Chapter 600: Dai Hao, I'll Give You a Chance!
This situation made absolutely no sense.
As the Marshal of the Star Luo Empire, he indeed held strategic value as a prisoner. However, he was also the greatest thorn in the Sun Moon Empire's side.
When it came to military command and strategy, neither Shrek Academy nor the three Douluo nations could produce someone better than him.
If he had died in the bombardment, it would have been a major victory for the Sun Moon Empire.
Had he really survived by sheer luck?
"Father, what should we do now?" Dai Yueheng asked, panic creeping into his voice.
The carnage around him the once organized camp, now a burning wasteland, the thick stench of blood, the groans of the wounded had shaken him to his core.
For the first time in his life, he had witnessed the full devastation of multiple ninth tier fixed soul guided shells fired at once. The sheer scale of destruction staggered him.
Dai Hao, however, did not blame him.
Though Dai Yueheng had undergone military training, and could be considered a seasoned soldier, this was a battlefield on an unprecedented scale.
It was only natural for a young man to be overwhelmed.
His expression turning grim, Dai Hao made his decision.
"The Sun Moon Empire has bombarded us with ninth tier shells, effectively scorching the battlefield. Their next step will be deploying soul engineer legions and powerhouses to wipe out any survivors.
Our Northwest Army has suffered heavy casualties, morale is at its lowest, and with the enemy closing in, there is only one option strategic retreat!"
"But…" His eyes narrowed. "I am their primary target. They will not let me escape.
The Soul Engineer Legion, the White Tiger Guards, and all our Titled Douluo must gather around me. We will hold their attention, allowing the main army to retreat!"
With that, he used his Titled Douluo level spiritual power to transmit orders across the battlefield.
Soon, his most elite troops began rushing to his side.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Mingdou Mountains, multiple Sun Moon Empire Soul Engineer Legions took flight, their primary target clear Dai Hao!
Yuming City, a strategic stronghold in northwestern Star Luo Empire, was only 100 kilometers from the Mingdou Mountains.
It served as a critical supply hub for the Star Luo troops stationed at the frontlines.
If the city fell, it would be a devastating loss for the empire.
Atop its towering walls, Dai Luoli, the youngest son of the White Tiger Duke, watched in horror as the blinding explosions in the distance gradually faded.
The ground beneath him trembled, sending dust clouds swirling from the city's walls.
Some of the weaker soldiers even stumbled and fell from the force of the shockwaves.
Dai Luoli murmured to himself, "That's… the Northwest Army's camp... Did the Sun Moon Empire just launch an assault?"
His breath hitched.
"No! Father is still there! If something happens to him "
Without another thought, he dashed toward the battlefield.
Though he was born of a concubine and held a lower status than Dai Yueheng and Dai Huabin, he was still a member of the White Tiger lineage.
Unlike Huo Yuhao, his childhood was not as cruel he had never faced true hardship.
But now, he was willing to risk everything to save his father.
"You idiot! Do you even know your own strength?! You're just going to throw your life away!"
A voice snapped at him.
A young woman stepped forward, blocking his path.
Her beautiful eyes burned with urgency, and her delicate hands pressed against his chest, stopping him from running off.
"Yun'er…"
Dai Luoli hesitated, looking at Xu Yun, the Star Luo Empire's princess the woman he had always admired.
His voice was bitter.
"But… my father…"
"Calm down!" Xu Yun said firmly.
"Your father is Dai Hao, the White Tiger Duke a Titled Douluo! With so many powerhouses protecting him, he will not die so easily!
I'll gather intelligence on what happened. Until then, stay here!"
Though her words were confident, deep down, she was terrified.
The Sun Moon Empire had officially declared war.
On the battlefield, Dai Hao's eyes burned with fury.
He scanned the exhausted remnants of his forces, their battered expressions filled with despair.
Outside, the Sun Moon Soul Engineer Legions continued their relentless barrage, gradually tightening their encirclement.
Damn these Sun Moon bastards!
Yes, he had gathered his strongest troops to attract the enemy's attention but in truth, he had also abandoned the wounded and weaker soldiers to increase his own chances of survival.
As a Marshal, he was the enemy's primary target.
Breaking through alone was impossible he needed the strongest warriors with him.
If he brought along the ordinary soldiers and the wounded, they would only slow him down.
Dai Yueheng's voice was hoarse.
"Father, we're down to 900 men… If this continues, we'll be completely wiped out!"
Dai Hao's face darkened.
He knew the situation was critical.
It was only a matter of time before they were slaughtered to the last man.
If he died, the White Tiger lineage and the Star Luo Empire would suffer an irreparable loss.
After all, there were four Titled Douluo here including himself.
Suddenly, the Sun Moon Legions slowed their attack.
A calm, arrogant voice echoed across the battlefield.
"Dai Hao, you're on your last legs.
But since you're a noble, my superiors have given you an opportunity.
Answer a few simple questions, and then you'll face a single duel against one young man.
If you win, we'll let you and your men go.
Do you accept?"
The speaker was Ye Yulin, the legendary Sun Moon soul engineer.
Dai Hao narrowed his eyes.
A trick?
Even if he won, they could easily go back on their word.
But if he played along, he might buy more time time that could create an opening for escape.
"How young is this 'young man'?" he asked, intrigued.
"Under twenty years old."
Dai Hao snorted.
A boy?
Even the most gifted youth would be, at most, a Soul Sage.
No threat.
"Fine, I accept. But you must cease fire first prove your sincerity."
Perhaps some arrogant royal brat from the Sun Moon Imperial Family simply wanted to test his skills.
"HAHAHA! Easy enough! All troops, cease fire! Surround them, but do not engage!"
With Ye Yulin's order, the Sun Moon Legions halted their attack, tightening the siege instead.
Dai Hao exhaled, relieved.
"Cease fire!" he commanded.
His troops lowered their weapons, though their hands remained tense, ready to fight at a moment's notice.
Ye Yulin's voice echoed again.
"Dai Hao, answer truthfully. If you lie, I'll execute your men one by one.
Surely, the great Marshal of Star Luo, who always claims to love his soldiers, would not sacrifice them so carelessly?"
Dai Hao's expression instantly darkened.
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