Alliance Forged in the Grand Hall to Resist the Enemy, Divine Trials Continue in Hope of Reunion

Inside the grand hall of the Xilu City Lord's Manor, bright candlelight illuminated the civil and military officials gathered within. Heaven Dou's Crown Prince, Xue Beng, sat on the left, while Star Luo Emperor Dai Qingyan occupied the seat of honor. Dai Weisi stood at Dai Qingyan's side, and Shrek's Eight Monsters were arranged in the center of the hall. Though the recent battle lent the atmosphere a measure of gravity, there was even more anticipation for breaking the deadlock.

Dai Qingyan raised a hand to quiet everyone, his gaze settling on Tang San. "Mr. Tang San, if not for your timely reinforcements today, Xilu City might already have fallen into the hands of the Spirit Hall Empire. Now that the Spirit Hall Empire has retreated in defeat, what are your thoughts on our next steps against the enemy?"

Tang San stepped forward, the Sea God Trident resting at an angle against the ground, its azure shaft glimmering faintly. "Though the Spirit Hall Empire's momentum is fierce, it has a fatal weakness—their territory has expanded too quickly, and their foundation is insufficient. Their supply lines for provisions and spirit power were already strained. This defeat at Xilu City is precisely when their morale has suffered a blow. We should seize the opportunity to form a coalition army and take the initiative, stretching out the front lines and dispersing their forces until their supplies are completely overwhelmed."

He paused and traced a diagram of the battle lines with his fingertip. "The Heaven Dou Empire can deploy troops from the north to pin down the Spirit Hall Empire's main force. The Star Luo Empire can circle around from the south and cut off its southern supply routes. The coalition army's main force will remain stationed in Xilu City as a central hub,