When Zhou Long came to report to Ye Tian.
His battle robe was stained with fresh blood.
Even his gray-white beard had blood remaining on it.
His walk was unsteady, his breathing extremely disordered.
"Young Master, the palace is in the Heavenly Strategy Army's hands. Mission accomplished!" Zhou Long bowed.
Then he spoke again.
"The Star Luo Emperor fought valiantly but was defeated. He has committed suicide."
"He can be considered half a hero. Please, Young Master, give him a proper burial."
"Mm." Ye Tian nodded lightly, as if discussing something trivial.
"How are the enemy forces within Star Luo City?"
Ye Tian then asked about the battle situation within the city.
Those who fought the Heavenly Strategy Army yesterday were mostly from the Star Luo Royal Knights.
The combat range was also limited to within the palace.
Though Star Luo claimed to have 200,000 city defense troops, because the palace was well-fortified, they couldn't actually participate in the battle.
Zhou Long answered solemnly, "Following Young Master's instructions, news of the Star Luo Emperor's execution has been spread."
"Indeed, many nobles and commanders have surrendered at the mere sight."
"But there are also quite a few who stubbornly resist."
With the empire about to fall, it was normal for many with firm convictions to want to be buried alongside the empire.
"The Heavenly Strategy Army is tolerant, but doesn't forgive just anyone."
After pondering, Ye Tian ordered:
"First stabilize those who surrender. After the battle, we'll determine guilt and punishment based on what these people have done."
"As for those enemy forces still observing, send someone to tell them they must give their answer by tonight. After tonight, all resisting forces will face the harshest strikes."
Star Luo City had indeed fallen into their hands, but Ye Tian didn't have much time.
If they couldn't resolve the fighting within the city in two days.
The Heavenly Strategy Army would truly face endless armies.
"Actually, Young Master, you don't need to worry too much." Zhou Long reminded him, "Pope Bibi Dong has already torn open a large gap in the Heavenly Soul Mountains. A hundred thousand troops led by Yue Guan are already marching into Star Luo's heartland."
"Even if the Southern Expedition Army rushes over, it's merely a death struggle."
"Don't be too optimistic about the situation. It's better to be cautious." Ye Tian advised.
"By the way, how's the accounting of Star Luo imperial family members going?"
"I obtained the imperial family records." Zhou Long thought briefly. "Honestly, I'm quite surprised too."
"The existing Star Luo imperial clan numbers only about ten people."
Hearing this, Ye Tian didn't find anything particularly unusual.
After all, the Star Luo imperial family's succession strategy among princes was extremely bloody.
Through the struggles, often only one person from each generation survived.
"Aside from an elderly prince who died for the nation, the other imperial family members were taken away in advance by the Council of Elders."
"As for where they went, no one in the palace knows."
Zhou Long stated the investigation results.
Then he reminded, "We searched the entire palace but didn't see any sign of Dai Mubai."
"It seems the Star Luo Emperor had already arranged everything."
Ye Tian gazed at the ceiling.
"Should we investigate further?"
"No need." Ye Tian waved his hand. "Since they chose to flee, it means they've abandoned the imperial family's prestige."
"Even if they make a comeback, they won't have their former reputation."
"Also, spread word that the Star Luo imperial family has fled. It might have an unexpected effect on enemy capitulation."
"Good, I'll do it right away." After receiving Ye Tian's instructions, Zhou Long acted quickly.
Because he knew that time was crucial for the Heavenly Strategy Army right now.
...
At the same time.
Star Luo Southern Expedition Army, on the march.
"Report, Duke Zhu, news from Star Luo City."
A disheveled middle-aged man dressed as a merchant rode up to Zhu Zicheng on horseback, panting.
"Speak plainly." Zhu Zicheng glanced at the merchant and added, "Everyone around here are my trusted aides."
"This news, Duke Zhu, you should read first." The middle-aged man dressed as a merchant wiped sweat from his face.
He took out a letter from his bosom, already soaked through with sweat.
Zhu Zicheng frowned. As a noble, honestly, he found it somewhat distasteful.
But after only slight hesitation, Zhu Zicheng still accepted it.
The letter's content was brief, yet it made Zhu Zicheng's pupils contract sharply. Then he pretended to calmly continue reading the letter's contents.
Yu Yuanzhen beside him was quite curious. "Duke Zhu, what letter requires such secrecy?"
Zhu Zicheng quietly tucked the letter into his bosom, ordered trusted aides to take the merchant away to rest, then turned around with a smile to look at Ning Fengzhi, Yu Yuanzhen, and others.
He waved his hand with a light laugh. "Nothing more than a reprimand for us not following the predetermined plan to征讨 Ye Tian in the south, but instead actively rescuing Star Luo City."
"Old Brother Yu Yuanzhen, you know His Majesty's temperament. Once he determines a strategy, no one can change it."
"In the letter, His Majesty was furious, nearly cursing me to pieces."
Yu Yuanzhen sighed lightly. "At a time like this, how can His Majesty still be so impulsive?"
"The southern rebellion is a minor matter. If something happens to Star Luo City, the entire empire will fall into turmoil."
"Order the entire army to stop and rest for three days." Zhu Zicheng said abruptly.
"Hmm?" Yu Yuanzhen suddenly looked up. "Why is this?"
"Supplies around Star Luo City can't keep up." Zhu Zicheng made an excuse. "Star Luo City isn't in danger yet. If we go there, we'd have no battle to fight and would only add pressure to local supplies."
Hearing this, Yu Yuanzhen somewhat agreed.
Star Luo City's supplies came from all over the country.
Transportation loss rate averaged around thirty percent.
For the Southern Expedition Army to go to Star Luo City now would indeed create supply pressure.
"Since it's Duke Zhu's order, we'll carry it out."
Yu Yuanzhen bowed slightly, then instructed his grandson Yu Tianheng to have the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's troops stop advancing.
"I'll go inspect the rear army." Zhu Zicheng waved his hand, secretly giving Ning Fengzhi a look, then strode away.
Though Ning Fengzhi didn't understand why, he still found an excuse and followed.
"Duke Zhu, wait." Ning Fengzhi on horseback beckoned.
Zhu Zicheng turned back, his expression extremely grave.
"Sect Master Ning, to make it brief—Star Luo City has fallen. His Majesty has died for the empire's rivers and mountains."
"What?!!" Ning Fengzhi's eyes widened.
Though he had vaguely sensed that Zhu Zicheng had received extremely important news.
He never expected the news to be this shocking.
"...It seems the Star Luo Empire will fall apart." Ning Fengzhi smiled bitterly.
Once the Star Luo Empire was leaderless, no other force on the entire continent could stand equal with Spirit Hall.
Zhu Zicheng's expression was dim. "His Majesty has already arranged his affairs, having Prince Dai Mubai inherit the throne and go overseas to seek an opportunity to counterattack."
Counterattack?
Ning Fengzhi's eyes were full of melancholy. "I'm afraid there will never be that opportunity again."
Hearing this, Zhu Zicheng was silent for a long while. "Tomorrow, I'll gather my trusted troops, quietly leave the ranks, and follow Star Luo's new emperor."
"The continent is about to fall into Spirit Hall's hands. I'm afraid even the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan can hardly survive."
"I wonder if Sect Master Ning is interested in leaving with me?"
"Why don't you say this to Yu Yuanzhen?" Ning Fengzhi was quite puzzled.
Zhu Zicheng sighed. "The strength and army in Yu Yuanzhen's hands already exceed my control."
"Therefore, they can only be abandoned."
(End of Chapter)