With certainty established, Fong Ho dispelled the divine presence.
Once again, he manifested his divine essence, arriving at the bloodied fortress.
After constructing the tower of the fallen in the pigman village, Fongghao could easily possess the soldiers of the fortress.
Unlike the relatively calm encampment of the Fireblade, this place was bustling with activity.
The undead warriors were transporting a significant amount of timber while orcs from various tribes sharpen logs as thick as their arms, embedding them into the prepared traps.
Fongghao entered the command hall of the fortress.
Nelson and Haging were assigning tasks to several orc chieftains, among whom was the armored pink pigman, Petty.
My lord, Nelson, Haging, and Petty immediately bowed in respect.
The other chieftains appeared bewildered.
Wasn't the one referred to as Lord yesterday, a human? Why today do they address this skeleton as Lord? Which is the territory? And who is the Lord? Confused, they have been coerced into signing a slave contract.
unclear on the location of their territory or the main city.
Is everything proceeding smoothly? Relatively well.
The rear of the fortress can continuously mobilize substantial resources which provides us an advantage over those in the mountains.
Hijing replied, "Indeed, this terrain works to our favor.
It is a positive development," Fong Hao concurred.
Subsequently, Haging provided a detailed overview of the layout.
Sharp wooden stakes had been placed in the traps and at the tops of the flanking cliffs.
Boulders and logs had been arranged using bone dragons.
Should the enemy attempt a strong assault through this passage, they would encounter numerous perilous traps.
However, these measures alone would not secure victory.
The outcome still depended largely on the army's combat prowess.
Hijing guided Fong How on another tour of the fortress, advising him to inform him immediately of any developments before once again dispelling his state.
Sitting up in bed, Fong Ho exhaled heavily.
Having reached this level of preparation, significant issues should be unlikely.
If millions of troops could not halt the enemy's advance, it would simply be an ill fate destined for him.
At that point, he could flee with his heroes and ear.
After sipping from a fruit wine on the table, a notification ping from the book of lords indicated a private message.
Upon opening it, he found a message from Dong Jayua.
Brother How? I have encountered some trouble and wish to purchase some equipment from you.
What is the matter? What equipment do you need? Fong Hoa was aware of Dong Jua's capabilities.
Among the three, her combat prowess was the highest.
The need for equipment suggested she had run into danger.
I've come across two insufferable pests accompanied by soldiers lingering around the outskirts of my city for a day.
Dong Jua cursed through gritted teeth.
In the initial random event, the territories of nearby lords were revealed.
Although most maintained their composure and no conflicts arose, each lord noted the locations of adjacent lands, preparing for defense and future offensives.
This was equally true for Dong Jua.
Recently, numerous militia scouts had appeared around her territory.
Soon, Dong Jua received messages from the nearby lords.
There were three territories in total, all of which had been involved in the previous lordly conflict.
The three engaged in brief communication before arranging a meeting to discuss peaceful development and potential collaboration in exploring perilous areas nearby.
as it was their first encounter.
The discussions were amicable, resulting in a verbal agreement.
The following day, one of the lords, known as Zhaoqing Ming, extended another invitation to reconvene and deliberate on resource extraction.
Dong Ji felt a twinge of suspicion, yet she did not discern anything particularly a miss.
However, midway through their conversation, the two lords revealed their true intentions.
They had set an ambush, intending to capture Dong Jule alive, demonstrating her commendable skills and fortified by a stamina potion.
She managed to break through their encirclement with her soldiers.
Meanwhile, the opposing forces had besieged the city, maintaining their blockade until now.
Currently, Dong Jiu territory was entirely under siege, unable to extract resources with food supplies dwindling to a mere 2 or 3 days.
If this continued, even without an assault, both she and her soldiers would perish from starvation.
Zhaoqing Ming in private conversations had resorted to vulgarities, speaking of the survival of the fittest, anticipating that Dong Xiaou would willingly climb into his bed for the sake of humanity.
Zhaoing seemed to possess a deranged mind, Fongo shared the sentiment, perceiving something a miss with Zhao Chung Ming as well.
If he had an interest in the young lady, he should express it plainly rather than cloaking himself in grandiloquent rhetoric that even he could not believe.
Indeed, I am counting on you, Dong Juer remarked.
What do you require? Fonha inquired.
Long-range weapons, preferably bows and arrows, she replied.
Very well.
I shall prepare them for you, Fonha responded promptly, crafting 202 high-speed hardwood short bows and 2,000 arrows for designated trade.
Wait, brother Ho, you actually possess blueberry bows.
Dong Jua exclaimed in astonishment.
Fong Ho then advised, "You must hold the city.
I am facing some troubles myself.
" Once resolved, I will arrange for someone to rescue you.
Understood, Brotherho.
Dong Jua affirmed.
Fong Hao was not one to be stingy with Dong Xiaua.
Should his own city fall and he needed to seek refuge in a trustworthy territory, he would choose Don Jayua.
Even without considering the possibility of losing his city, he wished to shield his friend from danger.
However, he was on the brink of a great battle and could not afford the time for a lengthy journey to assist her.
Thankfully, he believed that the city could withstand the siege.
Even if it remained under siege for several days, he could provide enough food to endure.
After conversing with Don Xiaoua, Fongo closed the Book of Lords and stepped out of the Lord's mansion to adjust the military forces of his territory.
As night fell, the Skull Crushers set up camp.
The Animal Hide tents were raised high and the troops began their evening meal.
Throughout their journey, the Skull Crushers maintained their distinctive style, forcibly incorporating all orc tribes along the way into their ranks, mercilessly executing any who resisted.
This expansion increased their original 32,000 troops to 340,000.
At the center of the camp stood a massive animal hide tent brightly lit within.
All the high-ranking members of the skull crushers gathered there.
Awaiting the chieftain's battle plan for the following day.
Is there any news from the Bloodthroat tribe? S inquired in a hush tone.
Great chieftain, the Bloodthroat has reported that they have discovered a stronghold established by the undead and will launch an attack tomorrow.
They also request that we initiate our assault simultaneously.
An orc replied hastily, anxious to avoid the chieftain's eye at such a critical moment.
Indeed, Saul opened a map drawn by the scouts and two war guards pulled it open for all the high-ranking members to see.
Though simple, the map detailed the locations of the cities and fortifications.
Sal addressed the assembly.
Let's discuss our strategy.
The enemy's forces are approximately 400,000 strong.
The intelligence regarding their numbers is 3 days old.
None of the scouts sent out after we departed from the Frost Wind Mountains return alive or brought back new information.
However, this is not of great concern.
The enemy's strength would not have changed significantly in just 3 days.
Great chieftain, we could use the bloodthroat tribe to divert the undead's forces, allowing us to launch our attack with reduced casualties, one orc suggested.
SA remained silent but internally agreed.
Great chieftain, another orc stood up and approached the map, stating, "This is clearly a fortress, and the enemy's lord is likely concealed within this city behind.
I am willing to lead a flying unit to bypass and eliminate him.
Once he falls, all defenses will crumble.
" This orc was dimminionative with pointed ears and green skin, appearing somewhat less Orcish.
The undead possess bone dragons.