Chapter 110: Discussion

After Goba Xiaofu and his companions finished speaking, the entire Galactic Empire immediately entered a state of level-one combat readiness, fully preparing to resist the invasion of the Ormei Empire.

At the same time, while Yuri Gotne and others were convening a meeting in the Ormei Empire, their satellite espionage system began photographing the Lop Nur region.

Their satellites quickly uncovered some valuable clues: it appeared that Goba Xiaofu had numerous followers, densely stationed there, working and building with remarkable order and discipline.

This puzzled them greatly. Preliminary analysis of the satellite images suggested that Goba Xiaofu’s followers numbered at least several million, far exceeding the previously known population of the Ormei Empire.

However, they deluded themselves into thinking that this might be an illusion created by Goba Xiaofu using some anti-espionage satellite technology. They reasoned that if they could deploy reconnaissance planes for low-altitude surveillance, they would see through the deception. This was also why Goba Xiaofu had shot down a reconnaissance plane.

Thus, they concluded that this was merely an empty city stratagem by Goba Xiaofu, designed to intimidate the Ormei Empire into hesitation. Their final judgment was that Goba Xiaofu’s faction was fragile and would be utterly destroyed once attacked. Armed with this conclusion, they went to report to their leader, Yuri Gotne.

Soon, this information reached the three-person panel led by Yuri Gotne (Damul Jin was reorganizing the Ormei military and did not attend the meeting). The trio was immediately thrown into turmoil.

Yuri Gotne asked Dadu Kur, “Kur, have you ever seen Goba Xiaofu with so many people?”

Dadu Kur pondered briefly before replying, “Impossible. They absolutely cannot have that many. I have never seen such numbers before. The old mountain base probably had at most ten thousand people, no more.”

Yuri Gotne pressed, “Are you sure?”

Dadu Kur responded firmly, “Absolutely sure.”

Kaba Dur suddenly interjected, “Could it be that they’ve allied with some primitive kin?”

Yuri Gotne was taken aback and resolutely dismissed the idea, “That’s absolutely impossible. Would primitive kin look favorably upon a traitor? That can never happen…”

Seeing this, Kaba Dur and Dadu Kur exchanged glances, unsure how to answer Gotne’s words. Perhaps Gotne still believed that their civilization was the pinnacle of advancement, and thus their standards applied universally, leading him to dismiss the possibility that primitive kin would accept someone considered a traitor by their side. Consequently, Kaba Dur and Dadu Kur were at a loss.

After some thought, Dadu Kur said to Yuri Gotne, “My leader, it’s possible that Goba Xiaofu is employing clones.”

Yuri Gotne was stunned and asked, “Clones?”

Dadu Kur explained, “Yes. Goba Xiaofu had always been keen on creating clones. If not for chronic resource shortages, he might have already built a complete clone army. At this stage, manufacturing clones is likely aimed at restoring agricultural and industrial production, and once resources are sufficient, they might even form a clone army.”

Kaba Dur was shocked and immediately said, “This is serious. My leader, we must destroy Goba Xiaofu’s new base before it gains momentum, or it will be too late…”

Dadu Kur agreed, “Yes, my leader. We must act swiftly to keep the war’s scale minimal and shorten the combat duration as much as possible.”

Yuri Gotne then said, “Very well. Dadu Kur, you have your orders...”

Dadu Kur stood at attention and replied, “Present!”

Yuri Gotne continued, “I hereby command you to lead elite troops immediately against Goba Xiaofu. You must capture him before he consolidates power. Also, remember, after the Gekul Rebellion, our Ormei Empire’s population is only about 800,000. Elite troops are already a large force for us. The remaining 20,000 elite soldiers must be reserved to defend Grassland City and our existing territory. You understand what I mean?”

Dadu Kur replied, “I understand perfectly.”

Yuri Gotne added, “I appoint Kaba Dur as deputy commander of this western expedition, your second-in-command. I will send Gasse Ouri with you for experience, while Sed Ouri remains behind on other duties. Prepare and depart immediately without further reports, understood?”

Both Dadu Kur and Kaba Dur responded simultaneously, “Understood!”

Meanwhile, the human Daxing State faced another invasion from the Liaogu Kingdom. Marshal Wangu led his forces, cutting through defenses and recruiting several armies formerly allied with other nations. His troops had grown to 800,000.

Some time later, at the western capital base, Zhang Desen hacked into the global network of the terrifying Ormei Empire and learned of their plans. Just as he was about to share the intelligence with Li Longfang and others, a special forces guard rushed in with alarming news:

“Captain, bad news! This morning General Feng Yucai led troops to resist Liaogu’s southern invasion, but upon reaching the northern forest outside the city, they were suddenly surrounded by Liaogu’s massive army.”

Zhang Desen was shocked and quickly asked, “What happened? Why did Liaogu’s army suddenly appear near the western capital?”

The guard explained, “Reliable intelligence says Marshal Wangu of Liaogu learned from the last defeat of General Wanlu. This time, he moved south stealthily, avoiding fanfare. Upon reaching the lax border defenses, he quietly destroyed signal towers and slipped across the border at night. He avoided towns, sealed roads silently, and launched a surprise attack only when General Feng entered their ambush.”

Zhang Desen asked further, “Why did Feng and his troops know about the southward advance but not the destination?”

The guard replied, “The southward march was public knowledge, but the speed was unexpectedly fast and shrouded in secrecy. Liaogu controlled all waystations, allowing only selective information to pass and blocking the rest.”

Zhang Desen chastised himself for neglecting Liaogu’s movements while focusing solely on the Ormei Empire. He realized he should have used Ormei satellites to monitor Liaogu’s military activities more closely.

He then asked, “How many troops did General Feng take? And how large is Liaogu’s army?”

The guard answered, “After the last invasion, many were cautious, and some western forces were withdrawn, bringing the western capital’s defenses to 250,000. General Feng led about 100,000 troops. But after hearing that Feng was surrounded by Liaogu’s sudden forces, panic spread among the defenders. Liaogu’s southern invasion force is estimated at 500,000. It seems they’ve deployed all remaining troops.”

Zhang Desen inquired, “Is there anyone advocating resistance against Liaogu?”

The guard responded:

“Most voices call for peace. Except for Chancellor Zhang, everyone believes General Feng cannot escape. Especially Qian, the provincial administrator, who advocates not sending reinforcements and to sacrifice General Feng for peace. Panic has caused many to agree with this.”

After hearing this, Zhang Desen said, “Alright, tell the troops to be ready to deploy at any moment. If they don’t save us, we’ll save ourselves. I need practical combat training anyway. We’ll soon finalize our plan. Also, notify the eight pilots that their ‘Red Baron’ and ‘Camel’ fighters may be deployed. This will be a good opportunity for real combat experience.”

The guard replied, “Yes!”

At the same time, on the battlefield between Daxing and Liaogu armies, General Feng Yucai of Daxing left his lines and silently locked eyes with Liaogu’s southern campaign marshal, Wangu, who had also stepped out from his forces.

What pained Feng most was seeing several former subordinates among the enemy ranks, leading troops that had defected. Still, Feng remained calm, intending to engage in dialogue with Wangu.

Looking at Wangu’s disdainful expression, Feng was furious in his heart. As a military commander, he deserved at least some respect from an opponent.

Although deeply resentful, Feng decided to initiate conversation, saying, “You must be Marshal Wangu.”

Wangu sneered, “Indeed! Are you Feng Yucai, the doomed fool?”

Feng’s officers behind him roared in anger, “How dare you!”

Feng gestured for silence and said, “In these savage lands, where there are no manners, no need to take offense.”

Wangu’s anger flared, “If you know manners, then you should understand that the wise adapt to circumstances.”

Feng coldly smiled, “You may speak plainly.”

Wangu said, “You should know that since its founding, Liaogu has dominated the world, with no one able to resist. All tribes bow to our emperor. We destroyed the Haijin Kingdom and are close to eradicating the Luge Kingdom. The world’s trend is clear. If you tell your emperor to submit to us, pay annual tribute of 500,000, and send the crown prince as a hostage, and capture the assassin of our current emperor’s brother, Invincible Prince, then the Liaogu emperor will grant you the throne of the southern kingdom. This is a tremendous favor. Consider it.”

Suddenly recalling something, Wangu grew more excited, “You probably don’t know that your court, upon hearing your army is surrounded, mostly calls for peace. Except for Chancellor Zhang, all believe you won’t escape. Especially Qian, who advocates no rescue and sacrificing you for peace. Panic has led many to agree. So, you should understand your predicament.”

Hearing this, Daxing’s soldiers burned with righteous indignation. Feng Yucai replied, “Our soldiers will never yield. And don’t you think it’s premature to talk like this?”

Wangu smiled, “Don’t worry. The sun is setting. I’ll give you one night to consider. Tomorrow, same place, we meet again.”