The demon clan ministers, who were initially worried about Qin Tian's impending siege, were all in a state of great panic.

But now, after Demon Clan Great General Hong Qi's analysis, everyone suddenly became enlightened, as if they had instantly found a way to destroy Qin Tian!

"The Great General's move is truly brilliant. If the four armies actually launch simultaneously, Qin Tian, unable to take care of both ends, will certainly meet a tragic end."

"Indeed, Qin Tian only has an army of 400,000, and his range of movement is limited. Once we encircle him, he will surely be scared out of his wits!"

"Most importantly, if the Imperial City were to attack them, that would mean Qin Tian has been deemed a rebellious general. In the future, he will face endless assaults from other forces of the Tianyuan Dynasty, just like King Wu."

"Hmm, so the Great General was already confident, making us worry for nothing. Now that the Great General has successfully developed Qin Tian's secret weapon, the True Qi Cannon, we can counter him. I wonder how Qin Tian could still dare to be arrogant!"

Suddenly, the atmosphere in the hall relaxed.

Yin Yue Demon Venerate was also extremely pleased and waved his hand, saying, "Good, in that case, this matter is fully entrusted to the Great General. The Great General's orders are my orders, and all of you must obey!"

"As you command!"

Everyone bowed deeply to Hong Qi and Yin Yue Demon Venerate.

Then, Hong Qi took full charge of the operations against Qin Tian.

He instructed Yin Yue Demon Venerate to send a team to negotiate, and a ceasefire agreement was soon reached with the rebels in the West.

After all, as Hong Qi analyzed, when the entire Demon Clan was facing the threat of being invaded and perishing, those rebels would undoubtedly band together with Yin Yue Demon Venerate.

Meanwhile, the team under Hong Qi that was developing the True Qi Cannon also succeeded. Although the power seemed less than what Zhou Yang developed, it was still capable of causing significant damage, so the demon clan was delightedly searching everywhere for the key material to make the True Qi Cannon—Outer Realm Star Iron.

Outer Realm Star Iron, which Zhou Yang has been searching for years without much result.

The demon clan did the same, mobilizing their entire intelligence network and, after a full five days, managed to gather enough Outer Realm Star Iron to barely build two True Qi Cannons.

As Qin Tian began marshalling troops in Black Cloud City, preparing to cross the Black Cloud River to further penetrate the demon clan's territory for a more intense assault, the spies that Yin Yue Demon Venerate dispatched to the Imperial City, the demon clan, and the barbarian clan were already en route.

Hong Qi's shocking plan to encircle Qin Tian was rapidly progressing, while Zhao Lanjin and his 100,000-strong army crossed the Black Cloud River and advanced westward, reaching Gusha City, only 500 kilometers from the Myriad Demon Mountain Range, in less than half a month.

At this time, Qin Tian ordered Zhao Lanjin to halt any further attacks.

He noticed something unusual.

After 200,000 troops convened in Gusha City, Qin Tian summoned everyone for a meeting.

During this time, he received intel from Xiao Zhuang that the demon clan sent envoys to the Imperial City, the demon clan, and the barbarian clan. By then, it had been five days since the demon clan's envoys departed.

"I was wondering why the demon clan suddenly ceased resistance. Haha, it turns out Demon Clan Great General Hong Qi has taken charge of the battle."

During the meeting, Qin Tian sneered. Over the past month, the demon clan's rapid change from fierce resistance to strategic withdrawal, surrendering vast territories, had not gone unnoticed by Qin Tian.

"Folks, I've received word that the demon clan dispatched envoys to the Imperial City, the demon clan, and the barbarian clan. I suspect they intend to use diplomacy to encircle us."

There's no need for Qin Tian to guess the purpose of the demon clan's envoys sent out at this critical moment.

In fact, Hong Qi from the demon clan was not worried about Qin Tian seeing the envoys, because even if Qin Tian noticed, he could do nothing but feel uneasy.

"Boss, the demon clan wants to unite the Imperial City, the demon clan, and the barbarian clan to surround us. If they truly bring these forces in, can we handle them?" Lin Yu felt a bit apprehensive.

When he raised the question, everyone laughed.

Lin Yu said helplessly, "Why are we laughing? I'm being very serious."

Zhou Yang said, "If we do face an encirclement by four armies, aside from discussing troop numbers, the situation of four forces uniting against us would mean we have no retreat, and we'll be extremely uncomfortable under siege. If the situation turns perilous, we might even get wiped out collectively."

Zhao Lanjin also said, "Indeed, the Imperial City has long intended to act against us. Who knows what pretext they'll use this time? If they label us as rebels, it could indeed be a headache. Other state forces can't help us, and instead, the Ice Emperor could even order others to encircle us."

"Thus, just facing opponents from the Tianyuan Dynasty would be overwhelming. If the demon clan and barbarian clan join in, we essentially have no way out, making it incredibly hard."

Upon hearing this, Lin Yu clicked his tongue, "What do we do then? It seems like Hong Qi is indeed preparing to do just that!"

Xiao Zhuang pondered for a moment and said, "Boss, we must quickly take countermeasures; otherwise, if their coalition forms, we might have nowhere to run when the time comes."

Qin Tian nodded, "Currently, we've pushed far into Gusha City. Our logistics are entirely self-reliant, and Xu Kuan is too far from us. If encircled, our 200,000 troops could very well face total annihilation."

Total annihilation...

At Qin Tian's words, everyone's heart instantly sank.

"So, what shall we do? We've already advanced to this point, and Demon Capital is just 500 kilometers away. Are we to retreat now?"

Lin Yu was astonished, looking utterly at a loss.

Silence fell as everyone became absorbed in thought.

Since learning this news yesterday, Qin Tian had some ideas, albeit seemingly immature, so he too fell into silence.

"Even if we retreat now, I'm afraid the demon clan won't let us leave so easily; and if we return to West State and the demon clan has already allied with those forces, they might even besiege West State. At that time, we still won't be able to hold out," Zhou Yang remarked.

Those words, like a splash of cold water, left everyone feeling chilled to the bone.

"Let me think... Let me think..."

Qin Tian contemplated deeply, rubbing his head.

"Lord Qin, General Zuo Yuanhao requests an audience outside."

At that moment, a guard came in, leaving everyone astonished—

Zuo Yuanhao is here?

Wasn't he stationed with Ye Kun guarding West Capital City? How did he travel all the way to Gusha City?