You became an emperor by letting me AFK.

The reason we haven't used it before is because we haven't encountered enemies with decent defenses, and we've basically relied on cavalry to take them down. This time is different; we'll have to gnaw on a tortoise shell.

She didn't act on a whim; the perfectly planned process is proof of that.

The style is very obvious.

Just when you think you've figured out Feng Tianyin's plan, tracing back reveals that it was all laid out long ago, and what awaits the enemy is an overwhelming offensive, wave after wave, until they are finally defeated.

"Alright, everyone disperse and go about your business."

Continuing the discussion would only undermine morale, so Jingcheng simply ordered everyone to continue repairing the defensive line.

As the leader, you need to know more information, such as the status of the warehouses. Don't be fooled by the bustling construction of the defense line; how much scale can they actually manage with just 1 men? It's already affecting production, and everything is being hampered.

We're broke.

Xiayi can march without delaying agricultural work, something our side cannot do.

Delaying it any further would affect winter reserves. Although winters on the Great Plains aren't too cold, they shouldn't be underestimated.

A decision must be made as soon as possible; time is of the essence.

......

The third day of anxious waiting.

Banners rose on the horizon, fluttering in the wind as if unfurling the dawn's glow. Long spears were raised high to the sky, and at the forefront were heavy catapults, their rumbling weighing sounds carried far and wide, as the behemoths let out intimidating roars.

Immediately, the mighty cavalrymen spread out in formation, their tall and strong figures pressing down like a wall, each exuding a murderous aura.

Absolutely right, they are veterans who have fought many battles, and with the right equipment, they are definitely elites.

Click!

There was a metallic scraping sound the moment the pace stopped.

The open march naturally alerted the entire camp, and people climbed to higher ground to observe, including the leader, who peered out from his guards. After observing for a moment, he finally revealed a wry smile:

"Saying it's 500 people is too honest; she really only counts combat troops."

There were also quite a few auxiliary troops following them.

Since the areas controlled by both sides are not far apart and there is almost no vacuum in between, more logistics can be brought along, effectively doubling the total number of personnel.

They can also serve as substitutes at any time and are equally capable of fighting.

There are many soldiers and generals.

The Xia Yi city-state, which was constantly at war, cultivated an abundant source of soldiers and did not abandon its horsemanship and archery skills even during the process of agriculturalization.

When faced with the pressure, they realized that their previous strategies might not work. No matter how much they armed themselves like hedgehogs, the disparity in size between the two sides would lead to one outcome: the destruction of the camp.

"There are way too many of these guys."

"I've never seen any of this equipment before. What is it? We're only a few kilometers apart."

"I don't want to die, at least not in a meaningless battle."

The murmurs and discussions represent the effectiveness of the Daqian Army's deterrent force; simply displaying them here is enough to dampen their fighting spirit.

Ta-da!

The sound of hooves rang out, and a messenger squad rapidly approached, emerging from the ranks of the army and arriving at top speed. They exchanged glances, confirming no one was injured, and then, without further ado, got down to business.

"So? What's Feng Tianyin's attitude?"

Xue Yong gave an answer that matched Jing Cheng's expectations: "She wants us to be completely brought under the jurisdiction of Daqian."

"Otherwise, it will be war."

Chapter 24: Catapults Clear the Way (Please continue reading)

"I see."

As the leader of the forest camp, he couldn't say anything more; a nod in response to the messenger was enough.

"It's good that you're back safely, Xue Yong, after all, there's a possibility of war."

"indeed."

They and the soldiers of the camp stared intently at the army on the horizon, majestic and imposing, exuding a murderous aura; if they were to pounce, they would likely crush everything in their path.

Meanwhile, the catapults were already prepared with boulders.

They were poised for battle, ready to fight at any moment, but the Great Qian army wouldn't necessarily engage in direct combat. Feng Tianyin rode out of formation, arriving at the camp gate with her personal guards, her steps steady, facing the enemy with composure.

In response, Jing Cheng naturally stepped forward, and the two confronted each other at the door.

"I've heard so much about you."

This was no exaggeration; he had heard the name of the High Priest of Xia Yi countless times over the years.

As a long-standing ruler, Feng Tianyin has reigned for 30 years. For many, he has influenced them since birth, forming an integral part of their childhood worldview, which is as solid as a rock and renowned far and wide.

"You have made great contributions to the development of the camp over the years; you are quite capable."

The silver-haired girl gave a cold compliment.

Heaven specifically indicated that this person was rather difficult to deal with, and should be watched carefully, which shows that he is a capable individual. One cannot see a person's attributes, but he can.

After exchanging pleasantries, the two fell silent, adopting a policy of politeness before taking action.

The weaker party had no choice but to speak first: "As I mentioned in the letter, I hope we can have autonomous status."

"I won't allow it."

The firm and swift rejection made Jing Cheng frown, completely unable to grasp the other party's attitude. Not even a basic indication of a willingness to negotiate? Were they expecting a war? From a military perspective, his side was indeed a good target for achieving merit and establishing a career.

His biggest fear was that the other side was simply trying to let the army gain military merit.

Then the entire camp will become a stepping stone.

"Avoiding a war would be in the best interests of both of us, and frankly, our prepared defenses will make you bleed profusely."

"This will be the first branch city in the future, and I cannot leave it any room for autonomy, lest it set a precedent. Otherwise, how can we expect every branch city that emerges in the future to want to be independent?"

“My request is clear: I simply do not wish for you to appoint a city lord or station troops.”

"This is where compromise is not an option."

"Have you never considered what terms you would offer us?"

"If we can merge peacefully, you can enjoy a three-year tax exemption, and you and the camp's leadership will receive a reward, ensuring a worry-free life..."

"But without power?"

Correct.

The conversation has finally revealed Feng Tianyin's conditions, and there is no room for negotiation.

So far, Jing Cheng sensed more of a menacing intent than any intention to negotiate. Of course, it was nearly impossible to discern any attitude from his face; he remained cold and unresponsive.

He cannot relinquish power because he does not trust the other party's assurances.

Little did Feng Tianyin know that she vaguely sensed a powerful spiritual energy, coming from a very high place, but it was very weak, just a faint perception.

Is He watching?

In fact, Xia He was indeed observing with curiosity.

After being alerted by the AI, I kept a close eye on the development of the event, after all, it was the largest war in the history of the Great Qian Dynasty.

The military assets staked were enormous, representing an elite force assembled from the combined resources of an entire civilization; their loss was not an option. Therefore, she couldn't rest easy without overseeing the situation, especially since she was interested in Feng Tianyin's choice, which involved several steps that tested the level of intelligence.

"All show and no substance."

From the administrator's perspective, various data about the forest camp can be easily viewed, especially the status bar:

[Motivation reduced by 10% due to intimidation]

[Surrounded, with no way to retreat, cohesion -10%]

[In a state of flux...]

The overwhelming pressure from the Great Qian army truly struck them, with remarkable effect. If Xia He were the player in control, she would have acted decisively. She wouldn't care about the consequences; she was skilled in combat and winning against overwhelming odds was commonplace for her.

However, Feng Tianyin couldn't see so much detailed data, and there were a lot of interfering factors, so she had to make her own decision.

Did she hesitate? Did she want a peaceful resolution?

Without undergoing "brain surgery" to check the code, even Xia He wouldn't understand the decision she made at this moment.

But it will be soon.

Neither Heavenly Dao nor the High Priest was in a hurry, leaving the choice to the camp leader, who, after a brief silence, spoke fiercely:

"Your rejection of peace will also cause losses to your soldiers."

"Your Excellency, your words sound noble, but in reality, you are unwilling to relinquish power and are using the banner of peace to satisfy your personal desires. I reiterate for the last time that I will guarantee you all generous treatment."

I am immortal, and all my words and deeds are reported to the Heavenly Way. I will not break my promises, and my will will always be carried out.

Conversely, your dissatisfaction will bring destruction to your camp, and we will be unaffected.

Feng Tianyin rarely talks this much.

Perhaps her true attitude has only just emerged: she expects Jing Cheng to obey and let go of what needs to be let go.

Power is a powerful and incredibly tempting tool; if you don't relinquish it, you'll surely suffer the consequences. The meaning has been conveyed; whether Jingcheng grasps it or not is up to him. Most people simply don't have that kind of understanding.

Unfortunately, he shook his head: "We absolutely will not accept it."

"Never mind."

A long-winded speech turned out to be like talking to a brick wall. Is my eloquence really that bad?

So far, we have never successfully persuaded the barbarians to surrender, no matter how many times we have tried to reason with them.

In her eyes, the forest camp was very rational.

Unfortunately, the most crucial choice was wrong, and it couldn't be stopped.

Feng Tianyin felt somewhat wronged. Could it be that my negotiation skills were really that bad? Oh well, there's no point in arguing anymore. The door to war has already been opened, even if it goes against the wishes of both sides.

The gray-haired girl pulled on the reins and turned back, revealing her back openly, but no one made a move.

Everyone was curious about the so-called divine protection, but no one dared to challenge it. The atmosphere calmed down a bit after she returned to the army formation.