Chapter 2761: Chapter 2761
Ye Liuyun had already reached an agreement with Liu Haotian. This time, he was sending Pei Yong over—not to join Liu Haotian’s main forces, but to operate as an independent legion that would coordinate with Liu Haotian’s army.
After confirming their communication method, Ye Liuyun immediately discarded the message talisman. Though the Starplate Empire knew Ye Liuyun had resurfaced, by the time they arrived, all they found was the discarded talisman—no trace of the man himself.
Of course, through Liu Haotian, they also learned that Ye Liuyun hadn’t come in person but had instead dispatched an army of 200,000. What’s more, they had no authority to command or control these troops.
Yet, since this army had come to aid them in battle, they couldn’t outright refuse. So they turned a blind eye, pretending ignorance while secretly instructing Liu Haotian to find a way to deplete these forces on the battlefield—ensuring none would remain for Ye Liuyun.
But when Liu Haotian and his men finally received the 200,000-strong army, they were utterly stunned.
Every single soldier was at least at the Dominator Third Level. And besides Pei Yong’s elite personal guard of a thousand experts, the army also included a special forces unit—a 10,000-strong vanguard known as the "Blade Corps."
This was clearly no ordinary reinforcement—it was a formidable main force. Liu Haotian hadn’t expected Ye Liuyun to be so generous, sending such a powerful legion to support him.
Han Qiao couldn’t resist the urge to test this army’s mettle, but he was swiftly shut down by the deputy commander—who was actually Ye Liuyun’s disguised doppelgänger.
"We are here under Commander Ye’s orders to assist Grand Commander Liu Haotian," he stated firmly. "But we do not answer to the Empire, nor will we submit to inspections from any of its commanders."
"Not even me?" Han Qiao asked, disappointment creeping into his voice.
The doppelgänger continued, "Commander Ye made it clear: Commanders Han Qiao and Meng Wenxiang are his sworn brothers. If we encounter them on the battlefield, we are to treat their forces as our own and lend full support. But as for tests? Unnecessary. This legion is even stronger than the one before."
"Those were Commander Ye’s exact words. If Commanders Han and Meng are interested, they are welcome to visit our camp at any time for personal sparring. But inspections under the Empire’s authority? We will not comply."
His meaning was unmistakable—this army would have no ties to the Empire whatsoever. Liu Haotian, Han Qiao, and Meng Wenxiang understood perfectly and didn’t press further.
"Very well," Liu Haotian said decisively. "If Commander Ye claims your forces surpass the previous legion, then I have no need for tests either."
"Thank you for your understanding, Grand Commander. Commander Ye has instructed us to participate in any mission—whether reconnaissance or full-scale combat. Here is our message talisman for your convenience."
The doppelganger then produced the pre-prepared communication talismans and handed them to Liu Haotian, Han Qiao, and Meng Wenxiang. It was clear he wanted to avoid using the empire’s talismans to prevent their locations from being monitored.
Liu Haotian and the others accepted them without hesitation, understanding Ye Liuyun’s intent. With these talismans, they could communicate freely without worrying about losing contact with him again.
After exchanging brief farewells, the doppelganger swiftly led his troops away. Once out of sight, he stashed the soldiers into his spatial world and donned an invisibility cloak, vanishing without a trace—leaving even Liu Haotian clueless about their whereabouts.
Later, Liu Haotian reached out to the doppelganger, subtly hinting that the empire intended to whittle down and eliminate this army through attrition. Though he didn’t spell it out, the message was clear.
"No problem," Ye Liuyun replied. "We came here for training. Feel free to assign missions as the empire demands. The greater the pressure, the better for us." He expressed gratitude but insisted Liu Haotian follow imperial orders without reservation.
Meng Wenxiang also sent a warning, urging caution, while Han Qiao inquired about Ye Liuyun’s recent situation. At the very least, these three still treated him well. Deep down, Ye Liuyun hoped they would never have to face each other in battle.
Once concealed, the doppelganger used his golden pupils to scout the strength of the alien forces across the planets, bypassing Liu Haotian’s battlefield analysis entirely in favor of his own reconnaissance.
His investigation suggested the alien race had mobilized their entire force. Two cultivators at the Dominator Eighth Level were stationed—one guarding the altar, the other holding the main battlefield.
Their three-million-strong army was no pushover, with powerful warriors assigned to every division. Yet, not a single three-eyed alien appeared among them—a detail Ye Liuyun scrutinized carefully. Without those creatures, this enemy would be far easier to handle.
Soon, Liu Haotian’s orders arrived: Ye Liuyun’s forces were to confront the main alien army head-on, including the Dominator Eighth Level warrior.
Flanking them on either side were Meng Wenxiang and Han Qiao’s troops. Combined, these three armies numbered a mere 400,000—pitted against a million-strong alien force and their elite warriors, with no reinforcements in sight.
The moment the command was issued, every commander recognized it as the empire’s ploy to eliminate all three of them. What baffled them, however, was why Liu Haotian hadn’t shielded Meng Wenxiang and Han Qiao—his own longtime subordinates. Why send them to their deaths alongside Ye Liuyun’s army?
Most assumed Liu Haotian had succumbed to imperial pressure, bending to their will. Before Han Qiao and Meng Wenxiang marched out, many commanders came to bid them farewell, their spirits heavy with grim resignation.
Han Qiao and Meng Wenxiang weren’t the least bit concerned. Like Liu Haotian, they had complete faith in Ye Liuyun’s capabilities.
Before the mission was officially announced, Liu Haotian had already consulted with Ye Liuyun privately. Without hesitation, Ye Liuyun had guaranteed mission success, only requesting that Liu Haotian block enemy reinforcements during their operation. Liu Haotian readily agreed, promising to stop the enemy reinforcements at all costs so Ye Liuyun’s forces could fight without restraint.
Only after receiving these assurances did Ye Liuyun reappear, leading his troops directly to the main battlefield. Soon after, the armies of Han Qiao and Meng Wenxiang took up positions on his flanks. For this battle, all forces would be under Ye Liuyun’s unified command to ensure perfect coordination.
"Once the battle begins, your forces will execute circling maneuvers on my left and right flanks to attack any enemies attempting to pincer me. Just maintain alignment with my position," Ye Liuyun instructed, sending Pei Yong to deliver his orders. Notably, he didn’t assign them the task of engaging the bulk of the enemy’s main force.
"You’re seriously planning to take on this million-strong enemy army head-on? This is their main fighting force! Even if you win, your troops will be decimated!" Han Qiao voiced his concern, his brow furrowed with worry.
"No problem at all. I have absolute confidence in my men!" Pei Yong responded with unshakable conviction, his chest puffed out proudly.
"Very well then. We’ll support you fully. If we can’t keep pace with your advance, we’ll send word immediately," Meng Wenxiang agreed without further debate, giving a firm nod of determination.
