Battle for Northern Frontier: The game begins with the grassland woman buying him.

When everyone returned to Stone City, their faces were full of exhaustion.

After all, even someone made of iron couldn't withstand such a long battle.

Su Zhan knew he couldn't fall. He had to hold on. He couldn't give up now. There were still many things waiting for him to do. He had no choice but to persevere.

Everything here was entrusted to Wild Chicken Neck and the rest of the group. Although Wild Chicken Neck was tired, he felt very at ease. After all, they had already overcome so many successive difficulties, so what did it matter if he was tired?

So Wild Chicken Neck and the rest of the men stayed behind to clean up the battlefield, while Su Zhan led the remaining two thousand men back to Stone City, since Stone City was now empty.

Their expedition to the Divine Transformation stage was far too dangerous; they needed to hurry back to help rebuild Stone City.

After all, annihilating the Nascent Soul cultivators is only a small part of their current task; their main task is to protect Stone City.

While on the road, Su Zhan had already begun to make plans.

The biggest threat in the vicinity has now been completely eliminated; what remains are just some small tribes.

Although there are quite a few of those small tribes, they are not a threat. It's time to deal with them properly.

Su Zhan felt that the way to deal with them was very simple: make them submit, rather than annihilate them.

Eradicating them is too dangerous and too difficult. Even if Su Zhan wanted to kill them all, it would be nothing short of a pipe dream.

There are simply too many of these people, and they've been on the grasslands for far too long. They're not so easy to deal with. The only way is to subdue them all.

However, subduing it is not so easy. Although Stone City is powerful now, it is riddled with holes.

If you want to persuade them, you either have to beat them into submission or reason with them.

But this is the grassland of the grassland people. How can reasoning with people be so simple? If the people of the Central Plains and the grassland people could communicate well, they would have sat down together long ago, and there wouldn't have been such a long period of war.

So this is not a good thing at all.

He began to think about how to come up with a foolproof plan to unify all the nearby tribes, as this would be the most stable situation at present.

Su Zhan also wanted to eliminate them all, but without the strength, he could only settle for second best and choose to cooperate.

There are many ways to cooperate, just like the alliance of the God of Transformation. The God of Transformation was merely using these people for his own benefit.

If Stone City wants to truly rule this region, it cannot be as selfish as a Nascent Soul cultivator; it must adopt less drastic but more effective methods.

Su Zhan felt he could learn from the methods of ruling tribes in his previous life, such as making them hand over hostages, or making them show sincerity, or even making them release their military power over a cup of wine.

In any case, they will eventually have to hand over military power.

If you still want to get away with it and try to cause great damage to Stone City, that is absolutely not the way to go.

This is not the outcome Su Zhan wants to see, nor can he allow such a thing to happen. Therefore, his most urgent task now is to go back and discuss with Bai Zhanqiu which method would be better.

So Su Zhan led his men straight into the distance.

Only then did he feel the exhaustion wash over him, and the injury in his shoulder began to ache again.

Fortunately, the blood clots had already solidified, so it wasn't so painful anymore; otherwise, he probably wouldn't have been able to hold on by now.

The group hurried along and finally arrived outside Stone City.

The battle for Stone City was long over, and everything had been cleaned up, with only the mottled city walls telling the story of what had happened.

The people on the city wall were overjoyed to see Su Zhan return with his men.

They knew that Su Zhan had dealt with the Nascent Soul cultivators and the grassland people who had put them in danger.

The soldiers at the city gate erupted in thunderous cheers, celebrating the triumphant return of their warriors.

Su Zhan went straight into the city and headed straight for the council hall. Although he was exhausted, he still had to do what needed to be done; only after he finished everything could he feel at ease.

Inside the Giant Stone Hall, Bai Zhanqiu sat alone. Although he was bandaged up like a rice dumpling due to his injuries, he was still full of energy. Especially when he saw Su Zhan return, he felt relieved, knowing that the Nascent Soul stage was over.

He immediately summoned all the managers to discuss the next steps.

Su Zhan then revealed his initial ideas on how to subdue the remnants of the grassland tribes.

The Nascent Soul cultivator is now dead, and the greatest threat to the White Wolf Clan has been eliminated. The Black Feather Clan has now submitted to us, and the other remnants are no longer a threat.

However, the grasslands are vast, and there are far too many scattered tribes, like stars in the sky.

Cleaning them up one by one would be extremely costly and would only create more resentment.

We need to change our thinking. Instead of fighting and killing, we need to integrate with them to eliminate future troubles.

Our base is in Stone City, and our forces are limited. Our priority should be to win them over, force them to disarm, and eliminate any future threats.

One of the managers said with some doubt, "Third Master, I think it would be better to eliminate them. Only when they are eliminated can I sleep soundly."

Another manager nodded in agreement, saying, "That's right. I can't feel at ease until they're dead. These people are all hypocrites, all sanctimonious facades. Who knows what they're thinking? Only the dead are good people."

The other managers nodded in agreement.

Bai Zhanqiu did not offer any opinion; he continued to look at Su Zhan.

Su Zhan nodded and said, "That's what I think too, but we don't have that many people. Even if we gathered all the slaves on the grassland, we still wouldn't be a match for them."

Therefore, we should prioritize appeasement and winning hearts and minds.

Just like when the empire unified the entire Central Plains, we should bring all tribes under our control, no matter what kind they are. This is the best strategy.

Bai Zhanqiu tapped his fingertips on the rough wooden tabletop, then said, "This plan is feasible, but there are two difficulties."

First, how to get the tribal leaders to willingly hand over everything they depend on for survival, including their weapons and horses.

Secondly, how can we ensure they will not rebel again afterward? The nomadic people of the grasslands are unruly and cannot be subdued without force.

However, relying solely on brute force is not a long-term solution. Su Zhan and I share this view.

A glint of light flashed in Su Zhan's eyes as he said, "That's exactly the point. We need to take a two-pronged approach. First, we need to subdue them and let them know the ruthless methods of Stone City."

And now we have done it, with the examples of Hua Shen Agudamu and Wuyan Tu serving as cautionary tales.

Then we'll use the pretext of intimidation to win them over.

We can host a banquet and invite the leaders of all the tribes to gather in Stone City.

When the time comes, those who come will be subdued, and those who don't will be eliminated. This is the simplest of principles.

Finally, Su Zhan explained his plan: those leaders who were willing to come must be required to attend the banquet in person or by sending their closest and most valued sons to demonstrate their sincerity.

Secondly, we need to have them offer a certain number of horses and fine weapons as gifts, according to the size of each tribe.

This is not just about weakening their strength, but also about making them express their submission.

At that time, I will personally host the banquet and explain the advantages and disadvantages to them. I will make it clear that Stone City has no intention of annihilating the tribes, but for the long-term peace of the grasslands, each tribe must retain a small number of guards and the necessary weapons. All other armed forces must be handed over to Stone City for unified safekeeping or destruction.

Stone City will safeguard the basic security and trade routes of all departments.

We should appropriately relax the conditions for those who respond first and show respect, granting them trade priority or a small amount of self-defense weapons quotas, to set an example, and then divide the possible alliances among the various departments.

Finally, Su Zhan continued, "Our purpose in holding this banquet is not to openly appease them and then wipe them out in one fell swoop, but to establish rules."

Su Zhan emphasized this point. But if anyone is ungrateful, harbors illusions, or dares to cause trouble during the meal, then we will make an example of them and eliminate them with swift and decisive action, taking this opportunity to thoroughly eliminate those potential troublemakers.

Bai Zhanqiu pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded: "It's feasible."

However, no banquet is ever truly safe; the host will inevitably be on guard, and might even unite to cause trouble. Security must be absolutely flawless. The banquet venue's defenses, along with contingency plans, all need to be fully prepared.

He turned to look at Zhu Yeqing and said, "I'll leave the intelligence work to you. Quickly send capable people to find out the information on the leaders of each tribe, the location of the tribes, the relationships between the tribes, and their recent movements. If there are any signs of collusion, report it immediately."

Zhu Yeqing accepted the order and replied, "Understood, I guarantee I'll get a clear picture of the color of their underwear."

Su Zhan clapped his hands and said, "Good."

The second-in-command oversaw the overall situation, prepared military affairs, strengthened defenses, and created a deterrent force.

Zhu Yeqing was in charge of intelligence and external surveillance, and delivered the invitations. I personally drafted the terms and conditions and prepared this border banquet.

This is a crucial battle for whether our Stone City can truly establish itself on the grasslands and achieve long-term stability. This battle may involve bloodshed, but its ferocity will be far less than before, yet it is of great significance.

If we do well, Stone City will be safe in the short term, and we can focus more on other places; if we don't do well, then we'll probably have to fight them again in real battles.

I'm sure everyone understands how serious this is, so please don't underestimate it.

Everyone nodded and immediately got to work; it was time to show their skills.

The order was issued swiftly, and the weary Stone City sprang back to life in the afterglow of victory. This time, it was not for fighting, but for constructing a new order backed by force and bound by rules.

The messenger carried the letter to all corners of the grasslands, and the grand spectacle of this banquet was about to begin.

At this time, Stone City had already begun to mobilize its manpower.

Observation posts were added to the city wall crenellations, elite troops were hidden in the inner city's barbican, archers occupied high ground, and even the layout of the city's streets and alleys had been quietly adjusted. Reserve troops were ready to go. Stone City was like a beast that had awakened.

Su Zhan personally drafted the treaty, which precisely calculated the number of horses to be donated according to the proportion of the tribe's population. The types of weapons to be confiscated, the methods of safekeeping, and even the specific preferential treatment for subsequent trade were all detailed, down to how many kilograms of salt could be exchanged for a sheep and how ironware would be auctioned off.

He knew that the people of the grasslands valued promises and profits even more. This border-protection banquet was meant to demonstrate his strength while also offering irresistible candied fruit to others.

A few days later, Zhu Yeqing brought back the first intelligence report, speaking very quickly: "Batu of Fenglang Valley reacted the most strongly, throwing down the invitation and declaring that he would rather die in battle than be humiliated. He has been in frequent private contact with envoys from the Bailu tribe, which may indicate collusion."

The remnants of the Black Wolf tribe are now under the command of Uenchi, the chieftain of Buffalo Valley. Several other smaller tribes, however, only inquired about the extent of our sincerity; they were filled with apprehension and mostly sent their sons and nephews.

Su Zhan sneered: "Batu, alright, this is the grasshopper that jumps the highest. It's perfect to make an example of him. Let's choose him."

As for the White Deer tribe, they're just opportunists; let's see how they sway.

As the banquet approached, the atmosphere in Stone City was solemn, and representatives of the invited tribes arrived one after another.

Harbala of the Black Feather Tribe arrived first, bringing with him the full complement of horses required by the Soviet Union. His respectful demeanor set a living example for others.

Some small tribes nervously offered their weapons in exchange for permission to enter the city. Uenchi of Buffalo Valley did not send anyone, while some smaller tribes sent only their trusted confidants, their attitudes ambiguous.

The people from Fenglang Valley and Bailu Tribe have yet to appear.

At this moment, Su Zhan, Bai Zhanqiu, Halbala, and others gathered in the council hall, the atmosphere heavy.

Harbala said in a deep voice, "There must be something fishy about Batu, the White Deer tribe, and the people from the Wild Buffalo Valley."

Su Zhan snorted coldly: "If you don't come, then you're disrespecting Stone City."

Order: First, spread the word that the people of Fenglang Valley, Bailu Tribe, and Yeniu Valley have shown contempt for the Anbian Banquet of my Stone City. Their intentions are despicable. If they do not come by tomorrow, they will be considered enemies.

Second, Zhu Yeqing, your men keep a close eye on the movements of these three tribes. Report any unusual activity by even a single soldier immediately.

Third, Second Boss, the city's garrison needs to be doubled, the crossbows need to be fueled with oil, and axemen need to be ambushed around the banquet. Keep your eyes wide open and do not let any suspicious person slip by.

Fourth, Zhu Yeqing, lead your men and set off under cover of night. No need for battle; simply make it appear as if you're heading straight for Fenglang Valley's lair, forcing him to make a choice.

Then, everyone sprang into action.

Bai Zhanqiu sat in the main seat and sneered: "This banquet is indeed a good thing. It has quickly revealed the attitudes of the various tribes and saved us a lot of trouble."

Let's deal with these troublemakers first, then we can take care of the rest one by one. It will take a bit more time, but it will save us a lot of trouble.

If they dare to make any move, they will definitely regret it.

Su Zhan nodded: "We can talk about regrets later. Right now, we need to crack down on these people who are showing their true colors."

Anyone who dares to show their face will be crushed with overwhelming force. Once they are defeated, we can move on to what we need to do next.

Bai Zhanqiu slammed his hand on the table: "I've disliked him for a long time, but it was you who brought up this suggestion, which gave them a chance to breathe."

Otherwise, I would have taken my men and wiped him out, instead of wasting time with them.

After all, time is the most precious thing on the grasslands right now.

Su Zhan nodded. He knew Bai Zhanqiu was right, but the time was worth it. They couldn't really pay with human lives, could they?

So he nodded and said, "Second Master, don't worry, it's all worth it."

Once we've swept them all away, a bigger stage awaits us on the grasslands.