“This…”
Hearing Lehadden’s words, everyone fell silent.
They finally realized that the Lightning Mercenary Group was only outwardly glorious, but in reality, they were nearing their last resort.
“Ye Cangtian, aren’t you resourceful?”
“Weren’t you very confident about the Lightning Mercenary Group’s victory?”
“Then tell me, what should we do next?”
Zhuo De questioned Ye Cangtian at this moment, perhaps because Ye Cangtian had previously embarrassed him in front of everyone, causing him to still find Ye Cangtian displeasing.
“Next, we’ll close the door and beat the dog!”
Ye Cangtian glanced dismissively at Zhuo De, then turned to look at the increasingly anxious Lehadden and said simply.
With these words, everyone present was instantly dumbfounded. They vaguely understood that Ye Cangtian wanted the Lightning Mercenary Group to engage in close combat.
But the problem arose: in terms of mercenary combat capabilities, the Tamu Mercenary Group was the undisputed leader in the mercenary world. Could the Lightning Mercenary Group withstand close-quarters combat?
With the same words, Lehadden’s expression turned grim.
Only he could fully grasp the meaning behind Ye Cangtian’s words.
Because previously, Ye Cangtian had already set up a trap on various islands, utilizing the advantages of the terrain and landforms.
Although he had considered these possibilities, he did not have much confidence in defeating the opponent.
Without the support of heavy firepower, even if they ambushed the opponent, the chances of victory were not very high.
After all, the casualties of the Tamu Mercenary Group today were merely ants in the charge; the real masters had not yet appeared!
Therefore, in his opinion, the arrangements on those islands were more like delaying tactics to hinder the pursuers.
Thinking this, Lehadden asked, “Mr. Ye, is it really possible?”
Heh heh.
Ye Cangtian smiled slightly and said, “Have confidence. You must know that the gap between you is not insurmountable.”
Alas.
Hearing this, Lehadden sighed.
He was currently like he was before the battle, completely lacking confidence in the battle against the Tamu Mercenary Group.
But after the battle truly began, he discovered that the opponent was not as powerful as he had imagined.
Perhaps the situation tomorrow would be the same.
The most crucial point was that the two sides were already engaged in battle. Even if he knew he was no match, he could not retreat or surrender, as that would be equivalent to suicide.
After all, the Tamu Mercenary Group had suffered heavy losses and would have loved to tear him apart.
In other words, only by resisting to the end did he have a chance of survival.
“Alright everyone, it’s time for you to choose!”
“Do your respective forces choose to form an alliance, to not be bullied by anyone, or do you choose to leave and be eventually annexed by the Temple of Light?”
“You can state your position now!”
Seeing that the surroundings had quieted down, Ye Cangtian spoke again.
“This…”
These words made everyone hesitate.
The Temple of Light was like a colossal entity, having oppressed them for decades. Their fear of the Temple of Light was deeply ingrained in their bones.
It was not something that could be changed overnight.
Therefore, these people dared not make hasty decisions, fearing that a single word would bring about the destruction of their forces!
“We need to observe further before acting…”
After a moment, it was unclear who spoke first, but everyone nodded in agreement, wanting to continue observing.
In their view, at the very least, the Lightning Mercenary Group would have to achieve a thorough victory before an alliance would have any meaning.
Ye Cangtian nodded in response and readily agreed.
…
Boundless sea area.
On the warship of the Tamu Mercenary Group, Chandler roared.
Shame, this was absolutely the greatest shame of his life!
The ants in his eyes were actually able to block his attacks for a day, and even forced him to retreat.
If this news were to return to the Tamu Mercenary Group headquarters, he would become a laughingstock for everyone, and his position as legion commander would be over!
He couldn't understand why the Lightning Mercenary Group's counterattack was so strong, with their firepower deployed at perfect intervals, covering the entire battlefield.
This was absolutely not something an ant could arrange!
“My lord, I have returned!”
Just then, Jackal came before Chandler and spoke slowly.
Chandler glanced at Jackal, who had just returned from reconnaissance, and asked, “What have you found out? Did those forces provide strong support to the Lightning Mercenary Group?”
At this point, Chandler could only attribute the failure to this.
He could not admit that he had been utterly defeated by Lehadden in a one-on-one confrontation.
Jackal’s expression immediately changed.
He knew Chandler wanted an excuse for his failure, but he truly hadn’t found anything unusual and couldn't provide the answer he wanted.
“Speak! Tell me! What have you found out!”
Seeing Jackal’s silence, Chandler knew he didn't have the answer he was looking for and immediately roared.
Upon hearing this, Jackal’s forehead instantly broke out in a cold sweat. He quickly stepped forward and said, “My lord, the coastal defenses of the Lightning Mercenary Group are heavily guarded, and we are unable to land…”
Just as he said this, Jackal’s heart turned cold. Chandler’s eyes were already filled with killing intent.
So he quickly changed his wording.
Although Jackal had not successfully landed on the island this time and had not gathered more useful information, he had discovered a phenomenon.
During the day’s battle, the sea mines deployed around the Hell Gate Islands had not been replenished until now.
This was considered a significant discovery. It clearly indicated that the Lightning Mercenary Group had run out of supplies. Otherwise, no matter what, they would have redeployed the sea mines.
After all, only with the combined coverage of sea mines and artillery fire could they block the Tamu Mercenary Group’s offensive.
Hmm?
Hearing this news, Chandler’s angry expression softened.
To block his progress, the Lightning Mercenary Group had used up their reserves. While this was hateful and deserved to be killed, it also announced to him that the opponent was at the end of their rope.
Thinking this, Chandler showed a cruel smile.
If the Lightning Mercenary Group could continue with such fierce artillery fire, he truly wouldn’t have had many options against them. He might even have had to retreat or request reinforcements.
But now that they had used up their reserves, he couldn't be blamed for being ruthless.
He was determined to seek retribution for his lost dignity.
Thinking this, he instructed Jackal, “Notify everyone. Tomorrow, the feint attack will be the main focus. Once the enemy’s artillery fire subsides, launch the main offensive. I have only one demand: bring Lehadden to me!”
“Yes!”
Jackal quickly acknowledged and then retreated.
…
Night.
Ye Cangtian, who was still resting, received a familiar phone call.
The call was from Gu Yue. It wasn't that something had happened in the capital, but that Zi Long had contacted Gu Yue.
Zi Long had made prior arrangements, instructing the Caesar Mercenary Group to obey Dawn’s orders and disrupt the Temple of Light’s actions.
The Caesar Mercenary Group had made all preparations but had been waiting for Dawn’s news. They had then inquired with Zi Long, wanting to know the specific cooperation details.
Hearing this situation, Ye Cangtian let out a wry smile.
He had delayed some time to complete his marriage with Tang Xinwan, resulting in him having no time to contact the Caesar Mercenary Group.
He had chosen to head directly to the Hell Gate Islands, which led to the events of today.
Furthermore, he understood that Zi Long feared the Temple of Light seizing the initiative and annexing the small and medium-sized forces first, leaving the Dark Association with nothing.
After all, in Zi Long’s eyes, the Tamu Mercenary Group was far more powerful than the small and medium-sized forces, and when confronting enemies, it was almost like sweeping away fallen leaves in the autumn wind.
Therefore, the actual meaning of Zi Long’s call was for him to act quickly.
Thinking this, Ye Cangtian directly replied to Gu Yue, asking her to get the contact information of the person in charge of the Caesar Mercenary Group, and that he would contact them when needed.
At the same time, he also wanted to tell Zi Long that if he wanted to be the final螳螂 (mantis), he had to be patient.
After giving the instructions, Ye Cangtian hung up the phone.
When it came to disrupting the Temple of Light’s annexation, Ye Cangtian was absolutely uncompromising.
As for what benefits the Dark Association wanted to gain from this, that was another matter.