Qian Renxue's proposal carried risks.
But strictly speaking, there was nothing wrong with it. They couldn't just let things run their course.
So the final plan was quickly settled, earning the agreement of everyone present.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan would each have a Titled Douluo take charge, supported by several hundred ordinary Soul Masters.
On top of that, the empire would provide two elite legions to completely seal off the outskirts of Sunset Forest and prevent the target from relocating.
Then they would gradually infiltrate the area and gather intelligence.
They would tighten the encirclement to test their opponents.
It looked both frustrating and helpless, but there was truly no other choice. The empire had no room for error.
Have the last two remaining Titled Douluo, Chen Xin and Yu Yuanzhen, risk an assault on the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well? If it failed, everything would fall apart!
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect couldn't bear that risk, and neither could the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Emperor Xue Ye didn't dare act recklessly.
"Qinghe, you'll be in charge of this."
As usual, Qian Renxue issued the order in her capacity as crown prince.
The operation began immediately. The area outside Sunset Forest was soon bustling with activity.
How could the Divine Seal group possibly miss such a massive undertaking? The Special Operations Team spotted it at once.
Chen Zidian hovered in midair, keeping watch. With his late ninth-order cultivation, he learned what was happening outside.
"As expected, His Majesty called it again!"
"The Heaven Dou Empire is weak, and Emperor Xue Ye is a coward."
"He definitely won't risk another direct assault. He'll just resort to underhanded tricks and try to gather intelligence about us."
Chen Zidian recalled that when he'd reported their progress not long ago, His Majesty had mentioned this possibility.
It dawned on him. Quietly impressed by Lin Feng's foresight, he descended back to the ground. He had no intention of causing trouble.
Surrounded? Then let them do as they pleased. This place was an Outpost, and they had long prepared for every eventuality. They had no reason to fear the other side making a move.
"Senior, what's going on outside?"
Long Haochen stepped up, asking curiously.
Chen Zidian waved a hand and smiled faintly as he patted his shoulder.
"Nothing. A bunch of natives are setting up a defensive line, wasting their time."
"As long as they don't attack, we don't need to pay them any mind. Just carry on with what you're doing."
"By the way, any leads on those Immortal Herbs His Majesty mentioned? Make sure you eat them when you get the chance."
Chen Zidian wasn't worried about the Heaven Dou Empire's actions at all. He was more curious about something else.
He'd known for a long time that the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was rich in Immortal Herbs. Naturally, Lin Feng wouldn't let such treasures go to waste.
Though Lin Feng had reached the demigod realm and could no longer benefit from them, he could still give them to his grandson Long Haochen and the Dawn of Light team.
So, when he'd opened communications last time, he'd suddenly remembered and instructed Chen Zidian and the others to keep an eye out. They'd soon identified quite a few likely candidates.
The Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass, Infernal Delicate Apricot, Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, Lovesick Heartbreak Red... Lin Feng still vaguely remembered the names of the ones he could identify.
And the Dawn of Light team had Lin Xin, who was skilled in pharmacology. One of them matched the herbs by their appearance, while the other carefully studied their properties. Given some time, they were able to confirm them.
"Yes, we found all the Immortal Herbs His Majesty mentioned!"
"I've arranged for my teammates to take them one by one while they work on the array."
Setting up a large-scale teleportation array couldn't be done in a day. They needed to take several breaks along the way.
While meditating to replenish his spiritual energy, Long Haochen had made careful arrangements for his teammates to try the herbs one by one.
At the moment, it was Wang Yuanyuan's turn to consume and absorb one. She was taking the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, which could strengthen the body and enhance physical toughness—a perfect fit for a shield warrior.
"Good. Contact His Majesty when you get the chance."
"This Outpost will probably need to put Plan B into action."
Lin Feng had anticipated the Heaven Dou Empire's reaction, but he still needed to report it.
Long Haochen nodded firmly. When he found an opportunity, he activated the communication array and explained the situation in detail.
Lin Feng wasn't surprised at all. They'd captured two of the other side's Titled Douluo. Of course, there'd be a reaction!
Since this Outpost had become a thorn in the Heaven Dou Empire's side, they might as well turn the situation to their advantage and draw all their attention to it.
"From now on, you must stay on high alert."
"As long as the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well stays safe, nothing else matters."
"Try to stir up trouble or make some noise from time to time, so they won't dare let their guard down."
After thinking it over, Lin Feng issued his latest orders, ready to pin the Douluo natives' attention firmly on Sunset Forest.
That would make it easier for Long Xingyu to infiltrate in secret. When the time came, a large force would descend from the City of Slaughter and catch them completely off guard!
And so, the two sides, inside and outside the forest, made their own plans. The situation seemed to have settled into a stalemate, but beneath the surface, both sides continued to advance steadily.
Almost at the same time.
Long Xingyu had already traveled a long way.
Dugu Bo followed beside him as the two approached the City of Slaughter.
Along the way, their ninth-order senses detected a great deal of unusual movement.
Long Xingyu was fine, but Dugu Bo immediately recognized that the activity was centered near Heaven Dou City!
"I'm telling you, this seems to have gotten out of hand."
Dugu Bo's eyes were full of worry. He was concerned for his granddaughter's safety.
"With His Majesty there, nothing will go wrong... Are we at the City of Slaughter yet?"
Long Xingyu glanced at him, his tone noticeably gentler than it had been when they set out.
The two had talked the whole way, probing each other for information and gradually getting to know one another better.
"Almost there. It should be just ahead."
Dugu Bo spread his hands helplessly, unwilling to dwell on the previous topic.
After spending time together, he'd figured Long Xingyu out. The man both revered and feared Lin Feng.
Whenever His Majesty came up, there was no room for discussion. Saying more was simply a waste of breath.
And... during a conversation not long ago, the stone-faced Long Xingyu had accidentally let something slip.
Besides being the strongest person on the Holy Demon Continent and his direct superior, Lin Feng also "doubled" as his father-in-law!
Who would've thought that he was the son-in-law of the mastermind behind it all!
After learning this, Dugu Bo immediately began thinking of ways to curry favor.
He led Long Xingyu onward, and before long, they arrived at a mysterious little town.
"This is the place. As His Majesty instructed, I'll see you to the entrance, then head back."
Dugu Bo stopped and pointed ahead. The gloomy little town was in ruins, with a chill and the reek of blood faintly hanging in the air.
Long Xingyu wasn't unfamiliar with the place. He immediately grew more alert; he could tell from the feeling alone that they'd come to the right place.
They walked side by side into a tavern and casually sat down at a table. A server came over to take their order.
"What would you like, guests?"
The server's tone was cold and his attitude poor.
Long Xingyu wasn't annoyed. Instead, he looked around with interest.
A tavern with service like this could only stay in business if something else was going on. He recalled the information he'd received in Heaven Dou Imperial City before setting out.
"Two Bloody Marys."
It was a code phrase, meaning he wanted to enter the City of Slaughter.
The server paused, his expression turning surprised and amused.
He nodded, returned to the bar, and brought back two cups of crimson "wine."
Dugu Bo gave a strange little smile but didn't reach for his cup. Instead, he watched Long Xingyu.
"This is human blood. I'll pass."
"If you want to go in, you have to pass this test first."
"Heh, good luck. For His Majesty's mission, just grit your teeth and bear it..."
Before you continue