If used properly, the heavy fog could obscure the sight of the alien tribes, offering a chance to rescue large numbers of human civilians. However, there was no doubt that any action came with risks. If discovered, a head-on clash might ensue, and the civilians could be slaughtered on the spot. Anything was possible. Until the end, no one could predict what would truly happen.
"Wenhe, what's your opinion?"Yi Tianxing turned to Jia Xu and asked.
Jia Xu's expression remained calm as he replied, "In my view, compared to wiping out a majority of the alien elites in one sweep, even the sacrifice of several million human civilians may not be too high a price."
"These alien tribes have formed a loose alliance. They are certainly cautious and suspicious of one another. If we try to rescue the human captives through other means, not only would it be difficult, but it would also increase the chance of alarming them. Once they realize their sacrificial rituals have been exposed, they'll unite and launch a crazed counterattack. That could lead to immense casualties among our Great Yi soldiers. Worse yet, we might fail to achieve our ultimate objective."
"But if the aliens proceed with the ritual, then at the moment just before its completion, they will be at their most relaxed and vulnerable. If we launch our strike then, we can shatter them in one swift move and complete our mission in full."
"If a battle breaks out, the altar will undoubtedly become the battlefield. They may use our people as sacrifices—but then we shall use their blood and flesh as the price. Perhaps, we might even reap great fortune through reverse-sacrifice."
Jia Xu's calm tone carried a meaning that sent a chill to everyone present in the hall.
Ruthless. Truly venomous.
His calculations were so cold-blooded and calculating that it seemed as if the lives of millions of humans were mere chess pieces in his eyes. To him, sacrificing them to destroy the alien elite was a worthy trade.
Their blood debt would be repaid with the blood of the alien elites.
If the ritual was completed, the energy and fortune obtained would be beyond measure. The more sacrificed, the more gained—this was no empty phrase.
Even Tong Emperor frowned at Jia Xu's plan.
He was clearly treating countless lives like disposable pawns, willing to do anything to achieve the goal—regardless of how vicious the method.
"This must not be allowed! These are millions of human beings, not flowers or grass, not ants or flies. They are living people! The very reason we founded Great Yi was to protect our people, to give humanity a safe haven. If we go down this path, how are we any different from executioners? If we do this, the reputation of Great Yi will be forever tarnished, and we'll lose the hearts of the people. This cannot be allowed."
Huang Chengyan spoke up resolutely to oppose the plan.
Such an act would be condemned by all, leaving a stain that could never be washed away.
"I agree that Advisor Jia's plan is more thorough," Zhuge Liang said, "but Great Yi stands for humanity. We cannot allow ourselves to watch our people bleed and die en masse. Our soldiers exist to protect them."
The hall fell into heated debate.
Yi Tianxing listened in silence and only spoke when the arguments reached an impasse. "The aliens must die. The people must be saved. Decide together on a concrete plan and report back to me. Also—Tong Emperor—your Palace of Calamities must immediately investigate the precise location of the alien sacrificial sites. Once located, report without delay."
"Inform all military legions to stand ready. Be prepared to march into the wilderness at a moment's notice."
With a wave of his hand, Yi Tianxing made the final decision and turned to leave.
The ministers responded in unison and dispersed swiftly.
Tong Emperor left first, heading straight for the Palace of Calamities, knowing full well that this was their chance to shine. If they succeeded, it would bring immense merit. If they failed, the palace would be branded incompetent. She had no intention of allowing that to happen.
Meanwhile, on the Plains of Ten Thousand Beasts, inside the Royal Court of the Beastkin...
A colossal golden city towered under the sky.
The city walls soared dozens of zhang high. The Golden City, now the capital of the Beastkin Royal Court, had expanded nearly a hundredfold, becoming vast and imposing. Overhead, a giant firepit burned intensely, within which a massive Golden Behemoth slept. Each breath it exhaled caused fire to swirl.
The city radiated the majesty befitting a royal capital. Its defenses were tight, patrolled by numerous elite beastkin warriors, each clad in hide armor made from ferocious beasts, granting tremendous natural defense. Their presence exuded strength and discipline.
Although somewhat mixed—with wolfmen, kobolds, minotaurs, and more—they were all at least Fate Aperture realm in cultivation.
On the city walls stood towering figures—Behemoth warriors of immense size and terrifying might, brimming with raw, overwhelming force. Many were unfamiliar faces, their numbers having clearly swelled in a short time.
Outside the city, massive beastkin armies were stationed in huge military camps. Tribes from all across the region had gathered under the Royal Court's banner. This place was now the strategic heart of all beastkin forces—a core they could not afford to lose.
These troops were now the direct forces of the Royal Court, under the sole command of the Behemoth King.
The foundation of the beastkin was indeed deep and mighty. Gathered in one place, their strength was awe-inspiring.
Within a grand hall...
The towering Behemoth King sat atop a massive golden throne, his presence exuding overwhelming dominance. Ordinary cultivators would suffocate just from a glance.
On either side of the hall sat the strongest leaders from the major beastkin tribes—wolves, foxes, winged kin, minotaurs, gnolls, leopards, kobolds, bears, centaurs—each a veteran with unmatched reputation and authority.
The Beastkin Royal Court had no formal bureaucracy—only tribal leaders and war chiefs. All major decisions were made by consensus among these powerful figures.
"Let's hear it—what do you all think of Great Yi's recent expansion?"The Behemoth King opened his golden eyes and addressed the hall.
The leaders exchanged glances. No one was eager to speak first.
The news of Great Yi's rapid expansion had already reached them. In fact, they'd learned of it early—but by the time they received word, Great Yi's expansion was already nearly complete.
It had become an established reality.
What stunned them most was the sheer strength and speed of the operation: twelve military legions, several million elite troops. A display of power that served as a serious deterrent to any tribe.
"My king, this matter should be considered carefully. Great Yi's expansion is meticulous—they use their celestial cities as mobile bastions, each city planted like a nail in the wilderness. Once established, it becomes nearly unshakeable. Their method is perfect—finding a weakness is nearly impossible. Any resistance now would come at enormous cost. In my opinion, we should not provoke Great Yi at this time. Instead, we might trade with them. Many human products could benefit the Royal Court."
A foxkin chief spoke, eyes gleaming with cunning.
Great Yi's celestial cities had a fearsome reputation. Even the famed Xuanhuang City had proven impossible to capture. Since Great Yi's founding, not a single celestial city had ever fallen.
"Yes, and their territory is still far from our plains. The humans rely entirely on those cities."
"Indeed. Now that we've founded the Royal Court, our strength is not inferior to theirs."
One by one, the tribal leaders gave their views. None dared suggest outright war with Great Yi. Even if they wouldn't admit it openly, the thought of Great Yi had left a mark of dread in their hearts.