Undying Puppets and the Battle of the Fortress

"Please forgive me, but I cannot accept the conditions you just proposed." Without changing expression, Chen Rui pointed out Catherine's true purpose in making her move. "So let's sit down calmly and have another proper talk."

"You must accept." Catherine's calm tone was filled with resolve. "Otherwise, there is nothing to discuss. You should understand that the Shadow Empire has the strength to gamble on one decisive battle. I may not necessarily need an alliance, but Shea has only one choice."

"Am I really that popular? Should I be proud or depressed right now?" Chen Rui gave a bitter smile. He did not argue over this matter, instead changing the subject. "There are quite a few unstable elements within the Shadow Empire right now. For example... Bai Luo. According to the information I obtained, you have always wanted to deal with Bai Luo without weakening the Blade Legion. Now that war has suddenly broken out, Yego Fortress, where Bai Luo is stationed, is a vital choke point bordering the Blood Fiend Empire. The slightest disturbance there could affect the entire empire. I can help you solve this headache."

Chen Rui had another meaning that he did not spell out. Catherine had adopted the posture of moving against the Fallen Angel Empire partly to fish in troubled waters and seize the benefits involved, including "Chen Rui," and partly to secretly cross the warehouse while feigning passage openly—to numb Lei Chan while eliminating Bai Luo, her great threat close at hand, as quickly as possible. Before driving out the enemy, one had to settle matters at home.

"Bai Luo is nothing more than a minor matter. Do you think I lack the ability to deal with him?"

"Of course you do!" Chen Rui gave an awkward laugh, then suddenly thought of something.