After Lin Zhan's reconnaissance, their current location was identified as the starting point of the Heavenly Road on the Celestial race's side. Moving forward would mean entering the Celestial race's hinterland, the very place where their people lived.
Lin Zhan meticulously marked the positions of the main camps on the map, speaking to the group, "The location we are in forms a natural funnel shape. Behind us is the Heavenly Road, and in front lies the entire plain. Within a 3,000-kilometer range ahead, there are two major Celestial cities and ten medium-sized cities. Smaller towns have not been accounted for."
"Now, the Celestial race has cleared the outskirts, meaning once we enter this 3,000-kilometer zone, we will be blind. Unless we capture the two major Celestial cities, there is no way to achieve our strategic objectives."
"I personally believe we should fortify our current position as a stronghold, manned by the Valiant Spirit Legion. Our command post will be advanced another 1,000 kilometers forward. Simultaneously, two large camps will be established 50 kilometers to the left and right of the command post to divide our forces."
"Once these main camps are secured, we will launch a proactive offensive. If necessary, I will issue a city-slaughtering order. Only by doing so can we actively force the Heavenly Dao Legion to appear and engage us in a decisive battle."
"Of course, there is a second method: gradual attrition. Using the current stronghold as a base, we can sweep outwards, continuously weakening the Celestial race's military strength. However, if we consider the time required for this approach, this war might drag on indefinitely."
The Ancestor of the Netherworld, standing beside them, also furrowed his brow and said, "This won't do. If we prolong this war, the pressure on the Sea of Fortune will increase. Remember, the founders of the Celestial race are all there, unlike our side where we only have the useless Tian Lao Wu holding the fort."
King Ashura, chiming in, said, "Stop the nonsense. Tomorrow, I'll lead the sons of the Ashura clan to attack the Celestial major cities. We... will... Old Black, what's that saying?"
Ancestor Black Robe rolled his eyes. "What saying?"
"I'll be damned if I know! You boast about not knowing letters, and now you're stuck, looking foolish. What a disgrace!"
"That... that is, we'll just do it. What's all the fuss about?" Ancestor Black Robe said. He then turned to Lin Zhan and said, "Youngster Lin, you understand warfare better than any of us. We'll do as you say."
"Ah, yes, yes, yes. Old Black is right. We'll just do it."
Lin Zhan blinked, looking at the Ancestor of the Netherworld with a bewildered expression.
*How did these two manage to cultivate into ancestors of the netherworld? Does the netherworld cultivation system reward ignorance?*
The Ancestor of the Netherworld, understanding the meaning in Lin Zhan's gaze, blushed slightly. "What do you mean, boy? Don't you know some people are born intelligent, while others are only slightly smarter than a pig's brain?"
"That's right, that's right. Netherworld, this old fellow, is right. Old Black and I are the naturally intelligent ones," King Ashura interjected opportunistically. (Su Dan Novel Network)
Lin Zhan sighed, silently comforting himself, *Thank goodness. Even if they're a bit slow, they're obedient. At least they do as they're told. I can't ask for too much.*
He then began working on the map, marking a point 1,000 kilometers directly ahead of their current position.
"Old Leng, take some skilled individuals to scout this area and select suitable locations for the main camps. Move quickly. Also, try to find Old Xiao and see how their scouts are faring against the Heavenly Dao Legion's scouts and if there's any new intelligence," Lin Zhan said to Leng Shan below.
As inheritors of a hunter lineage, no one was more suited for exploring unknown territories than the Leng family.
"Ancestor Black Robe, Ancestor King Ashura, I'll trouble you two to accompany Leng Shan. Firstly, to look after them, and secondly, I want you two to scout for any hidden traps or contingencies laid by the Celestial ancestors," Lin Zhan said, turning to the two.
Just as they were about to nod, the Ancestor of the Netherworld spoke, "Youngster Lin, I'll accompany them as well. If any of the Netherworld troops dare to disobey military orders, you can execute them directly."
The Ancestor of the Netherworld naturally understood the importance of camp security. With new legions arriving in the netherworld constantly, leaving his post could lead to problems.
But there was no choice. Ancestor Black Robe and King Ashura, those two simpletons, were too unreliable. They were skilled killers, but for delicate tasks like this... it was best he went himself to ensure it was done properly.
After the three departed, Lin Zhan said to the generals below, "Everyone, return to your respective units and rest. We'll wait for Ancestor Netherworld and the others to return with their findings."
"Yes..."
"Da Biao, have your staff put their minds to it and create an accurate three-dimensional map. We've been fighting for so long, don't let a mistake at this final hurdle bring us down."
Zhang Da Biao quickly nodded. "Rest assured, Commander. I guarantee absolute precision. If there's even a slight error, take my head."
Seeing Zhang Da Biao's bloodshot eyes, Lin Zhan nodded. "You've worked hard."
He then said to Xuan Zhen behind him, "Xuan Zhen, prepare fatigue-relieving pills for the staff, and have my private kitchen prepare some nourishing supplements."
"Yes, Young Master."
"Thank you, Commander..."
No one present showed any jealousy at the special treatment given to the staff department.
Everyone knew that since the war began, the entire staff department had been working day and night, charting maps, calculating routes, and deliberating on battle plans.
Even their rest was taken in shifts, with only short naps. Zhang Da Biao, as the chief of staff, had not slept more than three hours a night in months.
Most importantly, the strength of the staff department was not particularly high. Many military staff members were not even as strong as the soldiers in the main combat legions.
Even Zhang Da Biao, the chief of staff, had only just broken through to the King level. He couldn't even defeat the two-headed dog that the little Taoist priest rode.
As Lin Zhan returned to his resting quarters, Ye Fan emerged from the void beside him, accompanied by a burly, tattooed man.
It was upon hearing Ye Fan's telepathic message that Lin Zhan had left the command post.
"Holy cow, old man, what are you doing here? You just advanced to Ancestor like it was nothing? How are the rest of us supposed to live?"
Ye Fan flicked Lin Zhan's forehead. "What are you talking about? If you're so disrespectful, don't blame me for teaching you a lesson. It's just a small matter, why the fuss? A mere Ancestor, nothing your grandpa can't handle."
The burly man beside him pouted. "Chunyang, have some dignity. The entire human race's sword dao accumulation over tens of thousands of years has been comprehended by you alone. If you still can't advance to Ancestor, even Ancestor Sui Ren would have to suppress you."