Chapter 1928: Chapters 1874–1875: Split into Two Routes, Attack by Surprise

“We cannot be led by the nose, especially when our current situation is disadvantaged. We must not follow others’ pace, but have our own ideas and strategy.” A strong entity expressed their reasoning.

The great battle between both sides is not simply a contest between a few powerful beings, but a full-scale confrontation between the forces of the Jade Emperor, the Buddhism School, and the Heterodox Alliance, two grand powers embodying a comprehensive clash.

The adversary has already made the first move, swiftly capturing two of our sub-branches, effectively gaining the upper hand. Judging by their actions, this is no coincidence; it is part of a series of plans.

Thus, they need to respond, to counterattack, but they cannot entirely follow others’ plans and ideas; they must liberate their thoughts and start from an overall strategy.

Currently, sub-branches number six and nine have been occupied by the adversary. The loss is already a reality, not to mention that the enemy has stationed large forces and strong entities. In such circumstances, reclaiming control over these two worlds would come at a great cost.

Even if they rapidly reclaim these two worlds, their losses would be inevitable, and they would not know how many resources would be needed to maintain the stability of these two worlds.

Considering this, if they rapidly seize back these two worlds, aside from some superficial gains, there are no other benefits.

On the contrary, from a strategic standpoint, acknowledging the temporary loss of these two worlds to attack some of the worlds under the Jade Emperor or Buddhism School to plunder their resources seems to be the best choice.

They do not even need, like the adversary, to truly expend effort managing the conquered worlds. Instead, they only need to continuously raid the worlds controlled by the enemy, looting resources to sustain their war efforts, spreading the flames of war across the enemy’s domain to exhaust them.

“This way, we’d really escalate and expand this incident.” A strong entity said solemnly, harboring some concerns.

The current situation was already bizarre, and this initiative by the Jade Emperor and the Buddhism School undoubtedly dragged everyone into focus, making them the inception of this chaos.

The current scenario is a tactical game between both sides, giving and taking, whereas even if there are losses, the conflict has not escalated further.

However, employing the current strategy could indeed gain short-term advantages and even plunder considerable resources.

Yet, merely attacking one or two worlds is tolerable, but constantly attacking various worlds to sustain warfare could indeed blow things out of proportion if someone fishes in troubled waters.

“A Taoist Monarch sent a message, saying they could help mediate this matter for us.” A strong entity disclosed the news they received.

The Jade Emperor and Buddhism School’s actions took some Newly Ascended Dao Lords by surprise since they had not communicated this in advance. Some Taoist Monarchs were even planning to win over Zhao Baiyang, a Newly Ascended Dao Lord, into their alliance.

Now that this incident happened, how could they woo Zhao Baiyang and the Heterodox Alliance?

Some Taoist Monarchs, considering the big picture, immediately sent messages to the Heterodox Alliance, expressing the hope for temporary stabilization and that these Taoist entities would mediate the conflict between both parties.

These Taoist Monarchs conveyed a notion that if the Heterodox Alliance agreed to join their league, they would persuade the Jade Emperor’s side not only to cease attacks against the Heterodox Alliance but also to relinquish the occupied worlds and return them.

“Haha, a real joke. Occupy our things then use this as bait to make us agree to their terms for the return; it’s like buying us off with our own stuff, treating us like fools.” A strong entity scoffed.

These two worlds were originally under their control, and now the adversary uses them as bargaining chips. Isn’t this a joke, buying off with one’s own assets?

“Are you sure the messages you received reflect the true intent of those Taoist Monarchs? On my end, there are many threatening messages, saying if we don’t compromise or agree to side with them, they’ll continue supporting the Jade Emperor and Buddhism School to wipe out all our sub-branches.” A True Immortal strong expressed the news they received.

The messages here indicate less congenial treatment. After current events, a Taoist Monarch sent someone over to convey that the current situation was entirely the fault of the Heterodox Alliance’s indecision and was therefore blamed on them.

The undertone suggests that the Heterodox Alliance should recognize the situation clearly and immediately determine their position. Otherwise, even if the Jade Emperor and Buddhism School continue their actions, they’d have no justification to intervene.

Such language is undoubtedly a threat to the Heterodox Alliance, implying that if they don’t align themselves, the actions of the Jade Emperor and Buddhism School would not stop and may even expand.

“This is truly playing both the good cop and bad cop; it’s both a threat and a lure, using both hard and soft tactics!” A strong entity looked dismissively at these methods, seeing through them clearly.

“There’s also a Taoist Monarch who sent a message expressing support for our immediate retaliation and urging us to hold firm without compromise. Although they cannot openly stand with us, they are willing to provide some resources to aid us.” Another strong entity said in a deep tone, with extremely complex emotions.