Chapter 1142: Are Those Diplomatic Groups Still Valuable

Ferrus's image flickered with data streams.

"The Iron Hands fleet is currently in standby status, including three Cruisers, nine Light Cruisers, and twenty-four Destroyers and Frigates. All personnel are at full capacity, ready to engage in combat at any time."

"Very good."

Horus traced a secret route on the star map.

"Brother, I need you to lead this fleet and, using the intelligence obtained from the Tramir, circle around to the rear of the Fengqi Sixth Star Sector fleet.

When the Listuo fleet engages with Guilliman, you will cut off their retreat and supply lines from behind."

The navigation route provided by the Tramir has a success rate of less than 60% according to flight records. But it can bypass all conventional monitoring to achieve completely stealthy maneuvering.

"The risk is high."

Ferrus spoke frankly.

"But the reward is also great. If we succeed, the Listuo fleet will fall into a complete encirclement, with Guilliman's main force in front, my fleet in the rear, and on the flanks..."

"And other companies of the Ultramarines."

Yingzhou took over, pulling up another deployment map.

"Guilliman, how many Ultramarines companies do you have on hand?"

"The First, Second, and Fourth Companies are with me on the flagship; the Third, Sixth, and Eighth Companies are dispersed at various nodes of the defensive line; the Ninth and Tenth Companies are currently executing reconnaissance missions."

Guilliman reported.

"But to cope with the three-pronged offensive, I have already deployed most of my forces in fixed defensive positions."

"Mobilize them."

Yingzhou ordered.

"Transfer all Ultramarines companies other than the First, Second, and Fourth to the direction of the 'Grey Ring' to coordinate with Vulkan's actions.

But do it secretly, so the Fengqi believe your defensive line is weakening."

"Then, what is the final configuration of the Guilliman Army Group?"

Sanguinius asked.

Yingzhou pulled up the final deployment map:

1. Frontal containment force (commanded directly by Guilliman)

Main fleet: 42 warships (including the Xiuluosheng Glory Cruiser)

Ground forces: Ultramarines First, Second, and Fourth Companies.

Task: Attract and contain the main Fengqi Sixth Star Sector fleet, forcing them to attack prematurely.

2. Flanking feint force (commanded by Vulkan)

Salamanders Third, Fifth, and Seventh Companies.

Fleet: 2 Cruisers, 6 Frigates, 12 Destroyers.

Task: Threaten the Fengqi industrial zone, forcing the enemy to split their forces, while covering the secret mobilization of the Ultramarines companies.

3. Rear cutting force (commanded by Ferrus Manus)

Iron Hands fleet.

Task: Use the Void Undercurrent to circle to the enemy's rear, cut off supply lines and retreat routes, and complete the encirclement.

4. Mobile strike force (Ultramarines Third, Sixth, Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Companies)

-Task: Secretly assemble on the flank, and launch a decisive assault after the encirclement is formed.

5. Information warfare force (responsible by Luojia)

-Task: Mislead enemy judgment, manipulate battlefield information, and ensure the synchronization of all units' actions.

"There is still a gap in the force ratio."

Angron pointed out.

"Quality outweighs quantity."

Vulkan spoke up.

"Space Marines are not ordinary soldiers."

"That is precisely the key."

Yingzhou nodded, looking around at the images of all the Primarchs.

"Are there any other questions?"

After a moment of silence, Ferrus spoke.

"My transit is expected to take four days. I need to ensure the fleet is in position before Listuo launches the attack."

"You have five days."

Yingzhou said.

"Luojia's intelligence shows that Listuo will launch the attack in six days; he needs to wait for other friendly forces to enter attack positions, but he will not wait too long, because then the credit would be shared."

"Understood."

Ferrus nodded.

"The Iron Hands will pass through the undercurrent within four days and complete deployment on the fifth day."

"Vulkan."

"Father."

"Your actions need to seize the right timing.

If exposed too early, the Fengqi will have time to adjust their deployment. If too late, it will not achieve the effect of splitting their forces."

In Vulkan's image, those eyes like Lava glowed slightly.

"The Salamanders will appear at the most appropriate moment, forcing the enemy to respond."

Finally, Yingzhou looked at Guilliman.

"Guilliman, your Task is the heaviest. You must withstand the enemy's main attack while ensuring they do not retreat too early. This requires precise judgment and firm will."

Guilliman straightened his body.

"The Ultramarines never fear frontal combat. We will hold our position until the encirclement is complete."

"Then, the plan is confirmed."

Yingzhou's voice echoed in the office.

"All units begin mobilization. Act according to the scheduled timetable. For the Human!"

"For the Human!"

The projections of the Primarchs disappeared one by one, and finally, only Luojia remained standing by Yingzhou's side.

"Father,"

Luojia said softly.

"There is one more variable: the Carlyle Mission. They are still on the 'Xiuluosheng Glory'. If intense fighting breaks out..."

"That is a problem for Guilliman to consider."

Yingzhou walked toward the viewing window, looking at the night sky of Xiuluo Holy Star outside.

Outside the window, the stars were silent.

"But you are right, these prisoners still have value. Notify Guilliman: if the battle situation becomes critical, prioritize ensuring the survival of the mission.

A dead Diplomat is only a Martyr, but a living hostage... is a bargaining chip."

Luojia saluted and withdrew. Only Yingzhou remained in the office.

At the same time, the Fengqi Star Alliance Central Command Headquarters.

Valken stood before the massive tactical holographic table, his three eyes fixed on the constantly updating deployment data on the star map.

Behind him, over twenty high-ranking officers and staff members stood at attention.

"The Slek fleet has arrived at the designated position."

A Communications Officer reported.

"Admiral Slek confirms that the attack can be launched within forty-eight hours."

"What about Solantu?"

"Still three days away. But General Solantu guarantees they will arrive at the attack position on time."

Valken nodded.

Three great armies, with a total force exceeding any single military operation in Fengqi history.

If everything goes smoothly, they will recover all lost territory within a month and annihilate the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance.

But "if everything goes smoothly"—this phrase often implies the greatest variable in war.

"Intelligence update."

The intelligence chief stepped forward and pulled up the latest reconnaissance report.

"The Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance's deployment at the border remains basically unchanged. Guilliman's flagship, the 'Xiuluosheng Glory', is still in its original position, guarded by about forty warships. But... some abnormal energy fluctuations have been detected."