Half a month later, the armies of the two empires gathered before the Tianqie Pass.
Tianqie Pass was located within the Star Luo Empire, much like the Jia Ling Pass of the former Heaven Dou Empire. Both were crucial military strongholds, and their importance could not be overstated.
The pass was nestled between mountains and rivers, its terrain extremely dangerous. The peaks on either side seemed to pierce the sky, with cliffs and precipices towering straight into the clouds.
Tianqie Pass got its name because it spanned a broad and deep gorge that ran across the front and rear. The water in the gorge flowed swiftly, sounding like thunder, creating an almost insurmountable natural barrier.
This abyss was bottomless, and even the bravest soldiers would hesitate in the face of such a dire situation.
Thus, throughout history, Tianqie Pass had always been a strategic location, easy to defend but difficult to attack. Any enemy attempting to advance had to first cross this seemingly unconquerable chasm.
Historically, Tianqie Pass had witnessed the Star Luo Empire's brilliance and glory.
It had served as an excellent springboard for both offense and defense, contributing greatly to the empire's expansion and conquests.
This time, Tianqie Pass had become an essential defense line for the Star Luo Empire against the invasion of the Spirit Hall Empire.
If Tianqie Pass were breached, the Spirit Hall Empire would easily enter the plains behind the mountains and advance deep into the heart of the Star Luo Empire.
Since ceding half of its land to the Spirit Hall Empire, Emperor Star Luo had stationed his army here to prepare for the imminent crisis.
This time, Emperor Star Luo had also come to the front lines.
At this moment, on the city walls, Tang San and his group stood tall.
Not far away, the Spirit Hall Empire's soul master army, serving as the vanguard, surged forward.
Emperor Star Luo gazed solemnly at the approaching soul master army from the Spirit Hall Empire.
He knew deeply that this battle would determine the survival or fall of the Star Luo Empire.
"Is everyone ready?"
Emperor Star Luo's voice seemed to carry an invisible force, making every person present feel an unprecedented sense of unity and resolve.
"Ready!"
Everyone responded in unison, their voices echoing in the sky, as if even the roaring waters of the gorge had been stunned into silence for a moment.
Yu Xiaogang turned around and scanned the defensive line behind him.
The soldiers were on high alert, with archers, heavily armored infantry, and cavalry all kinds of troops in their designated positions, forming an unbreakable line of defense.
At the very front of this line stood the most elite soul master troops of the Star Luo Empire, including several Title Douluo-level experts, all poised to strike.
Prior to this, Yu Xiaogang had already formulated strategies with Emperor Star Luo and others. Their current task was to defend, not to engage in a final battle.
They planned to use the geographical advantage of Tianqie Pass to maximize the consumption of the enemy's forces, waiting until the enemy was weakened before launching a full-scale counterattack.
Thus, they were prepared for a prolonged battle.
Tang San's gaze pierced through the crowd. The power of his Purple Extreme Demon Eye was fully unleashed at this moment, as if he could see the slightest details in the world.
Among the mighty soul master army of the Spirit Hall Empire, a few familiar figures gradually came into focus, causing ripples to form in his heart.
The first figure that entered his view was Yan, the powerful soul master known for his fire-type martial soul, who had clashed with him several times. At this moment, Yan stood at the forefront of the army, his momentum fierce.
Next, there was the noble and dignified Empress Qian Renxue, whose powerful soul power indicated that she was far stronger than before.
Shui Bing'er and Ye Lingling stood side by side, their strength also formidable.
Shui Bing'er's ice-based control and offensive abilities, and Ye Lingling's incredibly powerful healing abilities, were invaluable assets on the battlefield.
In addition, Tang San also noticed the Spirit Hall's Worship, whom he had encountered during the Heaven Dou Palace incident. Each of them exuded a profound strength, and their oppressive auras made it hard to breathe.
The presence of these Worship undoubtedly made the Spirit Hall Empire's assault even more formidable.
Tang San was also surprised to see a few opponents he had faced in the Soul Master Tournament.
Among them were Feng Xiaotian, the wind-type soul master famous for his self-created soul skill "Swift Wind Magic Wolf Slash," and the fire-type soul masters Huo Wushuang and Huo Wu, the brother-sister duo.
Tang San knew that this would be the most difficult challenge he had ever faced in his life.
However, he was relieved to notice that the Pope of the Spirit Hall, Bibi Dong, as well as Elders Yue and Gui, were not present in the enemy's ranks.
The individuals selected by Bibi Dong from the seven major sects were also absent from the opposing soul master army.
This confirmed that Qian Renxue and Bibi Dong were at odds with each other.
The proud Qian Renxue also scorned receiving help from Bibi Dong. She had enough confidence to take down the Star Luo Empire herself.
Standing before the Soul Master legion, Qian Renxue shone with golden light, like a battle goddess descending from the heavens.
"Soldiers of the Star Luo Empire, listen to my words!"
Qian Renxue's voice instantly cut through the noise of the battlefield, resonating clearly and firmly in front of Tianqie Pass.
Her voice carried power, with an unquestionable majesty.
"The land you protect has witnessed too many wars and sacrifices.
Today, the Spirit Empire does not come to conquer. We come to unite, for a stronger and more peaceful continent!
The lands that were once ceded to us, under the governance of the Spirit Empire, have seen their people living in peace and prosperity. Their lives are far better than in the chaos of war.
I promise that if you lay down your weapons, we will treat you equally, accept you as citizens of the Spirit Empire, and share this peace and prosperity."
Qian Renxue's words were like a spring breeze, quietly infiltrating the hearts of the defending soldiers.
On the city walls, many soldiers showed hesitation. Many of them had heard of the peaceful life in the Spirit Empire and felt their resolve beginning to waver.
Seeing this, the Star Luo Emperor frowned deeply.
He knew the importance of psychological warfare and understood that he had to act to stabilize the morale of his troops.
He stepped forward, his voice booming across the battlefield:
"Soldiers! Do not be swayed by her sweet words! What we are defending is not just this land, but the dignity and glory of the Star Luo Empire!
The so-called peace of the Spirit Empire is nothing but false prosperity built on countless sacrifices!
Remember, behind us are the countless citizens of the Star Luo Empire, our families and friends.
If we give up resisting, what will happen to them?
What we must do is hold out until the last moment, for our homeland, for our future!"
The Star Luo Emperor's words were passionate and firm, like an invisible force reigniting the fighting spirit in the soldiers' hearts.
Qian Renxue, seeing that the Star Luo Emperor's words had reignited the soldiers' will to fight, curved her lips into a faint smile.
"Since you have chosen to resist, then let us speak with our strength."
"Spirit Empire warriors, for our glory, for the future of this continent, let us launch the attack