The Strength of Mortals!
"As the ancients said: 'When there are more than 100,000 people, there are no limits; when there are more than 1 million people, there are endless lines.' I used to think this description was a bit exaggerated, but today it seems so apt."
Fifty miles from Barak City, outside Jialing Pass, on a hillside, Yu Tianmeng and Tang Yuehua stood side by side.
This time, Xue Ke personally went to the front line to confront Pope Bi Bi Dong and Emperor Dai Tianfeng of Star Luo Emperor. Yu Tianmeng and Tang Yuehua accompanied Xue Ke.
At the foot of the hillside where they were, the Heaven Dou Empire's nearly hundred-mile-long military camp stretched out like an ancient behemoth beyond Jialing Pass.
They gazed at the vast army that blotted out the sky from afar. Despite the great distance, the sheer size of the army still left these two figures at the top of the pyramid somewhat astonished.
Inside the army camp, crowds thronged, banners fluttered, and order was maintained. Almost all of the 1.2 million-strong army were covered in heavy armor, and the uniform black armor added to the army's majesty and imposing presence.
Behind this million- Supply Train Legion transporting provisions, weapons, equipment, and daily necessities.
As the saying goes, "an army marches on its stomach," and the Supply Train Legion alone, which transported logistical supplies, numbered more than thirty. When the civilian laborers temporarily conscripted to accompany the army were added, the total number of personnel exceeded 700,000.
It is thanks to these seemingly insignificant supply Supply Train Legion that the million-strong Tiandou Empire army has a continuous supply of logistical resources.
It's important to understand that an army of a million consumes astronomical amounts of food and supplies every day, not to mention the equipment that must be provided for the army.
Moreover, because of Xue Ke's benevolence, the Heaven Dou Empire still has to support the hundreds of thousands of civilians from Barak City who have been driven out.
Such a huge expenditure fully demonstrated the accumulated national strength of the Heaven Dou Empire, and also represented the success of the reform plan led by Xue Ke and Yu Tianmeng.
Just as the two women were admiring the military might of the million-strong army, a speed-type flying Soul Master acting as a messenger flew down from the army camp below.
The Martial Soul Master was the Needletail Swift of the Speed Clan, flew over swiftly, knelt respectfully on one knee, clasped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, Elder Tang, His Majesty requests that you both come to the Imperial Tent to discuss military affairs."
"Okay, you can go now."
With a casual wave of the messenger away, Yu Tianmeng turned to look at Tang Yuehua beside her and said with a light laugh, "Sister Yuehua, let's go now, or we'll keep Xue Ke waiting."
"Good."
Tang Yuehua smiled and nodded. The two women held hands intimately and went down the mountain together to the army camp.
The camp of the Tiandou Empire Army was built under the supervision of Marshal Ge Long, the Imperial Minister of Military Affairs, also known as the Nine Lives Divine Dragon.
This old general has always been known for his composure, so when setting up camp, the army was arranged in a very orderly manner, with heavy infantry on the outer perimeter, followed by the sword and shield corps, the Cavalry Legion inside, and the Tiandou Empire Royal Guards, the Magic Guidance Camp, and the Divine Machine Camp in the core.
Layer upon layer formed a circular camp, which was a beautiful sight when viewed from the sky.
Furthermore, to prevent enemy attacks on the army's logistics, important supplies such as stables, baggage, provisions, Soul Guidance Device, Tang Sect Hidden Weapons, and the Empress's ceremonial regalia were also placed in the Core Region of the army camp.
Therefore, Yu Tianmeng glanced around and saw a steady stream of grain carts being transported from the outer perimeter, passing through half of the camp and extending all the way to the Core Region, leading to the Empress's Imperial Tent guarded by the Royal Guards.
The Empress's Imperial Tent is a golden tent sewn with gold thread and embroidered with white Swan, which looks luxurious and beautiful. The tent surface made of tanned cowhide adds to its Imperial Tent and solidity.
Within a kilometer radius of the Imperial Tent was a steel forest of swords and spears formed by rows of Royal Guards. As soon as Yu Tianmeng and Tang Yuehua entered the Imperial Tent, they saw that hundreds of generals and Soul Master were already seated inside.
However, Xue Ke has not yet appeared.
Obviously, based on the pattern that the more important the character, the later they appear, it's likely that Empress Xue Ke will arrive later.
"Tsk tsk, this girl has learned to put on airs too."
Yu Tianmeng and Tang Yuehua exchanged a glance and couldn't help but tease each other.
"His Majesty has arrived!"
Suddenly, a loud shout rang out, and the hundreds of people who were discussing amongst themselves inside the Imperial Tent immediately fell silent.
The next second, surrounded by several titled Douluo such as Meng Shenji and Bai Baoshan, Empress Xue Ke of the Heaven Dou Empire, dressed in golden armor and a red cloak, walked into the tent with a heroic air!
As soon as Xue Ke appeared, everyone present stood up and bowed respectfully to her.
Get up.
Xue Ke waved her hand, signaling everyone to sit down. Then, she saw Yu Tianmeng and Tang Yuehua, and her eyes lit up immediately. She took off her exquisite golden helmet, smiled, and came to the two women's side, bowing slightly as she said, "Teacher, Sister Tian Meng."
"Your Majesty need not be so polite."
Tang Yuehua quickly turned to the side to avoid Xue Ke's bow, and at the same time went to help her up.
After all, this is inside the camp of a million-strong army, so Xue Ke should be treated with the utmost respect.
Yu Tianmeng, on the other hand, had far fewer reservations. As a transmigrator and the head wife of the harem, she accepted Xue Ke's bow without any hesitation or embarrassment.
"Teacher, Sister Tian Meng, please take a seat."
Xue Ke reached out and pulled the two women to sit on the emperor's throne, with the two women sitting on her left and right sides respectively.
Below the two women sat Dugu Bo, Meng Shenji, Flander, Ge Long, and other titled Douluo.
Below that are the seats for generals of all ranks and Soul Master at the Soul Saint and Soul Douluo levels.
Xue Ke sat on the throne, her gaze sweeping over the generals below. Her imposing presence caused everyone present to sit up straight, their expressions solemn and respectful.
"Gentlemen, what stands in the way of the Tiandou Empire Army is Jialing Pass, which is also the third line of defense of the Barak Kingdom. If we break through this line of defense, we can directly approach the walls of Barak City and completely annihilate the arrogant Barak Kingdom."
Xue Ke said in a deep voice, "However, just half a month ago, the Spirit Hall and the Star Luo Empire formed an alliance, intending to unite against the Tiandou Empire."
"Just three days ago, Pope Bi Bi Dong of the Spirit Hall led the Soul Master Legion in Spirit City and joined forces with the armies of several kingdoms and duchies that had not yet been destroyed by us to form an allied army and marched into Jialing Pass."
"As for the Star Luo Empire, they have amassed an elite army and launched a full-scale attack, heading towards Jialing Pass. According to the reports from the scouts, the Star Luo Empire's army is still seven days' journey from Jialing Pass."
After a pause, Xue Ke picked up her silver teacup, took a sip of water, and continued, "Therefore, a great war is imminent. I have summoned you all here to discuss military affairs in preparation for this upcoming battle. I need not elaborate on the importance of this war to the empire; I hope you will all work together with one heart and one mind!"
Having said that, Xue Ke put down her teacup and said leisurely, "After this victory, I have decided to bestow large honors upon the meritorious officials. You must all work harder."
Upon hearing this, most of the people present became excited, and even their breathing became heavy.
The next second, led by a group of sycophants, everyone present, whether Soul Master or generals, except for Yu Tianmeng and Tang Yuehua, and more than ten Title Douluo at the top of the empire's pyramid, all knelt on one knee and respectfully said, "Long live Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty!"
"Alright, get up."
Xue Ke waved her hand, her gaze majestic, exuding the air of a dignified king.
After everyone was seated again, Xue Ke looked at Yu Tianmeng beside her and said, "Sister Tian Meng, I am the emperor and the commander-in-chief of the army. How about you become the deputy commander-in-chief?"
Upon hearing this, Ge Long's expression immediately changed.
Before Xue Ke personally led the expedition, Ge Long was the commander-in-chief of the army. After Xue Ke arrived, this loyal minister of the empire was demoted to deputy commander.
Now that the position of deputy commander is about to be handed over to Yu Tianmeng, how could Ge Long not be anxious?
"Hehe, since His Majesty has given the order, Tian Meng will naturally comply."
Yu Tianmeng smiled and nodded, then glanced at Ge Long seemingly casually, and slowly said, "However, there should be more vice commanders. Ge Long, Sister Yuehua, and I can all be vice commanders."
"Very well, an army of a million does indeed need a few more deputy commanders to lead it."
Xue Ke readily accepted the good advice.
She only just realized that her arrangements had hurt the feelings of the old minister, and naturally she had to make amends in time.
Upon hearing this, Ge Long's expression finally improved.
"Marshal Ge Long, please analyze the current military strength of the Spirit Hall and the Star Luo Empire."
Xue Ke looked at her uncle with a smile and said.
"Your Majesty, according to reports from scouts, in addition to the several kingdoms and duchies that were annihilated by the army, the Spirit Hall has won over more than ten kingdoms and duchies under the Tiandou Empire and Star Luo Empires, gathering an army of 500,000, as well as several Soul Master legions whose specific situation is unknown."
Wearing the Heaven Dou Bright Silver Armor and carrying the Sky-Supporting Trident Helmet, Ge Long stood up and said, "They have occupied Jialing Pass and are defending it with its natural defenses. As long as we mobilize their Soul Master Legion to join the battle, even if our Heaven Dou Empire has a million soldiers, it will be extremely difficult for us to break through Jialing Pass."
"Is it possible to bypass Jialing Pass?"
Xue Ke thought for a moment and then said.
Marshal Ge Long shook his head and said with a wry smile, "Our million-strong army must take the main roads; the side roads simply cannot handle so many people."
Hearing Marshal Ge Long's words, the generals of the Heaven Dou Empire nodded in agreement. In those days, many places didn't even have dirt roads. If the army had to take a detour, they would have to cut through thorns and brambles, break through mountains and build bridges, which would increase the difficulty of logistics and transportation by dozens of times.
In that case, by the time they get around Jialing Pass, the million-strong army will likely be starving and exhausted, and the non-combat losses will be enormous.
After listening to Ge Long's words, Yu Tianmeng nodded and said, "Marshal Ge Long's words make a lot of sense. Moreover, the most important thing is that the Star Luo Empire's army will attack in seven days. If we cannot defeat the combined forces of the Spirit Hall and the Barak Kingdom decisively within seven days, we will be caught in a pincer movement."
"It seems that Vice Commander Tian Meng is also well-versed in military affairs!"
Ge Long stroked his beard, gave Yu Tianmeng a look of approval, and then said in a deep voice, "As for the Star Luo Empire, in terms of Soul Master, they may not be as good as our Heaven Dou Empire. However, the Star Luo Empire has always governed with an iron-fisted policy, so their army is definitely superior to our Heaven Dou Empire. Moreover, they have mobilized a full three million troops, a scale far exceeding that of the Tiandou Empire."
Upon hearing this, Xue Ke became anxious and said, "In that case, shouldn't our Heaven Dou Empire dispatch several million more troops to achieve a balance of power with the Star Luo Empire?"
"Um."
Ge Long nodded and said, "We still need to mobilize at least three million troops."
"Then I will issue an edict immediately."
Xue Ke didn't hesitate. She immediately took out a decree, wrote it down, and handed it to Rose Duchess Zhi Xin to take it to the court ministers, make 10,000 copies, and send them to the garrisons in various parts of the empire to mobilize a large army!
"Your Majesty, in addition to mobilizing a large army, we must immediately attack Jialing Pass. We must break through this pass within seven days to avoid being attacked from both sides by the Spirit Hall and the Star Luo Empire," Ge Long continued.
"This... it can't be that simple."
Xue Ke smiled wryly and said, "Although I don't know much about military affairs, I still have a basic understanding. Jialing Pass is strategically located, built against the mountain, with walls that are a hundred meters high and a hundred meters thick. Facing the allied forces of the Spirit Hall and various kingdoms and duchies, as well as the Spirit Hall's elite Soul Master legion, it will be very difficult for us to successfully breach the city."
"Your Majesty, it's not as difficult as you think."
Tang Yuehua had been silent all along, slowly said, "Your Majesty, the Spirit Hall hastily formed an allied force, and it is by no means a monolithic entity. Each kingdom and duchy has its own selfish motives. As long as we launch a fierce attack for a few days and cause the losses of the major kingdoms and duchies to a certain extent, the Spirit Hall's allied force will inevitably fall into disarray, and the situation will only become more and more favorable to us."
"While Soul Master are powerful, Soul Master who haven't reached the 70th level Soul Saint realm still have significant limitations in terms of physical strength and Soul Power. Faced with the fierce onslaught of a million-strong army, Soul Master might not dare to confront the steel torrent head-on."
"Moreover, the Spirit Hall lost several thousand Soul Master during the Heaven Dou Palace Coup a year ago. These were elites that the Spirit Hall had mobilized from its branches all over the country. It was a considerable loss for the Spirit Hall and it would be difficult to make up for it."
As soon as Tang Yuehua finished speaking, Yu Tianmeng continued, "Moreover, the combat power of our Magic Guidance Camp and Divine Machine Camp is enough to withstand tens of thousands of Soul Masters, which is enough to minimize the casualties of the army."
"Sister Tian Meng, among the Big Dipper Seven Guards, are there any Spirit Hall Soul Master among the Tianji Tian Ji Guard?"
Xue Ke stared intently at Yu Tianmeng and said, "Please give me a heads-up: to what extent can the Magic Guidance Camp and the Divine Machine Camp withstand the Spirit Hall's Soul Master?"
Yu Tianmeng nodded and said, "Your Majesty, according to the report from the Tian Ji Guard, the total number of Soul Master in the Spirit Hall is less than 100,000, which is more than ten times the total number of Soul Master in the Heaven Dou Empire!"
"However, the Spirit Hall can only deploy a maximum of 50,000 troops to the battlefield, which is five Soul Master legions. After all, Soul Master below level 20 have very little combat power on the battlefield."
Yu Tianmeng solemnly said, "Our Heaven Dou Empire's 10,000 Soul Master, plus the Magic Guidance Camp and Divine Machine Camp, which have expanded to 70,000 each, are enough to contend with the Spirit Hall's Soul Master Legion."
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