Era of the transmigrating earth-Chapter 2114: The Great Counteroffensive Can Begin

Even small kingdoms have their advantages, often housing only two or three Elemental Lords. However, their numbers are vast, and collectively they form a considerable force, capable of wielding significant power on the battlefield.

To these small kingdoms, the four great empires are mighty, yet they remain established and reputable.

Under their rule, small kingdoms find the space to exist and maintain their presence.

But the Elemental Empire is different. In places they conquer, all other forces are extinguished. In those small countries previously controlled by Du You, their original Elemental Lords have disappeared.

To avoid the same fate, they can only turn to and rely on the four great empires.

These small countries have united to form a substantial force. Though their Elemental Lords are numerous, their strength isn’t particularly impressive, nor is their coordination. Yet, they remain Elemental Lords.

This pressure has significantly increased the burden on Du You. Similarly, because of their restraint, the four great empires refrained from going all out, observing as Du You seemed to yield step by step.

Indeed, it was a retreat, but this was a deliberate facade created by Du You. If he could withstand assaults from so many nations and hold the front lines, they might become fearful.

Conversely, retreating step by step, while still holding them back, made them believe he couldn’t resist them. Perhaps, in many eyes, his power had reached its limit. Just a little more effort would defeat him completely. It’s said that many have been celebrating during this period.

However, they don’t realize they’ve once again been lured into an attrition strategy, incrementally increasing their strength.

Simultaneously, many are drawn to the power of the Elemental Empire. Du You’s prestige and influence have grown, infiltrating into the interiors of the great empires.

With several of Du You’s Doppelgangers sneaking in to spread the word, the points Du You has earned have steadily increased. As he continued his tactical retreat, the land he controlled kept diminishing.

In the eyes of the four great empires, there’s no need to continue exerting pressure. Once the land diminishes to a certain extent, the other side will naturally relent and agree to their terms. As for the loss of common lives, Elemental Lords aren’t concerned.

To them, Du You is one of humanity, and they’d rather avoid sealing him if possible.

With so many strong Elemental Lords, expansive conquest is ideal. Once the world is completely dominated by humans, one less threat remains. To them, the greatest threat has always been the wild Elemental Lords outside their borders.

Thus, the battle dragged on for two years. In that time, nearly half of the Sunset Empire’s territory, originally captured, was lost. Of course, this kind of warfare hasn’t significantly impacted ordinary people.

As long as local armies are passable, they won’t face looting. Regular armies even less so, for they abide by the rule: Wherever they arrive, surrender is the standard protocol.

The real threat to civilians isn’t from wild Element Creatures, but from bandits.

Yet in these two years, no one knows what secrets the Elemental Empire holds. Even as the four great empires commit half their might to the war, they have yet to fully suppress their opponent.

At this point, the four great empires felt both impatience and unease.

"Is there any movement from the Elemental Empire lately?"

"Your Majesty, they’re still resisting as stubbornly as before."

The king frowned. "I don’t know why, but I have a bad feeling. Continue probing; I need to know just what they’re doing." Over these years, as he continuously increased troops, the enemy maintained their defense.

The opponent strengthened as well, though unclear if these reinforcements are pre-existing or retrieved from seals. If they were withdrawn from seals, it was awfully rapid. But then, are there that many seals?

While aware of their own nation’s numerous seals, comprehensive knowledge is lacking. Few possess thorough information, and communication regarding it is scant. Of the seals they know, many Elemental Lords within remain defiant, unwilling to surrender.

These aren’t mere pretenses of surrender; in seeking allegiance, a contract becomes necessary. Without it, there is no assurance. But how could these Elemental Lords ever sign such contracts?

Hence the allure and wariness towards Du You’s Secret Method grow more potent.

Meanwhile, Du You takes stock of his forces. Two years prior, his Elemental Lords numbered over four hundred. Not resting on his laurels during these years, he focused on transforming the strongest.

After two years, Du You found his concealed Elemental Lords had doubled to eight hundred, all of high caliber, with many reaching advanced stages. Additionally, Du You crafted many Light and Dark Elemental Lords, enhancing overall power.

Within neighboring small states, Du You occasionally raided and sealed a few Elemental Lords. Overall losses were minimal, but their morale took a significant hit.

Most significantly is the uncounted Bone Dragon Legion, now boasting thirty-eight in total. They could form several squads to directly hunt down other Elemental Lords, manifesting a formidable threat.

Yet Du You never deployed Bone Dragons in battle, leaving the enemy unaware.

"It seems our preparations are complete. The time for a major counterattack has arrived."

"We could’ve launched the counterattack long ago, but Master insisted on so much preparation."

Lin Yucha knocked on her sister’s head: "Our enemies are not only other empires. Post-counterattack, we need to defend the region and eliminate surrounding wild Elemental Lords; earlier forces weren’t enough."

Lin Yushi stuck out her tongue, realizing she had forgotten about that. But it didn’t matter; as long as Master and Sister handled the thoughts, she didn’t have to.

So next, it’s time for the counterattack. Having reviewed surrounding data and encountered no issues, Du You dispatched all his concealed Elemental Lords, forming four military divisions to attack the four empires directly.