Douluo: Steal Tang San's luck and become stronger!

A clash of the highest level erupts. We must not allow the opposing Title Douluos to have a chance to intervene in the main battle, nor can we allow them to unite and unleash some powerful, wide-ranging, and terrifying evil soul formations that require time to prepare! We must divide, restrain, and even kill them!

At this point, Zhuge Feng looked at Tang Lan.

"Sect Master, according to intelligence, the Holy Spirit Cult has gathered far more Soul Masters than usual in Dongyang City, and there is likely more than one Title Douluo hidden among them. The enemy is waiting in ambush, and may also have the city's formations to assist them."

Our titled Douluo's mission is extremely arduous, but also crucial. If we can successfully stop or even defeat the enemy's top forces, the balance of power in this war will tilt significantly in our favor.

Tang Lan listened quietly, her fingers lightly tapping the table, her eyes revealing admiration. Zhuge Feng's thinking coincided with his own ideas, and even showed more thorough consideration in some details.

He spoke slowly.

"Your plan is basically in line with my thinking. It's well-structured, with each level having its own role, using both orthodox and unorthodox tactics to achieve victory. The imperial army is the chopping block, and my Tang Clan's elite troops are the butcher, working together to crush the rebel army, this tough piece of meat. The duel between the Title Douluos will be the key to whether the butcher can fall smoothly."

He paused, then added.

"In addition, during this siege, our Tang Sect will also deploy for the first time a batch of newly developed, yet not yet widely deployed, large-scale siege soul guides."

Some of these models are said to be incredibly powerful, capable of causing significant damage to sturdy city walls and large defensive formations. This battle will be a good opportunity to test their effectiveness and see if Tyndall's claim of 'significant effects' is true.

The timing and placement of these soul tools also require careful planning, ideally combined with the actions of elite assault teams, or even the high-level chaos created by Title Douluos, in order to achieve maximum results.

Zhuge Feng's eyes lit up.

"A new type of siege soul tool? If it can effectively tear through the city wall defenses, even if it only causes local chaos and gaps in the defenses, it will facilitate the entry of our soul master team and the breakthrough of the imperial army."

These will all play a decisive role! I will later investigate the parameters and deployment requirements of these soul tools in detail and incorporate them into the overall attack sequence for simulation.

The two of them sat in the study, discussing maps and intelligence, refining each step and deducing various possible contingencies and countermeasures.

From the timing of the army's offensive in batches to the path selection for the Soul Master teams to enter, from the target priority of the assault squads to the pairing and backup plans for Title Douluo, from the setting of the Soul Guidance Device launch sites to the logistics supply and wounded evacuation routes... every detail was carefully considered repeatedly.

Time flew by amidst the intense yet orderly preparations, and seven days passed in the blink of an eye.

Within the city of Hanhai, Tang Sect disciples and elites from affiliated sects who had arrived from various places had largely completed their assembly and initial organization according to the plan devised by Zhuge Feng. This was evident in the vast manor and temporary camp.

The fluctuations of soul power were concealed, yet a chilling and murderous aura permeated the air. The Tang Sect's war machine had already quietly reached high speed, awaiting only the order.

However, the Douling Empire's army was advancing far slower than expected. In seven days, of the planned 300,000 main force and 5,000 royal soul masters, only about half had arrived.

150,000 infantry and cavalry, and more than 2,000 Soul Masters. The follow-up troops, either due to the long distance or the burden of supplies, are still scattered along the long supply line and will not be able to fully assemble for several days.

That evening, the setting sun, like blood, stained the ancient city walls of Hanhai City with a dark red hue. Tang Lan stood alone on the watchtower at the highest point of the city wall, his hands behind his back, gazing at the western horizon.

There, dusk was deepening, the outlines of the hills were blurred, and in the distance, the direction of Dongyang City could only be seen as a deep shadow. The sea breeze, carrying salt and coolness, blew his robes, making them flutter.

His brow furrowed deeper, his gaze sharp as an eagle's, as if trying to pierce through the dozens of miles of space to see every move of the Holy Spirit Cult within Dongyang City. Waiting was never his style, especially not in a battle where every second counted.

Footsteps came from behind. Tang Ya, Ma Xiaotao, Zhuge Feng, and Yan Shaozhe and Xian Lin'er, who had just arrived from Shrek Academy, and other key figures climbed onto the watchtower and came to Tang Lan's side.

They, too, were gazing westward with solemn expressions.

"Sect Master, it will probably take at least three to five more days for the Imperial army to reach its designated location."

Zhuge Feng spoke first, his voice low and deep.

"According to the latest reports from our scouts and flying spirit beasts, the rebel forces in Dongyang City are moving around unusually frequently, and the city wall defenses have shown clear signs of strengthening in the past seven days. The density and scope of night patrols have also been expanded."

They are seizing every opportunity to fortify the city's defenses, and... they may have already noticed our large army gathering. If this drags on, by the time we complete the encirclement, the enemy will likely be fully prepared for any strong attack, and may even have laid more insidious traps.

Yan Shaozhe said in a deep voice.

"Tang Lan, on the battlefield, opportunities are fleeting. The Holy Spirit Cult is unpredictable. If we allow them to prepare too thoroughly, even if we ultimately have the advantage in numbers, the difficulty of the assault and the casualties will increase exponentially."

Tang Lan slowly withdrew her gaze, turned to the crowd, and her eyes were now filled with icy coldness and determination.

"We can't wait any longer. The Douling Empire's army is moving slowly and making a big show of it, which has long since made it impossible to remain hidden. The enemy is not blind or deaf; they must be on guard."

Waiting until their entire army of 300,000 arrived and formed ranks before launching a full-scale attack would undoubtedly delay the battle, giving the Holy Spirit Cult more time to regroup and prepare.

He paused, his tone resolute.

"We must launch our attack ahead of time! Disrupt their rhythm!"

A fighting spirit rose in Ma Xiaotao's eyes.

"Lan, how do you plan to fight? We Tang Clan disciples are ready to attack at any time!"

Tang Lan did not answer immediately, but instead took something out of her storage soul tool.

It was a longsword with a sheath, simple in style and without much ornate decoration. The sheath was dark gold and engraved with the royal emblem of the Douling Empire and intricate cloud patterns.

But as soon as the sword was drawn, an indescribable aura of majesty and solemnity spread out, as if it carried the weight of a nation's authority and laws.

"The Imperial Sword".

Tang Ya said softly, recognizing the item.

This was the "Imperial Prime Minister" symbol—the Imperial Sword—that Xu Sanshi bestowed upon him after his ascension to the throne to reward Tang Lan for his support and to further solidify the relationship between the Imperial Tutor and the Empire!
Holding this sword is like having the emperor himself; it grants the power to mobilize imperial troops, punish disobedient officials, and even, under certain circumstances, admonish or symbolically "punish" the emperor himself.

The emperor was not allowed to complain. It could be described as a national instrument that could "punish tyrannical rulers above and treacherous officials below," representing the emperor's supreme trust and the privileges bestowed upon it.

"The Empire's vanguard already numbers 150,000, including 2,000 Soul Masters."

Tang Lan held the Shangfang Sword in his hand, and his voice clearly carried throughout the watchtower.

"This is enough to launch a powerful diversionary attack. With the authority of the Imperial Chancellor and Imperial Tutor, I order all Imperial troops and Soul Master Corps that have arrived in Hanhai City to immediately conduct an emergency war mobilization and set off after nightfall. Target—Dongyang City!"

The order was quickly relayed. However, just as Tang Lan had predicted, the imperial generals who had already arrived and were camping and resting outside the city, as well as the leaders of the Soul Master Corps, did not react with obedience when they received the emergency attack order issued by the "Tang Sect Master." Instead, they were shocked and resistant.

Inside the central command tent, several heavily armored generals with fierce auras, along with two Soul Master captains whose soul power fluctuations were extremely strong, gathered together, all with grim expressions.

"Nonsense! Utter nonsense!" A burly general with a full beard slammed his hand on the table.

"We have come to quell the rebellion on His Majesty's orders. We should wait for the army to be fully assembled and the provisions to be ready before crushing the Dongyang rebels with overwhelming force! At present, only half of our troops have arrived, and the subsequent provisions and equipment have not been fully provided."

A hasty attack, especially a night march—isn't that child's play? Although Tang Lan is the Imperial Tutor and the head of the Tang Clan, he is ultimately not part of our Empire's military system. How can he arbitrarily command our army? If anything goes wrong, who will take responsibility?

Another Soul Master leader with a gloomy expression also spoke coldly.

"It's understandable that the Tang Clan wants to take the lead and gain merit. But they should use their own disciples to charge into battle, not risk the lives of our Empire's sons. Attacking the city at night involves too many variables. The enemy is well-rested and has a fortified city to defend. This move is unwise. I, the commander, refuse to carry out this order!"

"That's right! We must wait for the arrival of the General of the North and the Blazing Sun Douluo so that they can take command!"

"Even if he is the Imperial Tutor, he has no right to directly mobilize the legion!"

Inside the tent, there was a chorus of opposition.

These generals and regimental commanders were seasoned veterans with their own pride and code of conduct. They lacked trust in Tang Lan, the "parachuted" commander, and were even more suspicious of the risks of a hasty night battle.

Just as the argument was heating up, the curtain of the main tent was suddenly flung open. An invisible pressure instantly enveloped the entire area, silencing all the noise. Everyone looked on in shock to see Tang Lan, dressed in black robes and holding the dark gold ancient sword, slowly walking into the tent.

Behind him followed a group of powerful figures with astonishing auras, including Tang Ya, Ma Xiaotao, Yan Shaozhe, and Xian Lin'er, their gazes calmly sweeping over the generals in the tent.

Without wasting words, Tang Lan raised the Shangfang sword in its sheath, his deep and authoritative voice echoing in the tent.

"His Majesty the Emperor bestowed this sword upon me, granting me the power of a prime minister, to make decisive decisions and oversee the suppression of rebellions. Seeing this sword is like seeing the emperor. Do any of you have any objections?"

The dark gold scabbard, with its royal insignia, gleamed coldly under the soul-guiding lamp. The expressions of all the imperial generals and soul master commanders inside the tent instantly changed.

They might dare to question Tang Lan's personal orders, but faced with the imperial sword representing the emperor's supreme authority and the dignity of the law, no one dared to have the slightest thought of disobeying!
The Imperial Sword, a symbol of authority, could punish both a tyrannical emperor and a treacherous minister! Those who wielded it exercised the highest power granted by the emperor. While the emperor could be punished for his mistakes, the consequences for these ministers and generals who dared to disobey orders were dire…

Cold sweat instantly seeped from the foreheads of the generals.

The bearded general's Adam's apple bobbed, and he was the first to kneel on one knee, clasp his hands in a fist and say in a deep voice.

"This humble general... obeys the Prime Minister's orders!"

His voice was hoarse, but he no longer hesitated.

"Your subordinate obeys!"

"Yes, sir!"

With a leader in charge, the others had no chance of escaping and all knelt down to receive the order.

The sinister leader of the Soul Master Corps lowered his head and fell silent. At this moment, the strict hierarchy of the empire and the awe of imperial power overwhelmed all personal doubts and pride.

"very good."

Tang Lan sheathed the imperial sword, her tone leaving no room for doubt.

"From this moment forward, the entire army shall enter a state of highest combat readiness. One hour later, we will have a hearty battle meal and inspect our equipment. At nightfall, at 9:00 PM, we shall set off precisely for Dongyang City! All siege equipment, especially the new equipment provided by the Tang Clan, must be carried and properly protected! Those who delay will be subject to military law!"

"Yes!"

The generals responded with a resounding roar.

That night, dark clouds obscured the moon, and the starlight was hidden, making it the perfect weather for a night march. At the stroke of midnight, outside the west gate of Hanhai City, the 150,000-strong imperial army, like a silent black python, marched under the low commands and the glow of torches.

They set off silently, disappearing into the boundless darkness. Their horses' hooves were wrapped in cloth, and their wheels were matted with straw, minimizing any noise. The soldiers, solemn and gripping their weapons, followed the column ahead in silence.

In the procession, some enormous objects, tightly covered by thick tarpaulins or black cloths, were towed by specially made vehicles or carried by powerful Soul Masters, moving along with the army, appearing mysterious and heavy.

The army marched swiftly through the night, following the plan arranged in advance by Tang Lan, and quietly arrived at the designated area outside Dongyang City in the early hours of the morning, where they quickly began their operations.

Dongyang City's four gates were tightly shut, torches illuminated the city walls, and patrolling soldiers moved back and forth, maintaining a high level of vigilance. Clearly, the rebel forces inside the city had also sensed the oppressive atmosphere of the approaching army and had strengthened their defenses.

Tang Lan's command center was located in a secluded woodland at a higher elevation outside the East Gate.

A detailed map of Dongyang City was spread out in front of him, his gaze calm.

"At the East Gate, deploy 100,000 main forces, commanded by General Zhang, equipped with most of the conventional siege weaponry. Your mission begins at dawn."

Launch continuous and fierce feint attacks, making a great show of force and striking hard, to convince the enemy that the main attack is directed here, thus drawing their main force to the eastern city for defense!

Tang Lan gave an order to a middle-aged general with a resolute expression.

"Your subordinate obeys!"

General Zhang clasped his hands in a fist salute, turned around, and strode away to mobilize his troops.

"The city gates are located in the south and north."

Tang Lan looked at the other two generals.

"Each of them should deploy 15,000 troops, starting at dawn, to launch a diversionary attack to maintain pressure, but there is no need to be too risky in a direct assault. The main focus should be on harassment and diversion to prevent the enemy from diverting troops from these two gates to support other areas."

"Yes!"

The two generals accepted the order.

Finally, Tang Lan's gaze fell on a relatively young-looking but sharp-eyed general named Chen Jue, and a vice-captain of a Soul Master Corps beside him.

"The west gate will be manned by your 18,000 troops, General Chen, and..."

He paused.

"The Imperial Soul Master Corps, with over two thousand members, will all be assigned to you."

Upon hearing this, Chen Jue and the deputy leader of the Soul Master guild both showed obvious astonishment and disbelief. The West Gate? Eighteen thousand men plus two thousand Soul Masters, attacking the equally heavily defended West Gate? (End of Chapter)