Speaking, Tang Sui looked at Titan. "If the Heaven Dou Empire does not come forward now, my brother and the others cannot leave Sea God Island due to the Sea God's trial. Only you, who are friendly with the Blacksmith's Association, that is, the Tang Sect, can better persuade them to transfer to a safe place first."
Titan agreed immediately, "The Vice Sect Master's consideration is very thorough. I will definitely persuade them to transfer."
A hint of worry flickered across Tang Sui's brow. "It's best if we can persuade them. I'm afraid that before persuasion can happen, we'll only be able to transfer passively. After all, the Spirit Empire's invasion of the two empires has already accelerated. I hope we can make it in time."
Niu Gao nodded and asked, "Vice Sect Master, shall we go and gather our things now?"
Tang Sui pondered for two seconds and said, "I have just ordered the disciples to check their combat hidden weapons and about five days' worth of dry rations. Do the elders think it would be faster to drive the carriages over, or to rush there on foot?"
Bai He and the others exchanged glances and chose the latter.
"Let's set off directly. There are also ready-made carriages and carts in the City of Metal, and if the second scenario mentioned by the Vice Sect Master happens, carriages would become a burden for our evacuation."
"Alright. Transmit my order: the four halls shall each dispatch 50 disciples with cultivation above Soul Grandmaster, check their combat equipment and wound medicine inventory, and be ready in the front courtyard. We will depart in one hour. We will send someone to notify Elder Yang. He should not be able to make it. Please ask him to stay and guard the Tang Sect's main camp after he has handled the affairs with Emperor Xue Ye."
Tang Sui made a series of arrangements in an orderly fashion.
The three of them responded and went to gather the qualified disciples from their respective halls.
"What will you do if war breaks out before you reach a safe period?" the system asked abruptly.
Tang Sui pursed her lips and nudged the masked fox in her mental space awake.
An hour later, excluding the leading elders and Tang Sui, 200 disciples with cultivation above Soul Grandmaster were fully equipped and ready in the front courtyard.
Tang Sui looked at the energetic Tang Sect disciples and nodded to herself. She injected soul power into her voice and said loudly, "I believe you all know the purpose of this journey. You are all elite disciples of my Tang Sect. I will speak plainly beforehand: if we arrive when the Spirit Empire's army is also here, a fierce battle is inevitable. Although I, the Vice Sect Master, and three elders will personally lead the team, I hope you will also pay attention to your own safety. If you feel unsafe, cooperate as a team and withdraw in an orderly manner. Can you do that?"
"Yes!"
A single word, filled with immense power, was spoken by these 200 elite disciples.
Niu Gao and the others looked with pride at the revitalized appearance of their former clansmen. Tang Sui's suppressed lips finally curved into a slight smile. Sudan Novel Network.
"Very good."
"Buzz—"
Vast soul power suddenly emanated from Tang Sui's body. Four jade-white masks appeared. The three elders who were close by were startled. They watched as the deep soul rings, starting from the sixth soul ring, slowly floated around Tang Sui, their striking redness deeply shocking everyone present.
"Th-three hundred-thousand-year soul rings!"
Many disciples couldn't help but exclaim.
"First soul skill, Spirit Infusion."
Black and red light surged into the sky and entered everyone, including Tang Sui.
The elite disciples immediately felt an increase in their composite attributes, their faces showing excitement and admiration for the powerful individual.
This group amplification was too strong!
It was as if one person was equivalent to a thousand!
"Fifth soul skill, Cycle Mask."
On top of the existing foundation, everyone received another layer of amplification.
A deep look of shock appeared in Bai He's eyes, and he swallowed the words of surprise that were about to escape his lips.
To assist 204 soul masters with one person's power!
Even though the increased attributes were not as potent as those from the strongest support martial soul, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, Tang Sui amplified more attributes, and there were more people!
Niu Gao, with a stoic expression and no sign of weakness, silently gave Tang Sui a thumbs-up.
Amazing!
Titan also showed a moment of astonishment, but quickly straightened his chest with pride.
As expected of the master's child!
With the amplification complete, Tang Sui raised her hand and gave the order, "All disciples, follow me!"
A mighty procession set off from the Tang Sect, heading southeast towards the Star Luo Empire's border.
In four days and five nights, the journey was filled with travel, resting, and recovering soul power, followed by continued travel with amplification. This repeated cycle of exhausting stamina and soul power. It was only on the fourth day that Tang Sui slowed down her pace, stopping for half a day to allow the disciples to adjust their condition, rest, and make final preparations. They finally arrived near Gengxin City by the evening of the fifth day.
"Everyone stop."
Tang Sui, leading the way, frowned and raised her hand in a stopping gesture, gazing at the gradually opening flat ground ahead.
"Vice Sect Master, what is it?"
Niu Gao and the others looked at Tang Sui.
Tang Sui's brows were tightly furrowed. She shared the results of her expanded spiritual power detection with everyone: "There is a large encampment of Spirit Empire soul master soldiers about seven miles ahead."
"What?! Did we arrive too late?!" Titan's expression changed, and his heart tightened.
Bai He stepped forward and said, "Vice Sect Master, I will take two disciples from the Swift Hall to scout ahead first."
"Yes, pay attention to concealment, do not be discovered by the enemy." Tang Sui nodded and signaled to the other Tang Sect disciples. Everyone immediately began to find nearby cover and dispersed.
A short while later, Bai He returned with two disciples whose cultivation was at the Soul King level.
"Vice Sect Master, Gengxin City is now completely surrounded by Spirit Empire soldiers. Rough estimates suggest over a thousand people, with more than five hundred soldiers being soul masters. Furthermore, the atmosphere within the city is tense, civilians are staying indoors, and the remaining personnel of the Blacksmith's Association have armed themselves. The city gates are closed, and over twenty disciples of the Blacksmith's Association are holding weapons at the main gate, in a standoff with the Spirit Empire soul master forces about 500 meters away. Neither side has launched a rash attack." Bai He reported the intelligence they had gathered to Tang Sui.
"Additionally, the highest soul power cultivation among these Spirit Empire soldiers appears to be a Soul Douluo, with most of the remaining soldiers at the Soul Grandmaster level."
Tang Sui pondered for a few seconds. "The blacksmiths of the Blacksmith's Association have strong soul power, and with various weapons and traps, even soul masters would have a tough time. They are not enough to capture Gengxin City. Their current inaction, while completely surrounding Gengxin City, is likely because they are waiting for reinforcements from the Spirit Empire to arrive before launching a full-scale attack. We still have time."
"Since Old Goat is not here this time, our combat power will likely be significantly reduced. Vice Sect Master, what do you think we should do?" Niu Gao looked at Tang Sui.
Tang Sui scanned the elite disciples she had brought, then looked in the direction of the Spirit Empire soldiers. She said to Bai He, "Grand-uncle, you are fast. Please enter Gengxin City and find Elder Lou Gao's disciple, Si Long, the current president of the Blacksmith's Association. Tell him that we will attack from the back gate in one hour. He need not worry about the disciples guarding the front gate; they will be covered for evacuation by disciples from the Swift Hall. Have him and those inside the city prepare for evacuation."
"Understood." Bai He nodded. His body distorted in place and he disappeared without a trace, leaving no discernible aura.
—Author's Notes—
Another punctual day!