'Ancestor Zuan, what do you think?'
Zuan pondered a bit before saying.
'Even if I accept, the other leaders won't. At least, not if it's a kid who's suggesting it.'
Zuan then looked at Kassie before saying.
'But if it's you, they might agree with it. You can simply have Roan stay with you during this time and give the commands yourself. Roan would then use Spiritual Sense messages to tell you what to do.'
Kassie pondered a bit and admitted that it was a good idea. If anyone asked, she could simply say that she took him as a disciple or whatever. First of all, she wasn't obligated to give anyone an explanation to keep someone close to her.
'Alright, let's try.'
Kassie then turned to everyone before saying.
"I think I have a way to win this war. However, I will need full control of everyone's units."
Immediately, all eyes focused on Kassie. Soon after, Kocei Jialin spoke.
"You are the main strategist of the Dalamu Sect. Speak, what do you have in mind. If you can really convince us you can win this war, we might follow your arrangements."
Kassie nodded and immediately sent the entire plan through a Spiritual Sense message.
"What? Can you really do something like that?!"
"This is too crazy! Kassie, are you sure?"
Kassie immediately confirmed.
"I can, but I won't lie. There is a good chance of it failing. If you think it is not worth the risk, then we can disband right away."
Everyone immediately fell into thoughts as they analyzed their chances. Finally, Fuka looked at Kassie before saying.
"The chances of failing are significantly high. However, it also has a great chance of working if Kassie can pull it off. My Laan City members would obviously be delighted to get a bigger territory to manage. After thinking about the odds, I decided to accept her idea."
Kocei was the next one.
"My Jialin Royal Family also accepts it. At least, we do have a feasible method. Besides, Kassie is known for being a formidable commander. She might just be able to really pull it out."
Zuan, obviously, didn't have any issues.
"Kassie is part of my Dalamu Sect, so our opinion is the same as her."
The Raskiu, Lagan, and Rohe Sect also nodded in the end and accepted the idea. Seeing that everyone decided to follow the plan, Umbral Sect eventually accepted it as well.
"Alright, that's up to you now."
Kassie nodded.
"Leave it to me."
Kocei then turned around and headed back to where Larael Cassen was waiting.
"We decided to continue. In the end, the territory is not enough for what we need. However, once we conquer the Pali Mountain Range ahead, it will be enough."
Larael narrowed his eyes.
"So you decided to attack us even though we have the terrain advantage, huh? Seem like you've become too greedy about the Triliun and Transten Ores. Very well. In that case, I have another deal for you."
Kocei nodded.
"Speak, what kind of deal?"
Larael continued.
"Let's make this the last clash between our forces. If our side wins, your Jialin Country will immediately retreat and be happy with what you got. If you win, then we will retreat ourselves. Also, no cultivator above the Core and Soul Fusion Realm is allowed to participate in this battle. That way, both countries will be able to preserve their real experts. Of course, they can still give orders. After all, strategists are necessary for both sides. What do you think?"
Kocei narrowed his eyes. This deal seemed a lot more advantageous for their Jialin Country than it was to Cassen.
"You seem to be very confident in your chances of victory."
Larael didn't deny that.
"We are. However, the first deal is still up. We can end this war with an equal share right now."
Everyone then looked at Kocei. Everything that had to be said was said already. In the end, it would come up to the Royal Family's decision.
Finally, Kocei made his choice.
"We will fight. I also accept your second deal. No cultivators at the Nascent Soul Realm and above shall participate in this battle. If we lose, we will immediately retreat without getting anything from the Ore Deposit. Only the already conquered territory."
Larael Cassen smiled after hearing that.
"That shall be done."
Right after, he turned around and returned to the back of the defense line. Of course, none of the Saint Realm experts would retreat. They would keep their Spiritual Senses spread out, ensuring that neither side would intervene using high-level cultivators.
Kocei also went back to his side.
"You already heard what Larael said. We will not intervene in this battle with our power. Only the commanding is allowed. Kassie, we will leave it up to you from now on."
Kassie nodded, and she immediately soared higher in the skies. However, Zuan did something different. Instead, he went down and grabbed Roan with his Spiritual Energy before flying to another place. A few people noticed that, including the other Ancestors. However, neither of them cared too much. After all, a few of them also had a disciple or another on their sides to learn.
The plan was quite simple. Zuan kept Roan close enough to Kassie so that his Spiritual Sense could reach her. From there, he would give her the order, which she would repass to all the other commanders.
Kassie pretended to ignore that and then spoke.
"Listen up! From now on, I'm the one commanding all units. Those who refuse to comply with my orders will be executed, no questions asked. The other sect leaders already accepted this arrangement, so you can ask them directly if you want."
Obviously, everyone was surprised to see that an elder of a single sect would be in charge of all forces. But when they asked their own side about this, they found out that it was really the truth.
Kassie waited a few minutes until everyone had confirmed that her words were true before saying.
"I believe everyone has understood it by now. All forces! Prepare to battle!"
