Chapter 364: Gnoll stronghold
The Arctic Tigerfolk kingdom, Ice Palace.
Ruby sat on the throne with a worried look on her face, flanked by Maulclaw and Shadowfang.
Neither of them looked well. Maulclaw's worry was mixed with a hint of hesitation, while Shadowfang's was more of anger.
"Queen, we have found out that those Gnolls have set up strongholds on the border of our territory. They are obviously trying to force our submission by force!"
Maulclaw knew that there was really no way to delay any longer. The Beastman Empire's patience had reached its limit.
This time, they were probably determined to win.
"Queen, I think since war is inevitable, we might as well take the initiative and catch those mongrels off guard!" Shadowfang said indignantly.
In the past, his radical demands would have been opposed by Maulclaw, but this time, the latter did not say a word.
Because now it was a matter of no choice. Perhaps resistance would be the only option.
Where else could they go if they left the land where they had lived for generations? Could it be that they would lead the Beastman Empire, a formidable enemy, to the undead empire in the south?
"How many troops are stationed at the Gnolls' stronghold? What is the strength of their leader? Do you know?"
Although Ruby was looking at Maulclaw when she spoke, it was clear from her tone that she also favored Shadowfang's suggestion.
"Reporting back to the Queen, the information we have received so far is that the other side has stationed 10K troops, including at least five King level or above. They have calculated our strength."
Maulclaw was very wary. It was afraid that even a sneak attack would not cause much damage to the Gnolls, who were prepared in advance, but would instead give them a legitimate reason to go to war.
"Queen, has that undead lord said anything?" Maulclaw asked.
If the undead could help, then there would be no need to worry about these stationed Gnolls at all. They had sufficient reason and strength to directly wage war against the Gnolls.
"Alex hasn't returned yet, and besides, you should know what I mean. The Beastman Empire is too powerful. I don't want to bring such a powerful enemy to Alex because of me."
The Beastman Empire had existed for hundreds of years, and their strength was enough to destroy the newly established undead empire. Ruby didn't want to hurt Alex because of herself.
But for the sake of her people, Ruby would fight the Beastman Empire to the death even if she was at a disadvantage.
"Take action, tonight."
Ruby said decisively, making up her mind.
On the other side, inside the iceberg, the undead fortress.
Xiao Hui had arrived in the far north through the teleportation of the main fortress. The Death Spirit Clone had been waiting for a long time.
In the huge undead fortress, there were only Death Spirit and a Specter, plus Xiao Hui, a total of only three undead.
"Death Spirit, have you found out about the situation over there?"
As soon as Xiao Hui arrived, she asked Death Spirit about the situation on the western border of the far north.
"The Gnolls are setting up strongholds. They should be planning to intimidate the Arctic Tigerfolk and want them to submit to the Beastman Empire. In addition, many races in the eastern part of the Beastman Empire are also mobilizing their forces."
Through the information passed by Death Spirit, Xiao Hui immediately made up her mind. Since the enemy was ready for the invasion, she would definitely not wait to be beaten passively. She planned to strike first and catch them off guard.
"Destroy their strongholds. You and I will be here to attract their firepower. Inform the six race kings and Xiao Mu to let them launch an attack directly from the south of the Beastman Empire."
Since Beastman Empire wanted to march into the far north, they would first attract most of their attention here, and then launch a sneak attack from the south.
"Understood."
As for Ruby, Xiao Hui had her own idea. She planned to lead the undead to act alone, so she didn't inform the other party for the time being.
What's more, since she had decided to go to war with the Beastman Empire, there was no need to hesitate. Let the battle between the two empires begin now!
Xiao Hui's figure disappeared directly into the iceberg and galloped towards the west.
Death Spirit's clone reported the order to the remaining six race kings and Xiao Mu in the Undead Empire. Hearing the order, everyone began to take action.
The western border of the far north, although not an ice field, was still a harsh environment. It was a permafrost area with sparse vegetation and a desolate appearance.
The stronghold established by the Gnolls was near a deep mountain. The environment here was not bad. Some races of the Beastman Empire, led by the leader of the Gnolls, all gathered here.
The number of these troops was far more than the information obtained by Maulclaw. The number alone was nearly 50K, and there were several King levels. Even if they attacked the Arctic Tigerfolk kingdom head-on, they would win 100%.
Therefore, the Beastmen here were not worried about the other party's sneak attack at all. Instead, they were relaxed and took this trip as a vacation.
It was said to be a stronghold, but it was just a piece of open space temporarily created by them, and some simple tents made of animal skins were built for them to rest.
Tents were scattered all over the mountains and plains. Even the birds in the sky dared not approach here. The surroundings were silent, and only the laughter of these Beastmen could be heard.
In the center, all the Gnolls living here were of noble status. They gathered together to discuss the itinerary of this trip, how to provoke the Arctic Tigerfolk, and how to let them take the initiative to attack.
Humans were watching them too closely. If they directly attacked the Arctic Tigerfolk without a legitimate reason, they were worried that humans would intervene.
"Grix, you will lead the team to the Arctic Tigerfolk this time. Your attitude must be tough and let them make it clear when they will exchange bloodlines with us. We have given them the greatest limit. Don't let them be ungrateful!"
The Gnoll at the head said to the Gnoll envoys who were going to the Arctic Tigerfolk kingdom this time.
"Yes, Leader Tazz!"
Grix wagged its tail excitedly and set off for the Arctic Tigerfolk kingdom enthusiastically. It didn't expect that it, with its weak strength, would also be reused by the leader!
This time, there was a reason why Tazz sent Grix as an envoy. He used a little trick, that is, the Gnolls headed by Grix were all Commanding level, not even Monarch level.
Their weak identities but tough attitudes were to arouse the anger of the Arctic Tigerfolks. This was a psychological tactic.
This was what Tazz learned from humans.
Grix and the other Gnolls, who had been 'entrusted with an important task', had set off. They ran on all fours on the frozen soil like dogs. Suddenly, a human woman blocked their way.
Grix stood up straight and stretched out its hand to signal the other Gnolls to stop.
With Grix's strength, it couldn't judge the strength of the human woman in front of it, but the woman's beautiful appearance and sexy figure gave it an urge to mate.
It could even smell that the air was filled with a faint pheromone. This woman was a virgin. If she could be impregnated, she would definitely give birth to a Gnoll with a stronger bloodline!
"Miss, I want to have children with you..."
Before Grix could finish speaking, the surrounding Gnolls saw a flash of black sword light, and its dog head fell to the ground instantly.
"Damn it! Run away and tell our leader!"
The Gnolls fled in panic, but a white energy suddenly surged above their heads, and then they all turned into desiccated corpses. With the blowing of the biting cold wind, they completely turned into ashes.
Xiao Hui squeezed her hand hard, and the energy gathered in her hand dissipated directly. She didn't stop, spread her two pairs of black wings, and flew westward with all her might.