Chapter 138: Decision

The Crimson Lord world-

" Its good to see that he managed to break-through to the Qi general level. We can finally begin that." The puppet was excited. He was making lots of preparation to help Long Tao improve his strength.

"He has just gone through an intense battle." The Keeper narrated the whole event to the puppet. " He successfully managed to reign control over his consciousness while being demonized. So the predicted results were up to the mark. "

" Well, the changes occurring due to the opening of all his meridians and the up-grade to Qi general level did help his body bear the burden. The main applause should go to the powerful soul he managed to cultivate. It is at the soul master peak now. He could break-through soul-grandmaster anytime."

" If he wants to gain control over that ability, he needs to practice it continuously. The skill is a huge asset in battle." 

" I have analyzed the preliminary budget for the practice of the skill. Honestly, we can't sustain for long. He needs to find a way to gain lots of blood essence. The pool we have in the realm will be dried out as he practices the 'Blood-Tempering' art."

" Well, he can start selling the pills he is going to synthesize from his alchemy practice. It is a wealthy profession to practice. If we go with a theoretical consumption, the pool will last until the 6th level of Qi general if practice with the art."

" He can take the time to gather the blood essence with the help of loots, pills, and military points."

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" Well, war is a good time to earn lots of resources." It was true that he needed lots of resources for his practice. " What about the resources we managed to snatch from the stronghold?"

" There is a lot of currency notes and coin which can be exchanged for resources in the open market. The herbs that we managed to gain is already planted with the herb garden." 

"The garden has expanded quite a bit. The herbs obtained had around 20 species of level 4 herbs. They will help in pill synthesis."

The procurement of herbs helped in the recovery of some of the resources." What other substantial gain did you manage to have."

" The biggest gain is pills, recovery potions, and weapons. The stronghold was going to act as a supply center for the army. We managed to obtain a lot of stocked up resources." The list was quite long.

After reviewing the resources obtained and grouping them into sections, Long Tao began to discuss the production of more bombs.

"The extermination of their base is sure to gain some response. I hope that they don't just go ahead and start and start the war. The traps are still being laid."

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Tamar-

The general's quarters were quite busy at the moment. The news about there being a secret base had already reached the general, but there was no further news about the place.

"Is there any news from Long Tao's squad?". There was a negative response.

The base was a high priority target at the time of war. It would act as a supply center for the barracks, and hence they need to destroy it. 

" Ask general Su Menqi to visit me. She needs to go and assist the Black-buck squad."

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Su Menqi was training her squad for the upcoming war. They were doing personal and troop training activities regularly. She chalked out a schedule that was inspired by Long Tao's idea.

She managed to gain insights into a lot of topics. Training regimes and battle tactics were important ones. 

" We will be practicing a five-man team fighting tactics from tomorrow. It will be the core layout for the whole battalion during the war. We will follow the formation we practice earlier."

The formation as personally designed by Su Menqi after taking into consideration the terrain and the number of people in her battalion. She needed o prove her capability in the upcoming war against the Chu country.

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" The General has ordered for your presence in the office this instance." A messenger from the central place arrived at Su Menqi's tent.

" What is the matter? The troop training is at a crucial juncture at the moment. Can the matter be postponed for now." Su Menqi didn't want to leave mid-training. 

" The discussion is regarding the Black-buck squad." The general asked him to mention the squad specifically. As expected, SU Menqi instantly agreed to leave.

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The forest region-

" We need to work faster. Lay the bombs in the specified locations. We can't afford to make any mistake. It is one of the seven regions we need to cover."

The soldiers were working day and night to la the ambush. The destruction of stronghold might result in a direct attack from the Chu army. The man who took charge of the squad was shouting out orders continuously.

Although the whole squad was worried about Long Tao, the objective was set in stone. They needed to finish the job before the war commences.

" From now on, a small group of you will be continuously moving back ad forth from the supply tents." 

"The group responsible for the creation will be working in two shifts for creating as many devices as possible. The war can start any minute."

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" What is the matter general. Did the black-buck squad face any hindrance during the execution of their mission." Su Menqi was restless when she heard about the Black-buck's condition.

" The messenger we sent managed to return today. Long Tao eliminated the stronghold along with all the troops stationed there. The Black-buck squad is currently setting up the ambush. They have requested some extra pairs of hands. I want you to go there with some 200 men and help them in their task."

" Is there any news from Long Tao?" Su Menqi prayed for his safety.

" The last sighting was while he entered the stronghold. There is no news until now after the collapse. The squad is still waiting for him to establish contact. You should leave ASAP." Su Menqi nodded in agreement and left.

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The Chu country-

The King was in a bad mood at the moment. " What do you mean that our stronghold is destroyed. DO you even know about the number of resources we have invested in creating that stronghold?"

"The details are not precise. The inspection teams couldn't enter the region until three days due to the forest fire. The mountain seems to have collapsed. There are no signs of exit in and around the ruins. The excavation is being executed."

" Speed it up. You are dismissed."

The King left the court and entered a particular room built near his chambers.

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"Is there any response from the three leaders stationed there.?". The King was bombarded with questions as soon as he entered. It was the meeting room for all his allies in this war.

" The result sent by the excavation team is on its way. The whole mountain collapsed, and there were no survivors stationed outside."

" It seems that bastard managed to take them down. We need to inspect the location ourselves. If the facts stated by you are real, there is a slim chance they might have survived." One of the figures spoke. He had a rustic voice.

" what do you suggest we do?" The King was getting nervous as time went by. He just managed to settle the problems within the royal court. He couldn't afford to take a misstep here.

"Prepare for war. We will be starting with our army after ten days. We shall not abide by the two months. They already have the upper hand within the forest regions."