Lin Taichu returned their salute, then said, "Your Majesty, generals, Black Wind Valley has treacherous terrain. The Dark Race has surely set many ambushes there, and they have a large number of puppets with formidable combat strength. We must make thorough preparations before deploying our troops."
"Also, the Tang Sect and the various major sects will gather in the town outside Black Wind Valley. We can agree on a time and march in together."
General Li nodded. "Young Master Lin is right. We have already made preparations, bringing sufficient weapons and provisions. We have also arranged Soldiers skilled in mountain warfare, and we will bring imperial physicians and Healing Medicine as well."
The group discussed matters for quite some time longer, finalizing the departure date, route, and battle plan. They agreed that in three days, Rice Country's army would set out for the town outside Black Wind Valley to join the Tang Sect and the major sects.
After the discussion ended, the ministers and generals rose and took their leave, going to make the necessary arrangements for deployment. Only Zhao Yuanhao and Lin Taichu remained in the Imperial Study.
"Taichu, this time, we have you to thank."
Lin Taichu waved his hand. "Your Majesty is too polite. Protecting the peace of the Jianghu is also protecting the peace of Rice Country. I merely did what I should have done."
"Besides, neither I alone nor the Tang Sect alone can defeat the Dark Race. We still need Your Majesty's and Rice Country's full support."
Zhao Yuanhao smiled. "There is no need for such formality between us. You saved my life back then, and I have always remembered that kindness. Joining forces against the Dark Race this time is not only for Rice Country, but also to repay the debt I owe