Yuan Zuozong understood that Orion was correct. His previous suggestion had been more about impressing Orion than practical strategy.
"This… Alright, what should we do next?" Yuan Zuozong asked tentatively, though his reluctance was evident. To advance toward Chang'an, Yumen Pass was the only route. Abandoning it wasn't an option.
Orion surveyed everyone, a thoughtful expression in his eyes. Besides the Dragoon Army, the three newly recruited legions were all quite capable. However, for now, the Drizzle unit wasn't much of a factor. It was an intelligence organization, not a combat force.
The Trap Camp was strong, but the giant crossbows atop Yumen Pass presented a significant threat. A direct assault would result in heavy casualties.
"My lord, I am willing to lead the Trap Camp to capture Yumen Pass for you!" Gao Shun declared resolutely. With the Trap Camp's strength, taking Yumen Pass seemed almost effortless.
"We also wish to contribute to the Lord's efforts!" Ying Mo, leader of the Shadow Guards, and Yu Xiang, leader of Xiaoyu, both offered their support.
"Excellent!" Orion exclaimed. "I appreciate your loyalty and dedication. However, I already have a plan in mind."
Orion's gaze turned to the Shadow Guards. Unlike the other legions, the Shadow Guards specialized in stealth and assassination. They were perfect for infiltrating Yumen Pass undetected.
"Ying Mo, lead the Shadow Guards to infiltrate Yumen Pass and act as internal agents. Seize the city gates and attempt to destroy the giant crossbows on the walls. Meanwhile, we will coordinate with the Trap Camp and Dragon Cavalry Army to breach the pass from both inside and out."
"Yes, my lord!" Ying Mo and his team nodded in agreement.
Orion glanced at Ying Mo, noting a peculiar crispness in his voice, which he briefly pondered but dismissed as a mere illusion.
Yuxiang, who had been quiet, suddenly stepped forward. "Lord, I am also willing to assist. I am skilled in stealth and might be of help."
Seeing that Yang Luyuan hadn't assigned him a task, Yuxiang grew anxious. He was eager to prove himself and amend any negative impressions he had made previously.
"That's a good idea. Yuxiang, you should join as well!" Orion decided after a brief hesitation. Yuxiang was a semi-saint level master and his unique skills in concealment and transformation could provide valuable support. With three powerful half-saints leading the team, their chances of success were even greater.
After finalizing the plan, Orion instructed the Dragon Cavalry to wait for the right moment while the Shadow Guards prepared to infiltrate Yumen Pass.
Moments later, Ying Mo and his team vanished into thin air, their forms blending seamlessly with the surroundings.
In Chang'an, the capital of the Great Zhou Dynasty, the atmosphere in the main hall was tense. The communication methods in this world rivaled those in science fiction, allowing rapid dissemination of news.
Not long after the destruction of Li Weiming's Imperial Guards, the capital received word of the disaster.
"You say that Li Weiming and my 100,000 Guards were wiped out by the forces led by the Zhenbei King Orion?"
On the golden dragon throne, Zhou Linglong, the empress of the Zhou Dynasty, sat regally. Her voluptuous figure and majestic attire radiated an air of authority.
The officials fell silent. Despite the calm in Zhou Linglong's tone, everyone knew that her composure masked intense anger.
"My lord… yes," Yang Yanzhan, Minister of the Ministry of War, replied tremulously. Despite being at the peak of Semi-Saint cultivation, he felt overwhelmed by the empress's presence.
The court remained silent, stunned by the news of Orion's unexpected rise. The supposed waste of the Northern Territory had caused a major upheaval.
Suddenly, another urgent report arrived from 800 miles away. A messenger burst into the court, breathless, and announced:
"Your Majesty! The traitor Orion has led 100,000 cavalry toward Yumen Pass! The guards there are requesting assistance!"
The court erupted into chaos.
"Yumen Pass? How dare Orion challenge us!"
"Indeed, if he reaches Yumen Pass, he will be threatening the entire Central Plains of the Great Zhou Dynasty."
The realization dawned: Orion's advance toward Yumen Pass was a significant threat.
Zhou Linglong's face darkened with growing displeasure. Her typically composed demeanor was now overshadowed by her anger.
"Is there anyone willing to lead troops to reinforce Yumen Pass and deal with the traitor Orion?" the empress demanded, her voice filled with fury.
The court fell into a deep silence. No one responded, and the atmosphere grew heavy with tension. Each official was keenly aware of the gravity of the situation and the potential dangers of confronting Orion.
After a long pause, a young man with a striking appearance stood up. Dressed in impressive armor, he represented the military ranks. His gaze, filled with a mix of passion and something more sinister, was fixed on the empress.
"My lord, I am willing to assist in eliminating the traitor Orion!"
Zhou Linglong's eyes sparkled with appreciation as she regarded the man. However, a trace of disgust flickered briefly in her gaze, unnoticed by others. She recognized the man's motives, though her outward demeanor remained gracious.