The main topics discussed at this great council are these matters. Lu Ye sat beside the sect master, listening to various department chiefs and members of the Elder Council express their opinions and views, with final decisions being made by Pang Zhen. He noticed that everyone spoke very concisely, and decisions were made promptly, which is probably the style of cultivators. Of course, it could also be due to limited time. The day for the counterattack is set for three days later, so this great council cannot be dragged on for too long. Through listening, Lu Ye gained a general understanding of the plan for this action. Now, the Nine Provinces have sufficient reserves of insect blood refined through special means, and although the origin magnetic field still suppresses cultivators, it can no longer stop the Nine Provinces cultivators from striking back. This counterattack on the Insect Race's Great Secret Realm is divided into three stages. The first stage involves breaking into the Insect Path from the ground fissure, advancing all the way to the gate at the end of the Insect Path. This stage is not difficult. Even if advancing to the end and cultivators can only utilize sixty percent of their strength, as long as there are enough of them and they cooperate well, they can still hold their ground at the gate. Moreover, since this stage is executed by the most elite strong cultivators of the Divine Sea Realm, casualties should not be many. With good luck, it might even achieve zero casualties. This stage is expected to last about ten days. After all, the journey from the ground fissure to the gate is long and cannot be accomplished in one go. Back when Lu Ye hid on the back of a Sacred Beetle and delved into the Insect Race's Great Secret Realm, it took him a month for a round trip. Once the first stage's target is completed, preparations for the second stage must begin. The timing is marked when the vanguard strong cultivators of the Nine Provincial States have gathered before the Nine Great Portals; at that time, the strong cultivators of the Nine Provincial States will charge into the Insect Race's Great Secret Realm simultaneously, aiming to capture the Nine Great Portals. The goal is singular: to hold their ground before the gate! The vanguard of the Nine Provincial States alone cannot wipe out the Insect Race's Great Secret Realm, no matter how strong they are; their numbers are ultimately limited. Their task is to build a defensive line before the gate, withstanding the Insect Race's backlash. The reinforcements following closely behind can then continuously move into the Insect Race's Great Secret Realm. The time required for this stage cannot be estimated, but it is undoubtedly the most dangerous stage, because once inside, the vanguard has no choice but to keep fighting. They cannot retreat, as the reinforcement portal is behind them, leaving no room for retreat; they also cannot flee, for the Insect Race fills every corner inside the Great Secret Realm, where would they escape to? They can only stand firm. Hold fast and live, falter and die! Once the Nine Provinces army passes through all Nine Great Portals, fully entering the Insect Race's Great Secret Realm, the third stage can commence. The nine armies will split from nine directions to encircle and annihilate the Insect Race, determining the fate of the battle. The plan is straightforward and clear without any strategic trickery. After all, the opponent is the Insect Race with low spiritual intelligence, so there is no need for sophisticated strategies. Moreover, the environmental constraints leave no room for subterfuge. The confidence of the Nine Provinces lies in their vast number of cultivators and an endless supply of strong cultivators, confident that they won't lose in such a confrontation. "The internal scene of the Insect Race's Great Secret Realm, everyone has seen and studied before, gaining a certain level of understanding of the internal environment. But seeing does not equate to personal experience. Currently, in Bingzhou, only one person has personally delved into the Insect Race's Great Secret Realm," Pang Zhen said as he turned his gaze to Lu Ye. All other eyes also turned to him. "Lu Yiye, the reason for summoning you here this time is because you have ventured into the Insect Race's Great Secret Realm. We hope you can explain in detail the situation inside based on the image message," Pang Zhen continued. This matter had already been mentioned by the sect master on the way here, so Lu Ye stood up and gave a formal bow: "Lu Ye greets the esteemed ones. As Deputy Alliance Leader Pang instructed, I shall naturally comply. I will then take a bit of everyone's time." The sect master handed over an image message stone. Lu Ye picked it up, infused it with spirit force, and immediately, the scene within the image message stone unfolded before everyone. Lu Ye glanced at the scene, confirming it was his own initial position upon entering the Insect Race's Great Secret Realm, and then began, "Please look, everyone. This Great Secret Realm largely hasn't deviated from the spatial characteristics of a secret realm, meaning there are border areas. The position of each portal is at the edge, which is greatly beneficial to our action because if we hold our ground before the gate, there is no need to fear threats from behind; we only need to deal with dangers from above, ahead, and on both sides..." Although everyone had seen the image message stone's scene many times, as Lu Ye explained, the audience listened attentively, with some even asking questions. Lu Ye provided explanations to each query. The image message stone's scene allowed everyone to understand the general situation inside the Insect Race's Great Secret Realm. Being Divine Sea Level 9 cultivators, they could visualize the real scene in their minds after viewing the images. It took about one incense stick's time for Lu Ye to finish his explanation. Pang Zhen opened his mouth: "If you are willing to join the vanguard camp and serve as a pioneer to pave the way for the army, would you agree?" This matter was previously arranged by the sect master, so Lu Ye immediately nodded: "I am willing to go!" The cultivation at the Divine Sea Level 4 is not weak, plus he has many trump cards, with a more solid foundation than ordinary cultivators, it's not a problem to serve as a pioneer. Moreover, he wouldn't be alone in the vanguard camp, he would need to act together with other pioneer experts from Bingzhou, so there wouldn't be too much danger. The sect master obviously understood this point, so he didn't make a definitive statement, only letting him act according to his own will. The disciple under his sect is indeed young, but since he's in the Divine Sea Realm, he should have the responsibility of the Divine Sea. If he retreats when facing challenges, he wouldn't achieve much in the future. In history, only those cultivators who face difficulties head-on can go further than others. "Good, then you shall join the vanguard camp!" Pang Zhen nodded with gratification. Lu Ye then said: "Yet I have a proposal that I wish for the esteemed leaders to decide upon." Everyone looked over with interest, and Pang Zhen smiled slightly: "What proposal, let's hear it." "I was just listening to the three phases of the operation and deeply felt the danger at the beginning of the second phase. Establishing a footing in front of the portal and building defensive lines is no simple task; in the event of spirit force fluctuations, countless insects will swarm in attacks. I was thinking, what if we distract the Insect Race at that moment? It might alleviate the pressure in front of the portal." Pang Zhen nodded: "This problem has also been considered previously, but there's no clear solution. In fact, deploying those creations by the cover armor faction would be the best choice. Unfortunately, within the Nine Provinces, the cover armor faction is declining, with very few cultivators at the Divine Sea Level, making them of little use. As for utilizing demon beasts from the beast-taming faction, it's simply impossible." Firstly, demon beasts are creatures of flesh; once they appear in the Insect Race's great secret realm, they become targets for attack, unable to distract the Insect Race's attention. Lu Ye said: "What if we manipulate the Insects?" "Insects?" Pang Zhen raised his brows slightly. "I have the means to control the Insects. Last time, infiltrating the Insect Race's great secret realm was thanks to this method. So I think, if I can manipulate enough Insects to carry some Explosive Fire Spirit Stones, enter the great secret realm ahead of the vanguard camp, and place them at various locations, once those stones are triggered, they would surely attract a lot of Insects' attention, allowing the vanguard camp to seize the chance to break in. It might not secure much time, but any time gained is beneficial, and it would make it easier for the vanguard to consolidate the lines." Pang Zhen's expression lit up: "You can control the Insects? How many?" "One or two hundred should be no problem," Lu Ye casually reported a number. Of course, in reality, it should have no limit, but if this plan were to be carried out, it wouldn't be possible for him to control too many Insects; there wouldn't be enough time, and the space in the Insect Path isn't large enough for deployment." Everyone listened as their eyes lit up; just imagine, one or two hundred Insects carrying Explosive Fire Spirit Stones, dispersed throughout the Insect Race's great secret realm, once triggered, it would surely cause chaotic scenes. The Insect Race is extremely sensitive to spirit force fluctuations; feeling spirit force fluctuations, they would certainly be drawn in. This way, the pressure in front of the portal could be reduced. It's uncertain how much time would be gained, but even if it's just a brief moment, it could avoid a certain degree of casualties! If they can hold out for a few moments, it's already a big help! This matter surely has potential. "What do you all think?" Pang Zhen turned to look at the sides. Everyone had no objections, as such a scenario was to their liking; naturally, they wouldn't obstruct it but instead would vigorously promote it. It was quickly settled, and Lu Ye's proposal was approved. "Then it's decided. I've already discussed with Ten Thousand Demons City; the vanguard camp gathering location is set between Jinglan Lake Pass and Dark Moon Forest Pass at the ground fissure. Please deliver the message; those listed in the vanguard camp must gather at the designated location within three days. This is the first large-scale cooperative action between Bingzhou's two major camps, and also the first in the history of the Nine Provinces. It's about the reputation of our Bingzhou Haotian Alliance; I hope everyone will handle this matter prudently!" The grand council dispersed, Lu Ye followed the sect master out of Harmony Light Hall, the sect master spoke: "With the battle imminent, anything you need to prepare, if there is, try to prepare in advance." Lu Ye shook his head: "Nothing needs preparation." Various supplies are readily available, and there's no need to purchase anything. "Then just prepare at the mountain pass. The gathering location is chosen on that side, and you are close by." Lu Ye soared into the air, heading towards the direction of the mountain pass. The vanguard camp gathering location was set between Jinglan Lake Pass and Dark Moon Forest Pass at the ground fissure. Whether by coincidence or design, it's logical for Bingzhou's two major camps, as Jinglan Lake Pass and Dark Moon Forest Pass were the first passes to unite, making it representative, and choosing here is also reasonable.
