Rommel, along with the high-ranking officials of the myriad races' allied forces, stood atop a colossal tree, their brows furrowed as they observed the human army outside the barrier.
"It seems the human offensive is quite fierce this time," the Divine Clan's Empress remarked, casting a venomous glance at Tie Ha'er. "A pity we lack sufficient time. Otherwise, we could have annihilated this entire invading human alliance."
Rommel shook his head. "It matters not. Battles are fluid, and success hinges on timing, terrain, and unity. It is a matter of killing, after all, and one should not force matters. We simply do our best."
Hiding in the rear, playing the role of a silent observer, the Demon Clan's Emperor and Xue Feng crouched to the side.
"Damn, is that Divine Clan woman crazy? To say such things..."
"What 'this and that'? This foolish fox is just afraid of death. Look how little the humans have lost. But us? We've already lost three defensive secret realms. If we don't inflict a heavy blow on the humans soon, this war is as good as lost."
The Demon Clan's Emperor nodded. "My cousin speaks the truth. Our Demon Clan's guard, besides the 8,000 Kings openly present, has another 3,000 elite Kings in reserve. Counting your kin and Da Bai's, we still have nearly twenty thousand Kings we can deploy. These are our trump cards for survival."
"Exactly. Let's go, cousin. We should prepare too. It's not like this job is difficult; it's just about intimidation," Xue Feng agreed.
Outside the barrier, the Iron Eater Beast Legion had ceased their efforts to breach it.
In the grand tent, Tie Ha'er addressed the assembled group. "The barrier will be opened in another hour. Have you decided on the deployment?"
Jiang Zheng nodded. "Whether we charge forward or cower, it's a single strike. Let's fight directly. No point in delaying; the sooner we start, the sooner it ends."
Tie Ha'er nodded. "Then everyone should rest for now. Dawn breaks in five hours. We will launch our offensive at first light. Contact my uncle and ensure he's ready for fire support at any time."
Jiang Zheng nodded. "All contact has been made. The Marshal is also prepared."
"Ha'er, for tomorrow's battle, you and the Iron Eater Beast Legion will hold back initially. You must guard against the heavily armored guards of the Divine and Demon races. Otherwise, our other Kings will suffer too great a loss fighting them."
Tie Ha'er nodded. "Don't worry, I know what to do. My uncle instructed me well on the way here. But you all must be careful too. Even if the Kings of the Divine and Demon races don't act, the Kings of the other myriad races will be enough to deal with."
With that, Tie Ha'er exited the tent, leading his brethren to guard the barrier and sleep.
Watching Tie Ha'er leave, Lin Wufa shook his head with a wry smile. "These obstinate fellows. Apart from Zhan'er, no one listens to anyone. The fact that they've reached this point is already a great concession to us."
Leng Shan nodded. "But these national treasures are truly loyal. They are resting directly beneath the Giant Ogre's barrier, the most dangerous place. If the myriad races attack under the cover of night, the Iron Eaters will be the first target."
Jiang Zheng looked at the map and addressed the others. "Everyone, I propose we set up a heavy artillery emplacement near the barrier, just in case."
The others were taken aback by Jiang Zheng's words. Lin Wufa then frowned.
"Young Jiang, you're worried about the myriad races' skeleton horde, aren't you? That possibility is quite real. I think this is a good idea. We'll build the emplacement overnight and have Zhan'er send over some heavy artillery."
Leng Shan and the others chimed in. "A few heavy artillery pieces are useless. Notify the logistics corps and enlist the help of the Earth Dragon race. Let's construct an artillery position overnight with 3,000 heavy cannons and 5,000 rapid-fire guns, establishing a simple defensive line along the Giant Ogre's barrier border."
Everyone readily agreed.
Upon learning of this, Lin Zhan immediately dispatched the Wind God Winged Dragon Knight regiment with heavy and rapid-fire cannons to provide support. Furthermore, each Winged Dragon Knight carried an additional logistics engineer.
He also instructed Li Feiyang, the commander of the Wind God Winged Dragon Knight regiment, along with Wang Zhanshan and Liu Dali, to prepare to assist in the frontal assault and to simultaneously test how much the combat effectiveness of the Wind God Winged Dragon Knight regiment would be reduced in a forest environment.