Chapter 166: Training Troops, Dugu Bo is the Commander!
Qian Daoliu's words were very casual, completely disregarding Prince Xue Xing's face, which left Prince Xue Xing at a loss for words.
The atmosphere grew slightly silent.
Prince Xue Xing then said in a deep voice, "High Priest, does this mean that Tianshui City's betrayal and defection to the Spirit Empire really have something to do with the Empire? What benefits did you promise them that could make the City Lord of Tianshui City defect without hesitation?"
Seeing that Qian Daoliu had no intention of explaining, Prince Xue Xing simply got straight to the point.
Qian Daoliu chuckled. "As for what benefits were given to Tianshui City, there's no need for Prince Xue Xing to worry about that. Since you've come, I'll also tell you that my Spirit Empire's ambition is to unify the entire continent."
"You should also be aware of our Empire's strength; we have over a dozen Titled Douluo. Our Spirit Empire does not wish to start a war. If your Heaven Dou Empire is willing to surrender voluntarily,"
"My Spirit Empire will not be unreasonable. Your entire Royal Family can avoid death, and Heaven Dou City will be handed over to you, granting you autonomous control over it."
"Of course, if anything else arises, your Heaven Dou City must also obey my Spirit Empire."
After hearing this, Prince Xue Xing's expression turned extremely unsightly. Wasn't this essentially turning his Heaven Dou Empire into a mere duchy?
Oh, no. A duchy manages more than just one city.
In other words, after his Heaven Dou Empire became a vassal of the Spirit Empire, its status would be even lower than that of a duchy!
Perhaps it was due to a different perspective, but Prince Xue Xing felt this was an insult to his Heaven Dou Empire.
However, from the Spirit Empire's point of view, leaving a main city like Heaven Dou to the Royal Family for autonomous governance was already extremely benevolent.
If they were more ruthless, they could have eliminated the Royal Family and fully taken over Heaven Dou City.
But such an approach would be inhumane; one should always leave a way out.
And with only one city remaining, the Heaven Dou Royal Family would not be able to stir up much trouble in the future.
One must know that, according to Spirit Hall's current plan, only the Two Great Empires would have autonomous rights; the other duchies would not even have the right to self-govern, and their emperors would be deposed.
Even their noble titles would be revoked.
The Spirit Empire currently does not use a noble system but rather a system where one rises based on strength.
"Hmph, so there's nothing to discuss?" Prince Xue Xing said angrily.
Qian Daoliu calmly uttered two words: "See them out."
Prince Xue Xing had not expected Qian Daoliu to be so unyielding, showing no face at all.
Although Qian Daoliu was very strong, their Heaven Dou Empire was a major nation, so this was too disrespectful!
Qian Daoliu completely disregarded Prince Xue Xing's threat.
Of course, he also had to start preparing; the Heaven Dou Empire would inevitably send troops to Tianshui City.
And although his Spirit Empire currently had many Soul Masters, it was still in the stage of accumulating strength, with many Soul Masters at low levels requiring further training.
The number of high-level Soul Masters was too small, and in terms of army size, the Heaven Dou Empire would definitely win.
Was there a way to reduce casualties while also serving as a training exercise?
Yes, Qian Daoliu wanted to use this opportunity to train his troops!
Too many Soul Masters had joined the Spirit Empire recently, and many lacked practical combat experience—looking good but being useless in battle.
"Train soldiers for a thousand days to use them for an hour."
Moreover, this was also an opportunity to test the loyalty of these newly recruited Soul Masters to the Empire!
If they were willing to die for the Spirit Empire, then the Empire would naturally not disappoint them!
Soon, Qian Daoliu thought of a suitable person: Dugu Bo!
When it came to who was the most formidable in group combat within the current Spirit Empire, it was definitely Dugu Bo!
Even Bibi Dong, in terms of area-of-effect attacks, was not as powerful as Dugu Bo.
Bibi Dong's poison was more support-oriented, applying toxins after a single-target attack.
Dugu Bo's poisonous mist, however, was more suited for area-of-effect attacks.
Soon, Qian Daoliu found Dugu Bo.
"Dugu Bo, Prince Xue Xing just led a team here to demand Tianshui City's territory, and I sent him back. I don't think it will be long before the Heaven Dou Empire sends troops to Tianshui City."
"And I also want to use this opportunity to train some Soul Masters of the Spirit Hall, which is to drill the troops and, by the way, assess how loyal these newly joined Soul Masters are, and whether they might betray us at the last moment."
Dugu Bo nodded. "Then, High Priest, what do you need me to do?"
Qian Daoliu: "I want you to be the commander for this operation. Although your strength isn't the strongest among us, when it comes to the widespread use of poison, you are definitely number one."
"The soldiers sent by the Heaven Dou Empire will probably have low individual strength, so your poison will have a miraculous effect. As long as you set up a poison array in front of Tianshui City, it will make those armies dare not advance."
Dugu Bo frowned. "That's not a problem. I can set up a poison barrier, but it will also affect our own Soul Masters, which means a large number of antidote medicinal pills will be needed. I don't know if there will be enough time."
Qian Daoliu had thought of this, so he said, "With your ability, a small poison barrier should be able to be set up instantly, right? And I don't need you to make a move on the first day of combat. Just wait until a good number of Soul Masters have rebelled, then you can act."
"The main purpose of this war is to train troops and purify the Soul Masters loyal to the Empire. Your presence will serve as a backbone."
"Additionally, I will have you lead half of the Angel Legion to assist. Many within the Angel Legion possess healing Soul Skills, and that purification power can clear the poison barrier after the war ends, preventing it from eroding the land. You can rest assured."
Dugu Bo then smiled. "It seems, High Priest, you have thought of everything. Then let's do it this way. I will notify the Medicine Hall to refine more antidote medicinal pills during this period."
Two days later, Yu Yuanzhen arrived at Spirit City with some of his family members.
Coincidentally, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan arrived shortly after Prince Xue Xing's team had left.
This time, Yu Yuanzhen thought that even if it meant a huge expenditure, he had to get a few medicinal pills from the Spirit Empire!
When Qian Daoliu heard that Yu Yuanzhen was coming with his family, he did not neglect them and directly allowed them into the Supreme Pontiff Palace.
He was somewhat curious about what this old dragon, Yu Yuanzhen, wanted to do by coming to Spirit Hall at this time.
"Yu Yuanzhen, what do you want to do by coming to my Spirit Hall? If you want to submit to my Spirit Empire, I would wholeheartedly agree," Qian Daoliu chuckled.
Yu Yuanzhen snorted coldly. "You wish! I came this time because I heard that your Spirit Hall has refined several medicinal pills. I wonder if your Spirit Hall has any intention of selling them?"
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End of Chapter