At this moment, the federation's Chairman and Council Members were gathered in the grand hall, each wearing an exceptionally solemn expression...
It seemed like they were waiting for something...
Finally, the voice that rang from the central communicator shattered the calm...
"Report to the Chairman, all major forces have begun their movements; please give your orders!"
Without waiting for the Chairman to speak, the other Council Members couldn't help but blurt out, "It has finally started, the siege operation against the Holy Spirit Cult Headquarters!!"
"Yes, this is a perfect opportunity to annihilate the Holy Spirit Cult, we absolutely cannot afford another mistake!"
"To be able to report back, it must be that the Holy Spirit Cult's Evil Soul Masters haven't managed to flee in time, now is the perfect moment to act. Chairman, give the order."
Yet, the Chairman didn't rush, instead speaking in a deep voice, "First, give me a detailed report on the current situation!"
Swiftly, the communicator rang out again...
"Yes! Currently, our federation's troops are responsible for the frontal assault, while Tang Sect and other small and medium sects are in charge of flanking from the left and right sides! As for the rear of the Holy Spirit Cult Headquarters, that is a dead end!"
"To prevent any Evil Soul Masters from escaping, the strong forces of various powers have already arrived in advance, ready to provide support at any moment. Report complete."
Only after hearing these reports did the Chairman nod and finally give the command, "Pass down my orders, the operation begins!!"
After the order was given, one could faintly hear a tumultuous noise coming from the communicator, indicating that the federation's troops were gearing up, preparing to launch their attack...
...
Meanwhile!
Two Hall Masters of Tang Sect were also leading Tang Sect disciples, lying in ambush on the right side of the Holy Spirit Cult Headquarters. Because they were not very close, they did not attract attention...
Zhao Chong's face was full of displeasure as he said, "To speak or not to speak, the federation really likes to play their games, getting us from Tang Sect and other sects to attack from both sides while they go for the frontal assault!"
"When the time comes, all the good reputation will go to the federation."
By his side, Guo Xiaoxu offered words of consolation, "Hall Master Zhao, you can't say that. Attacking from both sides is also good for our Tang Sect because attacking from the front often results in greater casualties!"
Liang Xiaoyu echoed in agreement, "Yes, Hall Master Guo is right. Let's leave that kind of frontal charge to the big and powerful federation. Our Tang Sect can't afford to play like that!"
Hearing the other two Hall Masters' words, Zhao Chong let out a cold "hmmph" and didn't continue to dwell on the issue...
Instead, he turned to the surrounding Tang Sect disciples, "Tang Sect disciples, heed my command, check your soul weapons, and maintain distance for long-range attacks when the time comes!"
Since the combat capability of Tang Sect disciples was generally weaker, to avoid unnecessary casualties, attacking with soul weapons was the best strategy!!
Hearing this, all Tang Sect disciples responded in unison, "Yes, Hall Master Zhao!!"
Thereupon, they began to meticulously check their soul weapons; after all, their opponent was the Holy Spirit Cult's Evil Soul Masters, and they could not afford to be careless!
Having done all this, Zhao Chong's eyes hardened, "Alright, we've done everything we can, now we just wait for the federation to signal the start of the assault!!"
Liang Xiaoyu and Guo Xiaoxu exchanged glances and both sighed silently...
If they had known earlier, it would have been better for the Sect Leader to have sent just the two of them!
With Zhao Chong's temperament, who knows if he might just charge straight into the Holy Spirit Cult Headquarters the moment the battle starts!
Even though all four Dark Heavenly Kings had already fallen, they must not be underestimated!!
...
On the left side, the troops from the small and medium sects were lying in ambush!
The representatives in charge of commanding the sects were discussing something anxiously...
"The Sect Leader really knows how to do things; our sect already has so few disciples, yet he sends so many of us here? If a battle really breaks out, all of us will just be cannon fodder!"
"Exactly, exactly, the ones who can truly threaten the Holy Spirit Cult's Evil Soul Masters are probably just the forces from Tang Sect and the federation. Our disciples from the small sects, lacking soul weapons, would simply be going to their deaths."
"I think, when the war starts, we should just let the Sect Disciples hide in the back, if there's an emergency, they can retreat immediately!"
"But... isn't that inappropriate? Didn't we agree that eradicating the Holy Spirit Cult is everyone's responsibility?"
"Responsibility my ass. That's something for those with power to handle. Sacrificing our sect for the Holy Spirit Cult? Only an idiot would do that."
Even before the battle had started, these representatives of the sects had already thought about their retreat...
Seeing this, the other disciples also sighed in dismay, clearly lacking the resolve to fight to the death...
"I always feel like there's going to be an accident during this encirclement operation!"
"Yeah, I was hoping to make a name for our sect in this battle, but now that I think about it, I'd rather not die young!"
"Even the Sect Elders are of this attitude, we might as well accept our fate. We fight if we can, and retreat if we can't!!"
"Makes sense, let's do that then!"
The opinions of the Sect Disciples had unified; if the siege operation went smoothly, they would contribute their efforts!
Otherwise, they would abandon their positions without hesitation and flee for their lives!!
...
Inside the Holy Spirit Cult!
One of the protectors bent down and reported to the Ghost Emperor in front, "Sect Leader, just as you predicted, there are Soul Masters from various major powers lurking outside the Holy Spirit Cult Headquarters."
"To the left and right, each a force to be reckoned with. From the federation's side, it seems that the frontal assault is imminent, with a massive number!"
The Ghost Emperor nodded slightly, asking, "Good, how are the preparations for what you were tasked with?"
The former revealed a cold sneer, "Rest assured, Sect Leader, everything is ready. With a radius that could cover several thousand kilometers, no one can possibly leave alive!"
He had felt dread because of the attacks from the forces of Soul Land, but since learning of the Sect Leader's plan...
He only thought those people were coming to their deaths!
Only then did a satisfied expression appear on the Ghost Emperor's face, but soon he narrowed his eyes and said, "By the way, where is the Vice Sect Hierarch?"
In recent days, the Ming Emperor hadn't asked about any part of this plan, which was rather strange!
It was well known that he and the Ming Emperor had become famous together and he was very aware of the latter's character...
The protector hesitated for a moment, then answered, "The Vice Sect Hierarch is currently leading the evil Soul Masters in preparation to meet the enemy!"
The Ghost Emperor continued to inquire, "He hasn't done anything recently to arouse suspicion, has he?"
The former naturally answered truthfully, "Not at all, the Vice Sect Hierarch has stayed within the Holy Spirit Cult Headquarters and hasn't left these past few days!"
The Ghost Emperor then waved his hand and spoke indifferently, "Good, I got it. You may leave."
However, the protector did not leave...
Instead, with a courageous tone tinged with eagerness, he said, "Sect... Sect Leader, if the plan succeeds, could I perhaps..."
The Ghost Emperor glanced at him, seemingly seeing through the other's thoughts, "Rest assured, as long as the plan is successful, I, the master of Holy Spirit Cult, will not let you down!"
A look of joy appeared on the protector's face as he excitedly said, "Thank you, Sect Leader, thank you! I will ensure the plan is perfectly executed!!"
Having said that, he quickly turned and left...
Only when his presence had faded did a few strains of coldness emerge in the Ghost Emperor's gaze...
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