Chapter Seven of the Romantic Continent: A Deliberate Deception

page views:1 Publication date:2023-06-08

In Bahan City, the capital of Banan Prefecture, the atmosphere was tense as news of the Holy Wind Knights' defeat spread throughout the city. The streets were filled with fully armed soldiers, their faces grim. Citizens with nothing to do had already advised each other to stay home for safety.

Gathering the defeated troops and reorganizing the army kept the temple personnel, who were not particularly adept at this, extremely busy. When things were going smoothly, contradictions and shortcomings were masked; but once a reversal occurred, all flaws were exposed at once.

Insufficient adaptability, a lack of truly capable generals, and unfamiliarity with military affairs—every shortcoming was magnified and laid bare before the temple personnel.

In the Bahan City government hall, the temple's high-ranking officials, including the five elders in charge of military operations, were gathered. They had all rushed there after receiving an urgent order from the High Priestess.

The rectangular conference table was occupied on three sides, except for the head seat, which was empty. To the surprise of the temple's high-ranking members attending the meeting, two chairs were placed side-by-side at the head seat. This meant that besides the High Priestess, there was another person of equal status and rank attending the meeting.

Who could be sitting on equal footing with the High Priestess? Was it someone from within the temple? But no matter how you looked at it, no one in the temple currently possessed such power!

The temple members present, secretly puzzled, couldn't help but whisper among themselves, probing and inquiring.

After three clear chimes of the jade bell, the previously noisy hall fell silent.

Soft footsteps came from the inner hall entrance, and then Zuo Lanxin, dressed in the High Priestess's white silk robe, appeared at the entrance.

Her jet-black hair was pulled up high, and the collar of her robe flared out to reveal her swan-like neck. Her hands, placed in front of her, were concealed within the wide sleeves. The robe, slit in the sides, trailed long on the ground.

As Zuo Lanxin gracefully moved forward, she resembled a pure white lotus flower floating on the ground, exuding supreme holiness and beauty.

"Greetings, High Priestess!"

All the high-ranking members of the temple rose from their seats, placed their right hands on their chests, and bowed respectfully to Zuo Lanxin.

Zuo Lanxin nodded slightly and sat down in her seat. After she was seated, she gestured for the others to quietly take their places.

At this moment, some observant members of the temple noticed that Zuo Lanxin was sitting in the chair to the right of the main seat. Generally, the left-hand seat was the most prestigious, subtly suggesting that there might be another distinguished guest, one whose status and position were even higher than Zuo Lanxin's.

"Who could this person be?"

The quick-witted temple members couldn't help but become even more curious, pondering in their hearts.

To be more esteemed than the High Priestess, there were few in the entire Fast Empire, especially since this was on temple territory. What kind of important figure could make Zuo Lanxin willingly relinquish the highest position?

Thus, even before the meeting truly began, many were already speculating, their curiosity about this mysterious guest diverting much of their attention and energy.

"What's the situation now?"

Zuo Lanxin's question announced the start of the meeting.

"Very bad."

The temple elder's answer was simple, yet filled with bitterness, sending a chill down the spines of those attending the meeting.

The Holy Wind Knights' original main force of 50,000 men had been reduced to only 26,000. The remaining detachment of 10,000 men, after entering Luzhou, was caught in a pincer attack by two of Gilemans's forces and completely scattered.

The number of defeated soldiers gathered from the front lines was approximately 12,000, but these demoralized men could no longer be expected to relieve the siege of Linji City. In other words, the only hope now lay with the 26,000 Holy Wind Knights within Linji City to save themselves.

"How many troops of the Gilimans army are besieging Linji City?"

Zuo Lanxin's expression remained calm, unlike the other temple members who were unmoved by the changing situation. This subtly reassured the temple members present.

"The exact number is currently unknown, but we have obtained some intelligence from the defeated soldiers. The Gilimans army besieging Linji City numbers at least 80,000."

The temple elder's slightly alarmed tone during the report resonated with the others, eliciting a soft gasp of surprise from the assembled members.

"According to the intelligence we just received, Gilimans is personally leading an army of 50,000 men on its way to Linji City. Once they join the army besieging Linji City, with the Holy Wind Knights' remaining 26,000 men, I think it's impossible to defend Linji City..."

The temple elder reporting the situation lowered his voice. Without him saying anything more, anyone with a modicum of sense knew that with Gilimans's calculated attack and overwhelming numerical superiority, there was only one outcome—the Holy Wind Knights and Linji City would be devoured by Gilimans.

"I really can't believe Gilimans got so many troops!"

another temple elder in charge of military affairs exclaimed in bewilderment.

"After the great battle with Haiyingyang, Gilimans's army should have decreased significantly! How could it be more than before the battle?"

"It seems we acted too hastily this time. We should have strengthened our own forces first before confronting Gilimans."

The three temple elders in charge of military affairs spoke one after another, revealing their pessimism.

“We should send envoys to negotiate with Girimans now. Only through peace talks can we save the 26,000 Holy Wind Knights soldiers in Linji City.”

In the somber atmosphere of the meeting, Bishop Clarion of the Temple from Banan Prefecture stroked his white beard and solemnly suggested to Zuo Lanxin.

“Bishop Clarion’s suggestion is a good one. Our current strength is insufficient to fight Girimans. It would be better to take a step back, negotiate peace with Girimans, and then make other plans after we have strengthened our forces.”

A bishop sitting next to Clarion also chimed in, echoing his suggestion. He was Bishop Julian from Luzhou, who had withdrawn from the Luzhou diocese since the war between the Temple and Girimans began.

Hearing the highly respected Bishop Clarion and the young and radical Julian speak out, the other bishops and elders almost instinctively nodded in agreement, indicating that for the future of the Temple, it was best to negotiate peace with Girimans for the time being.

Seated at the head of the table, Zuo Lanxin remained silent, merely observing the performance of the crowd.

Although she had somewhat anticipated the situation, she hadn't expected these people to change their allegiance so quickly.

Being among these high-ranking members of the temple, Zuo Lanxin deeply felt their ugliness and cowardice. Years of comfortable lives and extravagant indulgences had long since corrupted the temple's bishops. They would desperately seize any advantage or benefit, and at the slightest difficulty or setback, their first thought was always escape and retreat. If the temple's future were truly built upon these people, it might very well fail completely tomorrow.

"A comprehensive reform and reorganization of the temple is necessary for its better survival and development."

Amidst the chaos and commotion, Zuo Lanxin suddenly recalled a statement made by the Archmage Stephen. At the time, she hadn't truly grasped its meaning, but now she understood completely. It turned out that Stephen had long harbored the idea of changing the temple.

Perhaps Archmage Stephen's return to power was for this very purpose, but he hadn't anticipated that events would unfold so drastically, inadvertently propelling Ye Tianlong forward.

"High Priestess, please make your decision soon!"

Master Yuliu stood up, bowed to Zuo Lanxin, and spoke loudly. His action interrupted Zuo Lanxin's momentary reverie.

The entire hall fell silent, all eyes turning to the High Priestess. Judging from her somewhat strange expression, many believed she was also intimidated by the situation, and some even awaited Zuo Lanxin's decision with a sense of schadenfreude.

“We absolutely cannot negotiate peace with that old scoundrel, Gilimans.”

Zuo Lanxin nodded, gesturing for Master Yuliu to sit down. Then, she opened her mouth slightly and slowly uttered words that surprised everyone.

“With God’s guidance, how could we fail?”

Hearing such words, usually reserved for their own comfort to believers, the temple members were at a loss for words. Even Zuo Lanxin herself knew that such words would have little effect on these temple members.

“I want everyone to understand that the current difficulties are only temporary. If we negotiate peace with that old scoundrel Gilimans now, it would mean all our previous work has been in vain, and it would allow the old scoundrel to completely seize control of the temple. At that point, what would be the point of preserving the temple?”

“Then what do we do now? If we don’t try, how will we know what the outcome will be? Besides, we can use the opportunity of peace negotiations to buy ourselves more time.” Bishop Claudius did not back down because of Zuo Lanxin’s words, but continued to insist on his point of view.

"High Priestess, we no longer have much power left to contend with Gilimans." Compared to Claudio's maturity and composure, Julian's words were more direct and straightforward.

"I have a plan, you don't need to worry." Facing the questions from below, Zuo Lanxin smiled calmly, then announced to everyone with a very serious expression, "Now I will invite a distinguished guest to meet you. With his support, we will definitely defeat Gilimans."

The people in the temple were greatly puzzled, because Zuo Lanxin's words were full of confidence. What kind of person could give the High Priestess such confidence?

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Zuo Lanxin stood up from her chair, turned around, and said respectfully, "Please welcome Your Majesty."

To the astonishment of everyone in the temple, Ye Tianlong strode out of the inner hall.

"You know who I am, and I know what kind of people you are, so there's no need for introductions."

Ye Tianlong walked to Zuo Lanxin's side and spoke to the crowd in a deep voice before naturally sitting down in the chair next to her.

"What's going on?"

One of the temple elders was the first to recover from his shock, almost jumping out of his chair.

It was indeed hard for these temple members to believe that Ye Tianlong, the new emperor of Fast, would appear at a high-level temple meeting, especially in Banan State, nearly 800 miles from Esnia.

"I know you are very surprised and confused, but I truly want to help your temple."

Ye Tianlong spoke calmly to the temple elder; his composed and steady demeanor left the temple members somewhat bewildered.

"As the Emperor of Fast, I have a responsibility to help the Temple restore its former glory. Because the Temple has always been linked to the Fast royal family, our cooperation is our greatest asset."

"To show my sincerity, I personally came to see your High Priestess."

These superficial pleasantries were clearly not enough for the Temple members; their expressions betrayed their true feelings. They needed something tangible.

"I have considered this carefully. From the beginning, our Temple has grown alongside the Empire. We are part of the Empire, an inseparable part. Therefore, when His Majesty the Emperor approached me, I quickly agreed to His Majesty's conditions."

Looking at the Temple members with their varied expressions, Zuo Lanxin spoke with unwavering conviction. Her words conveyed a clear message: she had decided to join forces with Ye Tianlong.

"High Priestess, what are the conditions?" Yuliu was the first to jump up, loudly questioning Zuo Lanxin.

"It's very simple. Your temple will accept the empire's protection and develop your power under the empire's laws." Ye Tianlong's lips curled slightly as he solemnly announced to the temple's entourage in an unquestionable tone, "And your High Priestess will continue to serve as the empire's Grand Preceptor."

A slight murmur rippled through the crowd. Ye Tianlong's conditions were not only simple, but incredibly favorable, as this was the previous situation for the temple. Moreover, Ye Tianlong had also reclaimed the position of Grand Preceptor, one of the three highest-ranking officials in the empire, for the temple.

At the founding of the Fast Empire, the position of Grand Preceptor was held by a high-ranking high priest from the temple. However, after the third Grand Preceptor was implicated in a palace coup plot and executed, the position no longer belonged to the Fast Temple.

For most of the time, the position of Grand Preceptor remained vacant. Occasionally, a few powerful mages who enjoyed the emperor's trust and favor were appointed Grand Preceptor, but these mages were not direct members of the temple, but rather members of the Magic Guild.

"But, Your Majesty, with your current strength, can you help our temple?"

The ever-cautious Elder Clarius posed this rather pointed question to Ye Tianlong with remarkable directness.

The entire temple fell silent, their gazes fixed on Ye Tianlong.

"That's right, an excellent question."

Ye Tianlong sat calmly in his chair, showing no displeasure or embarrassment at Elder Clarius pointing out his weakness.

"I know I can't just make empty promises, so I've come here to show you whether I, Ye Tianlong, can truly protect you."

"Your Majesty, how many troops have you brought this time?"

Yuliu's question was exactly what many in the temple wanted to know, and it was their biggest concern.

"Many. They're right behind me and will arrive soon."

Ye Tianlong smiled slightly, looking at Yuliu, and spoke in a very calm tone. His refusal to reveal the exact number of troops actually made the temple members more credible.

"My first agreement with the High Priestess was that we would defeat Gilimans together and capture him to sacrifice to the archbishops of the temple who were killed by him."

"Alright, we'll discuss the specifics at the Elders' Council. Right now, the most important thing is to discuss how to defeat Gilimans."

Seeing that Julius was still going to argue with Ye Tianlong, Zuo Lanxin decisively changed the subject.

In the midst of chaos, the leader's strength and decisiveness naturally become the dominant force, and it's also the best opportunity to prove their strength. Zuo Lanxin's assertive approach, while causing some dissatisfaction among the temple members regarding her self-determination, also demonstrated her ability and charisma as the High Priestess.

After this meeting, the High Priestess's dominant position was once again established in the minds of the temple members; her authority was further consolidated and enhanced.

The following meeting quickly came to a conclusion, as the temple had no other good options. Their only hope was the reinforcements Ye Tianlong had mentioned. Until the reinforcements arrived, all the temple members could do was reorganize their remaining troops and rebuild their forces.

After more than a day of reorganization, the temple finally managed to assemble an army of 20,000 men. With the addition of 8,000 reinforcements hastily arriving from Black Gate City, they had finally formed a field army of considerable size. Notably, among the 8,000 soldiers from Black Gate City were nearly 2,000 mages, a formidable fighting force.

Because the Magic Guild was a branch of the temple, they had intricate connections with it. The Fast Temple itself was a legitimate organization training mages, naturally possessing a large number of magical talents. When the temple and the Magic Guild jointly issued a call, a large number of mages quickly arrived in Black Gate City.

"Very good! They've gathered so many mages so quickly," Ye Tianlong said to Zuo Lanxin, quite surprised, after reading the report she had given him.

"This is the temple's last remaining force. If they can't defeat Gilimans, then there's nothing more they can do." Zuo Lanxin's face showed slight worry as she looked at Ye Tianlong, hesitant to speak.

"Speak! What exactly happened?" Noticing Zuo Lanxin's expression, Ye Tianlong asked.

"Your Majesty, when will your army arrive?" After hesitating for a moment, Zuo Lanxin mustered her courage and asked Ye Tianlong softly.

"There is no army at all. I only brought Yuzhu and Cynthia with me to Bahan City this time." Ye Tianlong smiled slightly and said to Zuo Lanxin.

His words immediately shocked the High Priestess of the temple: "Your Majesty, this... without reinforcements... how can we fight..."

"I know, but we can't spare any troops to fight Gilimans here!"

Ye Tianlong interrupted Zuo Lanxin, put his hands behind his back, walked to the window, and looked at the blooming camellias outside.

“My army is currently fighting on two fronts, against Yunaia and Haiyingyang. We are already short of troops, where would we find extra soldiers to spare?”

“But how can we fight Gilimans then?”

Zuo Lanxin looked at Ye Tianlong’s back with great worry, her mind in turmoil. The longer she spent with this man, the deeper her understanding of him became, the less she could see through him. Was he a reckless and impulsive man, or a shrewd and far-sighted one?

“It’s not about the quantity of troops, but the quality.” Ye Tianlong seemed to sense Zuo Lanxin’s complicated emotions behind him and turned around to speak slowly to her. “In war, the most effective tactic is surprise. If used precisely, even the smallest army can defeat the enemy.”

Zuo Lanxin was about to say something when hurried footsteps came from outside the door, and then General Tirington, who was in charge of the defense of Baham, entered. Born into the temple, he was originally a lieutenant general in the garrison of Bahan City. Since the temple took control of Bahan City, all the city's defenses had been entrusted to him.

"Your Highness, Your Majesty the Emperor, enemy tracks have been discovered outside the city. A supply convoy has been completely wiped out, and the sentry troops that rushed to its rescue have suffered heavy casualties..."

Upon hearing this news, Ye Tianlong's heart jolted, and he looked at Zuo Lanxin, whose face had turned pale.

Everything had developed far too quickly. If it really was Gilemans's army that had attacked, then it meant that the Holy Wind Knights of Linji City had been completely annihilated. Riding the momentum of their great victory, Gilemans's army would be unstoppable by the temple's forces.

Regaining his composure, Ye Tianlong hurriedly summoned the remaining soldiers of the sentry troops to learn the details.

The soldiers, still shaken, couldn't say much more. They had only received a distress signal from the supply convoy, but were unexpectedly attacked by enemy forces en route. They hadn't even seen the enemy clearly before being defeated.

"The enemy was all dressed in black, appearing and disappearing from the trees on both sides of the road. They seemed to leap out of the trees, crushing us in an instant..."

From the soldier's brief description, Ye Tianlong could imagine the scene. The thousand soldiers rushing to the rescue, led by their general, were hurrying along when suddenly countless dark figures launched an aerial attack from the trees on both sides. The general and his personal guard were instantly killed, and the troops, unable to organize a fight, scattered and fled.

A breeze blew in from the other side of the mountain, bringing a chill and a pungent smell of blood.

Standing on the high slope, Ye Tianlong looked down at the road below the hill. On the brownish-yellow road and in the dark bushes, countless corpses lay piled up, and the wagons that had been loaded with grain were still emitting wisps of black smoke. This was where the grain convoy had been attacked.

"We just counted them. The grain convoy suffered 987 casualties. Not a single wounded survivor. Truly ruthless..."

Tirington, reporting respectfully, gritted his teeth, a chill running down his spine. A battle that left no survivors was extremely rare.

"No enemy corpses?" Standing beside Ye Tianlong, Zuo Lanxin, ever observant, asked Tirington with some curiosity.

"Your Highness, not a single enemy corpse was left. Even on the battlefield over there, no enemy bodies were found."

With Tirington's words, Ye Tianlong turned his gaze to the other side of the hill. Over there was the site of the attack on the guard force. A winding path wound through the lush forest, but now, the once peaceful and beautiful woods had become a living hell.

"The guard force suffered 736 casualties. Not a single wounded soldier survived. Apart from those killed instantly, the rest were wounded and then had their throats slit in the same way,"

Tirington's words sent a chill down everyone's spine. This group of mysterious enemies was far too ruthless and cunning, leaving no clues or traces, making it impossible to guess their origins or identities.

This intensified the panic among the temple's army and the people of Baghan. It could be said that even before the real battle began, the morale and spirit of the temple's side had already plummeted.

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