438. The Prologue To The Invasion Toward The Tono Separatists

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The code embedded within the message signaled the urgency and personal importance of the orders, guaranteeing immediate attention from the agents. In Nanpi, the Oriole agents received the coded message and quickly decoded it. Recognizing the gravity of the instructions, they sprang into action. Agents were strategically placed around key locations, monitoring movements and ensuring that any signs of exposure would be swiftly dealt with.

On the other hand, after Tian Feng and Xu You joined the group, Zhang He and Gao Lan had Zhang Yan come to Nanpi silently, and the two of them then introduced him to Tian Feng and Xu You.

After the introduction, the four of them meticulously planned the defection they would do in the future, timing it to coincide with a moment of distraction that will happen in Yuan Shao's court that could possibly happen.

Zhang He, Gao Lan, Zhang Yan, Tian Feng, and Xu You then continue the discussion with who will they defect to, is it Lie Fan or Cao Cao? At this time, Zhang He and Gao Lan voiced their opinions firmly.

"I believe we should defect to Lie Fan," Zhang He began. "He is currently winning against Cao Cao and has shown that he treats all his subordinates equally. His success on the battlefield and the respect he commands among his men are signs of a leader who knows how to utilize his resources effectively."

Gao Lan nodded in agreement. "Lie Fan's victories have not been mere luck. His strategies and the loyalty he inspires in his troops make him a formidable ally. With him, we can ensure a future where our skills and loyalty are appreciated."

Tian Feng, while agreeing with some of their statements, shook his head. "Lie Fan may be winning now, but Cao Cao is a seasoned leader with vast resources and connections."

As he said so, Tian Feng made a full circle on the map on the table in front of them, "His influence stretches wide, and he has the backing of many powerful clans. Defecting to Cao Cao would give us a greater opportunity to showcase our talents and potentially have more room to maneuver within his court."

Xu You beside Tian Feng, agrees with what he said, and adds, "Also, Lie Fan already has a plethora of talented generals and advisors. While he may treat them well, we would be just another addition to his ranks. With Cao Cao, we have a chance to stand out more and potentially achieve higher positions and influence."

The room fell silent as the five men considered their options. Zhang He and Gao Lan exchanged glances, their resolve undeterred even though what Tian Feng and Xu You said made sense.

"We understand your points," Zhang He said slowly, "but we believe that Lie Fan's leadership and current momentum make him the better choice. Cao Cao may have resources, but he also has many internal issues and a more rigid hierarchy that might stifle our potential."

Tian Feng frowned, weighing their words carefully. "We cannot ignore the fact that Cao Cao has a long history of success than Lie Fan. His ability to recover and adapt is remarkable. Aligning with him might offer us stability and long-term prospects."

Zhang Yan who had been silent, sensing the need for a compromise, spoke up. "Perhaps we should gather more information on both leaders before making a final decision. We can leverage our current positions to learn more about their strategies, strengths, and weaknesses. This way, we can make a more informed choice."

The suggestion seemed to resonate with everyone. Zhang He, Gao Lan, Tian Feng, and Xu You nodded in agreement, recognizing the wisdom in Zhang Yan's proposal.

"Very well," Zhang He said. "We will use our positions to gather as much intelligence as possible on both Lie Fan and Cao Cao. Once we have all the information, we can reconvene and make a decision that benefits us all."

With the plan set, the five men felt a renewed sense of purpose. They knew that the road ahead was fraught with danger, but they also understood the importance of making the right choice for their future.

As they reached an agreement, Tian Feng, Zhang He, Gao Lan, Xu You, and Zhang Yan continued their clandestine meetings, unaware of the additional layers of protection now surrounding them ensuring that they would never be found out.

In Taipei, Yang Hong and Yan Jun sat together, poring over the detailed letter from Lie Fan. The words of trust and encouragement stirred a deep sense of loyalty within them. They had always respected Lie Fan, but this explicit display of confidence in their abilities was profoundly touching.

"Our Lord believes in us," Yang Hong said, looking up from the letter. "This trust is a great honor and a heavy responsibility. We must ensure that we fulfill his expectations."

Yan Jun nodded, his expression serious. "Indeed. We must execute our plans flawlessly. Let's begin preparations immediately."

They quickly mobilized the forces under their command. Ling Cao and Li Feng took charge of organizing the army, ensuring that every soldier was battle-ready and that all logistics were in place. The camp buzzed with activity as soldiers prepared their weapons and supplies.

Gan Ning, on the other hand, focused on the navy. His men worked diligently to ensure that the ships were in top condition, ready to transport troops and supplies across the water. He personally oversaw the loading of weapons and provisions, making sure everything was accounted for.

As the days passed, the preparations neared completion. The soldiers, marines, and commanders alike felt a growing sense of anticipation. They knew that the coming battle against the Tono Separatists would be crucial for their campaign in Taipei.

One evening, as the final preparations were being made, Ling Cao called for a meeting with Yang Hong, Yan Jun, Li Feng, and Gan Ning. They gathered in a large tent, maps, and plans spread out before them.

"Our preparations are almost complete," Ling Cao began. "The army is ready, and the navy is prepared for transport and support. It's time to finalize our strategy."

Yan Jun pointed to the map. "The Tono Separatists have fortified positions here and here," he said, indicating key locations. "We need to strike quickly and decisively to prevent them from regrouping."

Li Feng nodded. "Agreed. We'll divide our forces into two main groups. One will engage the separatists head-on, while the other flank them from the east. Admiral Gan Ning's navy will provide support from the waterways."

Gan Ning smiled, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "Leave the waterways to me. We'll ensure they have nowhere to run and rain them down with the Hwacha's."

Yang Hong looked around the table, his gaze steady. "Remember, this battle is not just about defeating the Tono Separatists. It's about demonstrating our capability and solidifying our control in the entire island, so we must execute this plan with precision."

With the strategy set, everyone dispersed to relay the final orders to their troops. The night was filled with the sounds of last minute preparations, the clinking of armor, and the quiet murmur of determined voices.

As dawn broke, the combined forces of Ling Cao, Li Feng, and Gan Ning moved into position. The army advanced swiftly, their formation disciplined and tight, while the navy maneuvered into strategic locations along the coast to enter the waterways.

Meanwhile, Yang Hong and Yan Jun stayed in Taipei, coordinating the defenses in case the Tono Separatists sent an army to attack them. They ensured the town was well-fortified and that all necessary measures were taken to protect their position.

In the Tono Separatists' camp, Aching, the prince of the Tono Tribe, had just received alarming news from his scouts about the approaching army from Taipei. His face hardened as he hurried to the main hut, where his father and the council were in the midst of a meeting to discuss their future plans.

Burdened by the gravity of the situation, Aching burst into the hut, his presence immediately drawing the attention of everyone inside. The King of the Tono Tribe, Aching's father, looked up, his face showing signs of weariness and apprehension.

"Father, we have urgent news," Aching said, his voice steady but urgent. "The army from Taipei is approaching. They are well-organized and prepared for battle."

The King's face paled, panic flickering in his eyes. He had not anticipated such a swift response from Lie Fan's forces. "What do we do, Aching? You have faced them before. Your experience is invaluable here."

Aching took a deep breath, his mind racing through their options. "We must act quickly, Father. We have two choices, we can attempt to fortify our defenses and hold our ground, or we can consider a strategic retreat to a more defensible position."

The council members murmured among themselves, weighing the options. One of the older councilors spoke up, his voice shaky. "Aching, what do you believe is the best course of action?"

Aching glanced around the room, meeting each set of eyes with determination. "We cannot afford to be indecisive. Fortifying our defenses will buy us time, but it is a temporary solution. A strategic retreat could preserve our forces and allow us to regroup, but it would mean abandoning our current position. We must choose wisely."

The King, still visibly shaken, looked to his son for guidance. "What would you suggest, my son?"

Aching straightened, his voice resolute. "I suggest a combination of both. We fortify our defenses to slow their advance while preparing for a strategic retreat to a more secure location. This way, we can delay their progress and preserve our strength for a more decisive battle."

The King nodded slowly, his confidence in his son's judgment apparent. "Very well. Let it be so. Everyone, give the orders to begin fortifying our position immediately. Aching, oversee the preparations for our retreat, and ensure that every family of our tribe is the first one to go toward a safer place."

Aching bowed slightly before turning on his heel to carry out his orders. As he left the hut, he couldn't help but feel a heavy burden on his shoulders.

He knew that while no one on the council objected to his father's decision, his defeat before had caused his prestige and image in their eyes to plummet, especially since he had cost the tribe a large number of men. Back to Taipei's Forces, the combined forces of Ling Cao, Li Feng, and Gan Ning drew ever closer to the Tono Separatists' position, where it could in hours or even sooner for the first class to start between them and the Tono Separatist.

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Name: Lie Fan

Title: Three Heroes Who Defeat Lu Bu

Age: 31 (198 AD)

Level: 16

Next Level: 462,000

Renown: 825

Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)

SP: 1,121,700

ATTRIBUTE POINTS

STR: 936 (+20)

VIT: 598 (+20)

AGI: 583 (+10)

INT: 587

CHR: 96

WIS: 509

WILL: 397

ATR Points: 0