On the eve of the decisive battle

My heartfelt thanks to our great alliance leader, "The Gods' Promise of Forever," for the support in pushing our alliance ranking higher!

Also, I hope everyone will speak up more. Monthly votes count double, so liven things up! Even if you're out of votes, show your faces!

Two days later, with the blazing sun high overhead, at the City Lord's Manor in Fanyu Royal City.

"Your Majesty! The enemy vanguard has reached the Dafu Mountain Range!"

While Jian Shang was discussing various matters with the leaders of the different factions, an imperial guard hurried into the hall and delivered his report urgently.

"..."

The atmosphere in the hall abruptly froze, heavy with surprise and concern.

"How did they get here so quickly?! They were still at Suning Ridge the day before yesterday..." Elder Nangong Yu of the Penglai Commerce Association blurted out with a frown, voicing everyone's thoughts.

Two days earlier, the intelligence gathered by the Huan Kingdom, the Penglai Commerce Association, the Spring-Autumn Trading House, and the Otherworlder Faction alike had indicated that the enemy would reach Fanyu Royal City in three to five days, or three to seven days. In other words, three days at the earliest and seven at the latest. Who could have imagined that only two and a half days had passed?!

This was a serious misjudgment of the enemy's capabilities. They had already been wrong about its mobility, at least. Who could guarantee that they had not misjudged other aspects as well?

"Strengthen our scouting forces. Make certain we gather accurate intelligence on every aspect of the enemy!"

Jian Shang's thick brows drew together tightly, but rather than reproach anyone, he gave Jiang Yao his orders.

Thanks to the surge in recruits, many military facilities, defensive preparations, and other tasks had been completed