Chapter 29: Stalemate II

Ot Yan's laughter and unconventional behavior drew confused and disapproving looks from everyone in the tent. However, Ot Yan continued to laugh without paying much attention to their reactions.

Meanwhile, Princess Ot Luan bit her lip, hesitating over whether to voice her concerns. Her brother, Prince Ot Khan, noticed her internal struggle and scoffed, calling her out for her silence.

"Luan, what's the matter? Why are you so quiet? Are your thoughts so precious that we're unworthy of hearing them?"

The room's attention shifted to Ot Luan, who was known for her outspoken nature but had grown quiet recently.

Princess Ot Luan shuddered at her brother's tone but managed a smile, followed by a dejected expression.

"I'm sorry for my silence, but I've been pondering something. My intelligence reported that people in other settlements of the Heavenly Don Empire still lead their lives as usual. This raised suspicions about the war's nature and whether there's a conspiracy. I couldn't decide whether to speak or remain silent."

Yun Lee chimed in, confirming her observations. "Sister Luan is correct. My subordinates have noticed the same. Life continues as normal inside their settlements. I, too, hesitated to report it."

Ot Yan entered deep thought, while Ot Khan nodded, offering reassurance. 

"It's alright. I don't think there's much to worry about. The Heavenly Don Empire likely concentrated its strength in defending Heaven City, as we've focused our efforts on conquering it. Given what we've discussed, the best plan would be to split our forces into three groups: one to defend our settlements, the next to attack the Heavenly Don Empire's and Lin Empire's other settlements, and the final group remains here to deal with the Heavenly Don Empire if they come out."

The group found Ot Khan's plan acceptable, and the atmosphere lightened. However, Ot Yan suddenly shouted "No!" with urgency.

Ot Khan became annoyed and asked Ot Yan, "What's the problem? Why are you talking nonsense? If you have nothing to say, keep quiet!"

But Ot Yan ignored the comments and turned to Yun Lee with a question. "Big brother Lee, did your scouts notice anything unusual within the city?"

Yun Lee initially appeared puzzled, but his expression quickly shifted to one of realization. "We must return to our settlements immediately."

Everyone in the tent was bewildered and asked for an explanation.

Yun Lee replied, "My scouts noticed that many of the merchants and caravans departing the Heavenly Don Empire's settlements couldn't be traced to any business within their borders. I didn't think much of it initially, but, with Brother Yan's reminder and considering the Heavenly Don Empire's character, I'm convinced these caravans pose a problem."

The shock and urgency were palpable in the room. Ot Khan turned livid and stood up. "Why are we still here? We must move back to our settlements immediately."

However, Ot Yan urged them to sit down. He explained, "It's too late to do anything now. Our only hope is to form an alliance with the Lin Empire, as distasteful as that may be. We also need to send a message to our settlements, urging them to vacate one city and focus on defending the rest."

Ot Yan's gaze remained unwavering as he continued, "In addition, send elite soldiers to defend Ten Thousand Treasures City with everything they have, while the rest of us will stay here and use every resource and person at our disposal to try and breach the Heavenly Don Empire's defenses with strategy."