The Abyssal Demon Realm.

Eight hundred thousand True God–rank titans had been deployed along the border of the Demonwing Empire. Another one million True God–rank void warlocks, mobilized later, were also stationed here. The crushing pressure left the Demonwing Empire almost suffocating.

In the direction of Sablecliff, more than one million True God–rank titans were likewise deployed, along with twenty million God General–rank elemental legions.

Part of the forces was positioned in the Secondary Demon Realm.

Together, they formed a solid strategic triangle that encompassed the Giant Elephant Mountains, the former territories of the Dawonru Empire, the coastal regions of the Snail Sea, and nearly half of the Demonwing Empire's lands.

Silver City.

Aurek's imperial decree had arrived.

Suggwoth, Ares, Tina, Lucio, Philip, and the others were urgently recalled.

After a full day of deliberation, they adjusted the existing deployments.

From the decree, Lucio and Philip understood that the Empire still faced a potential threat from Olympian God Mountain. Therefore, within a limited timeframe, they had to completely bring the Abyssal Demon Realm under control—or at the very least maintain a favorable strategic balance.

To achieve this, they had to identify contradictions and points of conflict between major powers such as the Council of the Dark Order and the Judicatory Sanctum, and then exploit them.

By forcing these giants to check and balance one another, the Empire could buy itself precious time.

At present, the territories bordering the Empire were mainly Sablecliff and the Demonwing Empire.

The situation in Sablecliff was relatively straightforward.

Thus, Lucio placed the primary focus of containment on the Demonwing Empire.

The other end of the Demonwing Empire connected to the Holy Kare Mountains and Yuli.

On the surface, the Council of the Dark Order dominated the order of the Abyssal Demon Realm. However, the Judicatory Sanctum based in Yuli was by no means a force that could be ordered around at will. The covert rivalry between the two had never ceased.

This was precisely what they could take advantage of.

Lucio and Philip were responsible for planning this strategy.

Suggwoth, Tina, and the others commanded the legions, maintaining the highest level of vigilance. At the same time, they used the resources seized from the former Dawonru Empire to strengthen themselves and their armies.

Buying time also meant buying opportunities for themselves to grow stronger.

Outside Silver City, inside what looked like an ordinary residence.

Bone Reaper and Wraith Hunter were hiding there when the Fury Apostle quietly slipped in to deliver his report.

"The Crossbridge Empire's legions are currently focused on defense and consolidation. There are no signs of expansion for the time being."

"They probably don't want to prematurely provoke the sensitive nerves over in the Holy Kare Mountains."

"However, they are systematically clearing out all residual forces within the former Dawonru Empire's territory, using methods identical to those Emperor Aurek employed when he unified the Eura Continent."

"It seems like they're waiting for something."

Fury Apostle reported.

Bone Reaper and Wraith Hunter fell into deep thought.

Since the Empire was purging internal forces, any attempt by them to surface would certainly invite devastating retaliation.

After all, they had also taken part in the invasion of the Eura Continent back then.

Fury Apostle asked cautiously,

"My lord, should we withdraw from this region?"

Bone Reaper rejected the idea at once.

"No! Not only must we not withdraw—we must sink even deeper into hiding and prepare for the long-term plan."

"Aurek is wildly ambitious. This current calm is very likely the prelude to something far greater."

After a brief consideration, Bone Reaper swiftly issued his orders.

"Pass down the command. From now on, disperse into small units. Monitor every inch of territory under imperial control and await the Evil God's instructions."

"We must stay firmly nailed here. Only then can we deliver a fatal blow to the Crossbridge Empire in the future!"

"Yes, my lord!"

Fury Apostle and the others bowed deeply in acknowledgment.

The Temple of Truth.

Ulysses, Sarah, and the mentors of the Temple had already prepared to travel to the Eura Continent to seek an audience with Aurek.

Whether the Temple would continue to exist in the future depended entirely on the Emperor's decision.

By comparison, the Noble Council of the Clouds was far more relaxed.

From the very beginning, Fiona had formed an alliance with the Crossbridge Empire.

That relationship alone was enough to guarantee the council's future.

At this moment, the core members of the Noble Council of the Clouds—Joshua, Antoine, Tredy, and several elders—were in discussion.

A family guard reported from outside the hall,

"My lords! Lord Lucio requests an audience."

Joshua felt a trace of surprise but did not hesitate.

"Please invite Lord Lucio in at once."

Moments later, Lucio entered the council chamber.

He swept his gaze across the room and cupped his hands toward Joshua.

"My apologies for the sudden intrusion. I hope you will not fault me for my lack of courtesy."

"Lord Lucio is far too polite," Joshua replied with a smile, returning the gesture.

"Since we are already one family, there's no need for such formality."

"May I ask what brings you here today, Lord Lucio? Is there something you need our assistance with?"

Lucio turned his gaze to Antoine.

"I have come to discuss a matter with Lady Antoine."

Joshua, Tredy, Fiona, and the others all looked at Antoine in surprise.

Antoine herself appeared puzzled.

"What matter?"

Lucio did not avoid the others present and went straight to the point.

"I have heard that your mentor, Starbound Savant, is an exceptionally capable mentor."

"His Majesty is eager to recruit talented individuals."

"Therefore, I wish to ask Lady Antoine whether you might persuade Starbound Savant to assist the Empire."

Antoine frowned the moment she heard this.

"I haven't seen my mentor for a long time, nor can I be sure of his whereabouts."

"Moreover, the Empire has come into conflict with Firmament Sage and has cut off Hankley's future prospects. I'm afraid my mentor would not agree."

Firmament Sage and Hankley, like her, were both students of Starbound Savant.

Many years ago, Starbound Savant had already advanced to the quasi–Sacred Radiance rank, and by now he might well have fully achieved the Sacred Radiance rank.

If he could be recruited into the Crossbridge Empire, it would undoubtedly add tremendous depth to the Empire's foundation.

This was precisely what Lucio valued.

However, the issue involving Firmament Sage had indeed become a major obstacle.

Antoine pondered for a moment, then suddenly spoke.

"Still, it's not as if there's no room for negotiation."

"My mentor is extremely fond of Fiona."

"If Fiona were to marry into the Empire, he might be willing to return."

Fiona's cheeks instantly flushed crimson.

Lucio did not dare to make such a decision on his own and responded cautiously.

"This matter can be left open for now."

He had no courage to raise such a proposal directly to Emperor Aurek.

However, he could take a more indirect route and report the situation to Empress Josephine, who would handle it appropriately.

Hearing this response, the members of the Noble Council of the Clouds were overjoyed.

Lucio immediately made arrangements to send Fiona to the Eura Continent first.

At the same time, the Noble Council of the Clouds began to casually spread certain rumors.

Once the news fermented and spread, it would naturally reach Starbound Savant's ears.

As for how to persuade him, that would be left to Antoine and Fiona.

Outside Silver City.

Several guards of the Judicatory Sanctum disguised themselves as ordinary travelers and moved through the city.

They observed the movements of the Crossbridge Empire's legions and gathered all kinds of intelligence related to the Empire.

In even deeper shadows—

Dark Wing silently watched the Judicatory Sanctum's people.

After gaining a preliminary understanding of the Crossbridge Empire, he did not rashly attempt to infiltrate the Eura Continent.

He also knew very well that he was incapable of entering it.

Nevertheless, he had already basically confirmed the key information about this empire.

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