"That's exactly the point. That's why Kodwen, who isn't fully aligned with Sifuer yet, chose to remain silent because this concerns not just his life but the survival of the entire Demon Race." Pei Yan said with a bitter smile, leaning against a big tree with his hands behind his head: "Holding secrets that could spare several realms from devastation and yet having to bury them to protect his own interests—that's human nature for you. Not that it's impossible to understand, right?"

"What should we do next?" Ye Ruozai asked in return.

"Do what needs to be done. As for this method of restraint, don't even think about it; even if we kill them all, they won't hand it over, like Bailang mentioned about cooperation! We also can't push too far." Pei Yan said as he stood up, brushed the dirt off his pants, and continued: "We'll handle the battle strategy, and they'll take care of the matters of restraint. During the mission, we'll find a way to see if we can obtain this method through other means."

"Haha, interesting!" Zhao Yuanhu laughed, tilting his head toward Xia Yu: "I'm starting to feel like we're kind of like spies now!"

"Not just spies; in a few days, we'll be acting like special forces too. Given the situation, simply using the Demon Race as pawns to solve the battle isn't possible anymore. When the time comes, we'll have to fight and prepare ourselves!" Pei Yan said as he patted a few people on the shoulders and walked toward the Bull Territory.

A few days later, after carefully surveying several Disaster Pillar territories, Pei Yan and his group returned to the Woodland Shelter, dragging their weary bodies. Upon returning, they didn't even greet Sifuer before collapsing into their quarters, shutting the door to keep out visitors.

In the conference hall, Sifuer listened intently to Leohard's detailed report, eyes closed, feeling the burning sensation in her palm. She had just replaced the new star plate, and now her body was experiencing a rejection reaction. This defiant force was constantly resisting her control, making it clear that her current strength still couldn't fully harness it. Damn, how did that person manage it?

She had been a bit too hasty! But given the current situation, she couldn't afford to remain a pampered lady anymore; she must shoulder the glory and future of the Kataraga Autonomous Territory.

Thinking of this, she forced herself to endure the pain in her palm, relaxed her furrowed brow, and tried hard not to show any abnormality before outsiders. In a deep voice, she asked, "What do you make of his actions, Leohard? This concerns the future of the Autonomous Territory, and I hope you'll set aside prejudices and give me your most truthful answer."

"Hmm!" Leohard lowered his head, pondered for a while, then carefully responded, "Miss Sifuer, he is indeed arrogant, self-important, and indifferent to others! But during the mission in the past few days, it's apparent that his attitude towards destroying the Disaster Pillars is serious. His repeated surveys and careful records let me feel the uncontainable battle spirit and desire for victory within him!"

He looked up at Sifuer and Bailang, who were seated above him, and continued: "His reconnaissance methods are very unusual, both concealed yet effective, vividly presenting the battlefield before us. Before the Red Disaster shrouded us, we could do similar things, but after that, we couldn't. Based merely on his reconnaissance methods, there seems to be a glimmer of hope for victory!"

"Very good!" Sifuer nodded with satisfaction, then turned to Kodwen and smiled: "Mr. Kodwen, our people have arrived at the shelter step by step. Apart from the crowded accommodation, the food supply issue has been perfectly solved. Do you have any more concerns?"

"No more. As expected of a Great Autonomous Territory managed by Lady Cixin, a large enterprise indeed, with so many Storage Necklaces ready to reserve and transfer food—it's us who were shortsighted before!" Kodwen bowed and timely expressed his respect. With Sifuer's large forces arriving at the Woodland Shelter, his chance of overturning was gone, leaving him no choice but to hibernate and watch the situation unfold.

"Then as a seasoned veteran, what do you think his chances of success are?"

"Sorry, Miss Sifuer, I can't answer that question." Kodwen said with a long sigh: "The battlefield situation changes instantaneously. We once believed our battles were foolproof, yet they ended in failure. Seeing his efforts, I can only say I believe he has a way to destroy the Disaster Pillars. But whether he can win this war, I cannot make an accurate judgment."

"It seems you don't have much hope for winning this war!" Sifuer sat back in her chair, rubbing her palm gently, feeling slightly disappointed.

"Soldiers cannot decide the direction of the war; only high-ranking commanders like you can. Your judgment and decisions dictate the victory or death of soldiers in war." Kodwen said as he knelt with one knee, hand thumping his chest: "So Miss Sifuer, I hope you consider your subordinates' lives when handling this war carefully. We do not fear death; we fear dying without meaning!"

"Understood, you may go!"

Two days later, in the conference hall, watching the changing images on the screen and listening to Pei Yan's patient explanations, the expressions of Sifuer's higher-ups seated grew increasingly solemn.

"To enhance the campaign's success rate, if your side can provide space displacement equipment, that would be best. If not, it's fine; it would only delay the time somewhat!" Pei Yan put down the pointer, smiled at those present, and asked: "Does anyone have objections to this strategy?"

"Mr. Shitang, if I'm not mistaken, don't you have space displacement abilities yourself?" Bailang asked, spreading his hands.

"My spatial displacement can't support long-distance transport, nor can I take my companions. If you have something for us to use, that would be better. If not, we'll have to choose a longer travel method, but its impact on the whole battle shouldn't be significant!"

"Shouldn't be significant? Mr. Shitang speaks lightly; during this time, it's us who need to withstand enemy assaults!" Leohard responded somewhat discontentedly from his seat.

"I don't like this tone! Please be mindful; there won't be a next time!" Pei Yan said, putting the pointer aside, arms crossed, calmly saying: "This attack to destroy the Disaster Pillars will be launched by us. Our side will not only cooperate with you in attacking enemies in the Bull Territory but also switch focus to enemies in Napas Valley at critical moments. We four are taking on battles in two places; what more do you want? If you can't bear any casualties and talk to me about sincerity, then act like some frail elders in this shelter until your Holy City in mind falls and everyone perishes together!"