Chapter 1916: War Weariness

Chapter 1916: Chapter 1916: War Weariness

"Of course, I understand everything you’re saying. This is confidential. Don’t worry, I’ll ensure my people keep their lips sealed. They are only responsible for action, and if anyone dares to leak secrets, I’ll naturally clean house." Chen Yuxin said coldly. This time the Chen family has decided to participate, and frankly, Ye Shikai wasn’t too keen on her coming. This operation is very special; the Netherworld Palace, National Security Bureau, plus the Chen family, foreign Main God Realm, Huaxia organization, plus a Huaxia family — so many forces entangled together in a "strange and peculiar" combination. There are too many variables, and the outcome is unknown. But from another perspective, if Chen Yuxin could lead the Chen family to help, it might reduce losses. Of course, it could also cost more lives in vain.

Ten minutes later.

"I understand everything you’ve said. I agree to let the Chen family join, but they must follow orders."

"I’ve mentioned this too, there’s no problem."

"Alright, that’s settled then." Ye Shikai hung up the phone. Jin Li agreed very straightforwardly; for such a confidential operation, surprisingly, he agreed to let the families participate. But this isn’t strange. Chen Yuxin knowing about this was only a matter of time, perhaps Jin Li had anticipated it. Once Ye Shikai took action, how could Chen Yuxin not know? Jin Li still has to rely on him, so he could only agree.

After tomorrow, there will assuredly be another fierce battle. Members of the Netherworld Palace have slowly started to gather, but due to the huge loss from the last battle with the Sea King Palace, even now, the Three Temples have yet to recover their essence.

"This is not a good thing." In the headquarters of the Netherworld Palace, Nightmare and the others were discussing something.

"Since the last fierce battle, we’ve lost nearly half of our people, and most of them were backbone experts. If it was to completely resolve Doris and her gang, that would be one thing — losses could be understood. But now, our essence hasn’t recovered, and yet we’re planning such a major operation." Soul Destroyer agreed reluctantly; he was also keen on not rushing to act. However, this was Ye Shikai’s order, and anything he said was final. They aren’t people without a strategic viewpoint; they are aware of the risks of the HST project. If left unchecked, they might not have control later...

"Actually, it’s not that we don’t want to act, but with severely diminished essence, insisting on a tough battle is bound to lead to more brothers dying. Nightmare, why not discuss this with Boss, and postpone the operation, two months if not possible, one month at least," suggested Demoness.

"That’s impossible. I can tell you, this time we’re acting together with the National Security Bureau," Nightmare waved his hand, signifying the crowd to be quiet.

"National Security Bureau? You mean... Huaxia’s National Security Bureau?"

"Correct."

"What is Boss thinking, we are entirely different teams, how could we act together? Isn’t Boss afraid we’ll start fighting amongst ourselves first?"

"You can’t put it that way, we’ve cooperated in the past. Besides, mutated humans are our real enemy." Nightmare attempted to "unite" the crowd. However, this time, there were dissenting voices within the Netherworld Palace’s camp. Nightmare, although the current Netherworld King, still lacked established authority and didn’t have the rallying power of Ye Shikai or Ghost. Additionally, due to the past severe losses, many harbored a "fear of war" mentality, along with some grievances between Netherworld Palace members and the National Security Bureau.

"Hopefully, they can behave this time; after all, this is abroad. If they provoke me, I’m afraid I won’t be able to hold back," Soul Destroyer said coldly, then turned and left.

..................

The next day.

"Well, who would’ve thought you’d actually deploy this many people?" Ye Shikai was surprised that the National Security Bureau would dispatch so many people this time, numbering over two hundred, all highly skilled practitioners.

"I gathered experts from various branches, although we can’t act under the banner of the National Security Bureau this time, we can’t fall behind."

"I completely agree, even though your numbers are few, as long as you work together, I believe success is inevitable." Ye Shikai nodded. Unexpectedly, the Chen family also dispatched three to four hundred people this time, all elders and experts of the family. Ye Shikai didn’t think that overnight, Chen Yuxin could gather so many people.

Ye Shikai learned of the internal conflict within the Netherworld Palace through phone calls. He had actually foreseen it, although not to such a severe extent.

"Sir, it seems it still requires your leadership."

"Rest assured, stabilize the people first, I’ll head there immediately." Ye Shikai planned to go to Europe first; in any case, the generals of the Netherworld Palace were absolutely obedient to him.

"Xin, you and Director Jin first take people to North America. As we agreed beforehand, don’t act yet, wait for my return, then move together."

"Alright, be careful."

Europe, Netherworld Palace headquarters.

"Boss, are you really decided on this? This operation will surely result in heavy losses."

"Indeed, knowing it’s sending people to their deaths, many brothers are already voicing grievances."

Ye Shikai appeared gloomy. From the moment he entered the headquarters, he sensed the atmosphere was off. Many held an anti-war sentiment, even Soul Destroyer felt the same. He understood; after the last big war, the Netherworld Palace’s essence was greatly diminished, and they were all against acting at this moment.

"Boss, the new recruits still haven’t been trained, and even the remaining veterans are only a few hundred and scattered all over."

"Quiet, all of you." Ye Shikai suddenly shouted, shocking everyone into silence.

"For this operation, participation is voluntary. Those willing, come forward and gather," Ye Shikai said coldly after a long silence, then turned to leave. The Three Temples fought bravely to crush the Sea King Palace’s forces, unifying the Underworld. But what followed was everyone’s complacency; without competition, they were like sheep free from the threat of wolves, always lazy and lacking vigor. Ye Shikai just hoped to end the fighting but didn’t expect this outcome.

Half an hour later.

"Sir, everyone is assembled, including Soul Destroyer and Demoness," Nightmare reported.

"Do they have any complaints?" Ye Shikai asked.

"While they speak as they do, if it comes to action, they won’t back down. I suspect they are worried about excessive casualties. Our former brothers are nearly all dead, and these remaining ones are the last batch."