"This kind of power... Is this the explosive force of a legion?"
Evan Chu could see it clearly: in the distance, densely packed star-boats and warships were sailing in, every deck crowded with enemy legion soldiers. But individually, these soldiers weren't that strong—if a few dozen teamed up, they'd still just be easy targets for Evan Chu to cut down.
But right now, these soldiers seemed to be using some kind of formation—its might was overwhelming, able to focus all their power into a single point and then launch it in a burst, unleashing a force strong enough to actually threaten Evan Chu.
"This is just the most basic battle formation in legion warfare. Soon, you'll witness the combined firepower of star-boats and warships—far more terrifying. In legion combat, it's never about one person's strength—no one can turn the tide alone. Even if I could defeat both Thrones today, it still wouldn't change the fate of the Blazing Flame Legion..."
Jun Yang didn't let Evan Chu finish the last words—four simple characters: a deathtrap—no escape!
"So it's all about concentrating power for a unified burst? With star-boats and warships... No matter how you change things, everything still relies on Stellar Power, right? The strength of a formation also depends on how deeply you comprehend and analyze power—the more thorough your understanding, the more perfect your control, isn't that so?"
You're sharp. The fact that you can grasp all this honestly surprises me. So... the future of the Blazing Flame Legion, that responsibility will rest on your shoulders.
"So you're really determined to make me leave?"
"That's right. They're already... here."
Jun Yang stared at the distant horizon—the Sky Tiger Legion and Monroe Legion had joined forces and were unleashing a tidal wave of pressure on their position.
Evan Chu lowered his voice, deep in thought. Should he really go through with this...? Jun Yang's words had just shaken him awake—was it really impossible for one man to turn the tide? No, Evan Chu refused to believe that, not unless he tried it himself.
But if he tried now, he'd have to expose a lot of his trump cards—and those trump cards were the core powers and secrets tied to Ninefold Stellar Transformation.
Was he really supposed to just stand by and watch Jun Yang and the Blazing Flame Legion be wiped out before his eyes? Evan Chu had already seen for himself the combat power a legion could unleash—if he let the three great legions clash head-on, the Blazing Flame Legion would be doomed, no question.
To coordinate formations, you not only needed a deep grasp of Stellar Power, but also enough soldiers to actually carry out the attack.
Jun Yang definitely had his own battle tactics for offense and defense, but the enemy combined had over three hundred thousand troops—while their own legion... only had thirty thousand!
Forget it—if revealing his trump cards could let the Blazing Flame Legion survive, then so be it! Evan Chu couldn't bear to watch Jun Yang die, not when this man had treated him with true sincerity!
"Big Brother Jun Yang, do you trust me?"
This time, Evan Chu didn't use any formal titles—he called Jun Yang by name, which made the nearby deputy commanders and strategist all look over in shock.
What confused them even more was that Jun Yang didn't mind at all. "Evan Chu, what else do you have to say? Of course I trust you."
"Alright! Then please, Big Brother, give the order for all thirty thousand legionaries to release their stars—and sever their connection to them. If you do this, I guarantee I can help you drive back the Monroe Legion and Sky Tiger Legion!"
But what I can't promise is that all thirty thousand brothers will survive—I'll need you all on the front lines, fighting, buying me time against the enemy. How many will make it out alive... I can't say. But this is our only chance!
"What exactly are you planning? Without their stars, how are my soldiers supposed to fight? This isn't a game!"
Jun Yang frowned—he really couldn't understand what Evan Chu was getting at.
The deputy commanders around him even started to wonder if Evan Chu was some kind of infiltrator sent by the enemy. Was this a trick to get them to give up their stars and weaken the Blazing Flame Legion even further, just to speed up their destruction?
"Please, Big Brother, trust me. I can do it! To drive them back, I just need this one chance!"
Evan Chu didn't mention that by doing this, he'd also pay a terrible price—but he was willing to go through with it.
Looking into Evan Chu's resolute eyes, Jun Yang believed him. "Fine! We'll do as you say. But this concerns the life and death of the legion—it's not something I can order my brothers to do. All I can offer is my own star, you can have it!"
Swish!
Two blazing, flame-infused stars appeared, floating right in front of Evan Chu.
"No, Big Brother, you still need to defend the front. I can't take your stars—I can only use theirs."
Evan Chu pointed to the deputy commanders standing behind Jun Yang, and Jun Yang followed his gaze.
Jun Yang sighed, "Evan Chu is my brother. I trust him unconditionally. You all decide for yourselves—I won't give any orders."
For the cultivators of the Star-River Dominion, their stars were life itself! Losing a star was nearly as bad as losing one's life—especially now, with the enemy at their doorstep.
If you're a brother to Lord Jun Yang, then you're a brother to me—and to every man in the Blazing Flame Legion. Evan Chu, don't let me down!
Whoosh! The strategist also released three stars. Though the number was impressive, they were much weaker than Jun Yang's. Seeing the strategist's action, the other deputy commanders began to offer up their own stars one by one.
There were nine different attributes among the stars, some stronger, some weaker, but without exception, everyone offered up their stars. They didn't really believe Evan Chu could help the Blazing Flame Legion defeat the enemy—but they trusted Jun Yang without question.
At this moment, Evan Chu was awed by Jun Yang's authority.
If it had been him, and the Blazing Flame Legion replaced by the old Frostbane Divine Palace, even if Evan Chu gave a death order, not even half would have obeyed, right?
To cast aside all selfishness, devoting everything for legion and dynasty—men like this, trading their stars for a chance at life, that's true worth!
You could always find another star—but loyal, righteous men like these, every single loss was a tragedy.
Thank you all for your trust. I, Evan Chu, will not let you down!
Jun Yang gave Evan Chu one last look. "Go and prepare. Leave the rest to me!"
He turned and shouted to the thirty thousand soldiers, "The legion will organize into two echelons, rotating to maintain the defensive formation and hold off the enemy with all your might! Without my order, no one is to leave the defensive fortress, not even a single step!
If the first echelon falls, the second will take their place. If the second falls, the deputy commanders will step up. If you all fall, then I, Jun Yang, will die fighting right alongside you!
"Yes, Lord Jun Yang!"
Jun Yang's aura exploded outward. Piece by piece, a suit of dazzling Golden Aegis Armor appeared on his body. This set of armor was incredibly powerful—it could triple the force of his internal Stellar Power, and shield him from any attack below the mid Saint Venerable Realm.
It was thanks to this armor that Jun Yang had once managed to kill an opponent far above his level, slaying the former lord of the Sky Tiger Legion.
"Old friend, fight this last battle with me!"
Jun Yang raised his Heaven-Shattering Spear high, Golden Aegis Armor gleaming, standing alone at the vanguard to face the enemy—while thirty thousand warriors stood behind him, ready to fight to the death at his side!
So... this is the power of a Saint Venerable? No wonder ordinary men can't compare." Evan Chu only glanced up, but the shock left him reeling, nearly losing control. Compared to the Blood-Demon Patriarch he'd faced before, this was a world of difference!