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Of course, I wouldn't become a fool just because of beauty. My confidence comes from my understanding of the "Emperor Martial Overlord Technique" that Catherine practices. Logically speaking, although the Lion Clan has exceptional innate abilities and extraordinary talents, there have been a few freaks in other races who possess physiques capable of rivaling those of the Lion Clan. However, no one outside the Lion and Tiger Clans has ever mastered this supreme martial art.

Initially, I believed that with my body, which had been tempered countless times and surpassed even that of the Lion Clan, I could certainly master the "Overlord Technique." However, after carefully studying the secret manual, I discovered that the "Overlord Technique" is incredibly demanding in its eight areas of enhancement. Any deficiency in any one of these areas would lead to self-destruction. While I could meet the requirements for strength, speed, and reaction, the requirement for willpower—"words as solid as mountains, unrepentant through a hundred deaths, growing stronger with each setback, never turning back"—was something I couldn't achieve, as I take my vows seriously. Thus, I turned to cultivating the more elusive "Holy Ice Thorn Halo." These requirements are not meant to be followed after cultivation but must be inherent qualities of the cultivator to withstand the terrifying amplification that can evaporate an entire person.

Given this understanding, combined with the experiences of past "Overlord Technique" practitioners and my observations of Catherine, I chose to completely trust her and place her in the most suitable position. For such a proud woman, even a hint of doubt from me would incite anger and disappointment. Conversely, when I fully trust her, despite our differing statuses, she would swear to repay me with her life.

At this moment, the two armies of the Duchy of Langton each harbored their own thoughts.

Count Xilin, having gained the support of the ministers, led an army of five thousand local troops, painstakingly gathered by civil officials, along with two mercenary groups with ulterior motives. He hurried along, well aware that although both mercenary groups were elite warriors equipped with various experts and unique machinery, they would not follow his commands. Relying on them to establish military achievements for him was a dream. The only solution was to reach Fontainebleau before Basten, secure territory, and consolidate his power. As for the subsequent battles against the Beastmen, he would leave that to the fool. After all, the leaders of the two mercenary groups should be adept at appropriating victory.

On the other hand, Basten was incredibly frustrated. Although he commanded the Duchy's most elite forces, he had to watch as Count Xilin's incompetent troops took the lead. His original plan was to requisition merchant ships and rafts on the Red River for a combined land and water advance to Fontainebleau. However, those damned merchants had already lent all usable vessels to Xilin's motley army. Retrieving the ships from his arch-rival would only invite ridicule. Watching those annoying mercenaries sail day and night, Basten had to find another way.

Basten's solution was simple: capture Half-Orcs in the Half-Orc Wastes to serve as laborers, alleviating the shortage caused by spring planting. This idea was flawless; spring was when Half-Orcs faced famine, making it easy to convince them to comply. Strong Half-Orcs serving as logistics soldiers, if managed properly, would indeed ensure the success of the march.

However, Basten's nightmare began.

"My lord, last night a group of Half-Orcs burned four supply wagons and escaped from camp."

"My lord, this morning the Half-Orcs said they weren't full and refused to work unless given extra rations. Our supervisors were beaten instead."

"My lord Basten, the Half-Orcs claim they have diarrhea and need rest. Damn, they survive poison but get diarrhea?"

"My lord, today another batch of Half-Orc families infiltrated the ranks, eating and drinking without working. I suggest we make an example out of them. These damn green-skinned creatures now consume twice the food but do less work."

"My lord, the Half-Orcs said today is their Sacrifice Festival and killed several horses from the convoy for meat."

Basten had never felt so frustrated. Initially aiming to increase the march's speed, he found the army's progress hindered by these Half-Orcs. Watching his arch-rival Xilin's forces pull further ahead, Basten considered abandoning the troublesome Half-Orcs but realized that most vehicles had been damaged by their rough handling. Now, most supplies depended on Half-Orc transport. Without them, he might never reach Fontainebleau.

To humans, all Half-Orcs looked the same, so neither Basten nor his men suspected that the troublemakers, vehicle destroyers, and those who burned supplies and fled were always the same group. They also didn't realize that thousands of Half-Orc spies lay in wait, ready to strike a fatal blow.

From the northernmost city of Acacia in the Duchy of Langton to Fontainebleau, traveling by boat takes fifteen days. Although Xilin's motley army couldn't transport all ten thousand men by ship, they could carry supplies and rotate soldiers for rest, ensuring swift progress. They would likely reach Fontainebleau within a month. As for Basten, still struggling, he might take an additional month to arrive.

"In short, our strategic objectives have been achieved thus far. The rest is up to your efforts."

Chapter 27: Ice Dragon Battle Crossbow Totem Array

The Half-Orc Wastes are diverse, featuring swampy areas like the Devouring Marsh, vast deserts, massive canyons, and deep caves. Anyone who ventures here marvels at the mysterious power of the Twelve Sages.

Currently, on the southern bank of the Red River, across the expansive desert, two groups of knights were chasing and battling each other. The fleeing group of over a dozen human warriors wore light metal armor with a cross emblem, indicating their affiliation with the "Iron Cross" Mercenary Group. The pursuing group consisted entirely of Snow Wolf Knights, the Snow Wolf Guards of Fontainebleau.