The one who spoke was the only remaining Grand Commander of the Fourth-Grade Martial Artist level in the Celestial Master Army, named Tang Xiude.

Tang Xiude hailed from a martial arts family in the Northern Land, where the family operated a martial arts school, making a living by teaching others to train and fight.

Under his father's guidance, Tang Xiude grew up with a chivalrous heart, valuing loyalty and righteousness. Disillusioned by the actions of the court, shortly after Luo Guang's uprising, Tang Xiude sold off his family's assets and, along with the disciples of the martial arts school, pledged allegiance to Luo Guang.

However, Luo Guang's subsequent actions left Tang Xiude deeply disappointed. Although he offered counsel several times, Luo Guang did not heed his advice.

Yet, out of loyalty in his heart, even at this junction, Tang Xiude did not betray Luo Guang.

When Chen Mo previously signed a non-aggression pact with the Prince Huai, Tang Xiude suggested that Luo Guang reclaim Qingzhou, but Luo Guang listened to Wan Zhen's advice and also adopted a non-aggression stance with Chen Mo.

If they had retaken Qingzhou at that time, they wouldn't be in such dire straits now.

Thus, upon hearing Chen Mo mentioned again, Tang Xiude couldn't help but voice a complaint.

However, in the current situation, Tang Xiude airing such grievances in the main tent left Luo Guang feeling noticeably embarrassed.

But since they were in dire need of capable people, and Tang Xiude was his last remaining Fourth-Grade Martial Artist, and his troops were the strongest aside from his personal guards, Luo Guang had no choice but to furrow his brow and endure it.

This scene was observed by the other commanders, each of whom began to entertain their own thoughts.

The recent string of defeats had drastically diminished Luo Guang's authority within the Celestial Master Army, and now, being reprimanded by Tang Xiude without consequence, the commanders felt significantly less respect for Luo Guang.

"Engaging simultaneously with the Huai Army and Chen Mo was not a wise move at the time." Luo Guang offered an explanation.

Tang Xiude still regarded Luo Guang as his leader and therefore only touched on the issue briefly without pursuing it further.

Luo Guang glanced at everyone present and asked, "Has there been any reply from Xu Guozhong?"

A follower shook his head, stating, "Our communication channels with Luonan have all been cut off by the Huai Bandits, so even if Xu Guozhong replied, we wouldn't receive it."

"Bang." Luo Guang slammed the table in front of him, believing that, like Chen Mo, Xu Guozhong also had no intention of rescuing him.

Frustrated, he exclaimed, "If it weren't for Xu Guozhong's letter back then, declaring both parties as allies and urging me to confront the Prince Huai, we wouldn't have ended up in this situation.

Now, with our army besieged in Fengzhou, he stands idly by and does nothing to help."

"Bastard!" Luo Guang couldn't help but curse.

The group of commanders below, seeing Luo Guang angry, remained silent to avoid provoking him further, unlike Tang Xiude, who had the leverage to speak.

After a period of simmering anger, Luo Guang turned his gaze to a middle-aged man sitting on his left.

The man, with a fair complexion and resplendent in battle armor complete with a neck guard, appeared extraordinary. He spoke, "Marshal Zhang, can the Nangong Family dispatch any more navy troops?"

Due to the blockade of Fengzhou and the Nangong Family's deliberate concealment, Luo Guang was unaware of the Nangong Family's investment in Chen Mo.

Zhang Feng responded, "As per the Celestial Master, we've already lost contact with the Nangong Family. The Huai Prince's navy has blocked the river, making communication impossible."

Upon hearing this, Luo Guang closed his eyes, abandoning any false hopes, and lightly exhaled, saying, "Marshal Zhang, return to the north bank and take command of your navy. Ensure the Huai Bandits' navy doesn't make landfall."

"Understood."

"The rest of the commanders, prepare for the worst. If we can't hold out for a month, then we'll have to brace for the final battle."

"Understood."

...

After returning to his tent, Tang Xiude was immediately surrounded by his confidants.

These confidants were all disciples from Tang Xiude's father's martial arts school, trusted by Tang Xiude. Over twenty disciples, almost all were Entry Grade martial artists.

However, as martial artists, they certainly didn't enjoy the resources and treatment that a young hall master, like Tang Xiude, would, so they were only Lower-Grade Martial Artists.

"Senior Brother, did Luo Guang mention any plans on breaking the siege? Have Chen Mo or Xu Guozhong sent reinforcements?" one person hurriedly asked.

Tang Xiude furrowed his brow slightly as he spoke and sat down: "Sixth Junior Brother, how many times do I have to tell you, do not use the Celestial Master's name so casually."

"I don't care about his name. Senior Brother, you have always been sincere to him, but he's never treated you with the same sincerity. In Luo Guang's eyes, only those followers of his Celestial Master Sect matter. Last year's victories were all credited to the deceased Wan Zhen and others," Sixth Junior Brother complained.

"Senior Brother, Sixth Brother is right. Previously, whenever there were benefits, Luo Guang always thought of Wan Zhen and the others. Now that Wan Zhen has died, he remembers you only because he has no one else to rely on," Seventh Junior Brother chimed in.

"Enough." Tang Xiude frowned and told them to stop, then continued, "There's no reply from Chen Mo or Xu Guozhong, clearly indicating they don't intend to send reinforcements to save us. The Celestial Master has instructed us to prepare for the worst, as we face impending battle."

"Senior Brother, if I may speak frankly, with the Celestial Master Army besieged in Fengzhou and no one coming to our aid, we are no match for the Huai Army and cannot break through.

Senior Brother, the Celestial Master Army is not what it once was. Now, with the government under Xu Guozhong's control and the Emperor reduced to a puppet, chaos reigns, and wars rage everywhere. Only the Prince Huai can unify this nation. Instead of serving Luo Guang, I suggest we align with the Prince Huai," said Sixth Junior Brother.

"Indeed, with Senior Brother's capabilities, aligning with the Prince Huai would ensure future accomplishments, and we'd all survive," Seventh Junior Brother added again.

Tang Xiude stood up. Of course, he understood the implications of their words, and he replied gravely, "Has the Prince Huai's spy clothes already infiltrated Linchuan City?"

Seeing that their intentions were laid bare, Sixth Junior Brother ceased pretending, nodded, and continued to persuade, "Senior Brother, Luo Guang isn't the Celestial Master Luo you once knew. He's allowed his subordinates to oppress the people, committing wanton acts of violence, leading the Celestial Master Army to lose public support. I suspect Chen Mo saw this, which is why he distanced himself from the Celestial Master Army.

The downfall of the Celestial Master Army is inevitable. There's no need for you, Senior Brother, to be buried alongside them."

"Exactly," Seventh Junior Brother concurred.

The other junior brothers also expressed little confidence in the Celestial Master Army's success.

Tang Xiude stared blankly at Sixth and Seventh Junior Brothers, knowing that for them to express such sentiments, they must have pondered for a long time.

To say he wasn't angry would be a lie, but to say he felt hatred, he didn't.

Their brotherly bond was strong, especially after experiencing life-and-death situations together on the battlefield, binding them even closer.

Tang Xiude sighed, "I understand the reasoning, but I cannot betray him."

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