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No sooner had the words left his mouth than Dai Weisi disengaged the Spirit Fusion, handing the unconscious Ghost Leopard Douluo over to the Clear Sky Clan disciples for guarding.
Then, leaping into the air, he mounted a black-scaled horse and, turning back, asked with concern, "Zhuyun, Zhuqing, are you both all right?"
"Hehe, we're more than fine now!" Zhu Zhuyun stretched her limbs and clenched her fists, radiating an almost boundless energy.
Zhu Zhuqing added, "Brother Dai Weisi, I'm the same. With Sister Xiaohui helping us restore our soul power, both my sister and I are fully replenished!"
"Good. Then you two will ride with me. We can't let Ju Hua Guan and the others escape. I'll explain the reason on the way."
"All right."
The sisters didn't refuse. Swords in hand, they galloped alongside Dai Weisi, leading the remaining White Tiger Army like a windstorm toward Spirit City.
Ning Tianyu followed close behind. Though originally a member of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, after joining the Star Luo Royal Academy, she had learned how to ride swiftly and fight with her sword.
To leave a good impression on Dai Weisi and to provide attribute support for him and his companions, Ning Tianyu also mounted a black-scaled horse, following behind the soldiers. Together, they charged toward the Spirit Master army led by Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo.
Inside Clear Sky Fortress, Zhu Yaqin looked puzzled. "Husband, didn't Chrysanthemum Douluo and the others already retreat? There's still an ambush set by Dean Lin up ahead. Why did you let Dai Weisi and the others pursue them? It would be terrible if something happened to them."
Dai Pojun shook his head, explaining, "Wife, you don't understand! Our situation is perfect. Spirit Hall's tens of thousands of Spirit Masters have been forced into a full retreat, utterly defeated.
"If we don't pursue them at this moment of great victory, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo—who aren't fools—will become suspicious.
"They might even send scouts to investigate our condition or suspect we've split our forces to lay an ambush along their retreat route.
"If that happens, all our arrangements will be ruined. By having Dai Weisi and his troops follow closely behind them, they won't overthink it and will instead move at full speed, hoping to escape the White Tiger Army's pursuit.
"That way, they'll inevitably fall into our trap. At that moment, the Spirit Hall forces will suffer even greater losses!"
Zhu Yaqin's eyes lit up. "I see now!"
Dai Pojun was not only the Star Luo Emperor but also Commander-in-Chief of all forces. He had studied military strategy since childhood and could easily read human nature. He won almost every battle he commanded.
"But husband, what if Chrysanthemum Douluo and the others don't act as expected and instead turn to attack the White Tiger Army? Wouldn't that be disastrous?" Zhu Yaqin worried. "Their Star Luo Sacred Tiger is powerful, but surely it's no match for three Titled Douluo?"
"Hehe, that's why I ordered Dai Weisi to pursue without attacking," Dai Pojun said, stroking his fine beard with a smile. "I had him lead the White Tiger Army and maintain a twenty-li distance from the Spirit Hall forces. This is precisely to prevent Chrysanthemum Douluo from fighting like a cornered beast.
"Twenty li is neither too far nor too close. As long as Dai Weisi keeps the White Tiger Army from getting near, I don't believe Chrysanthemum Douluo will resort to a mutually destructive move."
"I see…" Zhu Yaqin nodded, feeling she had learned a great deal.
"However, we mustn't let our guard down. Once we've recovered some of our soul power, we'll go and catch up to them."
Dai Pojun's eyes gleamed with excitement, as if he could already see the scene of Spirit Hall's forces being annihilated. "Once they fall into our ambush, we'll catch them completely off guard! While they're panicking, we'll press them from behind in a pincer movement. Wiping them out entirely might not be impossible!"
"Hahaha, as expected of His Majesty! A brilliant strategy!" the Third Elder laughed heartily.
"Indeed."
Tang Xiao nodded in approval after hearing Dai Pojun's plan. He couldn't find any fault with it.
As the saying goes, everyone has their own expertise. In terms of military command, he, a sect leader, was no match for Dai Pojun.
"In that case, Your Majesty, once we've restored our soul power, we'll join you. Spirit Hall has killed so many of our people—we can't let this go!"
Tang Xiao shouted indignantly. Casting a glance at the Clear Sky Clan disciples, he realized that after more than twenty days of battle, their number had dwindled to fewer than five hundred.
The Clear Sky Clan, the world's premier sect, now had fewer than five hundred Spirit Masters. If word got out, they would be a laughingstock.
Moreover, two of the five Titled Elders had been lost. He himself, the sect leader, had lost an arm. All of this was thanks to Spirit Hall. Of course, Tang Xiao could not swallow this grievance.
Seeing Tang Xiao's indignation, Dai Pojun immediately agreed. "Very well, Sect Leader Tang. If you wish it, we shall go together. However, there is something I would like to say, though I am unsure if it is the right time."
Although Tang Xiao was no longer a Titled Douluo, he was still the leader of the Clear Sky Clan and deserved the proper respect.
"Your Majesty, please speak freely."
"After this battle, the Clear Sky Clan's strength has been severely damaged. Even Clear Sky Fortress is in ruins. Has Sect Leader Tang considered relocating the clan to the Star Luo Empire?"
"Ah…" Tang Xiao was taken aback, gazing at the fortress that had been turned to rubble as emotions welled within him.
The Clear Sky Fortress, which had stood for many years, had been destroyed under his leadership. Tang Xiao felt he had failed his ancestor, Tang Chen, as well as his father's training and high hopes.
"I know this may not be pleasant to hear, but the Clear Sky Clan is severely weakened now. If Spirit Hall were to launch another night raid, we would not be able to send reinforcements in time.
"And this is, after all, the Heaven Dou Empire's territory. We cannot station our troops here permanently to ensure your safety. For the future of the Clear Sky Clan, I hope you will consider this carefully, Sect Leader Tang."
Tang Xiao sighed and bowed. "Thank you for the reminder, Your Majesty. I will consider it."
A slight smile touched Dai Pojun's lips. If the Clear Sky Clan moved to the Star Luo Empire, the empire would possess seven Titled Douluo.
Glancing at the captive Ghost Leopard Douluo, his smile widened. Once Ghost Leopard Douluo's soul power was drained, his wife, Zhu Yaqin, could also advance to Titled Douluo. Then, the Star Luo Empire would have eight Titled Douluo.
With an army of hundreds of thousands, they would be strong enough to stand on equal footing with Spirit Hall. Under his rule, the Star Luo Empire would truly rise.
…
Meanwhile, Dai Weisi understood his father's plan and did not rush, simply trailing behind the Spirit Hall forces.
At the same time, he sent scouts ahead to prevent Yue Guan and Gui Mei from setting traps, and ordered the White Tiger Army to ready its artillery and prepare for battle. Previously, on the mountain peaks linked by iron-chain bridges, the soldiers couldn't use their cannons. Now, on the open plains, they had the advantage and could fire at will.
(End of Chapter)