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1st April, 15th year of the Great Emperor Era

A young man came towards a medium-sized hut. He glanced around peacefully when he heard a voice.

"You are back?"

The young man smiled. "You knew that. Why act so surprised?"

A beautiful woman came towards him and said softly, "Why would I know?"

The young man looked at her and asked, "Why did you choose this path?"

The woman sighed. She said calmly, "Just because..."

She paused, and then her eyes turned as deep as an abyss. "You are the destined one!"

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Time passed.

One year passed in a breeze.

14th January, 16th year of the Great Emperor Era

The tension between Wei, Wu, Shu, and the Golden Crow Dynasty has been increasing day by day. In the past 20 years, the Wei Dynasty has expanded greatly. Even though it is still not as strong as Wu and Shu, it is capable of holding its ground against them on its own.

Golden Crow Kingdom

Jin Long was facing a huge dilemma.

Shi Nan, his wife, came near him and asked, "What happened, husband?"

Jin Long sighed. "Without Huang-er, it is difficult to handle all this war. Now I understand how difficult it is to manage the military."

Shi Nan didn’t speak. She was already aware. Her father is the head general of the Golden Crow army. She had already received information about how difficult it had been since Jin Huang left the Golden Crow Kingdom a few months back.

Shi Nan asked, "Why did you wage war against the Wu Dynasty? You know it is already a critical period."

Jin Long said lightly, "Huang-er left a letter."

Saying that, he took out a scroll from his space ring and gave it to her.

Shi Nan took the letter and read it.

"Elder Brother,

I am leaving.

I know the kingdom will face difficulty without me. However, I have taken care of everything. Remember, I will never harm the kingdom. Just do me two favors.

First, wage war against the Wu Dynasty. Keep them occupied for two years.

Second, personally watch over the battle between the Wei Dynasty and the Shu Dynasty. Observe their battle strength. If you are satisfied with the Wei Dynasty's attack, then become their subject. I promise, their leader won't take control over the Golden Crow Kingdom. You will have to pay some taxes, but there will never be any heavy demands.

If you are not satisfied with their performance, then you can act as it suits you."

Shi Nan was shocked at the content of the letter. She glanced at Jin Long and asked, "Are you going to agree to her? How can you do it? It is treason!"

Jin Long looked at her and asked lightly, "Dear, just ask yourself. Do you think Huang-er will do anything to harm the kingdom?"

Shi Nan grew silent. She hated Jin Huang. However, when it came to loyalty, she could question her own father, but she couldn’t question Jin Huang.

Jin Long smiled. "See, even you can’t imagine her betrayal."

He said calmly, "Don’t worry. Her vision is not small. If she is asking me to give up the kingdom, then it must be for the greater good. She will never sacrifice innocents for some petty benefits. She won’t gain anything from that. Even though I didn’t like her controlling me, I can’t deny that I heavily depended on her. I really am a failure as a king."

Jin Long stood and then moved slightly. He said, "Do you remember when the Giant Hand Catastrophe came? At that time, I was sitting on my throne. I was shocked at the sight and felt great despair. However, do you know what Jin Huang did?"

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Shi Nan nodded. "I know. She instantly evacuated and mined resources from various resource points. She was able to save 1% of the resources from our total reserves. It helped us a lot in the initial phases."

Jin Long nodded. "She was decisive. As soon as the shadow of the Giant Hand appeared, her first thought was about protecting the resources. Her intuition was sharp, and she already foresaw a future filled with despair."

He glanced at the letter and said lightly, "This is the last task she assigned before leaving. I wish to complete it, at least for her loyalty to the kingdom. Anyway, the final decision depends on me."

Shi Nan nodded. No matter how much she hated Jin Huang, she now longed for her. She felt empty knowing Jin Huang had left.

She said slowly, "She was a very kind person. I hope she found her happiness if she is leaving."

Wei Dynasty

At this time, Wei Han, Gu Zhen, Li Gang, and Mo Tiancheng were meeting at the same place.

Wei Han looked at Li Gang and said lightly, "Master Ren, we just got the news that Jin Huang has not appeared in the Golden Crow Kingdom for the last 6-7 months."

Li Gang frowned. 'Why would she leave at this time? Is she not afraid that I will go back on my words? Without her, I have no fear of Golden Crow!'

Gu Zhen nodded lightly and changed the topic. "I have also read the report of our war with the Shu Dynasty. The Shu Dynasty is increasing the tension continuously and forcing our army backward."

The Shu Dynasty lies in the eastern part of the continent, while the Wei Dynasty is in the southern part. Their border is occupied by vast grasslands and occasional forest regions.

Due to such open land, they can only fight openly. There is no room for tricks or traps. It is easy to scout the area and predict if the enemy is attacking beforehand. Thus, due to higher battle strength, the Shu Dynasty is able to easily push the Wei Dynasty.

Li Gang sipped the tea and said slowly, "Our preparations are complete. Within a month, we can launch a full-scale attack. The main issue is not this war, but taking control over the capital. It is easier to win a full confrontation when the enemy is completely exposed. But what about the situation where the enemy goes into a complete defensive state? How do we deal with them when they hide in their fortress and attack from higher ground? We lack manpower and won’t be able to handle that situation. We have to be prepared for that."

Gu Zhen looked at Li Gang and said calmly, "Master Ren, we should take one step at a time. We are not sure whether we would be able to handle this full-scale war. This battle may not end in the next 1 or 2 years."

Li Gang smirked. "This battle will end in one day!"

Gu Zhen narrowed his eyes.

Mo Tiancheng also looked at Li Gang in surprise. He said calmly, "Then we will prepare for attacking the capital."

Li Gang nodded. "I need only 10,000 warriors. Give me one month to train them with proper coordination. I also need five Rank 4 Warriors. I will personally lead them during the war."

Wei Han frowned. "Master Ren, the enemy has at least 10 million soldiers. They have deployed 5 million of them at the border. We have already lost a large portion of land to delay time, and we also lost about fifteen thousand warriors."

Li Gang glanced at Wei Han deeply. "This is why I want you to prepare properly for destroying the fortress. We have 1.5 million soldiers left! I am giving you proper time and manpower to prepare for the war. We can easily take over the southern part of the Shu Dynasty in four months without losing more than 5,000 warriors, but to win over their capital is the most challenging task. You will have only 12 months from now. After finishing off their 5 million warriors, I will join you for the further plans."

Gu Zhen glanced at Li Gang and said in a deep voice, "Is it your confidence or your arrogance?"

Li Gang smiled. "What do you think?"

He stood and left.

Gu Zhen looked at Wei Han.

Wei Han nodded. "Let’s believe in him for now. We have no other options."

Mo Tiancheng also nodded. "We are all in the same boat."

Shu Dynasty, Royal Palace

At this time, King Shu Wang was meeting Lao Zhang.

Lao Zhang, Guo Chen, and Lady Jin Huang are famed as the three great strategists in the Northern Continent.

Lao Zhang looked at the king and asked politely, "Your Majesty, if you have something to say, then say it."

Shu Wang took a deep breath and said slowly, "You also understand the situation, don’t you? Since the new era has begun, countless geniuses have emerged in this world. Each and every major continent is undergoing earth-shaking changes. The Western Continent has also faced various attacks, and except for the Wondrous Sect, it has been unified by an unknown group of people. The Shadow Sect has also spread its influence in the southern continent in last few years. Old Man Tian Chen is already on his deathbed. Chu Xun is strong, but the foundation of the Shadow Sect can’t be underestimated. The Central Continent is also nearly unified by the Celestial Sect. Eastern Continent had already been unified long ago. The Global Commerce and Trade Chamber has also spread its influence in all five continents. Even though it has been a neutral faction, most sects, dynasties, and cults have transactions with it. We can see some major storm is brewing."

Lao Zhang nodded. "Most warriors can see through this. They have all been alert and preparing for a safe future. So, what do you intend to do, Your Majesty?"

Shu Wang glanced at Lao Zhang deeply. "Lady Jin has left the Golden Crow Kingdom, and the Jin Dynasty is undergoing a direct confrontation with the Wu Dynasty. This is a perfect opportunity to unify the Northern Continent. I hope you make a proper plan to win over the Wei Dynasty in the next six months."

Lao Zhang smiled. "You don’t have to bother about it. I have already prepared everything. I am confident in winning over the Wei Dynasty in the next three months. I have also mobilized 5 million troops."

Shu Wang was surprised. "Even with 5 million troops, you are unable to gain victory?"

Lao Zhang said deeply, "The Wei Dynasty is in a completely defensive position. However, they are avoiding direct confrontation. We can crush them if we go all out, but it will risk losing over tens of thousands of our warriors. At this time, every warrior is a huge asset. I don’t want to ignore long-term problems for short-term advantages."

He thought of something and added, "General Shu Pang is leading this attack. His ability to lead troops is unrivaled in the Northern Continent. Except for Jin Long, no one is capable of standing against him in war formation. For an open environment, no one can lead troops better than him."

Shu Wang said, "You forgot Lady Jin Huang!"

Lao Zhang felt embarrassed. "You are teasing me, Your Majesty."

Shu Wang laughed.