"Reporting to Commander Ye and all unit leaders! We have just received news! Another fifteen battalions of our Light Faction have gathered together. They are ordering our thirteen battalions to immediately join them!"
Suddenly, a scout hurriedly came before Ye Yunfei and the twelve battalion leaders to deliver his report.
"Oh? That's certainly good news. Having so many battalions already assembled will save us a great deal of time," Ye Yunfei immediately spoke upon hearing the report.
Previously, to gather each battalion, Ye Yunfei had raced east and west, finally managing to assemble thirteen battalions only with great difficulty. Now that another fifteen battalions were already concentrated together, it would save a massive amount of time.
"Commander Ye, we have thirteen battalions here. If we join forces with another fifteen, that would bring the total to twenty-eight battalions gathered together. The scale would be truly considerable!" Commander Wan of the 19th Battalion said excitedly.
"Indeed. Time is precious. We should depart immediately and rendezvous with the other fifteen battalions," Ye Yunfei nodded.
"Where are the other fifteen battalions located now?" Ye Yunfei asked the scout.
"At the Feixian Continent," the scout answered.
"Oh? The Feixian Continent? Very well, we'll go there now!" Ye Yunfei nodded.
He had once roamed the Feixian Continent and was naturally very familiar with it.
Ye Yunfei first teleported all his forces into the Phantom Tower, then activated a Space Teleportation Token, transmitting himself towards the Feixian Continent.
Not long after, Ye Yunfei appeared within the space of the Feixian Continent.
"It has become much more advanced than before. The Dark Faction's methods are truly astonishing, capable of upgrading so many worlds within this space-time."
Sensing the energy and laws of the Feixian Continent, Ye Yunfei inwardly sighed. In the past, Earth Immortal experts might not have been able to enter the Feixian Continent at all. But now, even Perfected Earth Immortal experts could come and go as they pleased.
Upon entering the Feixian Continent, Ye Yunfei's Soul Power immediately swept across the entire world, and sure enough, he discovered it was already garrisoned by a large number of Light Faction forces. Military camps were everywhere across the continent, with thronging masses making it exceptionally lively.
"Everyone, come out."
Ye Yunfei teleported all forces from the thirteen battalions out, positioning them in the sky above the Feixian Continent. Thirteen battalions constituted a massive scale, nearly filling every inch of the sky above the continent; it was jammed tight.
"Who goes there?"
Immediately, several Earth Immortal experts soared into the sky from the continent, their faces alert as they barked a stern challenge.
"Everyone, we're allies," Commander Wan of the 19th Battalion immediately stepped forward to explain their identity.
"So you are allies!" The Earth Immortal experts visibly relaxed.
"Haha, commanders, long time no see. Please, everyone is waiting for you in the council hall."
Soon, an old man rose from the continent and arrived before Ye Yunfei and the others, speaking warmly. All thirty-six battalion commanders of the Light Faction knew each other.
"Commander Ye, this is Commander Fang of the 10th Battalion!" Commander Wan introduced the man to Ye Yunfei.
He then turned to the old man. "Commander Fang, this is Commander Ye of the 35th Battalion. He is a young genius of our Light Faction."
"So this is Commander Ye. Truly, talent flourishes in youth," Commander Fang replied with great enthusiasm.
"Alright, commanders, let's proceed to the council hall first. The other commanders are waiting for you," Commander Fang suggested.
He immediately had someone arrange an area on the continent for the thirteen battalions to settle, then led Ye Yunfei and the other twelve commanders to a resplendent, golden-hued palace.
A group of Light Faction Earth Immortal experts was already waiting inside the palace. Ye Yunfei gave a brief look and noticed fifteen Earth Immortal experts seated in the central area of the main hall—likely the commanders of the fifteen battalions.
Among them, seated at the head position, was a white-haired elder with a pale face and an aura of exhaustion, appearing utterly haggard.
"Everyone, please sit. The fact that our Light Faction's twenty-eight battalions can assemble here today is a fortunate event. Next, we need to properly discuss how to deal with our current situation."
That white-haired elder seated at the head made a gesture inviting Ye Yunfei and the twelve commanders to sit as he spoke.
"Commander Ye, this is Commander Xue of the 1st Battalion. Among the thirty-six commanders of our thirty-six battalions, his seniority is the highest, and his strength is the greatest. However, it seems Commander Xue has suffered serious injuries."
Commander Lu of the 36th Battalion sent Ye Yunfei a sound transmission.
Ye Yunfei nodded, found a seat, and sat down. The other eleven commanders also took their seats.
"Everyone, these are wartime conditions, and time is precious. Let's skip pleasantries and get straight to the point," Commander Xue declared.
"I believe everyone is clear on our current situation. The Dark Faction has suddenly revealed a strength far surpassing what they displayed in the past. They have already begun to gain the upper hand in this war. Our Light Faction is at a disadvantage; even our headquarters has been surrounded by Dark Faction forces. One could say, the situation is extremely unfavorable for our Light Faction.
According to the news I have just received, eight of our Light Faction's thirty-six battalions have already been annihilated, leaving only twenty-eight. That is to say, all remaining forces of our Light Faction's battalions are now concentrated here on the Feixian Continent."
Commander Xue continued.
"Eight battalions have been annihilated?!" Ye Yunfei was somewhat surprised.
"From now on, we twenty-eight battalions must no longer operate separately, but must remain concentrated and act in unison. Since our headquarters is besieged, we, the forces of these twenty-eight battalions, must go to support it and engage the Dark Faction's main force in a final, decisive battle."
Commander Xue stated.
"I agree with Commander Xue. Our headquarters is in crisis; we must go to reinforce them."
"I also agree."
...
The commanders of the other battalions voiced their support one after another. It was evident that this Elder Xue held high prestige among the thirty-six battalions, and everyone strongly supported him.
"However, with twenty-eight battalions assembled, we also have twenty-eight commanders. If everyone were to issue orders, it would result in a situation where many heads lead with none in charge. Therefore, we must elect a single commander to lead all twenty-eight battalions."
Commander Xue added.
"Does it need to be an election? Elder Xue, among our thirty-six battalions, your seniority is the highest and your prestige the most formidable. You are undoubtedly the one for this commander position."
Immediately, one battalion commander shouted.
"Exactly, Commander Xue, you should be the one to take on the commander role."
Many other commanders also chimed in.
"Thank you for your great esteem. However, I, Xue, have suffered severe injuries. At most, only twenty percent of my strength remains. I will need to spend a considerable amount of time in quiet recuperation and healing; otherwise, I do not know if I can preserve my old life. Therefore, the position of overall commander must be given to someone else."
Commander Xue announced loudly.
Hearing his words, the other commanders no longer insisted, as everyone could clearly see that Commander Xue was indeed gravely wounded.
"Commander Xue, Senior Chu from the headquarters has already issued an order for Commander Ye of the 35th Battalion to assemble the forces of all the battalions and operate together. Senior Chu's intention is quite clear—it is for Commander Ye to command the thirty-six battalions. Therefore, the role of overall commander should be given to Commander Ye."
Suddenly, Commander Wan of the 19th Battalion stood up and declared in a clear voice.
"Correct. Our twelve battalions already follow Commander Ye and acknowledge his position as overall commander."
The other eleven commanders who had come with Ye Yunfei also spoke up.
"Everyone, while Senior Chu ordered Commander Ye to gather the battalion forces, he did not explicitly say Commander Ye is to command all thirty-six battalions. Commander Ye, though talented in youth, ultimately lacks experience. It is uncertain whether he is capable of leading all thirty-six battalions. In such a critical wartime situation, we absolutely cannot afford the slightest negligence. Having a young man lead our thirty-six battalions is simply not a wise choice.
I believe we should elect a commander of high moral standing and proven strength for this position. Besides Commander Xue, I think Commander Gong of the 2nd Battalion is the most suitable candidate."
Suddenly, an elder in gray robes stood and spoke.
Commander Wan of the 19th Battalion immediately sent Ye Yunfei a sound transmission, identifying the gray-robed elder as Commander Feng of the 9th Battalion.
"I second Commander Feng's proposal. Commander Gong of the 2nd Battalion should be the overall commander!"
"I agree as well!"
...
Upon hearing Commander Feng's words, several other battalion commanders immediately voiced their approval.
"But Senior Chu personally gave the order! His meaning was for Commander Ye to command the thirty-six battalions! How can we possibly defy Senior Chu's order?"
Commander Lu of the 36th Battalion spoke up. The other commanders who had followed Ye Yunfei here also spoke out in Ye Yunfei's favor.
Only Ye Yunfei remained seated, silent, his expression composed and indifferent.
Honestly, he did not care in the slightest about being the overall commander.
"Commander Lu, you have certainly misinterpreted Senior Chu's intent. I believe Senior Chu would not order a junior from the younger generation to lead our thirty-six battalions," Commander Feng retorted.
"Commander Xue, please state your opinion," Commander Feng then looked towards Commander Xue.
"I do not deny that Commander Ye is an outstanding young talent. However, I believe Commander Gong is even more suited for the role of overall commander. Previously, when the core base of my 1st Battalion was surrounded and attacked by Dark Faction forces and I was severely wounded, it was Commander Gong who led the forces of the 2nd Battalion to our rescue in time, breaking us out of the encirclement. In terms of military strategy and command, even I may not be a match for Commander Gong. Commander Gong, the position of overall commander will be yours."
Commander Xue spoke slowly, his gaze turning to a red-robed elder beside him. This red-robed elder was precisely Commander Gong of the 2nd Battalion.
"Commander Xue, Commander Ye is a young talent of great ability..." Commander Gong seemed somewhat hesitant.
"It's decided. From now on, Commander Gong will serve as the overall commander, leading our twenty-eight battalions."
Commander Xue waved his hand, stating definitively.
The twelve commanders who had come with Ye Yunfei all looked towards him, seemingly wanting to say something.
"Everyone, no need to say more. Who holds the position of overall commander is not important," Ye Yunfei sent a sound transmission.
The twelve commanders could only reluctantly accept.
"I'm truly at a loss with these guys. With the situation so dire, they still have the heart to fight over power and position here," Hun Lao transmitted to Ye Yunfei.
Ye Yunfei gave a faint, unconcerned smile.
"Since you all think so highly of me, very well, I will take up the position of overall commander. Everyone, rest properly for two days. Then, we will set out together to support the headquarters and fight the Dark Faction to the death!"
Commander Gong stood and declared clearly.
Thus, the commanders dispersed, each returning to where their battalion forces were stationed to rest.
Ye Yunfei led the forces of the 35th Battalion to a remote, mountainous region on the continent to settle and recuperate.
Ye Yunfei himself prepared a secluded chamber within a mountain peak and was about to enter for quiet cultivation.
It was at this moment.
"Greetings, Commander Ye!"
A middle-aged man suddenly appeared on the mountain peak.
"And you are?" Ye Yunfei was taken aback.
"Commander Ye, Senior Chu entrusted me to deliver a message to you," the middle-aged man replied, then produced a jade slip and offered it to Ye Yunfei. "Commander Ye, I have other urgent business to attend to. Farewell."
The man spoke, then turned and departed, coming and going with equal haste.
"What message could Senior Chu have for me?"
Feeling puzzled, Ye Yunfei directly activated the jade slip.
"Ye Yunfei, remember this: many within our Light Faction have already betrayed us and joined the Dark Faction. There are traitors among the thirty-six battalions, and even within the headquarters itself. You must be cautious in everything. From now on, observe carefully and see if you can identify the traitor or traitors among the thirty-six battalions."
Ye Yunfei sensed Senior Chu's voice from within the jade slip.
"So that's what Senior Chu wanted to tell me."
Ye Yunfei nodded. In truth, he had already encountered traitors among the thirty-six battalions—the entire 26th Battalion had defected, for example.
While Ye Yunfei was perceiving the contents of the jade slip, outside this world, the middle-aged man who had just delivered the message to him was hurrying away.
"Heh heh… If I'm not mistaken, Old Man Chu sent you, didn't he?"
Suddenly, a blurred, indistinct figure appeared ahead, letting out a cold laugh.
"Who is it?!"
The middle-aged man was startled.
"The one who will claim your life."
The figure replied, then directly unleashed a towering, six-story yellow pagoda. It rumbled forward, aiming to crush the middle-aged man.
Sensing the terrifying energy aura emanating from the pagoda, the middle-aged man paled, turned, and fled in panic.
"Die."
Another figure appeared. A fist shot towards the middle-aged man, continuously expanding, directly blocking his escape route.
"AH!"
In the next moment, the middle-aged man let out a blood-curdling scream. Caught in the pincer attack of the two figures, he died on the spot.
"Heh heh, it was indeed Old Man Chu's personal messenger. I wonder what message Old Man Chu was sending to that kid Ye Yunfei."
One of the figures spoke coldly.
"What message doesn't matter anymore. The Light Faction only has twenty-eight battalions left. Now these twenty-eight battalions are also under our control. Next, we just need to cooperate with the Dark Faction, eliminate the leaders of these twenty-eight battalions one by one, and our mission will be accomplished."
The other figure sneered.
"Ye Yunfei is Old Man Chu's trusted aide. He is also the person the Dark Ancestor specifically ordered to capture—'alive if possible, dead but see the body' was his command. So, we must immediately devise a plan to deal with Ye Yunfei!"
The first figure stated.
"Hmph, a mere junior. No matter how strong he is, there are limits. We just need to think of a way to lure him out and notify Dark Faction experts to come and kill him. What about luring him to the Primary World?"
The other figure suggested.
"Good. I will contact the Dark Faction immediately to prepare a trap to surround and kill Ye Yunfei."
The first figure nodded.