Elven cultivators

The news that the Steelmane Tribe had declared war on the Silvermoon Clan was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples that spread rapidly throughout the eastern part of the continent in a very short time.

From the grain-producing areas of the river valleys to the towns of the Tide Plains, from the permafrost of the Frost Ridge Plateau to the mining towns of the Iron Hill Kingdom, almost all forces paying attention to the regional situation received the news immediately and unanimously turned their attention to the border area between the Green Highlands and the Thunder River Basin.

Despite the constant conflicts in the eastern part of the mainland in recent years, with large and small forces frequently fighting each other for territory and resources, this is still one of the most eye-catching conflicts in recent years.

The Steelmane Tribe has deep roots and a strong army. In the chaos after overthrowing the rule of Dragon City, it expanded rapidly, annexing surrounding areas, and now it is showing signs of becoming a dominant force.

The fact that the Steelmane Tribe could stand out in a region as powerful as the Thunder River Basin and reach the pinnacle speaks volumes about their strength.

Although the Silver Moon Clan has only been around for a short time, it has been the fastest-growing and most renowned force in the eastern part of the continent in the past hundred years.

Their refined metals, improved potions, and rune-enchanted equipment are found almost everywhere, and the profits and wealth they generate each year are the envy of countless forces.

The military strength of the Silvermoon Clan should not be underestimated.

The fact that they defeated the main force of Blackrock Territory and took over Green Heights in just one day is still mentioned by many people.

The clash between these two powerful forces has affected far more than just their own fates.

Countless forces are secretly speculating about the course of this war, calculating who will gain the upper hand and even completely overwhelm the other side to achieve victory.

Because the outcome of this war is very likely to reshape the power structure in the eastern part of the continent and reshape the order of this vast land.

For a moment, a tense atmosphere, like the impending storm, filled the air in eastern mainland China.

……

The City of the Beginning.

Nine-tiered Heavenly Tower, Heavenly Origin Hall.

As Anton stepped through the palace gates, his gaze swept across the long table, and he noticed that almost everyone was already there.

Eleanor sat on the left side of the long table, with several rolls of parchment spread out in front of her, the ink still wet.

Roman leaned back in his chair casually, one hand supporting his chin, the other tapping out a rhythm on the table. His expression showed no sign of nervousness, but rather a hint of eager anticipation.

The three elders sat on the right side of the long table, their expressions calm and composed.

Cedric sat at the end of the table, his back ramrod straight, his hands resting on his knees, his posture as solemn as ever.

Opposite him were Elena and Darion, who were discussing the defense arrangements for the Nine Nether City in hushed tones.

After many years, the high-ranking members of the Silvermoon Clan gathered together for the first time in a long time.

Upon seeing Anton's arrival, everyone stood up and greeted him.

Anton nodded to them, walked straight to the head seat and sat down. Without any further pleasantries, he glanced around and cut to the chase: "You all know about the Steelmane Tribe's declaration of war, right?"

The elves all nodded in agreement.

Anton looked at Eleanor, who understood and said solemnly, "The Steelmane Tribe's statement is very strong, demanding that our chieftain personally apologize publicly for the slave-hunting team incident and cede Green Heights to them as compensation."

"In addition, they also demanded that we promise to expel all the half-elves we have already accepted and never again accept any half-elves as vassals."

Although the elves present knew that the Steelmane Tribe had declared war on the clan, they were hearing the specific details of the declaration for the first time, and upon hearing it, they all showed expressions of either sneer or ridicule.

"The Steelmane Tribe has quite the appetite; they want to take half of our territory right now." The Third Elder sneered. "They never intended to negotiate from the beginning; they just want our clan to bow down and submit."

The Second Elder said in a deep voice, "Given the orcs' usual behavior, even if we agree to their conditions, cede Green Highlands, and drive away the half-elves, they won't stop there. Once they've completely digested Green Highlands, Eldron Plains will be next."

"Indeed, orcs have always been this domineering," Elena said with a shrug.

Roman straightened his back, his face full of eagerness: "What else is there to say? They've already put a knife to our throats. We can't just argue with them at the table. Let's fight! Let them know we're not easy to bully."

She barely had to lift a finger during the last attack on Crimson Blood Fertile Land before the war was over, leaving her feeling regretful for quite some time.

Now that a new enemy has finally appeared, we certainly can't let this opportunity pass us by.

The Grand Elder, Cedric, and Darian did not speak, but they all nodded slightly, which was considered a statement of agreement.

There were no disagreements from the very beginning of the meeting.

In a very short time, the clan leaders reached a consensus.

They had always kept a close eye on the clan's development and knew how powerful the clan was now.

If it were a top-tier power, they might pay a bit more attention.

But the Steelmane Tribe does not yet have that qualification.

Anton took in everyone's expressions, then calmly looked at Eleanor and asked, "How's the investigation into the Steelmane tribe going?"

Eleanor was prepared; she took out a roll of parchment from her side, on which were listed line after line of items in fine handwriting.

"The core race of the Steelmane Tribe is the orcs, along with about thirty vassal races. The adult orcs have a combat strength of about 200,000, and the vassal forces have a strength of about 50,000."

Anton nodded knowingly.

Compared to the Silvermoon Clan, the Steelmane Tribe has very few vassal races.

However, this is actually the norm in eastern China.

Very few powers can recruit multiple vassal races like the Silvermoon Clan.

After all, they lacked a vast trade system to provide huge profits, a sound merit system to provide upward mobility, and could not use sufficient benefits to bind the loyalty of their vassal races.

More often than not, vassal races were merely conscripts for them during wartime, while in peacetime they had to bear various heavy tributes and labor obligations.

Given this kind of relationship, naturally not many races would be willing to actively pursue it.

Even if they defect, their loyalty and sense of belonging are not high.

Compared to the Silvermoon Clan and its vassal races, who were cultivated through a merit system and bound by interests, they are completely different.

For example, the Blackrock Territory and the Crimson Fertile Land Alliance, which were recently crippled, both had vassal race armies whose combat strength was far inferior to that of their own races.

"In other words, the Steelmane Tribe has a total of 250,000 troops, which is indeed quite a lot," the Third Elder murmured, his expression calm.

Although the orcs had a large army, their individual combat strength was far inferior to that of the elven soldiers of their clan.

Apart from a small number of elite troops, most of the orc army was only at the same level of combat strength as their foreign army.

"Among the top combat forces of the Steelmane Tribe, there are currently eight known legendary powerhouses."

Eleanor continued:

"This includes two legendary figures: Urk Steelmane, the current chieftain of the Steelmane tribe, and their chief shaman, Zul Steelmane."

Roman tilted his head and asked doubtfully, "It doesn't sound too exaggerated. Eight legends and two peaks are indeed top-tier in the eastern part of the continent, but to say that they can easily defeat us is a bit presumptuous."

"Where do they get the confidence to think they have victory in their grasp?"

Eleanor smiled slightly: "Our military strength has grown rapidly in recent years. Even when we attacked Blackrock Territory, we only used a portion of our military force. The outside world's perception of our military strength is mostly based on our performance in that battle. It's normal that they don't know our actual strength."

All three elders nodded in agreement.

The Silvermoon Clan has a very large scale of operations. Apart from the high-ranking members present, even the clan members themselves are not fully aware of how wealthy the clan is.

Not to mention the outside world.

Outsiders had no way of knowing that they had expanded the Daoist army.

I didn't know they had a long-range delivery method like the Flying Tower.

They were even less clear about their plans in the Underdark.

Many factions' understanding of the Silvermoon Clan is still stuck in the past.

The Steelfur Tribe is probably no exception.

In this way, they would naturally feel that victory was assured.

"But there is one point we need to pay attention to."

Eleanor changed the subject, drawing the elves' attention back.

"The Steelmane Tribe is backed by the Bloodclaw Clan. The two have close ties and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call them strategic partners."

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the hall momentarily froze.

The Bloodclaw Clan is a first-rate power, far stronger than the Steelmane Tribe, and has been expanding frequently in recent years.

If they intervene in this war, it will be a troublesome situation for the Silvermoon Clan.

Just then, Anton, who had been silent all along, finally spoke.

"As long as we don't give the Bloodclaw Clan a chance to interfere."

Anton turned to Eleanor. "How are the war preparations going?"

Even before the Steelmane tribe's envoys left the Primordial Spirit Realm, he had instructed Eleanor to prepare for war.

We should be almost ready by now.

Sure enough, Eleanor smiled and nodded.

"Supplies, scheduling, and personnel have all been prepared in advance."

"The three Flying Star Towers have been tested and are ready to be launched and deployed at any time."

Anton nodded in satisfaction, his gaze returning to the elves, his expression calm and composed.

"Since the Steelmane Tribe wants war, then let's fight."

"And we must act swiftly and decisively, giving the Steelmane Tribe and the Bloodclaw Clan no time to react."

"Issue the order that, apart from the regular troops guarding the Primordial Spirit Realm, various strategic strongholds and resource points, all other troops shall be mobilized, incorporated into the expeditionary force, and personally led by me to send troops to the Steelmane Tribe."

Anton then began to arrange manpower.

"Eleanor will remain in the Primordial Spirit Realm to oversee the overall situation. Elena and Darion will be stationed in the Nine Nether City Domain to ensure that there is no trouble in the Dark Region. The rest of you, come with me on this expedition."

As soon as the words were spoken, everyone stood up at the same time, their eyes burning with determination, and they responded in unison.

"Yes, clan chief."

After the meeting, the senior executives quickly left to attend to their busy schedules.

While the outside world was still reeling from the declaration of war, the Silvermoon Clan's war machine was already in motion.