Daqin Zhentiansi

"Eagle Guard reports! Enemy main force core coordinates locked! Energy disorder at the intersection of demonic clouds and demonic energy!" A student in charge of intelligence simulation reported loudly, his voice filled with excitement at discovering an excellent opportunity.

Beyond Xuzhou, the flames of war still rage everywhere!
At the edge of the simulation model, the areas symbolizing Zhaozhou, Qizhou, Tongzhou, etc., are flashing rapidly, indicating that urgent messages from those areas are still coming in.

However, the focus of the Imperial Academy's sand table was firmly fixed on the decisive battlefield of Xuzhou Riftwind Guard City!
"The Imperial Guards of Yongtian Continent—the Dragon Cavalry—have arrived at the outer edge of the battlefield!" Another student, controlling the cursor representing the core power of the Qin Dynasty, reported loudly.

A beam of intense light, condensed like a golden spear, pierced through the simulated gloom from the direction representing Yongtian Continent of Great Qin and cut into the battlefield of Xu Continent!
"The 'Zhenyue' rune flagship formation over Xuzhou—lock onto the demon army's flank! Charge the main guns!" The student responsible for simulating the Qin Air Force's direction over Xuzhou shouted immediately afterward.

Several massive beams of light and shadow, representing the "Zhenhai-class" rune-inscribed behemoths secretly built by the Ministry of Works and recently deployed to the Xuzhou battlefield, appeared on the high flanks of the battlefield with a heavy sense of oppression.

"The main force of the 'Iron Wall' Xuanjia Army—launching a powerful attack from the northern border to complete the encirclement!" The students who were simulating the main force from the northern border stared intently at the thick, glowing spots on the sand table representing the heavy troops of the northern border, watching it complete its pincer deployment like a steel torrent, and shouted out the result almost at the same moment.

Suddenly, the powerful light that originally represented the elite forces of the Great Qin in the Xuzhou battlefield, deployed in all directions, seemed to have received a final summons and quickly moved from their designated battle positions on the simulation sand table.

The flanks of the citadel, the high-altitude fortress, and the northern ice plains—all illuminated simultaneously!
Like arrows released from a bow after a long period of preparation, they transformed into a torrent of battle formations, sharp as lightning, powerful as mountains, and resolute as iron.

They launched a silent yet resolute encirclement and penetration towards the massive black tide that was locked in fierce combat outside the Riftwind Guard City, as well as the outer perimeter and flanks of the Demon Cloud Sea!

The encirclement by eight million troops is now complete!
"Black Armor Iron Torrent! Pierce it!"

The students responsible for simulating the Northern Armored Army practically roared out the commands.

In the interplay of light and shadow, the points of light symbolizing the torrent of steel instantly expanded, like an indestructible hammer, slamming into the demon army's weakest point: its rear!
"Good!" Su Jing slammed his fist into his palm, his eyes flashing with a terrifying light. "This is the decisive blow I've been waiting for!"

Using Riftwind City as bait, once the main army surrounds them, the demons' momentum will have weakened, and they will be overwhelmed by the surging tide. How can they possibly withstand it?
Minister of War Zhou Chang stared intently at the sand table, his voice resounding clearly throughout the hall.

"This is the decisive moment! If Xuzhou is not settled quickly, the foundation of the demon race will remain intact, while the demon race will continue to rise and fall. Even if we have the keel of the 'Sea-Suppressing' class warship completed and the new 'Demon-Slaying Crossbow' has been tested with earth-shattering power, and even if we have abundant resources, we will eventually be drained of our life essence by this endless meat grinder battlefield!"

"War rages across the Nine Provinces. Where is there no need for elite troops and strong generals? Where is there no need for spirit stones and provisions? If we delay any longer, the Nine Provinces will fall together, and there will be no hope of recovery!"

"Lord Qingyang's plan is fraught with danger, but it is the only one that can seize the opportunity to eliminate the threat to Xuzhou in one fell swoop, deter the demonic forces, and buy the empire time to breathe and consolidate!"

His analysis struck like a war drum, resonating in the hearts of every decision-maker.

To rebuild the land of China, we cannot afford to waste time.

Although the Great Qin currently occupies five continents including Yongtian Continent, the Nine Continents are vast and the void is boundless. If the army is tied down, even repeated void teleportation could wear down the Great Qin.

A swift and decisive victory is needed to crush the demons and monsters of Xuzhou!
On the sand table, the situation began to become clear!
The various reinforcements that had formed an outer encirclement were like several roaring dragons, constantly devouring the massive black tide from the outside.

Inside the Riftwind Fortress, the dark golden light of the fortress, though dim, grew ever more resilient, like a rock core forged from molten iron.

Under the combined pressure from both inside and outside, the seemingly invincible torrent of filth has seen its internal cracks widen dramatically, with chaotic "vortices" even emerging between the demonic energy and the monstrous clouds, vying for spatial energy!
The dark purple light spots, representing the elite of the demon race, began to shrink towards the core.

Clearly, this is an attempt to preserve strength or an attack on the command center!

Meanwhile, the main force of the demon race, the dark-colored portion, was exhausted due to excessive consumption and the possibility of the demon race "abandoning" them.

The demon formation is showing clear signs of collapsing and spiraling out of control!

"It's done! It's done! They can't hold on any longer!" The students burst into excited shouts, their previous despair replaced by a sense of clarity and surging hope.

The students responsible for simulating the half-demon cannon fodder formation shouted excitedly, "Look! The chaos is escalating! The cannon fodder army is experiencing a small-scale rout that is backfiring on the demon formation!"

The points of light representing the edge of the pale gray color are impacting the inky blackness inside.

The might of Qin, the hearts of the people!
This is the key to Qin's victory!

The simulation of the sand table takes place as it reaches the predetermined final decisive point.

Marquis Qingyang Zhang Yuan personally activated the Dragon Elephant Prison Stele, launching a counterattack in conjunction with the power of the barrier. The Eagle Guards used their "Thunderbolt Starfall" attack to destroy the Demon Clan's command node.

The entire simulation sand table burst forth with an extremely dazzling light!

The core dark gold light representing the Riftwind City suddenly expanded outward, forcefully pushing away the surrounding torrent of filth!

The massive dark purple light cluster representing the demon race's command node suddenly extinguished and shattered!

The inky black torrent, representing the main force of the demon race, began to crumble as if its spine had been removed.

Countless tiny, dark-colored specks of light, like a flood bursting its banks, fled wildly in all directions!
The various lights symbolizing the Qin reinforcements and external forces were like countless sharp combs, completely crushing these routed soldiers!

Finally, the massive, overwhelming wave of black, purple, and gray filth completely dissipated.

Only the central city of Riftwind Guard, though scarred and dimmed, remained indestructible and seemed even more "substantial" than when it was first deduced.

Symbolic light, representing "battlefield clearing" and "restoration of Xuzhou," swept across the vast ice plains.

“We won…” A student’s voice choked with emotion.

"We won!" More students cheered, their voices trembling but filled with ecstasy.

Li Yunsheng's clothes were soaked with sweat, but a bright smile bloomed on his face.

Qin Chuan's tense nerves finally relaxed, and he let out a long breath.

Shen Qingyan's eyes gleamed with wisdom and heartfelt admiration.

The simulation is over.

But the journey from despair to hope, and then to ultimate victory, was clearly written in the intensely fluctuating expressions and barely suppressed whispers of excitement of every young student.

This was also reflected on the faces of the senior officials of the Grand Council.

Wang Anzhi finally released his hand from his beard, a relieved glint in his eyes.

Zuo Qian's tightly furrowed brows relaxed.

Su Jing and other military generals stood up, their heavy killing intent instantly transforming into blazing fighting spirit. They clasped their fists and bowed respectfully towards the direction of the sand table results!
Meanwhile, deep within the Qianyang Palace.

Emperor Yuankang, dressed in ordinary clothes, had a dignified face reflected on a huge light screen that flowed like water before him.

The screen was clearly divided into two parts: one side showed the complete scene of the Grand Council's heated debate and simulation, while the other side showed Minister of War Zhou Chang clearly and forcefully reporting the assessment conclusions and recommendations based on the simulation results.

"Your Majesty, this is the extreme result of the simulation. It is extremely dangerous and unpredictable, with endless variables. The slightest mistake could lead to total defeat, or even a complete collapse. However..."

Zhou Chang paused slightly, then his voice became resolute.

"This plan is also the only grand strategy under the current chaotic situation that can gather the remaining forces of the Nine Provinces, strike the enemy at one point, and achieve victory in one battle!"

"If we win, Xuzhou will be secured, the Demon Clan will lose an arm, and the Nine Provinces can look forward to a breather and integration; if we lose... the wind will rage and burn the city, the empire's northern border will be lost, and the Nine Provinces' defenses will crumble!"

Emperor Yuankang quietly watched the final victory scene frozen on the light screen, watched the excited and distraught students, and watched the complex yet ultimately converging "feasible" looks in the eyes of the senior officials.

With one hand behind his back, the fingertips of his other hand unconsciously caressed a warm and ancient black jade paperweight on the imperial desk.

The shifting light and shadow cast an indistinct glow on the emperor's face. Emperor Yuankang's gaze, sharp as lightning, snapped upwards!

His gaze seemed to pierce through layers of palaces and across thousands of miles of mountains and rivers, landing on the wind-swept and snow-covered Riftwind Guard City, on the figure clad in a black python robe, fighting alone against the boundless demonic tide.

The silence lasted only three breaths.

These three breaths seemed to drain all the air from the hall, leaving it heavy as a mountain.

Immediately, Emperor Yuankang grabbed his imperial brush and dipped it in cinnabar.

The brushstrokes flow like dragons and snakes, their power penetrating the silk!
The crimson, resolute, and imbued with supreme imperial authority and last hope, were inscribed on Zhou Chang's memorial to the throne:
"Approved! Fully cooperate and give Qingyang Marquis Zhang Yuan full command of the Xuzhou battle. Success is imperative! The fate of the empire rests on this battle!"

As the imperial edict was finalized, the candlelight in the hall seemed to flicker.

A decisive battle, gambled on the fate of the Qin Dynasty, gathered the remaining strength of the Nine Provinces, and determined the future destiny of the shattered land, has begun!

----------------

The Riftwind Fortress became the eye of the storm, drawing the attention of the entire shattered Nine Provinces. Beyond it, invisible undercurrents surged even more fiercely.

On Yangtianzhou Island.

The heartland of the Immortal Alliance.

The white-robed youth with the sword mark between his eyebrows in the Taixu Sword Pavilion had dozens of flowing jade slips floating in front of him, with scattered information about the battle of Liefeng and patterns of void energy fluctuations jumping on them.

His fingertips traced a jade slip imprinted with an image of a blood river colliding with ice, his eyes grave: "The Three Sovereigns have turned against their side, and demonic shadows follow... This move is as risky as walking a tightrope. Zhang Qingyang... If you survive this battle, you will be the beginning of a new era in the Nine Provinces."

Behind him, the water in the Sword Pool moved undisturbed by the wind, rippling with warnings.

Although various factions on Yangtian Continent have submitted to the Great Qin, many immortal sects still travel abroad.

Now, it seems the time has come for a real decision.

Inside the ancient stone hall of the Myriad Tribulations Talisman Sect, an old man watching the scene of ice and fire annihilating the altar had the jade pendant in his hand, which was filled with flowing lightning runes, flashing rapidly.

He abruptly looked up and sternly addressed the disciples standing at attention: "Issue the order! Suspend the talisman trading and probing with Riftwind Guard City! All disciples outside, immediately activate the 'Turtle Breath Concealment Talisman' and travel tens of thousands of miles away from the Xuzhou war zone! We'll discuss this further once... the dust has settled!"

Even he felt a deadly chill in the whirlpool at the eye of the storm, and dared not make another move lightly.

Outer Realms Demon Cave.

Deep within the Blood Fiend Abyss.

The giant eye, burning with crimson flames, stared intently at the fragments coming from the spatial rift, showing the wind barrier stubbornly resisting the combined attack of demons and monsters.

A deep, venomous roar shook the abyss: "Until the Rift Wind shatters, my heart will not be at peace! The entire Shadow Assassin Hall is mobilized! Activate... the 'God-Eating Demon Nail'! Target—Zhang Qingyang! At any cost! Pierce his soul when he is at his weakest!"

Its murderous intent towards Zhang Yuan had reached its peak, and it was willing to resort to its most forbidden and hidden methods.

Even more remote, in the depths of the Xuzhou permafrost, in corners untouched by the flames of war.

In magnificent or secluded stone fortresses and ice caves.

The elders of the great clans who had been struggling to survive under the oppressive power of the demon race and had always been watching from the sidelines were also awakened by the terrifying pressure that crossed space.

They gathered in a secret chamber, where ancient totems flickered on the stone walls.

"Riftwind...is it directly confronting the Three Emperors and the main force of the Demon Clan?"

"That light from the barrier... it actually held?!"

"Notify all branch clansmen to restrain their followers and not to act rashly! Send out the most astute 'Ice Shadow Scouts' to approach the direction of Riftwind!"

"Remember, only observe, do not participate! Await... the final result!"

Their voices carried an overwhelming sense of shock and a faint, rekindled spark of hope.

The success or failure of Riftwind will completely determine the future fate of these "fence-sitters".

Of course, their actions were understandable.

It is precisely because of their caution that their people have survived to this day over the countless years.

In Xuzhou, every act of radicalism may be accompanied by the extinction of the ethnic group.

Deep in the void.

In certain long-lost and forgotten fragments of continents, ancient, cold, and scrutinizing thoughts quietly awaken, traversing endless spatial turbulence and casting their gaze upon the stubbornly flickering dark golden light of Xuzhou.

"interesting……"

"The Great Qin... still possesses such grandeur?"

"Let's see if this nail can pierce this world-destroying millstone..."

……

Spring Mountain Cave.

The babbling brook flows gently, carrying a clear and melodious rhythm, yet it cannot dispel the solemn atmosphere that permeates the cave.

The aroma of tea still lingered, but Zhao Yu had no heart to savor it.

She nestled beside Zhang Yuan, her bright face filled with worry, her fingertips unconsciously gripping his sleeve.

Her voice trembled slightly as she handed Zhang Yuan a jade slip bearing the final results of the deductions conducted by the Imperial Academy's Military Affairs Department.

"A message came from the imperial city: although the simulation resulted in victory, the process was extremely dangerous, almost... almost certain death!"

"The oppressive aura transmitted from the front lines of Xuzhou is terrifying even through the jade slip... It's the combined might of the Three Sovereigns, with demonic shadows surging like a tide!"

"And then there's the undercurrent... Everyone's watching Riftwind closely, waiting to see the outcome..."

Zhang Yuan took the jade slip, scanned it with his divine sense, and instantly understood the grand and cruel deduction process.

He closed his eyes, took a deep breath of the crisp air in the cave, and when he opened them again, there was no fear in his deep eyes, only a rock-solid determination.

He gently took Zhao Yu's cold hand in his, and felt a comforting warmth in his palm.

"Yu'er, do not worry." His voice was deep yet unusually calm, like an unmoving reef in the depths of the ocean. "This battle is unavoidable." (End of Chapter)