159: Countering Kingdom

Linn's figure did not return directly to Star Sea Island. After arranging the military affairs on the Western Front, he stood alone before the newly acquired territory map, his gaze crossing the border of Rhine Province and casting toward that more vast land to the west, marked with the crest of the Aolai Kingdom.

This expansion had gained over 500,000 square kilometers of territory. It sounded glorious, but it also brought unprecedented pressure and crisis. Linn knew clearly: such a massive harvest far exceeded what a "frontier lord" of a kingdom could explain away as mere "expansion." The Aolai Royal Family and those deeply entrenched nobles would never sit by and watch a "vassal" who controlled nearly 600,000 square kilometers and possessed a formidable military grow peacefully right next to them.

"Rewards? Titles?" A cold arc brushed Linn's lips. At this stage, any reward from the kingdom was nothing more than honey-coated poison or a smokescreen before taking action. The Aolai Kingdom, along with its various subordinate nobles, could mobilize over a million troops and possessed deep heritage and more Legendary Experts. At this stage, although the Star Sea Territory was showing its edge, a head-on collision would be no different from hitting a rock with an egg.

Although the Star Sea Territory's high-end combat power was not weaker than the Aolai Kingdom's now, a head-on clash was ultimately the worst strategy. The most urgent task now was to buy time and simultaneously divert the kingdom's attention, making them too busy or unwilling to judge the Star Sea Territory as the primary threat.

A plan gradually became clear in his heart. He needed a barrier, a "trouble" that could create enough chaos in the west to attract and consume the Aolai Kingdom's energy. And the recently subdued and appropriately located Werewolf Clan was the most suitable pawn.

Three days later at dusk, Linn's figure appeared deep within the newly migrated territory of the Werewolf Clan. This was located on the western edge of the newly designated East Sea Province, adjacent to the vast unknown mountains and forests—the very habitat Linn had previously designated for the Werewolf Clan.

Compared to the wretched state when they first surrendered, the Werewolf Clan's territory had now begun to take shape. A simple but sturdy wood-and-stone Royal Court stood in the center of a forest clearing, surrounded by houses and fortifications under construction. The air was filled with the fragrance of wood and the scent of campfires. The passing werewolf warriors were agile, with less of the panic of displacement in their eyes and more of a sharp edge from settling down.

Seated at the head of the Royal Court, Linn calmly accepted the etiquette from below.

"Greetings, Lord." Werewolf King Jokic and General Wade bowed. After breaking through to Legendary, Jokic's appearance was no different from a human Legendary Expert, only his eyes were sharper and wilder, and his aura deep and restrained. Wade, on the other hand, retained more werewolf characteristics—thick sideburns, upright beast ears, and a fierce aura radiating from his body. Standing behind Jokic, his eyes were full of awe and excitement.

"How is the construction of the new Royal Court? Are the tribe's livelihoods stable?" Linn's tone was calm, like a casual inquiry.

Jokic stepped forward and replied respectfully: "Thanks to your great fortune, Lord, the forests here are dense, game is plentiful, and the terrain is easy to defend and hard to attack. It is indeed an ideal habitat. Most of the scattered Orcs tribes in the surrounding mountains, hearing of our return and the presence of a Legendary Expert, have mostly expressed their submission. Governor Payson of the East Sea Province delivered the urgently needed grain and seeds as promised, and a large number of human craftsmen assisted us in building houses and strengthening defenses. The whole tribe is deeply grateful."

Linn nodded: "Since you have settled, you must strive for strength. For any supplies you lack, you can continue to request assistance from Payson. He will support you fully."

"Thank you, Lord!" Jokic bowed again.

Linn changed the subject, his gaze falling on Jokic with physical weight: "I came today to entrust you with another important matter. Since you have entered the Legendary Realm and your prestige and strength have increased, it is time to integrate the surrounding forces."

Jokic's expression turned serious: "Please instruct me, Lord."

"I want you, in the name of the Werewolf Clan's new Royal Court, to conquer or recruit all Orcs tribes in this vast mountainous area and further west as quickly as possible. At the same time, spread the word to accept the remnants of other races who were defeated and scattered by my Star Sea Legion in the Western Front campaign, whether they be Goblins, Centaurs, Ogres, or Lizardfolk." Linn's voice was not loud, but it carried an unquestionable decisiveness. "Integrate these forces into an Orc Coalition Army."

Wade's ears twitched, a battle-hungry light flashing in his eyes. Jokic asked steadily: "Once the coalition is formed, what is the target?"

"The target is the newly established Brussels Province on the border of the Aolai Kingdom." Linn pointed into the void as if outlining a map. "The core warriors of the Werewolf Clan do not need to be committed to the front line for strong assaults. Save your strength and act as overseers and deterrents. Drive those surrendered tribes and remnants as the vanguard."

He looked at Jokic, his eyes deep: "The primary purpose of this operation is not to occupy land or establish a regime. It is to create chaos, harass extensively, and capture the population and resources on the border of Brussels Province. The captives should be secretly transported and handed over to East Sea Province for Governor Payson to handle. What I want is for Brussels Province and even the eastern border of the Aolai Kingdom to be filled with the smoke of war and exhausted from dealing with it."

Jokic almost instantly understood Linn's strategic intent—this was to divert the trouble westward, making the Orc Coalition Army a target to attract the Aolai Kingdom's fire, creating time and space for the Star Sea Territory to quietly digest new territories and accumulate strength in the east. As for the captured population, they would obviously become the much-needed labor supplement for the Star Sea Territory.

"I follow your command, Lord!" Jokic agreed without hesitation. He knew well that the Werewolf Clan's current stability and future were entirely tied to Linn. Sharing the Lord's burdens was also an opportunity to consolidate his own position and demonstrate his value.

A hint of approval appeared on Linn's face. "Furthermore, the fact that the Werewolf Tribe have submitted to me must not be exposed. Select 50,000 warriors from the Werewolf Tribe to form a Werewolf Legion; their organizational structure must be unified with the Star Sea Territory."

Then he took several exquisite crystal bottles sealed with breath of life from his robe, the inside rippling with heart-palpitating, surging energy light.

"The path to Legendary is like crossing a chasm at every step. These are Grade 7 Auxiliary Cultivation Potions, which are very helpful for stabilizing the Realm and breaking through Bottlenecks." Linn handed the potions to Jokic. "Keep them for your own advancement. You can also give some to Wade. I hope that in the near future, a second Legendary will appear in the Werewolf Clan."

Hearing this, Wade's whole body shook violently. The huge surprise made him almost unable to control his aura, and his thick beard trembled slightly. Legendary! That was a Realm he didn't even dare to dream of! Now, the opportunity was actually placed before him so clearly! His burning gaze turned to those potions, then looked at Linn with immense gratitude, and finally fell on Jokic, his excitement beyond words.

Jokic was also moved, solemnly taking the potions and feeling the vast yet gentle energy fluctuations within. He knew the preciousness of this reward.

"The Lord's great kindness will never be forgotten by the Werewolf Clan!" Jokic and Wade knelt on one knee simultaneously, performing the most solemn etiquette, their voices trembling slightly with excitement. "We will do our best to form the coalition and act according to your instructions, Lord. We will not fail your trust!"

"Very well." Linn raised his hand to signal them to rise. "This matter needs to be carried out quickly and secretly. I will have Payson establish specific communication and resource transfer channels with you. Remember, you are an 'independent' Orcs force and have 'nothing to do' with the Star Sea Territory."

"I understand!" Jokic nodded heavily. Playing the role of a revenge-seeking tribal Alliance that moved west after being defeated by the Star Sea Territory and crazily attacked human kingdoms for survival—this role couldn't be more appropriate.

Linn's figure quietly disappeared into the thickening twilight. Inside the Werewolf Royal Court, Jokic gripped the potion bottles tightly, his eyes flashing with sharp light. Wade was rubbing his hands together, already starting to conceive how to more quickly subdue the surrounding tribes and form a coalition that would strike fear into people's hearts.

Governed by a Legendary Werewolf King, an Orc Coalition Army of over a hundred thousand driven troops igniting war on the eastern border of the Aolai Kingdom... this was enough to keep part of that massive kingdom's military and high-level attention firmly occupied. Meanwhile, the Star Sea Territory would win a crucial golden period of undisturbed development.

Linn stood above the clouds, looking back at the rising lights of the Werewolf Clan below, then toward the blurry outline of the Aolai Kingdom to the west, his gaze profound.

"Next, it's time to go back and see how fast our 'Sparks' can burn."