At the border, war blazed across the land.
Even as the imperial court's decree spread through the capital, the border war had already reached its conclusion.
From the moment the Radiant Sun Empire's army launched its attack to the complete fall of Zhenyue Pass, less than half a day had passed.
There had been no suspense and no deadlock. The long-slackened defenders of Zhenyue Pass had failed to mount even a complete round of defense beneath the saturated artillery barrage of the Radiant Sun Empire's million-strong iron army before collapsing utterly.
The pass crumbled, more than half the defenders were killed or wounded, and the remaining soldiers fled in disarray. The once-secure border stronghold had completely fallen under the Radiant Sun Empire's control.
Black military banners were planted atop Zhenyue Pass, snapping in the wind as murderous intent swept across the thousand-mile wilderness.
Long Wushuang stood atop the central army's war chariot. His icy gaze swept over the ruined pass, and without the slightest pause, he issued a harsh command:
"Rest for half a quarter-hour, then break camp at once and advance on Canglan Pass!"
"Strike while the iron is hot, break through three passes in succession, and flatten Bright Moon's southern border defense line!"
"Yes, Marshal!!"
The million soldiers answered in unison, their voices shaking heaven and earth as their iron-blooded killing aura shot into the skies.
After half a quarter-hour of rest, the massive army formation began moving once more, rolling mightily toward the second great pass—Canglan Pass.
News of Zhenyue Pass's swift fall was also swiftly delivered to the defenders of Canglan Pass and the next pass through fleeing remnants and soul tool communications.
In an instant, the defenders of both great passes erupted in uproar, and panic spread through their ranks!
"Zhenyue Pass has fallen? It