Chapter 190

During the process of taking over the passes.

The Crimson Guard not only displayed formidable combat strength, but also exhibited strict discipline and noble military bearing.

They treated surrendering defenders with courtesy, but showed no mercy to enemies who persisted in resistance.

This approach of combining kindness and authority earned the Crimson Guard widespread praise and awe throughout Flame Province.

With the full mobilization of the Crimson Guard, the political landscape of Flame Province underwent a dramatic transformation.

Originally, due to the support of the Da Qian dynasty, the various factions within Flame Province had been acting independently and undermining each other.

Under the immense pressure of the Flame King's Crimson Guard, they had no choice but to join forces to resist.

However, their alliance proved utterly fragile beneath the iron hooves of the Crimson Guard.

The Crimson Guard, with the force of destroying the rotten and pulling up the weak, directly swept away all hostile forces within Flame Province.

Thus bringing the entirety of Flame Province completely under the control of the Flame King's Manor.

On the walls of the passes that originally belonged to the Da Qian dynasty, the banners of the Crimson Guard flew high.

On that crimson banner was embroidered a fire qilin trampling the eight wastes.

It represents the honor and dignity of the Flame King's Manor.

When the wind blew, the banner fluttered loudly.

It seemed to proclaim to the world: the Crimson Guard has taken over this place; any enemy daring to infringe upon the Flame King's territory will face their iron-blooded baptism.

Within the majestic hall of the Flame King's Manor, the atmosphere was solemn and reverent.

The Flame King sat upon the high throne, his countenance calm as water, his eyes deep as stars.

He wore a crimson-gold robe embroidered with a galloping fire qilin, displaying the majesty and nobility of a ruler.

Below the hall, his commanders gathered together, some standing, some sitting, with varied expressions.

Some wore worried looks, some had resolute gazes, but all revealed loyalty and awe toward the Flame King.

"Everyone."

"Now the situation of the Da Qian dynasty remains grave, and the fighting on the front lines with the Yellow Turban Army is intensifying."

"The Da Qian dynasty continually draws troops and supplies from us, attempting to drag our Flame King's Manor into an endless abyss."

"If this continues, our Flame King's Manor will surely be bled to death by the Da Qian dynasty."

The Flame King spoke in a low voice, his words echoing in the hall.

"Over these past hundreds of years, how much blood, sweat, and sacrifice has our Flame King's Manor given for the Da Qian dynasty?"

"But what have we received in return?"

"It is suspicion, suppression, and even ruthless exploitation!"

"They regard us as a thorn in their eye and a splinter in their flesh, wishing to eradicate us at once."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over each commander present, then continued:

"Great King, this move by the Da Qian dynasty is nothing short of letting our Flame King's Manor bleed to death."

"If our Flame King's Manor takes no further action, we fear we will become lambs at the mercy of others."

A general stepped forward, his voice like a tolling bell.

"My lord, we cannot continue like this!"

"The Da Qian dynasty is draining our blood and carving out our flesh!"

"We must resist; otherwise, our only fate is a dead end!"

Another commander could not help but rise, his visage stern, his eyes flashing with fury.

"What the two generals said is absolutely correct."

"Because our Flame Province lies closest to the Qian Capital."

"In recent years, the Da Qian dynasty's exploitation of our Flame King's Manor has grown ever heavier, clearly aiming to annex us completely."

"We must plan early; otherwise, the consequences would be unimaginable."

Another strategist echoed in agreement.

"Then, according to your views, how should we respond?"

The Flame King nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the crowd.

"Rebel!"

A hot-tempered general blurted out, "Our Flame King's Manor has strong troops and sturdy horses; why should we fear the Da Qian dynasty?"

"As long as we raise our arms in call, supporters will gather like clouds; overthrowing the Da Qian dynasty will be imminent!"

Upon these words, the hall instantly erupted in an uproar.

Some supported the idea, believing the Flame King's Manor had indeed reached the point where rebellion was unavoidable.

Others opposed it, fearing that raising an army in rebellion would invite greater disaster.

The Flame King raised his hand to signal silence, fully aware of the importance of this decision.

Once we raise troops in rebellion, it will mean a complete break with the Da Qian dynasty, leaving no room for retreat.

However, if we continue to endure in silence, the future of the Flame King's Manor is equally worrisome.

"I understand your feelings, everyone."

"I also know that resistance is the only way out."

"But resistance is not a blind impulse; it requires careful planning and strategy."

"We must think clearly about how to remain invincible in this contest."

The Flame King waved his hand, signaling everyone to settle down and not act rashly.

"Your lordship's words are absolutely correct."

"In my view, we should first strengthen our internal foundations and increase our troop and supply reserves."

At the same time, contact other forces dissatisfied with the Da Qian dynasty, such as the Yellow Turban Army and also the Cloud Prince's Mansion and Night Prince's Mansion, etc., to jointly plot a major undertaking.

When the opportunity matures, we can raise troops in one go and jointly attack the Da Qian!

A middle-aged man resembling a strategist stood up, holding a feather fan in his hand, his face bearing a thoughtful expression.

These words are reasonable.

Stabilizing the interior and contacting external aid are indeed our current top priority.

But, this is not enough.

We also need a suitable opportunity, one that can give us a just cause and attract a hundred responses with a single call.

The Flame King nodded, thought for a moment, and then spoke again.

I know this decision is of great importance; a slight mistake could lead to eternal ruin.

But please remember, the soldiers of our Flame King's Mansion are not lambs to be slaughtered; we also have our own dignity and glory.

Since the Da Qian dynasty is unkind, do not blame us for being unrighteous!

The Flame King glanced over his subordinates, then slowly opened his mouth to speak.

My mind is made up; our Flame King's Mansion must rebel!

Not only must we rebel, but we must rebel in a grand and spectacular manner, so that everyone under heaven knows the prestige of our Flame King's Mansion!

Having said that, a flash of resolute light passed through the Flame King's eyes.

The Flame King sat upright on his throne, gazing at the impassioned crowd, and a surge of heroic ambition welled up in his heart unbidden.

He knew that this game of strategy had only just begun.

The road ahead is still long and arduous.

That night, for the Flame King's Mansion, was destined to be a sleepless night.

As the rebellious intent of the Flame King's Mansion gradually rose.

The Scarlet Imperial Army began to act in a tense yet orderly manner.

The soldiers drilled day and night, honing their combat skills; in the blacksmith's workshop, firelight shot up to the heavens as weapons were forged; in the granary, grain and fodder piled up like mountains, in preparation for any need.

The entire Flame Province was shrouded in a tense and solemn atmosphere.

At the same time, Wei Linchao and his subordinate Dao Soldiers, the Fire Kirin Guard, also began to act.

They wore crimson armor and bore blazing flames, like divine soldiers descending from the fire.

Under Wei Linchao's leadership, the Fire Kirin Guard began to move toward and station in the direction of Qian Province, ready to support the frontline battlefield at any moment.

The arrival of the Fire Kirin Guard undoubtedly brought a powerful reinforcement to the Flame King's Mansion.

Although their numbers are few, the Dao Soldiers are on the battlefield.

They are absolutely an existence of nuclear-weapon level.

Their addition greatly boosted the morale of the entire Scarlet Imperial Army's soldiers, and their confidence doubled.

Moreover, amidst the tense preparations, the Flame King's Mansion also did not forget internal governance and appeasing the people's livelihood.

They reduced taxes, opened granaries to release grain, and did their utmost to ensure the people's livelihood.

At the same time, they strengthened the construction and repair of city defenses, ensuring they could hold the city when war broke out.

(End of chapter)