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Xue Beng glanced at Prince Xue Xing, then turned to Ge Long and said gravely, "Heaven Dou Empire? That name sounds good. We'll use it. Ge Long, summon the generals to the central command tent. Tell them I have an important announcement."
"Yes, Fourth Prince." Ge Long cupped his hands and answered respectfully.
Night fell, and the army made camp where it stood. The troops arranged themselves in orderly diamond formations. Unlike their marching formation, the infantry formed the outer perimeter, the cavalry stayed inside, and the imperial guards occupied the center. The baggage, provisions, and central command tent were surrounded by troops, while food, fodder, and weapons brought in from outside streamed steadily in and out.
That evening, the ordinary soldiers pitched their tents and rested while the cooks lit fires to prepare dinner.
The central command tent was not luxurious. Made from cured cowhide, it looked thick and sturdy. A steel forest of swords and spears surrounded it, with imperial guards stationed all around and flying Soul Masters occasionally patrolling overhead.
More than a hundred people had gathered inside the central command tent. Clad in golden armor with a treasured sword at his waist, Xue Beng occupied the seat of honor.
An old man sat to his left, his features bearing some resemblance to Xue Beng's. He wore a yellow robe embroidered with lavish clusters of flowers. His graying hair was neatly swept back, and his body was slightly plump. To his right sat a middle-aged man in his forties, dressed in bright silver Heaven Dou armor and wearing a towering three-pronged helmet.
These two were Prince Xue Xing and Ge Long, marshal of the Heaven Dou Empire.
"Good. Since everyone is here, I'll get straight to the point." Xue Beng slowly rose, sweeping his gaze over