At the end of April, Cao Du organized another offensive. This time, however, it did not go smoothly. Before the fleet even reached Frost Continent, it encountered interception by a large force of cultivators midway.
Although the Profound Residence had also sent quite a few people along, the enemy fought without fear of death. Even many low-ranking cultivators carried mysterious weapons on them, causing the fleet to suffer certain losses.
Ambushing a flying vessel fleet in the wilderness was something only cultivators could accomplish, for only they could carry out prolonged, sustained operations across the wastelands without requiring any support or fixed outposts.
No one could replace them in this role. Though some armored soldiers were equally formidable, their performance in small-scale battles was far inferior to that of cultivators.
As the fleet's losses were too great, and it could no longer pose much of a threat to Frost Continent, the commandant in charge immediately ordered the surprise attack abandoned and the fleet to turn back early.
Cao Du did not reproach the commandant too harshly. Instead, he commended him.
Though this raid had failed to achieve its purpose, it had successfully forced out Frost Continent's hidden strength. Moreover, because of the commandant's decisive actions, the losses remained within an acceptable range. Once he had made sufficient preparations, he could organize another offensive.
Yet this matter also made him realize that he needed more support from the Profound Residence.
Perhaps because he had so frequently and actively sought cooperation with the Profound Residence, he had continuously received letters from certain people within the continent in recent days.
Some questioned him, believing such actions unbefitting of a Military Prefecture general; others advised him not to grow too close to the Profound Residence; still others suggested that he conquer Frost Continent solely