Chapter 617: with translation of chapter title

Is this reasonable?

This is unreasonable.

The twelfth full-line invasion was repelled, the blood of Heavenly Court soldiers dyed red the eternally standing city walls, their utmost divine abilities were countered by targeted restrictions, the self-destructive divine thunder they carried also failed to destroy the mountain-and-river fortress that had been terrifyingly strengthened in the blink of an eye, they could only fall unwillingly, and another wave of fierce assault had to retreat.

Donghuang, who held the overall situation, let out a sigh, eased the offensive, and chose to steady his hand.

"I had thought that, by specifically targeting the Dragon Ancestor's style and habits, secretly laying out plans and launching a strong assault, I would surely open a breach… Who would have thought that I would actually fail, with no progress at all?"

Taiyi shook his head and said to the Yao Marshal beside him.

As the attacker who actively provoked the war, the Heavenly Court naturally came prepared.

Never fight an unprepared battle!

And since they were prepared, it shows that the Heavenly Court had thoroughly studied their opponent, giving them a relatively clear understanding.

For instance, in the great war they suddenly launched, who would be the one to command the Wu Clan's great army and oppose the Heavenly Court!

In this regard, the Heavenly Court had made too many contingency preparations, roughly determining the candidates.

——Nothing more than Houtu and Gonggong!

Houtu, the supreme leader of the Wu Clan, has the authority to command the army.

Gonggong, meanwhile, is the proposer who constructed the Wu Clan's entire defensive system, and is equally qualified.

In theory, no one is more qualified or capable than they are to command the Wu Clan's great army.

And in practice, they are indeed not simple; in the present age they are top-tier figures, having proven themselves in the past.

Back during the Dragon-Phoenix Great Calamity, just as now, there were two major factions dividing Honghuang.

The Phoenix's forces, the Dragon Clan's faction.

In that Dragon Clan faction, the top leader and second-in-command were the Dragon Ancestor and Nüwa, that is, today's Gonggong and Houtu.

They are truly experienced veteran generals, sovereigns who have endured the most brutal battles, and their fame was earned through slaughter.

Especially the Dragon Ancestor!

Because he favors war!

Although Nüwa can also fight, she often handles logistics——who let her specialize in creation?

One commands troops, the other handles logistics; a strong strong alliance—anyone who sees it feels annoyed.

Although, they ultimately fell, losing to the supreme Heavenly Emperor of that era—August Emperor Fuxi.

However, even as strong as Xihuang, on the frontal battlefield he did not gain an overwhelming advantage; it can only be said that he held some upper hand, suppressing the Dragon Clan somewhat, unable to win quickly, only able to plan slowly.

Moreover, at that time, Rahu Demon Ancestor rebelled, and Hongjun Dao Ancestor sought freedom, both harboring ill intentions.

It simply cannot be delayed.

He arranged the biggest traitor——Donghua Emperor, to infiltrate the Dragon Clan's interior, letting hidden dangers arise within this sturdy fortress from inside.

Then, borrowing a knife to kill, using Rahu Demon Ancestor as the blade, he directly beheaded the Dragon Clan, and the Slaying Immortal Sword Formation fiercely slew the Dragon Ancestor!

Thus, the Dragon Clan then suffered a great collapse.

In the wake of the defeat, Rahu Demon Ancestor stirred up wind and waves, nearly exterminating the die-hard divinities of the Dragon Clan; the Phoenix faction, tears in their eyes, took in the panicked, endless remnants of the Dragon Clan's defeated troops, 'inherited' the Dragon Ancestor's legacy, raised the banner of justice, and launched a crusade against Rahu Demon Ancestor.

After undergoing a moving and tragic process, Donghua Emperor casually brought Rahu Demon Ancestor into the pit, surrounded on all sides by enemies with no way to escape, and was encircled and slain by three thousand divinities.

The freedom-seeking Hongjun Dao Ancestor was stunned, fled desperately overnight, slipped into Chaos, fled east avoiding XZ, attempting to evade the destiny of the Heavenly Dao's refined "worker".

However, with the situation already settled, Fuxi did not spare hardship, forcibly 'inviting' Hongjun Dao Ancestor back, becoming that era's Heavenly Court chancellor, devoting himself utterly until death.

Thus, a glorious era was ushered in; ultimately, Honghuang as a whole attained the Great Luo, and August Emperor Fuxi became Pangu!

Thus, only then did it create a glorious era; finally, Honghuang, the whole realm, proved the Great Luo, and the August Emperor became Pangu!

A powerhouse capable of reaching the pinnacle, when facing the combination of the Dragon Ancestor and Nüwa on the path of growth, must resort to some off-board moves…… This is enough to show how extraordinary these two divinities are.

Of course, while they were proving their abilities, the Dragon Ancestor was also nailed to the pillar of shame for a long, long time.

Blind…… This is hard to wash away.

Let a great internal spy, lurk nearby, and at the crucial moment, nonchalantly stab a knife……

Enough said; saying more only brings tears.

But, blind is blind.

In terms of military prowess, many divinities gave the Dragon Ancestor's level a fairly high evaluation.

When this evaluation is high.

Others naturally then valued it.

Countless intelligence analyses, targeting the swarming masses, through countless grand battles of the past, analyzed his combat style, speculated on his military doctrines……

Outside the battlefield, too, a war is being waged!

Knowing oneself and knowing the enemy is the precursor of intelligence.

And in this regard, the Heavenly Court holds a slight advantage.

Simply because Donghuang is a novice.

A novice, having little past battle record, makes analysis and judgment impossible.

On the grandest battlefield, he could become godlike or turn into a ghost…… Only the person himself can say for sure; no one else can.

After all, talent…… often does not follow reason.

Even an amateur background cannot preclude achieving 'the more troops the better' feats; debuting at the peak, slaughtering all the way!

Donghuang, possesses this talent.

But in past times, he lacked this stage.

But now, Di Jun has given him this stage.

——Donghuang holds the military authority of the Heavenly Court!

——Donghuang holds the military power of the Heavenly Court!

When he resolved to launch this all-out death battle between the Wu and Demon, Taiyi had already made up his mind……

No matter what, take a "predecessor wave" as a sacrifice to Heaven!

He directed his gaze toward the Dragon Ancestor, that is, the Gonggong Ancestral Witch.

All the painstaking study and diligent learning of the past were for this very moment, so that he could slay the Dragon in one fell swoop!

Having a hidden agenda while appearing innocent—this is not impossible!

Breach the Great Wall, open a gap, let the situation tilt toward the Heavenly Court, and completely seize the initiative in the war!

A series of plans unfolded silently.

What Dijiang said to Gonggong was actually entirely true.

——The water on this opposing route is indeed very deep!

Drowning a dragon might be too much, but shouting at him is not impossible.

In war, deception is not disdained.

Here, all kinds of operations that break limits and discard scruples will appear.

The Heavenly Court provoked the war; the incoming forces are no good, and they have painstakingly prepared a grand feast for the Dragon Ancestor, waiting to rise to prominence on his fame.

Too bad.

Such a script requires a premise…… namely, that Gonggong be the commander!

——This is naturally the case.

Houtu Ancestral Witch cannot spare herself.

The Great Wall and the chariot road system were also designed by Gonggong Ancestral Witch himself, with a whole set of theoretical backing…… emotionally and logically, this 'expert' should be the one to preside over it!

Moreover, Gonggong Ancestral Witch's past battle record is not bad either!

Seniority, the person involved…… as commander of the three armies, who else but the Dragon?

In theory, there isn't much controversy.

Around this point, the Eastern Emperor, by feigning innocence while having intent, could certainly achieve a stunning victory.

But what can be done?

Some changes in the situation were beyond Taiyi's expectations.

Although equally strong, the completely different commander's style rendered the Heavenly Court's prior calculations ineffective!

Repeated desperate assaults by the Heavenly River navy were all repelled.

Repeated feints and disguises, blending false and true, were all seen through.

……

The Heavenly Court's Scattered but Not Chaotic lane tactic differs greatly from the Dragon Ancestor's all-encompassing group combat; the extreme pulling and tugging made the Eastern Emperor feel something was amiss.

This is absolutely not Gonggong's command!

Taiyi made a decisive statement, "It actually bears a hint of the old Phoenix lineage's philosophy!"

Investigate!

Investigate it for me!

See who this divine being is!

The Eastern Emperor issued the order.

The Heavenly Court's intelligence system operated, paying a small price, and soon delivered the results.

Dijiang?

Taiyi was puzzled, "Didn't we get it wrong?"

Back then he indeed held high authority, but he was merely a logistics officer, right?!

This has nothing to do with warfare, completely two different matters, right?!

"I am also quite surprised……" Báizé's mouth twitched, the corner of his eye glanced over the battle report, deep in his eyes there was some strangeness and amusement, "But after repeatedly verifying the intelligence, this is true!"

Moreover, now that things have happened, we have only to face them.

Although we don't know what happened, it is already settled that Gonggong Ancestral Witch has become a deputy in this great war; as a mere tool, he works according to Dijiang's orders to oppose our Heavenly River navy.

He is a novice…… naturally, our analysis of his specific command abilities is therefore scarce.

However, judging solely by Dijiang's current displayed capability—able to command large forces with ease and oppose several times his own strength—this is a tough opponent!

The Demon Race's youths have already suffered considerable losses because of this…… should we temporarily withdraw them?

No, don't withdraw…… we can pause, but not retreat." After Taiyi pondered slightly, his gaze sharpened, "Re-adjust the formations to alleviate the situation of being restrained."

Then order the Jimeng and Shangyang units to launch strong assaults on the Wu Clan's water theater…… the Qinyuan unit attempts to infiltrate the Dragon clan's camp to carry out assassinations!

The Zitie unit provides support, intercepting the Wu Clan's various departments' power support to the water division; the Guiche unit roams, with obscurity and clarity shifting, interfering with the stability of the chariot road system's communication……

Order the Twenty-Eight Mansions' elite, always ready to shift the front lines, to scout Kunlun, use it as a springboard, and open a breach.

……

Taiyi issued orders, the attendant demon gods' emergency records were synchronously transmitted to the frontline armies for relay.

Báizé watched from the side, raising his eyebrows, "Your Majesty Eastern Emperor, are you making the Wu Clan's water division the breakthrough point?"

For just one of its divisions, they actually mobilized five Yao Marshals—some for strong assault, some for assassination, some for interception, some for interference……

"Not bad!" the Eastern Emperor's face turned solemn, "The Wu Clan's selection of a commander on the battlefield is somewhat unexpected, but it's fine."

If the mountain will not come to me, I will go to the mountain.

Give me a brutal beating of the Wu Clan's water division!

When discussing military matters, Taiyi is extremely decisive, "Even if we suffer a heavy cost, I want to cripple the Wu Clan's water division! Destroy it!"

I will fight until Gonggong can no longer sit still!

Who let this army be filled mostly with his confidants?

There are also many Dragon Clan members serving as the main force.

Just this one division alone can match at least three other Wu Clan divisions.

Taiyi paced back and forth, analyzing; his goal was very clear.

Di Jiang, I'm not familiar with him.

But it's fine, Gong Gong is familiar.

All these means of restraint are waiting for this main figure.

Now, Gong Gong is hiding in the rear as a mere tool—how can that be acceptable?

We must force him out!

"Gong Gong is ambitious," Taiyi said solemnly, "and the Wu Clan's water division and the Dragon Clan members are all his capital and stakes, thanks to Pangu."

"He cannot afford to be careless; he would not be willing to suffer such a great loss."

"But for the other Wu Clan ancestral witches, it's not the same."

"If we could exchange one Dragon Clan member for two elite soldiers of my Heavenly River Navy, I think they'd be grinning from ear to ear, eager to make this deal."

"If we throw the battlefield onto this and have a bloody clash, I think Di Jiang would be delighted—he might even turn the tables, ruthlessly using this army as bait, as sacrificial pawns, to lure our main force into a larger slaughter."

"But what about the Dragon Ancestor?"

"Dragon Ancestor, would he be willing to sacrifice himself for the entire Wu Clan, giving up his own future?"

"This is a problem… yet not really, because the answer is inevitable."

"Sowing discord…" the Yao Marshal Báizé sighed lightly, "Indeed, this tactic is not bad—it's a stratagem; a fundamental clash of interests will cause people's hearts to split."

"Exactly," the East Emperor nodded. "As soon as the Dragon Clan hesitates, the entire Great Wall defense system will have a gap."

"If the Dragon Clan does not hesitate, and the Dragon Ancestor, confident in his superior tactics, wants to fight me… I'm just waiting."

"If Gong Gong remains silent, allowing his subordinates to be sacrificed for the Wu Clan… well, I don't believe it—from now on, could the Dragon Clan and humanity possibly stay united?"

"This is the allied forces' shortcoming: Houtu has been weakened, the Dragon Clan has grown arrogant, and they now have their own ideas!"

Taiyi struck straight at the vital point, his insight clear and penetrating.

"Indeed," Báizé nodded. "The timing for us to launch the war is truly perfect."

"Is this also within the expectations of the two Majesties… could it be that Nüwa's death was plotted by the two Majesties?"

Báizé inquired curiously.

"It's not us," Taiyi shook his head, frowning. "We're also puzzled—someone is impersonating our Dao to strike!"

"That's terrible… it shows there's still a force lurking in the shadows." Báizé said hesitantly, "Isn't our all‑out assault on the Wu Clan, willing to pay any price for a result where both sides lose, a bit too radical?"

"No problem," Taiyi said. "My elder brother told me beforehand that he would handle this; I just need to give it my all here."

"We don't need to worry too much about casualties—in fact, we can be excessive."

Taiyi lowered his voice.

"Ah?!" Báizé exclaimed, somewhat surprised.

"Add some burden to the Netherworld," Taiyi explained. "The most reasonable method is to send a batch of personnel in."

"With more people, perhaps someone could vie for the position of Fengdu Great Emperor?"

"Likewise."

"War is the easiest way to confirm and accumulate hatred…" the East Emperor's tone grew bleak. "Those who die in battle… even after death may not be resigned."

"This is enough to increase the chaos in the Underworld, throwing the currently stabilizing order back into turmoil."

One stone, three birds!

The Heavenly Court fears no dead demons!

Using lives to build the front line, consuming the Wu Clan's living strength.

The fallen elite of the Demon Race can also wreak havoc on the Underworld's order, igniting war there and creating chaos.

Finally, we could also try to compete for the position of Fengdu Great Emperor—what if we actually succeed?!

(End of chapter)