northwest corridor, fully opening it up. This way, caravans and travelers departing from Baishawan can travel via the Yuheng Trade Route into the Panlong Wasteland, then continue onward to the four northwestern states, with the entire route unobstructed, available for personnel and cargo flow from all directions—its value is immeasurable."

Above concerns economics and transportation. Next, he spoke of strategic security:

"With Xianyou destroyed, the northern threat to the Panlong Wasteland has greatly diminished; military and civilians can now produce in peace. You understand this better than I do."

After listening, Zhong Shengguang remained silent for a moment before saying: "So you think we should continue to govern Xianyou?"

The words "of course" almost slipped out, but He Lingchuan, now possessing deep scheming, weighed his words: "Does the Commander-in-Chief wish to withdraw?"

"Staying or withdrawing is merely a matter of pros and cons."

"Personally, I believe we should retain this fruit of victory." He Lingchuan spoke firmly: "Besides the above reasons, Panlongcheng also needs more people and more land to develop better! As for Panlongcheng, Xianyou is comparable to the Maohe Plain in terms of economy, location, population, and strategic significance."

Originally, Panlongcheng was confined to the wasteland, with insufficient land, population, and resources; coupled with constant warfare, life grew worse and worse. The true turning point in the fate of this mighty city was first the great outbreak of Emperor's Flow Jiang, and second, the capture of Yuheng City, followed by the takeover of the entire Maohe Plain.

The benefits brought to Panlongcheng by the fertile Maohe Plain and the smooth Yuheng Trade Route need no elaboration.

Panlongcheng's ability to deviate from its original historical path and even conquer Xianyou State stems from its holding of the Maohe Plain.

"We must become self-reliant and strong, resist Bekka and the Heavenly Demons, and even adjust our relationship with Ling Mountain—we need greater strength, more sufficient provisions, more ample room for maneuver, and a richer talent pool!" He Lingchuan spoke earnestly: "Forgive my bluntness, but relying solely on the Panlong Wasteland and the Maohe Plain is still far from enough!"

Even combined, these two places are still a mere speck compared to Bekka.

Here they can take root and sprout, but it is insufficient to support a grander blueprint.

"Is this your philosophy?" Zhong Shengguang repeatedly said "good," feeling greatly relieved, "You have always been like this—bold and enterprising. Panlongcheng now has many fierce generals, but few possess your vision."

At this moment it was already afternoon; sunlight streamed through the window lattice, illuminating He Lingchuan's brows and eyes, making his features as deep and stern as a sculpture.

Zhong Shengguang rarely admires someone so much—young, resolute, full of vigor.

Ambitious.

Yes, Zhong Shengguang saw ambition and optimism in his eyes; the young Tiger Wing General firmly believed in himself, in Panlongcheng, and in Zhong Shengguang, even when facing Bekka, that colossal entity.

Youth truly is wonderful, full of infinite possibilities.

But Zhong Shengguang is very perceptive; he also saw something else in his eyes—

Ruthlessness.

Not coldness, but ruthlessness—unyielding in purpose, willing to use any means to achieve his goal.

Zhong Shengguang recalled his past conversations with him, silently sighed, then immediately added: "However," "You speak of distant prospects, but we have immediate problems to solve."

"Is Commander Zhong referring to the threat of the Bekka army?" He Lingchuan said seriously, "With our current forces and Yuheng City's reserves, as long as we withstand the first few waves of attack, if we can shift to positional warfare afterward, we can hold out for another one or two years without issue."

This is no idle talk—Panlongcheng's experience of fighting while developing is truly richer than anyone's. Moreover, these past years of frequent Emperor's Flow Jiang outbreaks have improved the human world's spiritual environment, and Panlongcheng's army has rapidly expanded, vastly different from five or six years ago.

"Compared to Bekka, our current strength is insufficient; direct confrontation would be unwise." As Panlongcheng's supreme decision-maker, Zhong Shengguang always remains clear-headed, "Moreover..."

He trailed off here, his cheeks tightening: "I know your opinion. Let's go, to the meeting."

Given He Lingchuan's understanding of him, Zhong Commander should have made a decision, but this decision...

"Zhong Commander."

Zhong Shengguang paused his steps, without turning: "What?"

"How exactly do we finally defeat Bekka and the Heavenly Demons? Have you thought it through? If a leader lacks planning, Panlongcheng will have none."

This is the most dangerous.

No mistake, no error, no shot, no inner, no content, no in, no one, no look!

"Of course."

Zhong Shengguang withdrew the barrier, pushed the door open, and left.

……

The Hall of Arms and Armor.

He Lingchuan arrived first, exchanging pleasantries with the attending generals for a good while.

The number of generals present today is unprecedented. Besides the old faces like General Nanke and Xu Shichu, most are those recently promoted in recent years, including He Lingchuan himself.

Not only are there humans, but also several great demons.

According to reason, the leader of the elephant demons of the wasteland should also have come, but its body is too large to squeeze through the small door of the Hall of Arms and Armor, so it sent a red-beaked rhinoceros bird as its eyes and ears to convey the meeting's spirit.

Now this red-beaked rhinoceros bird is perched on the table; He Lingchuan passed it a handful of peanuts, which it ate happily.

Although everyone is a backbone of Panlongcheng, they are usually either leading troops in battle or guarding various places, making it rare to gather together.

If melon seeds, biscuits, and fruits were placed on the table, this place could immediately become a tea gathering.

After half a cup of tea's time, Zhong Shengguang pushed the door open and entered.

As soon as he entered, the cheerful voices and laughter ceased abruptly.

The relaxed moment ended, immediately transitioning into the formal agenda.

Zhong Shengguang swept his gaze across the hall, seeing talent gathered in abundance, and could not help but say: "We should establish another Military and Political Affairs Hall; this Hall of Arms and Armor can no longer accommodate everyone."

The generals smiled faintly.

Good thing—it shows that Panlongcheng's military numbers are rapidly rising.

Only now, with the fertile Maohe Plain and the Panlong Wasteland, can we bear the ever-growing war demands.