On the wasteland at the border between the Star Luo Empire and the Spirit Hall Empire, fierce winds swept sand and gravel through the air, making the black banners of the Spirit Hall Empire camp snap loudly. Inside the main command tent, candle flames flickered. The deployment zones of the Star Luo army were densely marked with red ink on the map. Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan stood around the table, and the air was heavy with the tension of war.
Yan pressed both hands against the edge of the map, his gaze fixed on the markings along the Star Luo Empire's southeastern defense line. His voice was steady and resolute. "Although the main force of the Star Luo army is concentrated on the northern front, there are still fifty thousand troops guarding the southeastern line. If we don't tie them down, once war begins at Heaven Dou, Star Luo may very well split off troops to support them. Leave the task of containing the Star Luo army to me!" Soul Power stirred faintly around him, and flame-like soul rings flickered beneath his feet. He had clearly long prepared to lead troops into battle.
Hearing this, Hu Liena raised a hand to gather the hair draped over her shoulder. A trace of worry flashed through her eyes, yet she still cautioned him calmly, "Yan, remember that this battle is primarily about maneuvering. There's no need to clash head-on with the Star Luo army. Our goal is to keep them from sending reinforcements to Heaven Dou, not to crush the enemy army. The Star Luo soldiers are brave fighters and know the terrain well. A direct confrontation would only cause needless casualties and would not be worth it." Her fingertips traced the rivers and gorges on the map. "You can