Dao Equaling the Heavens
Chapter 314 - 203 Daqian will Perish

Chapter 314: Chapter 203 Daqian will Perish

In mid-December, the battle situation was at a standstill, and the advance of the Nanchun Army halted.

For fifteen consecutive days, there was not only no further progress, but they had actually been pushed back to the pass. Initially, they could only rely on the fortifications of the South Gate to barely withstand the court’s counterattacks.

Although the court was on the brink of collapse, a starving camel is still bigger than a horse.

In the military camp, numerous generals gathered around a massive map, voices of argument rising and falling in heated exchange, each airing their views.

But without exception, all wanted to completely overthrow Daqian.

Before moving out of Nanshui, the Nanchun Army was internally divided into two factions: the conservative faction wanted to negotiate peace, while the radical faction wanted to establish independent control over a region. Only a very few wanted to break out and seize the rightful leadership of the world.

After capturing Luodu, the direction of the wind had done a 360-degree turn. The last deterrent power of Daqian had completely disappeared with their occupation of Luodu.

At that moment, everyone was thinking about becoming nobles and ministers.

Jiang Jucai was no exception; a person’s ambition tends to rise with their position.

Suddenly, a voice carried over on the evening breeze, and Jiang Jucai abruptly interrupted the speaking general, saying, "Let’s stop here for today, generals. Please go back and rest."

The men exchanged glances, and those privy to certain matters left first, the astute ones could guess some of the rumors, and the rest had no choice but to follow the crowd.

Soon, the tent cleared out in a flurry.

"How are things?"

A calm voice came from beside him, as Gu Wen appeared next to Jiang Jucai.

Jiang Jucai bowed and replied, "The battle is deadlocked, and the court’s offensive has suddenly become violently fierce. According to scouts, auxiliary troops and local militias from the other nine counties have already arrived, and the court has issued military pay for three consecutive years."

So the finances were in place.

Gu Wen understood; commanding a specific battle could be very complex and troublesome, but on a grand scale, it was quite simple, essentially a contest of logistics and popular support.

The former was especially important, for with sufficient logistics, one had already won half the battle.

In terms of logistics, Daqian undoubtedly held the advantage.

If Daqian were still in its prime, then perhaps the Nanchun Army would have been defeated right here. After all, they didn’t have a complete and orderly governance framework, and how could two counties contend with ten?

But Gu Wen was very aware of what Daqian was like; even if the Lord Emperor had the ability to reach the heavens, he couldn’t reverse the inevitable. Daoist skills couldn’t control people’s hearts or the countless corrupt officials.

No matter how much military pay was issued, it could only sustain for a while; perhaps by next month, when the next military pay was due, many would be tempted to reach out their hands again.

And could the Lord Emperor kill all the officials? Unless he had the ability to divide and conquer thousands, moving against the officials would only hasten his demise.

A systemic problem wouldn’t shift with individual will or death.

Seeing Gu Wen silent for a moment, Jiang Jucai thought he was dissatisfied and hurriedly added, "Mr. Wen, rest assured, a few days ago, people from Lin Chuan County came offering to provide us with funds and provisions to ensure our logistical supply. Just by wearing them down a bit longer, soon..."

"Be steady."

Gu Wen interrupted, able to see Jiang Jucai’s urgency and the respect he held for him.

Such an attitude was good; getting too close would make people lose their awe, which might lead to a careless approach to the consequences of failure.

This could also result in adverse situations, as a fair portion of wars have been lost due to political factors in history.

"To preserve territory but lose people means to lose both. To preserve people but lose territory means both are preserved."

Gu Wen unconsciously cited classical doctrines, a rationality understood by many in his former life, yet unheard by Jiang Jucai.

The dynastic history of Immortal Land didn’t have five thousand years, and its mode of warfare had evolved from continuous skirmishes between the Demon Sects’ barbarians and Daqian.

In terms of warfare, everyone was relatively naive. Gu Wen noticed that the Nanchun Army always focused on capturing cities as their victory target, seldom considering their own casualties.

Daqian was the same.

"Tomorrow, switch from offense to defense. First, withdraw all troops. If things go awry, abandon the South Gate," said Daqian. "Just gathering troops from nine counties is enough to give them a headache over provisions."

Jiang Jucai slightly widened his eyes as if inspired, and said, bowing, "Uncle, I have learned much."

The next day, the Nanchun Army began to retreat to the South Gate and defensively held their position, not venturing a step outside.

And Daqian’s side, now neither advancing nor retreating.

While they could still win in open battle with their numbers and military equipment, a siege could exhaust all their strength and still not guarantee victory.

------------------------

In Bianjing, in the Imperial Palace.

News of the battle reached, and the Lord Emperor casually tossed the letter into the furnace, sighing, "To retreat as advance, I shall wait to self-immolate."

From a shadowy corner of the palace, a man in purple robes emerged, his eyes shining with a Purple Extreme light, his presence indescribable.

The man in purple robes said, "Lord Emperor, the overall situation is beyond recovery, and you are powerless to reverse it. Even now with the Daoist Sect tied down by the Devil Clan and the Heavenly Girl not intervening, you are unlikely to defeat him who has already reached the Eighty-Seventh Daoist Skill."

"Such rapid growth, too rapid, that many in the Three Religions who were watching and wavering have now given up."

The overwhelming momentum of the Nanchun Army was borrowed from Gu Wen’s influence, and also represented the current attitude within the Human Race.

Silence was the only response, even when their infiltrated powers in Immortal Land were eradicated entirely, no one stepped out to intervene.

Because Gu Wen’s talents were recognized by all, and simultaneously, no one could obliterate him.

Those great powers who had confronted him had now gone into hiding, those who hadn’t were relieved, with only the Lord Emperor feeling like an ant on a hot pan.

Qingcang’s revival was hard enough, but the Lord Emperor had it worse. He was once considered one of the prime geniuses of the Golden Generation, a founder of a sect, a Venerable, and was even once poised to become the Human Emperor.

Like creating a dynasty that abandoned city foundations, allowing the Major Sects to not bother governing mortals and yet still gather fresh blood.

The aura of the Dragon Vein created by the Lord Emperor could also become one of the most critical barriers between humans and devils in the future.

It was a win-win for all sides.

If the Lord Emperor had not gone mad with the desire to become an Immortal, he might have already been the Human Emperor.

"The time left for you is short, and no one in the Three Religions will come forth to help. All you have left are the Devil Clan."

Upon hearing this, the old daoist sitting in front of the Pill Furnace slightly lifted his eyes, a hint of killing intent encasing the Demi Immortal in purple robes.

Then, the intent slowly dissipated, his voice hoarse yet calm.

"No regrets in chess, I have used all beings as the fire in my furnace, today’s outcome is deserved, but at least I can distinguish between humans and devils."

"Heh, then just wait here for death."

The Demi Immortal in purple robes turned and left, needing to find a place to hide for a millennium.

For he was one among the many Demi Immortals who had acted in the previous incident at Heavenly Spring Mountain.

Purple Extreme Demon Venerable.

The hall returned to tranquility, with only the roaring of the furnace fire.

The Lord Emperor caressed the Pill Furnace; inside, the Longevity Pill remained unchanged, yet extraordinary.

"I am not blind, nor a fool, this play has also reached its end."

Boom!

The Pill Furnace shook, its lid slowly lifted, followed by the Lord Emperor slamming down his hand, the entire power of Daqian’s Dragon Vein pressing down.