"Your Eminences, I suggest we hold off for now."
Marshal Ge Long stepped forward, interrupting everyone.
He pointed toward Hadrian City. "Tang Xiao and the main Star Luo army have fallen back to Hadrian City. They must have made every preparation."
"And we don't even know how their forces are distributed in the gorge, along the rear mountain paths, or at the crossing."
"Attacking without understanding the enemy's situation is a cardinal sin of warfare."
Golden Crocodile Douluo turned to look at him and nodded slightly.
Mighty Lion Douluo frowned. "Then what do you suggest?"
Marshal Ge Long saluted Mighty Lion Douluo with cupped hands before continuing, "First, we investigate Hadrian City's defenses."
"We'll divide our finest scouts and Agility Attack Soul Masters into small teams and send them into the Golden City Mountains along three routes."
"One group will determine the strength of the garrison and the fortifications at the front of the gorge."
"One group will infiltrate the Northern Mountain Wasteland to check the rear mountain trails for ambushes and beacon outposts."
"The final group will secretly enter the city and determine how many defending troops, Soul Masters, and Titled Douluos are inside."
"This is crucial for us."
Azure Luan Douluo grinned. "Leave the final route to me. I can give them a good scare while I'm at it."
"Very well. Third Brother, take some men with you."
Golden Crocodile Douluo cautioned him, "Remember, reconnaissance only. Do not initiate combat."
"Once we understand the garrison's situation, we'll decide our next move."
"Yes!"
Meanwhile, the main Star Luo army, which had already retreated into Hadrian City, was racing to build fortifications.
Standing atop Hadrian City's walls, Tang Xiao gazed out over the plain ahead, feeling utterly powerless.
Though Yu Yuanzhen had died heroically, the consequences of his death had