Shi Tao and Thesues finished their discussion, and the former passed the orders. Shi Lang wanted to address the entire military force, and this would not be an inspirational session. This much had been cleared to Shi Tao.

The orders were relayed quickly, and at the same time, Theseus received a report that the high council members had arrived through the teleportation formation. Crystal was now a high council member, and almost all of the younger generation had taken over the responsibilities of their elders.

Tex was the serving supreme leader of the council. Unity was still the guardian spirit, but lately, her time was spent teaching the people personally. She came here today to meet Shi Lang and see how he has grown.

Theseus mobilized the general council, and Shi Tao summoned all the commanders of the secret divisions. They were informed that Shi Lang had arrived and wanted to see all of them, and thus they did not delay. There was less than a month left in the decisive battle.

...

Shi Lang and Amelia used their space-wrapping skills and directly appeared on the war planet. They had reached a similar realm and did not need to wait for any space shuttle. Let alone them. Even the people did not need shuttles anymore.

The federation used teleportation formations to travel, and the spaceships were only left behind for military purposes. The status of the federation had grown to the level where even the big three dared to avoid messing too much with them. In the past forty years, Jill had taken over the galactic strike force commander position and retired with the record of being the strictest of the commanders ever.

Those were only some of the things that the federation had done. They would send young teenagers around the galaxy to participate in competitions and return with victory medals. This was a silent coercion that the federation had established for itself. However, despite all this, they always abstained from the galactic council elections.

They were sending a message that as long they were not disturbed. They will not look for trouble with other people. The dominance of the federation allowed them to grow without struggle. The think tanks proposed this strategy, and it paid off well.

Shi Lang and Amelia were greeted by Unity as soon as they arrived. The three people stood in the void, and the sword spirit exclaimed, "Say, Lang, what have you been chugging on? I can tell that your realm is that of an ascended mortal. However, your aura is so well hidden that I almost took you for a mortal."

Shi Lang smiled and said, "Long time no see, Unity."

Amelia greeted the lady with a bow, and the sword spirit said, "You are already in a peer with me. No need to be polite."

The lady smiled and looked at Shi Lang, who was sighing at the scenery. She asked, "What happened?"

Shi Lang replied, "I cannot recognize this place without the red sand and black cliffs in the distance."

Amelia smiled and said, "This happens when you do not come home for decades."

The inaugural upload of this chapter took place via n(0))vel(b)(j)(n).

Unity nodded and said, "Do not lament so much. Come along now. Many people are waiting for you."

The trio then flew over to the pavilion garden around the teleportation array. The people all stood up to greet them and show respect. Shi Lang greeted them all with a nod. Theseus went up to Shi Lang and said, "Teacher, this array will allow you to communicate with the people of the federation and the Citadel."

Shi Lang nodded, and then he waved his hand at Theseus. The man in front of him changed from a middle-aged man to a young man in his twenties. Shi Lang took a bottle of pills from his space ring and said, "You can bring this home and give it to your family. This is an all-purpose elixir. If you have any trouble that cannot be helped with, you can come and find me."

Theseus nodded and said, "Thank you, teacher."

Shi Lang smiled and said, "You have been working hard."

Theseus did not say much and walked back to his seat. He did not know where Shi Lang procured the pills, but he trusted this man most.

Shi Lang stood over the array circle on the ground and channeled his spiritual energy. The array was triggered, and it caused a cloud of spirit energy to condense in many places for the people to see and hear Shi Lang.

The general said, "I apologize for my absence during this period. However, as a cultivator, I have found that some things cannot be done while I stay indoors.

I wanted to go out and get stronger and then tell you that you do not have to worry, that all will be fine at the end of this battle. As much as it pains me to say it, I cannot lie to you. There will be loss of life in this battle. Many of you might not be able to return home after the war, despite all my effort. I cannot be sure of saving you."

The people were driven to shiver when they heard the proud general displaying such a vulnerable side of his. Amelia placed her hand over his shoulder, and Shi Lang said, "I have a few suggestions for you all to consider before we set off for the battle. I apologize in anticipation if any of you find my words and thoughts offensive, but I assure you, all of it will be in the federation's favor."

The people were bracing themselves when Shi Lang mentioned this. The general took a deep breath and said, "While the strong are off to fight, the civilians and the young ones will be vulnerable here. Any forces attacking the Federation now will only spell disaster for us.

It is not like we can go to this battle and think that if we manage to live, we can protect our loved ones back home. You will be in the wrong. The demons are not good creatures. They only seek victory, and they do not care about any morals.

Even if victory in the war is essential, the safety of our home takes priority. I hope that you all agree with it."

The people nodded. After all, before they went out, it was best to ensure the house was safe. Shi Lang registered the nods and said, "On my journey, we discovered a solar system with celestial bodies a hundred times bigger than ours. This solar system has four planets capable of life, and they all have their flora and fauna. However, they have yet to evolve any intelligent species.

You might think of this as cowardly, but this is necessary. If the demon managed to find you all, he would kill as many people as he wishes just for enjoyment."

The people were shocked that the proud general asked them to leave their homes. Shi Lang sighed, and Amelia stepped up. She said, "Think of it as a temporary vacation. Go and stay at these places. If we win, you can all come back, but if not, at least you can ensure the race's survival."

The shock settled, and Shi Lang said, "The path of this place will be disclosed to all of the federation and the allies. They will be able to navigate through the cosmos with ease. However, once you reach the location, you will need strong people to guide and guard you. So, I suggest that core condensation warriors stay behind to ensure that the race's skills are preserved.

I know the people have been waiting to enter the battlefield, which is why you all have been working harder. However, your strength will not be enough to make a difference in the battle."

The people were shocked, and Shi Lang went to great lengths to convey his message to everyone. Eventually, Unity agreed on behalf of the spirit beast race, and by setting an example, she inspired the human leaders to decide as well. After this, Shi Lang picked up a few older immortals to stay back and help the youth settle in the new place.

Suddenly, one of the experts asked, "Sir, what do you attend to do about this battle."

Shi Lang did not react violently but said, "I wish to take the war to this person and have him beg us for mercy."

The people were shocked, and Shi Lang said, "The biggest problem we face will be the army of demons raised by this guy. As for the main enemy, he cannot attack us till the alignment of the three realms. This is our chance. Before he gains his true strength. It will take us a few days to settle things at home, but after that, we can leave. Now, I leave the decision to you all.

Federation is not just a ball of dirt moving around a ball of fire. It is you all. If you believe me, then in three days, mobilize the army."