Chapter 615: Long-Term Strategic Vision
Facing the puzzled looks of the national commanders.
Ling Zhan showed no hesitation and directly shared his perspective.
He had three reasons.
First, the Blazing Heart Empire's current state was highly complicated and internally divided. While the eastern, central, and southern regions could theoretically be reclaimed and used as bases, the other nobles would not cooperate willingly. They knew Duke Assad had already negotiated terms with the national corps—once the Hundred Ghosts Army was repelled, the corps would withdraw. This was beneficial for Duke Assad, but detrimental to the other nobles and ministers.
Everyone was aware that Duke Assad currently held the dominant position. If not for the Hundred Ghosts Army's invasion, Duke Assad would have already seized power.
Given this situation, the other nobles and ministers of the Blazing Heart Empire naturally had no desire for the disaster of the Hundred Ghosts to end prematurely. The crisis served as leverage to constrain Duke Assad's further rise to power.
Consequently, the nobles and ministers of the eastern, southern, and central regions would not only fail to cooperate but might even sabotage efforts, making the conflict exceedingly difficult to advance.
Second, given the Blazing Heart Empire's chaos, it was obvious that underground organizations like the Demon Arrival Organization, the Dark Church, and the Demon Advocate had already infiltrated, planting numerous remnants and even controlling some nobles and ministers.
If these nobles controlled by evil organizations were to launch a surprise attack against the national corps and coordinate with the Heavenly Ghost General Slaughtering God, the corps would be at extreme risk of collapse.
The Heavenly Ghost General, Slaughtering God, was incredibly powerful and cautious. This was evident from its strategic approach; despite having the capability to devour more territory, it had chosen a slow and steady advance. This indicated that the Heavenly Ghost General was no brute and likely had alliances with the evil organizations.
Third, the "straight to the dragon's lair" strategy was the most time-efficient and resource-saving. If Ling Zhan led the charge and spearheaded the operation, as long as the Tier 100 forces were restrained and unable to interfere in ground operations, Ling Zhan was confident he could capture a core ghost nest within three days. In less than a month, the eastern battlefield could be completely cleared.
Following this, the remnants in the central, southern, and northern regions could be systematically eradicated.
Fourth, this incident demonstrated that the Blazing Heart Empire could no longer be left to the governance of these arrogant nobles and ministers. Under their rule, the Hundred Ghosts disaster could resurge at any time. Such recurring calamities would be unsustainable for the national corps.
Therefore, after the campaign concluded, the national corps must find a way to control the Blazing Heart Empire's national defense authority.
Truth be told...
The Blazing Heart Empire, as a tiny nation, was not even as fertile or expansive as many small neighboring countries, let alone Fusang.
Moreover, the Blazing Heart Empire's terrain consisted largely of barren highlands, volcanic zones, and frequent natural disasters.
The nations of the world had never considered occupying the Blazing Heart Empire.
But there was no choice...
Such a strategically vital location could never be allowed to fall to the ghosts of the Takamagahara Forbidden Zone.
Listening to Ling Zhan's calm and detached voice as he dissected the entire campaign with surgical precision, the once-muddled gazes of the attendees gradually sharpened with clarity.
Beside him, Ling Zhan's adjutant, Zhou Xue'er, was already staring at this cold and resolute man with shining eyes, her heart fluttering.
Not to mention...
Several female captains also gazed at this confident and strategic man with admiration.
Even the male captains couldn't help but marvel at Ling Zhan's long-term vision.
Having spent more time in the warzone than Ling Zhan, they naturally understood the Blazing Heart Empire's situation but had never come up with an effective solution.
Now, Ling Zhan's "straight to the dragon's lair" strategy felt like a wake-up call.
Of course...
Ling Zhan dared to propose this because he had the strength to back it up.
Without Ling Zhan, there would be no "straight to the dragon's lair."
Before Ling Zhan's arrival, even the national commanders didn't dare to entertain such a bold move.
Who could guarantee success on the ground battlefield?
Tier 100 forces could be restrained.
But the uncertainty of ground battles left the national commanders unwilling to take the risk.
After all, their corps were composed of living, breathing soldiers—unlike the ghost slaves of the Takamagahara Forbidden Zone, which were mass-produced by the upper realm's "Brood Mothers."
Once their soldiers died, they truly died. Even if revived, their levels would drop, and their combat strength would weaken.
A single misstep in battlefield strategy could cost thousands of lives.
This forced the commanders to exercise extreme caution.
Now.
Ling Zhan's bold strategy and formidable strength had breathed new life into the stalemate.
The national commanders no longer looked at Ling Zhan with skepticism or doubt; their gazes were filled with deep admiration.
"Damn it!"
"What a pity!"
"Why isn't this kid from our country?!"
Many commanders couldn't help but curse and lament internally.
Their envy, jealousy, and resentment toward Dragon kingdom were palpable.
"Alright! I find Ling Zhan's bold strategy feasible!"
"What do you all think?"
General Li, now wearing a smug smile, turned to the other commanders.
The sight of General Li's gloating expression made the other commanders' faces twitch uncontrollably.
Damn old Li!
So what if you've got a prodigy?
Do you have to be this smug?!
"I agree..."
The Amethyst Empire's commander raised his hand without hesitation, signaling his approval of the strategy.
"I also agree..."
"Same here."
Soon.
All the national commanders raised their hands, including those from the Free Federation and Fusang. None had any objections.
While nations often competed, when faced with the threat of a forbidden zone—a matter of life and death for all races—past grievances were set aside.
The priority now was to unite against the common enemy.
"Excellent!"
"Unanimously approved!"
"In that case, Ling Zhan..."
"You will personally draft the overarching strategy. We'll refine the details later!"
"In five days, lead the troops into the Blazing Heart Empire!"
With a wave of his hand, General Li entrusted Ling Zhan with the heavy responsibility, full of confidence.
"Understood!"
Ling Zhan did not shirk the task. Since the plan was his, it was only natural for him to draft the detailed strategy.
After the meeting.
Ling Zhan left the conference room and began instructing Zhou Xue'er to compile all available information on the troops stationed in the Blazing Heart Empire and a comprehensive holographic map of the empire.
In five days.
Ling Zhan would lead all reserve squads as their commander-in-chief, personally spearheading the campaign against the Hundred Ghosts in the Blazing Heart Empire.