I am a living immortal.

Chapter 596 Second-hand preparation

Both sides were ready to fight to the death, neither willing to drag it out. Intensive mobilization for war had already begun, and the location for the decisive battle had been chosen: Qianlong Pass.

This was a crucial thoroughfare connecting the north and south of Lin State. To the northwest lay the capital of Lin State, while to the southwest lay vast expanses of wheat fields. Although these fields had long been abandoned, they still sprouted clusters of wild wheat despite their lack of care. Even a small amount accumulated could provide a considerable amount of food and fodder.

Those small nations were coming from this direction. This batch of food and fodder was the bargaining chip for a decisive battle. There was only this amount of wild wheat, and it could only last for ten days or half a month. A quick victory was necessary. If they captured the capital in one fell swoop, the regime would change, and the entire neighboring country would truly change hands.

The most crucial factor maintaining the current conflict between North and South is the survival of the emperor and the capital. If the capital falls, the Lin State will be completely powerless to recover. If the country is destroyed, the land will be devastated, and that will be the beginning of a truly chaotic era.

Everything depends on the outcome of this battle.

Choosing Qianlong Pass wasn't without reason. Beyond it lay the capital, the last line of defense. Secondly, under logistical pressure, the longer they could hold out, the more disadvantageous it would be for those small, barbarian states. While not all of these small, barbarian states were nomadic, they did have numerous factions, and some advocated for development first.

But none of the parties could convince the other, and the majority advocated a quick occupation.

The overwhelming victory had made these generals' heads spin and built up their self-confidence. Self-confidence is a good thing, but excessive self-confidence can lead to arrogance.

These small countries are at such a stage.

Blind confidence often leads to destruction. Speaking of confidence, choosing Qianlongguan was partly due to this. The current situation is like the emperor guarding the national border. Regardless of whether the emperor is a tyrant or a tyrant, good or bad, ordinary people have a deep sense of awe for the emperor.

The emperor personally led the army to defend the country, which gave the soldiers great confidence and boosted their morale. Even if the emperor did not ride on the front line, even if the emperor only stood on the city wall, it was still an encouragement.

Although the emperor was reluctant, he was eventually persuaded to join the front lines. In this situation, an unknown talent emerged from the shadows. After all, no matter how corrupt the country was, it was still his country.

This was the final desperate struggle for the nation's destiny. Would it be a reversal of fortune or a desperate struggle? Would it be a place in history books or a king who would lose his country? This was the final battle. From top to bottom, everyone was united.

The outcome of this war determines whether this country exists or not.

Of course, simply boosting morale wasn't enough. This country had long been rotten and dilapidated, and the fact that it could still support such an army was a testament to its profound foundation.

While both sides were exchanging verbal attacks to delay time and make preparations.

A small boat set foot on the land of the neighboring country under the cover of night. They were the Demon Slayers who had arrived late.

Of course, he wasn't wearing the Frost Iron Ghost Mask. After all, they had arrived in a neighboring country, and it wouldn't be appropriate to show their familiar faces. He hadn't changed his appearance, he had simply taken off the mask.

Leading the group was a young man, none other than Xuan Qi, one of the two great commanders. His features hadn't changed in decades. His body, already dead, couldn't possibly change. This body was constantly being strengthened. For Xuan Qi, the sword was his foundation, his soul the helmsman, and his body more like a weapon.

It resembled a mecha. To adapt it to the Xuanqi Sword and the Way of Exorcism, the Demon Slayer had continuously modified this body. So, while it looked very human, it was in fact nothing like a human. Its internal organs had been removed and replaced with artificial artifacts, such as several cores inscribed with runes. Its skeleton was infused with steel, and its muscle tissue had been reinforced.

Plus the transformation of the Xuanqi Sword's spiritual energy.

This body had reached unprecedented heights. This was why it was called a terrestrial immortal. Even a single person defeating an army of thousands was merely basic skill. Many things in this world were vulnerable to this body.

The reason for coming to Lin Country this time was to explore the terrain.

Originally, they had a mission to deal with the evil spirits that were wreaking havoc in the neighboring country. They didn't need to go out of their way to find them, they just had to deal with whatever they came across.

This is actually not very difficult.

But if that's all, isn't Xuan Qi coming here a bit of a waste of talent? But considering that this is not Yan State, caution is the best approach, so no one said anything.

In fact, it is a waste of talent.

Yan Chao had sent Xuan Qi to deal with the great demons. However, Su Mu and the others acted too quickly. While the Demon Slayers were still floating on the Chengde River, the great demons had already evaporated.

The rest are just some insignificant little monsters.

The Demon Slayer Division handled the task with ease. Originally, I thought this mission would be extremely difficult and dangerous, but I didn't expect it to be so easy.

Of course it was easy. The big demons had all lost contact, and the rebellious little demons were being killed one after another. How could they dare to cause trouble again? The task of the Demon Slayer Division was not an easy one.

A group of people were walking in the neighboring country.

The current Lin State was no longer what it had been at the beginning. The situation was changing rapidly. After six months of fermentation, the desire to cross the river had cooled somewhat. Firstly, the new ships hadn't appeared, and secondly, those who had been on the sidelines were no longer so anxious to leave after seeing the army mobilized by the imperial court.

Crossing the river was dangerous. Therefore, many wealthy merchants, wealthy individuals, and even aristocratic families did not personally risk their lives. After all, their lives were precious. They redeveloped the Chengde River coastline.

They had two scenarios in mind. First, if the Lin Kingdom won by chance, they wouldn't be liquidated if they didn't leave. Second, if the Lin Kingdom lost, that wouldn't matter either. They had already taken advantage of this time to build a safer and stronger ship, so it wouldn't be too late to leave by then.

Of course, this is all superficial.

The real reason for staying here is their neighbor, the Yan Dynasty. Anyone with a reasonable mind can see that the real threat to the neighboring country is not those barbaric small countries, but the covetous Yan Kingdom.

This country seems to be in the distance.

When they really start to move, it will not be a small fight. These people from the aristocratic families send talents to the neighboring country so that when Yan Chao is ready to take action, these people will return to the neighboring country again. At that time, they can either serve as guides or gain benefits from it.

These people who have controlled Lin State for many years, as long as they use it well, can control Lin State more quickly. In the eyes of these smart people, they are indispensable. Therefore, they are not impatient to leave, but make preparations for both situations.