The grand hall was silent, everyone's expression grave. All of Great Qin's top forces were present, over a dozen Emperor-level experts, yet this was far too little against the threat of the Sixteen Sects.
Li Xiaotian's current strength could handle three late-stage Emperor-level experts, but the other Emperor-levels, including those from the three newly subjugated sects, had at most mid-stage Emperor-level strength, with only three of them.
However, the Sixteen Sects had at least nearly a hundred Emperor-level experts, with at least a dozen of them being late-stage Emperor-levels. The disparity in strength between Great Qin and the Sixteen Sects was simply too vast. If the enemy launched a full-scale assault, Great Qin would surely be annihilated, and even Li Xiaotian's demonic transformation would be of no avail.
"Great Qin currently possesses fifty Dragon God Mechs, but the Dragon God Mechs have already revealed themselves. The Sixteen Sects likely have defenses in place. Furthermore, we have no intel on the movements of the Sixteen Sects, which puts us in a very passive position, as they could strike at any moment."
King Qin spoke, his tone filled with worry. Great Qin was already at a disadvantage. Now, with Great Qin exposed and the enemy in the shadows, this situation was highly unfavorable.
"Why not temporarily abandon the other five cities and consolidate all our forces for defense in the capital? This way, our response would be somewhat easier."
Someone made a suggestion, but as soon as the words left his mouth, he realized it was inappropriate, as several people in the hall were already looking at him with displeasure.
"The five cities of Zhengcheng have already been occupied and belong to Great Qin's territory. To abandon our own land before a single battle has even been fought, what are we even fighting this war for?"
Li Xiaotian spoke, his meaning clear. He would not accept the suggestion. How could territory already gained be abandoned due to a little danger? Wouldn't that mean those who died in battle had died in vain?
"At worst, we'll fight them head-on. Prepare all our nuclear weapons. If they truly push us to a corner, we'll take them down with us!"
Someone spoke up, a member of the former Dragon King Hall, their face filled with fighting spirit.
Li Xiaotian slightly shook his head. This was the worst-case scenario, but Great Qin had not yet reached that point.
However, he had already formulated a plan.
"This is a crisis for Great Qin, but it is also an opportunity, an opportunity for true rise. Once we defeat the Sixteen Sects this time, Great Qin will truly stand firm, and then no revitalized force will be able to underestimate Great Qin!"
Li Xiaotian stood up, looking at everyone around him, and then continued.
"The Sixteen Sects can form an alliance, can't we find others to ally with?"
"Dragon King, are you suggesting we request experts from the Sword Pavilion and the Dao Sect? But this is an internal conflict among humans, and as paramount sects of the human race, the Sword Pavilion and the Dao Sect are unlikely to intervene lightly. Moreover, let's not forget the desolate shrine watching from the side. While they may not act, they will never allow Great Qin to grow too close to the Sword Pavilion and the Dao Sect."
Wang Yangshan spoke. In ancient times, various forces were established, and internal conflicts among humans were also numerous. There was an unwritten rule that paramount sects did not easily participate in internal human conflicts.
Li Xiaotian slowly shook his head and then spoke.
"You don't need to worry about these matters. I will handle them. What needs to be done now is the defense of each city, to be constantly prepared for sneak attacks from the Sixteen Sects. Additionally, starting tonight, all fighter jets will be dispatched to blockade the airspace of Great Qin's six cities, while simultaneously reconnoitering in all directions to detect any signs of army movements."
Li Xiaotian issued instructions one by one. He had a premonition that the Sixteen Sects' next offensive would be extremely fierce.
Half an hour later, Li Xiaotian walked out of the palace, letting out a long sigh of relief. He then took out his phone. Originally, he didn't want to use this layer of connection so soon, but the crisis Great Qin was facing this time was too great, leaving him no choice.