Chapter 729: They're Coming

Chapter 729: They're Coming

In the end, Zhang Ye decided to have Ye He and the other two publicly read out their written apologies before allowing them back into the team.

After all, the three of them were still decent combatants and would definitely be useful in the upcoming battle against Eclipse Moon.

Even if they still harbored resentment toward Zhang Ye, once on the battlefield, they wouldn’t dare disobey his orders.

Because if they did, Zhang Ye would have every reason to kill them—and no one would question it.

From then on, training became their top priority.

Gao Changkong also kept in frequent contact with Zhang Ye, discussing plans for the eventual joint operation.

Meanwhile, headquarters was monitoring the situation across all major districts around the clock.

Command Center

It had been half a month since the last operation against Eclipse Moon.

In those two weeks, headquarters had finalized a comprehensive plan—just waiting for Eclipse Moon to reappear.

Zhu Zheng personally placed a call to the Commander of the East Sea District.

“Old Li, I’m sure you’ve heard what happened over here. Those Ronin came across the sea. Since the East Sea District is in charge of coastal defense, some of the responsibility falls on your shoulders too.”

Originally, the East Sea District was only responsible for naval defense in the eastern seas.

But after the apocalypse began and ice-era battleships became the norm, traditional navies could no longer conduct deep-sea operations.

So now, the East Sea District patrolled the entire southeastern coastline.

Commander Li Guangxiao of the East Sea District smacked his lips when he heard Zhu Zheng’s words.

“Old Zhu, that’s a bit unfair, don’t you think? We’re supposed to guard against sudden pirate groups and potential invasions from other regional forces. That’s our job.”

“With the Ice Age in full swing, we don’t have the manpower to plug every hole. We can’t catch every small fish that slips through.”

Zhu Zheng nodded. “I get it, I do. But what I’m worried about is that Eclipse Moon’s actions might embolden foreign forces.”

“So your coastal defenses—especially along our Jiangnan District’s southeastern shores—need to be extra tight!”

Li Guangxiao replied, “No need to remind me. I know what time it is. Right now, if any fleet enters nearby waters, we’ll give a single warning. If they ignore it, we’ll open fire immediately—sink them before they ever make landfall!”

That sounded resolute, but in truth, the East Sea District could only focus on intercepting large fleets.

They simply didn’t have the resources to stop every single vessel.

Which was how Eclipse Moon’s icebreaker managed to make the crossing.

Then Li Guangxiao asked, “Old Zhu, I heard you guys already wiped out half of Eclipse Moon. And now there’s no sign of them. Maybe they’ve run off for good?”

“You’re really going overboard with all this panic.”

His tone was half-joking.

He and Zhu Zheng had known each other for a long time. He was teasing, not malicious.

“They’ll be back. I know it.”

Zhu Zheng’s voice was dead serious.

“I know those wolf cubs too well. Their ambition’s even bigger than their appetite.”

“Once they smell blood, they go crazy. No way they’re giving up the chance to sink their teeth into Jiangnan.”

“I’m right here, waiting for them.”

Li Guangxiao replied, “Alright then. You handle things on land. I’ll lock down the coast. If we spot them, I guarantee—they’re not escaping by sea.”

Just as Zhu Zheng expected, Eclipse Moon had never given up on conquering the Central Plains.

After the last battle, they had pulled back.

But not just to recover—they were using that retreat as leverage to rally more allies and launch a far more devastating offensive.

On the icy ocean, morning fog rolled in thick, completely obscuring visibility.

The cold seeped so deep into the air that it felt like your blood was freezing.

The Tenryu Pirates, West Division, advanced through the mist into the southeastern waters.

Their destination: the prosperous Jiangnan District.

Onboard the ships, a strict hierarchy was evident.

Only officer-level pirates were allowed to wear combat suits—outdated models from more than a decade ago.

Ordinary pirates were left to fight in bulky cotton coats.

Their messy hair and eyelashes were crusted with ice, but each of them clutched a leather wine pouch, gulping down hard liquor to stave off the cold.

At the bow of the lead ship, Phoenixin Ren stood in his usual thin outfit.

His ability made him immune to the cold.

In his hand was a large, clunky object—a vintage satellite phone. It looked ancient and lacked most modern features.

But its security was top-notch. It could even block satellite surveillance from major districts.

“Moshi moshi.”

The call connected, and a deep male voice came through.

“Jiangnan District is already waiting for your arrival.”

Phoenixin Ren narrowed his eyes.

“Oh? And what kind of force have they prepared for us this time?”

“Quite a bit more than last time.”

“Heh… now that’s exciting.”

Phoenixin Ren glanced back.

Across the frozen ocean, dozens of ships cut through the waves, speeding toward the coastal cities of Jiangnan District.

“My preparations… aren’t lacking either.”

The voice on the other end continued.

“If you want to win this time, there’s one person you must eliminate.”

“Who?”

“Someone who can nullify your prophecy-based abilities.”

Phoenixin Ren’s eyes turned deadly.

He knew exactly who they meant.

If it weren’t for that person, his squad wouldn’t have suffered such a high casualty rate.

In fact, if it hadn’t been for that man, after they wiped out the Celestial Squad, they could’ve stormed inland and taken multiple cities in the Central Plains!

In Phoenixin Ren’s eyes, that person was even more dangerous than most of Jiangnan’s squad captains.

“Where is he?”

His voice was cold and focused.

The man on the other end chuckled darkly.

“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of him for you. But first, here’s what you need to do…”

Phoenixin Ren listened quietly as the man laid out his plan.

The grin on his face grew wider with every word.

“Well, that sounds delightful.”

“Thank you—for providing us with intel again and again.”

“But you know… I’ve always had one question.”

He narrowed his eyes, voice tinged with suspicion.

“Who exactly are you? Why do you keep helping us?”

“Are you also an enemy of Jiangnan District?”

There was a moment of silence.

Then the man’s voice came through once more.

“Does it matter?”

“You’ll never trust me completely. You’ll judge the intel for yourself.”

“But one thing’s certain—you and I share a common goal: taking down Jiangnan District.”

Author's Note