My Cultivation Starting from Archery

Capital Chang'an.

Zhongjue Hall.

"A brilliant series of open schemes."

Upon receiving the news, Dan Liangcheng came to the Imperial Palace, meticulously browsed the war reports, and casually set them on fire above a candle, watching them burn to ashes.

He was originally a True Disciple from Shengyun Sect's Golden Wing Peak, and one of the few Second-Tier Array Masters in the sect, distinct from other cultivators who ventured to the Eastern Continent for resources.

Dan Liangcheng did not come for cultivation resources.

As a True Disciple, he had long secured a spot for the Foundation Establishment Pill.

This time he came.

The most crucial reason was to serve the sect, and second, to avenge a friend.

Han Xiang had been his chess companion for over a decade. Though they had no life-and-death bond, merely for the sake of friendship, he would make every effort, if only to have words to say at the gravesite in the future.

"Immortal Master Dan."

Minister of Personnel Yin Mingchun said, "What should the court do next!"

"Indeed!"

The civil and military officials fell into a swirl of panic.

In the Central Plains, the court now only controlled three state territories.

Once the rebel army crossed the Fei River, they could directly strike Chang'an.

"Why panic?"

Dan Liangcheng's cold voice carried calmness, as he spoke word by word, "Zhou Lang did not lose. Do not be misguided by appearances, the great momentum still favors us."

"Did not lose?"

Yan Maoxing was stunned for a moment, then said, "Is Immortal Master Dan speaking nonsense? The forty thousand troops are reduced to ashes, that doesn't count as losing?"

"It is true that the forty thousand troops were all lost, but they bought us time."

Dan Liangcheng pointed his bamboo flute at the sand table, "While Chen Sansi was calculating how to win the battle at Chibi, the court's million troops have already assembled."

A million soldiers!

What a grand number.

Simply allocating all weapons and armours from each State's arsenal demanded immense manpower, resources, and time, not to mention the subsequent personnel and provisions.

The original intent of the Battle of Chibi.

Was to take initiative, forcing the rebels to fight at Chibi, while the court seized the opportunity to complete the mobilization of troops.

Though Chibi was defeated.

The objective had been achieved.

Over one million troops from eighteen states have been deployed around the Capital's three states.

This is...

An ultimate battle!

Years of warfare, shortages of provisions.

This time, by concentrating such a large number of troops in three states, instead of extending the battle line to fight simultaneously on multiple fronts, the aim is to transport supplies through a single optimal route, minimizing losses.

Even so, the daily consumption of this million-strong army is an incalculable figure.

After this battle.

Regardless of victory or defeat.

The national power of the Dasheng Dynasty will be thoroughly exhausted!

It's akin to draining the pond to catch fish.

Fortunately, not just Dasheng, but Nan Xu, Dongqing, and West Qi are in a similar state, having long depleted their treasuries. If not for the pressure from the "Immortal Masters," the Eastern Continent would have descended into chaos.

Sheng, Qing, Qi, Xu—who knows how many new state titles may emerge, how many heroes will rise.

Because there are Immortal Masters and High Realm Martial Artists pressing on, this battle, even if it drains the pond to catch fish, doesn't matter.

As long as...

We can win!

In fact, only Dan Liangcheng knew.

From the start, Zhou Lang ventured to Chibi with a resolve to die and buy time.

Thus he declared, "Having Zhou Lang in Dasheng is indeed Dasheng's fortune."

However, during this life-and-death struggle.

The White Robe made Zhou Rong mistakenly believe he would win.

That was precisely the terrifying aspect of the White Robe.

He could command you!

Moreover, he led you by the nose without you realizing it!

For this reason, retreat and defense are not the sole options; they must continue the previous strategy, choosing the battlefield themselves, always keeping the initiative in their hands.

The Battle of Chibi could be said to be the prerequisite to deploying millions of troops.

Now the prerequisites are met, next comes...

The ultimate national decisive battle!

"Does Immortal Master Dan mean that we should continue fighting?"

Upon understanding Dan Liangcheng's intentions, the civil and military officials felt a chill of fear.

"Immortal Master Dan."

Minister of Personnel Yin Mingchun cautiously said, "Since we have sufficient troops, why not defend the passes?"

"I support Immortal Master Dan!"

Regent King Qin proclaimed in a rough voice, "The Battle of Chibi was in preparation for what's to come. If we show cowardice now, Zhou Lang and the forty thousand troops will have died in vain?!

"That Chen the Hunter is strong in schemes and plots!

"So we won't play his game; we'll crush him with sheer force!

"Zhu Ming!

"Calculate the final forces involved on both sides!"

The six ministry positions cannot remain vacant.

After Zhou Rong's death.

The court could only promote new talents.

Zhu Ming, like Zhou Rong, was a descendant of the founding twelve generals of Qilin Pavilion; though lacking great talent, he had been positioned in the Ministry of War as Vice Minister for years, at least not dragging behind.

Moreover, under the present circumstances.

Only by heavily utilizing fallen nobility could the court better stabilize the hearts of scholars across the land.

Dasheng is still the same Dasheng.

"Report to Your Highness!"

Zhu Ming had already completed his calculations, speaking confidently, "The rebel forces seemingly occupy more than twenty states, a grand momentum, but their actions are rushed; most places have unstable foundations and still require forces to suppress.

"The final forces that can be deployed against our army certainly won't exceed three hundred thousand.

"Your servant estimates it will likely range from two hundred thousand to two hundred fifty thousand."

"Did you all hear?!"

Prince Qin scanned the civil and military officials in the hall, his voice resounding to bolster morale, "The rebels are a mere two hundred thousand, while our court has one million troops and armour!