Chapter 1935: United Efforts

Zhao Xianhe nodded, "Several of our officials and generals stationed in Xianyou have already been assassinated."

After the fall of Xianyou, the Panlong army divided into two forces. General Hong, General Huyi, and others went to the eastern front to resist Beijia, while he led a force to clear out opposing factions within Xianyou, specifically the self-proclaimed warlords and local gentry.

"We took Xiji with ease back then," He Lingchuan said gravely, "but it took us over a year to eradicate the Longchuan river pirates and secure the Longchuan trade route. Drawing on our experience with Yuheng City, it would take at least several years to quell the internal unrest in Xianyou and allow its people to integrate with Panlong citizens, shedding their prejudices." He added, "The cost of our involvement in Xianyou will offset a significant portion of the gains we've made."

General Hong defeated Xiji in just three days, but Yuheng City spent several years dismantling the Longchuan river pirates. As the commander at the time, He Lingchuan had the most authority on this matter.

"Secondly, annexing Xianyou would undoubtedly alarm neighboring countries, which would be detrimental to our diplomacy. No one welcomes a neighbor who loves to fight and seize others' homes." Small nations near Panlong would worry about becoming the next Xianyou. "Especially Baling, which used to waver between us and Beijia. Now that Xianyou is gone, our buffer with Baling has disappeared."

General Nanke sneered, "So what?"

"Baling, Xianyou, and we all share deep animosities. Now that Xianyou has fallen to us, Baling must be terrified day and night, fearing the same fate, and might directly fall into Beijia's embrace. I believe no one here wants Baling to become another Xiluo, a puppet state completely subservient to Beijia."

This claim was somewhat exaggerated; Baling had a strong military and a shrewd, decisive ruler, making it unlikely to become another Xiluo. However, the name "Xiluo" was a painful thorn in everyone's side, hurting whenever mentioned.

General Nanke grumbled, "At worst, we'll just wipe them out too."

But everyone knew he was just muttering, not serious.

Panlong City had found the destruction of Xianyou arduous enough and was not keen on engaging Baling for now. Furthermore, if they genuinely eliminated Baling, Panlong City would lose another strategic buffer against Beijia on the northern front!

"If we withdraw our troops, all surrounding nations will breathe a sigh of relief and lower their guard, believing that we are not greedy for land but merely giving Xianyou a bloody lesson," He Lingchuan stated firmly. "The timing is perfect. We have just conquered the entire territory of Xianyou and cleared out resistance forces everywhere. From other countries' perspectives, we could easily continue occupying Xianyou, so our withdrawal would be a proactive move that would not diminish Panlong City's reputation."

Defeating an opponent and then leaving demonstrates strength and freedom, not a humiliating retreat.

"Finally, I believe you all know that Beijia cannot stomach this defeat. A 150,000-strong army is already en route to attack the eastern part of Maohe Plain. This time, their forces are formidable; even Mengshan has dispatched its tiger demon army." He Lingchuan observed several Adam's apples bobbing, knowing they wanted to speak, and preemptively cut them off: "I do not doubt our army's strength and resolve, nor whether we can defend Yuheng City. However, this will undoubtedly be one of the most brutal wars of our time. Since our great vengeance has been exacted, our wealth secured, and the immediate threat removed, is it still necessary to pay such a high price for Xianyou, from which we have already reaped all possible benefits?"

The discussion circled back to the original topic: weighing the pros and cons.

Liu Tiao suddenly spoke, "General Huyi makes a good point. Xianyou's territory isn't vast, and while its resources are indeed rich, there are many other small countries nearby with similar conditions. Why should we focus on just one tree when there's an entire forest?"

She had repeatedly distinguished herself in battles over the years and had been promoted to General Wuying, becoming Panlong City's second female general.

With someone having taken the lead, several other young generals echoed: "Exactly. Earlier, we took three western tribes and two small nations, and Beijia didn't utter a sound. If we want to expand our territory or recruit people, we don't necessarily have to fixate on Xianyou alone."

General Nanke fell silent, and Han Wensheng looked thoughtfully at He Lingchuan.

General Huyi had a reputation among both soldiers and civilians for being courageous and resolute, with a particularly fierce fighting style. Han Wensheng had expected him to insist on annexing Xianyou, so he was surprised to see him strongly support Commander Zhong this time.

He Lingchuan, however, did not meet their gaze.

He had not changed his mind and still wished to annex Xianyou. After all, his real ambition was much grander: to conquer the entire Shanjin Plain.

However, Zhong Shengguang had specifically sought him out for a private discussion before the general meeting, wanting to brief him in advance. He Lingchuan immediately understood.

Announcing this decision would involve immense pressure, and Zhong Shengguang greatly needed He Lingchuan's public support, or at least for him not to openly undermine him in the Gan'ge Hall, as public sentiment would surely be agitated.

General Hong was absent. If even a pivotal figure like He Lingchuan opposed, then even if Zhong Shengguang could forcefully suppress all dissenting voices and insist on the withdrawal, it would be a significant blow to his prestige.

In a system like Panlong City's, where military and government were integrated, the authority of the leader was paramount. There were many difficult and major battles ahead. He Lingchuan understood this, and even if he didn't fully agree, he had to speak out in strong support of Commander Zhong, preventing him from facing the opposition alone.

He Lingchuan was a master of rhetoric; he could argue any point convincingly, depending on the perspective he chose.

His recent arguments had also been objective. The generals present, skilled in warfare but not particularly eloquent, couldn't immediately find suitable words to refute him.

Most people, following his line of reasoning, thought, "Indeed, perhaps occupying Xianyou isn't absolutely necessary after all."

Zhao Xianhe also realized and said in a deep voice, "It's not that we don't want Xianyou; it's simply that the timing isn't right. Rest assured, gentlemen, one day, Xianyou will certainly return to Panlong's control!"

With the Vice Commander-in-Chief also speaking, the others exchanged glances, understanding that the high-ranking officials had reached a consensus.

Xu Shichu also cleared his throat lightly and said gently, "Recently, deities and demons have been falling one after another, and Imperial Dew has been appearing frequently. It seems to have caused some changes in the laws of heaven and earth. We also need time and effort to thoroughly research this, to see if we can gain an advantage in future wars."

The timing was perfect, so he stepped in to support the discussion.

The Shumin Academy was responsible for researching spells, supernatural powers, and combat techniques. It had close ties with Mount Ling and frequently collaborated with the military. As its dean, his words carried weight with everyone.

Han Wensheng asked curiously, "What changes?"

Xu Shichu smiled, "It's classified for now, not yet ready for public announcement."

The atmosphere had already eased, and Zhong Shengguang finally spoke, making the final decision:

"Rest assured, my beloved generals, withdrawing from Xianyou will undeniably be more beneficial than detrimental. Return and prepare; we will commence an orderly withdrawal within fifteen days!"

The generals knew the matter was settled and not open to dispute. Moreover, General Huyi's words made sense, so they responded with a resounding "Yes," rose from the table, and took their leave.