Vile Dominion

Chapter 60: War and Survival

Guo Chen replied hesitatingly, "If the Golden Leaf Valley and Stormcloud region are lost, then we would automatically lose the Ironwood Plain!"

Wu Xiang, also no fool, understood instantly. "What a terrible scheme. I assume they have already conquered the Golden Leaf Valley; otherwise, we would have received information about it earlier than the Stormcloud region. To launch such a large-scale attack, she must have utilized nearly 50% of the army! We let our guard down. During this recuperation period, no one wants to start a war, but to think she didn't even hesitate! We shouldn't have mobilized some of our army from the border!"

For common people, it might seem trivial to utilize 50% of the army. However, practically, it is a huge deal. Militaries are normally stationed at various resource points, near the Main Palace, and spread within the Kingdom to monitor civilians to prevent possible civil wars and disputes, especially during such a sensitive period. Besides, they are stationed at various prisons, the extensive borders against the Wu Dynasty and Shu Dynasty, and various coastal areas to guard against potential intruders via waterways. All these positions are crucial for the kingdom's safety and stability and must not be mobilized without absolute reasons!

During the Great Catastrophe, every faction lost significant resources. It was already a situation where no side could launch a full-scale war. Due to this, the Wu Dynasty mobilized some soldiers from the border for other purposes, such as resource reallocation, especially from Golden Leaf Valley since the Stormcloud region was much more crucial for the Wu Dynasty.

Guo Chen said calmly, "This would not only allow them to take some of our territory, but it will also make us much more vulnerable since we will have to shift our base and consolidate our positions while they would gain a high ground advantage, a perfect position for archers! Their shooter cavalry will be unstoppable if we allow them to have a higher ground advantage. They would cause us much more harm than we expect. We must not lose the Stormcloud region, even if we lose Golden Leaf Valley! There is only one possibility that she would go for an all-out war—the Golden Crow Kingdom didn't suffer significant losses in the Great Catastrophe. This is very bad news for them because we now have enough reason to form an alliance with the other two Dynasties. It might be why they are rushing for a full-scale war!"

Wu Xiang asked, "What do you think is the best course of action now?"

Guo Chen replied calmly, "We can't defend the Golden Leaf Valley. It is better to give up on it. We must take control of the Stormcloud region. Since she has mobilized a large army to take over Golden Leaf, their forces would be split. The one leading over the Stormcloud region wouldn't be Shi Tian; he would definitely be in the Golden Leaf Valley instead. First, we need to hold the fort in the Stormcloud region, and then request help from the Shu Dynasty. If they attack the Golden Crow Kingdom from their side, not only will they succeed in capturing some of the territory, but the Golden Crow Kingdom would also have to cease the full-scale war with the Wu Dynasty. This is the best course of action for now."

At that moment, another guard hurried in. He bowed to Emperor Wu and said, trembling, "My lord, we lost the Golden Leaf Valley!"

Even though he was already aware, Wu Xiang couldn't help but think. 'So fast!'

He commanded, "Call General Lu Ren!"

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Golden Leaf Valley

Jin Huang returned and glanced at the Golden Crow Kingdom's flag flying over Golden Leaf Valley, feeling satisfied.

At that moment, Shi Tian entered. "We have conquered the Golden Leaf Valley, but most of our warriors are here. It will be difficult to conquer the Stormcloud region."