Rearing Demons
Chapter 100: War Plans

Chapter 100: War Plans

The conversation among the nobles and generals had grown heated.

"We can’t go to war with Welit like this! We simply don’t have the power!" one of the nobles argued.

"They may be larger than us, but with the Raging Dragon Sect occupied with their own problems, this is our perfect chance to strike," another countered calmly.

"And if they seek revenge later?" someone else interjected anxiously.

"They can’t! That would violate the treaty."

Various nobles passionately argued, each trying to voice their concerns and perspectives.

"Enough!" Abruptly, King Bryant stood, silencing the entire hall instantly. He had allowed enough time for their venting; it was now his moment to speak.

"Today, we are not here to debate whether war will happen." Bryant’s voice boomed authoritatively, his Rank Five aura exuding dominance, suppressing the nobles into silence. "War has already been decided. We are here solely to discuss our strategy."

Following the king’s proclamation, Julian rose from his seat.

"We already know Welit has two Luminous Heart cultivators—but now, we have three!" His voice was firm as all eyes simultaneously shifted to Yur. He was mysterious and relatively unknown, but everyone had by now heard whispers of his terrifying strength.

Julian continued, unperturbed by their stares. "Duke Yur and I will engage Welit’s two Luminous Heart cultivators directly. Meanwhile, Noble Eol, as our sole remaining Shining Core cultivator, will remain as central defense." He paused, then added with a sigh, "The assassination has severely diminished our fighting power, leaving us fewer resources."

A noble immediately voiced concern, "But what about Welit’s guerrilla raids on our ports and trade cities? Our economy might collapse!"

King Bryant released a weary sigh. "We don’t have sufficient forces to battle on every front. Thus, we shall attack their capital directly."

"The mountainous terrain around Welit’s capital will make such an attack nearly impossible," another noble protested.

The tension thickened within the room.

"What do you think, Duke Yur?" The king suddenly directed his attention to Yur.

Yur stood slowly, his posture calm and unhurried. Zul had long briefed him thoroughly on the regional terrain and advantages.

"I propose we attack the Dyranto Trade City."

Gasps filled the room as faces turned pale with shock. Even the king’s eyes widened in disbelief.

"Duke Yur, Dyranto, although under Welit’s authority, has always remained neutral ground. All Mortal Kingdoms use it as an economic hub, attacking it would—" a noble quickly tried explaining but Yur decisively interrupted.

"Exactly. That’s precisely why we must strike there." His cold eyes swept over each noble. "Why stop at Welit? Why not seize this moment to expand our influence across the other Mortal Kingdoms?"

"That’s against the treaty!" multiple nobles exclaimed simultaneously.

"What treaty?" Yur questioned sharply, silencing their outbursts. "This so-called treaty promises our allies’ aid in times of need, yet none has appeared. It forbids sects from intervening, yet they continue to meddle subtly." Yur’s aura suddenly expanded, pressing down on everyone present. "Our citizens’ freedom is under threat, yet our allies do nothing. Is such a treaty worth respecting?"

The King rubbed his chin thoughtfully, visibly swayed by Yur’s argument. Once, he’d dreamt of expansion himself, but their limited strength had forced him to abandon such ambitions.

With Yur, perhaps...

"Then, Duke Yur, how exactly do you propose we do this?"

Yur didn’t hesitate. "I will infiltrate Welit personally. They have never seen my face; very few have." His voice was steady and confident. "While I create chaos internally, Duke Julian can lead a third of our army to seize the Dyranto Trade City. Meanwhile, you, King Bryant, will lead a swift strike against our ally—the Verlont Mortal Kingdom."

The hall erupted again.

"Outrageous! Verlont has stood by us for generations!" shouted one noble indignantly.

"And yet, where is their support today?" Yur retorted coldly. "I’ve not been here long, but even I see clearly—Freau stands alone today, risking the freedom of its citizens while our so-called allies cower in silence. It’s time we ceased relying on others and grew stronger ourselves. The lands of Verlont will benefit Freau more under our direct control."

The room split, nobles arguing passionately on both sides of the matter. Loyalties, history, and familial ties made the decision complicated and difficult.

"Silence!" Julian’s fierce aura surged forth, instantly quieting the assembly. He turned his gaze sharply towards Yur. "All your plans hinge upon successfully infiltrating Welit and effectively neutralizing their two Luminous Heart cultivators. Even I lack confidence in handling one—let alone both."

Yur’s lips curled into a smile. "That won’t be an issue."

"Words alone prove nothing."

"Then perhaps action will." Suddenly, an immense and overwhelming aura erupted from Yur, slowly at first, but rapidly escalating.

The nobles collapsed onto their seats, unable to resist. King Bryant’s face paled, and even Julian felt his knees trembling.

The pressure grew suffocating. Just as Julian felt his knees might buckle, Yur spoke again, voice sharp and cold.

"In the Luminous Realm, I am unbeatable!"

A silence fell, thick with tension. After a moment, Julian nodded reluctantly, breathing heavily. Yur calmly withdrew his aura, leaving behind only quiet gasps and the lingering sting of his power.

King Bryant steadied himself, eyes wide with newfound respect, and wariness. "Then we leave the infiltration entirely in Duke Yur’s capable hands."

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The meeting concluded after further planning and fine details were arranged.

Nobles exited excitedly, clustering around Yur as they lavished him with praise. "Incredible strength, Duke Yur! With your help, Freau will rise!"

Amid their adulation, no one noticed thin tendrils of essence slip silently from Yur’s fingertips onto the floor below.

Ritual of Profane Covenant!

Ritual Embedding!

Invisible spectres materialized, discreetly diving into each noble’s shadow unnoticed. As Yur shook hands, the spectres crept upward unnoticed, burrowing subtly into each noble’s orb.

"Duke Yur, once we succeed, please visit my mansion! You shall be welcomed grandly," said one noble eagerly.

"I will." Yur responded with a faint smile, masking his true intentions.

Out of the corner of his eye, he suddenly caught sight of Xia standing quietly, watching him from afar.

Surrounding Xia were hundreds of Glythari, small ethereal beings floating gently around her figure. But what caught Yur’s attention most were the few frantically attempting to burrow into her abdomen.

His expression hardened immediately.

"I’ll go and begin preparations." Yur politely dismissed the eager nobles before approaching Xia, his gaze immediately locking onto the Glythari hovering around her.

"Did the meeting go well?" Xia asked, greeting him with her usual bright smile.

Yur nodded absently, his attention fixated on the tiny, glowing creatures, observing their strange and persistent movements around her.

"Yur?" Xia reached up, gently touching his cheek to reclaim his attention.

He blinked, regaining focus, and gave her a reassuring smile. "Yes, it went very well."

"That’s great!" She beamed warmly. "Then let’s—"

"Xia, stop right there." Julian’s voice suddenly interrupted from behind, sharp and strained with tension.

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