“Greetings, Elders,” Ye Yunfei said with a faint smile.
Old Man Chu had already recorded all the information concerning the 35th Battalion, including the details of its five Earth Immortals, within that token. Therefore, Ye Yunfei immediately recognized the identities of the three elders before him.
“We pay our respects to the Battalion Leader,” the three elders said, reluctantly stepping forward to greet Ye Yunfei.
Old Man Chu and Chan Master Tianwu held extremely high status within the Light Faction, being part of the decision-making layer. These three elders dared not openly oppose a new Battalion Leader personally appointed by Old Man Chu.
“So this young man really is our battalion's new leader!” Those True Immortals watching the scene were all inwardly astonished.
Afterward, the three elders escorted Ye Yunfei into the Small World.
This Small World was one of the 35th Battalion's two major bases. The battalion had operated here for an extremely long period. Nearly half their assets were here, and the place bustled with constant comings and goings.
“These three Elders don't seem too welcoming of my arrival.” Ye Yunfei’s sensory abilities were extraordinarily sharp. He perceived their expressions and attitudes clearly, thinking to himself.
With a shift in thought, Ye Yunfei roughly understood why.
Fan Yuanwei, the 35th Battalion's previous Battalion Leader, had been an Advanced Earth Immortal. Moreover, many of the battalion’s experts and members had been personally nurtured by him. Consequently, the battalion's members held deep feelings for their former leader. Being suddenly replaced by a junior like him was indeed somewhat hard to accept.
Ye Yunfei understood the elders’ feelings. His expression remained placid, showing no reaction.
The three elders ushered Ye Yunfei into the main hall of a palace and invited him to sit in the seat of honor. Although disappointed by Ye Yunfei’s cultivation level and seniority, he was, after all, the new Battalion Leader personally dispatched by Old Man Chu. They did not attempt to embarrass him.
Seeing this, Ye Yunfei inwardly nodded, his favorable impression of these three elders increasing.
“Battalion Leader Ye, allow me to explain our current situation. Not long ago, the 35th Battalion fought a fierce battle against a large army from the Dark Faction. During the battle, Battalion Leader Fan was ambushed by enemies, besieged by several Dark Faction Advanced Earth Immortals, and ultimately killed. In that battle, our 35th Battalion also lost over fifteen thousand personnel, a grievous loss.
Afterward, our forces split into two groups, retreating to our two bases to recuperate. However, I estimate it won’t be long before that Dark Faction army comes looking for trouble with our battalion. The Dark Faction army targeting us is extremely powerful. Even in a direct clash, our 35th Battalion may not be their match.
Furthermore, currently, every battalion of our Light Faction is encountering opponents and being hunted by Dark Faction forces. Therefore, our hopes of seeking assistance from other battalions are slim.
This is the situation currently faced by our 35th Battalion.” Elder Qi took a step forward and addressed Ye Yunfei.
“So that’s how it is. Our Light Faction’s members are divided into Battalions. How are the Dark Faction’s forces organized?” Ye Yunfei asked.
“The Dark Faction organizes its forces into units called Nests, numbered as the First Nest, Second Nest, Third Nest, and so on. Generally, one, two, or three Dark Faction Nests form one large army.
According to intelligence gathered by our battalion's scouts, the Dark Faction army targeting our 35th Battalion is formed by forces from the 89th Nest and the 90th Nest,” Elder Zhuo answered.
“I see,” Ye Yunfei said, his brow furrowing slightly.
The Light Faction only had thirty-six Battalions, while the Dark Faction had at least ninety Nests, perhaps even more. By comparison, the Light Faction’s scale was clearly inferior.
“The Dark Faction’s strength is truly somewhat terrifying. No wonder they have been able to launch numerous World-Destroying Wars, throwing this entire stretch of spacetime into utter chaos,” Ye Yunfei mused inwardly.
“I heard from Senior Chu that recently, a massive number of Earth Immortal experts suddenly appeared within the Dark Faction. What’s the reason for that?” Ye Yunfei suddenly thought of this and spoke.
“Yes, there is such a matter. The reason for our severe losses was precisely because, during the battle, our enemy received reinforcements in the form of several Earth Immortal experts. This shattered the balance of power, leading to our disastrous defeat,” Elder Chi explained.
“The Dark Faction’s strength is unfathomable. It's said they intend to launch the final World-Destroying War this time, aiming to exterminate all living beings within this stretch of spacetime. It’s estimated they have now brought out all their hidden depths and reserves!
In any case, the situation currently facing our Light Faction is extremely severe. Against the Dark Faction alone, it’s uncertain how much chance of victory we even have. Add to that the fact that the Dark Faction has formed alliances with many major powers throughout this expanse of spacetime, and we seem even more isolated and outmatched.” Elder Qi said with a sigh.
“Based on your words, the situation facing our Light Faction is indeed quite grim.” Ye Yunfei felt a slight heaviness in his heart as he listened to the elders, speaking slowly.
Ye Yunfei could now be considered part of the upper echelons of the Light Faction, or at the very least, a battalion leader. His mindset had begun to subtly change, and he was starting to analyze issues from a broader perspective.
“Report! Something terrible has happened! The Lesser Heavenly World is under attack! Elders Tao and Jiang have just sent a communication. They say the enemy is attacking fiercely and are requesting the three Elders to provide immediate support!”
At this moment, a middle-aged man rushed urgently into the great hall, addressing the three elders.
Then, the middle-aged man noticed Ye Yunfei sitting calmly in the honored position and momentarily froze, unsure of what to say. This man was a deacon of the 35th Battalion, specifically responsible for gathering intelligence and transmitting all kinds of information. He had just returned to this Small World and did not know Ye Yunfei’s identity.
“Deacon Zhuang, this is the newly appointed Battalion Leader of the 35th Battalion. Quickly pay your respects,” Elder Qi instructed the middle-aged man.
“My respects, Battalion Leader!” This Deacon Zhuang was greatly shocked upon hearing Elder Qi’s words. He hurriedly stepped forward to bow to Ye Yunfei.
“How can this be? They actually appointed a junior from the True Immortal Realm to be the new leader of our battalion?” Deacon Zhuang thought to himself.
“Battalion Leader Ye, the Lesser Heavenly World is our battalion’s other base. It’s currently under attack by the Dark Faction!” Elder Zhuo said to Ye Yunfei.
“Three Elders, matters do not permit delay. We must head there immediately!” Ye Yunfei stood up directly and spoke.