After the Under 1 Banner group successfully repelled the massive alliance that was pitted against, general Han of the Celestial Dragon faction set up another meeting between them. This meeting was essentially one that would solidify their alliance and form a plan. At this stage, both sides were already aware of what each of them had to do. First, both sides would have to conquer their way until they shared a border. Then, they beat everyone else. Though this alliance wasn’t really based on any sort of trust, both sides could benefit greatly from it.

A month passed, then two, then three. Conquests were launched multiple times by many different groups. So far, the U1B group was one that stood out as the current king of the leaderboard. This was due to the insane speed of their conquests which could be said to have been scary fast. Wang Yi’s group was not far behind, and the Celestial Dragon group led by Ding Lai Hang not too far behind them.

Every day, the number of strategists decreased in the faction selection tournament. Every day, many people under these strategists perished. Many groups vanquished, and with it their chance of becoming an official faction. Soon enough, the number of groups went from triple digits, to double digits, to finally the top 8.

Baron’s group, Ding Lai Hang’s group, Wang Yi’s group were the biggest out of these 8. 2 out of the remaining ones were quite powerful while the last few were just a few groups who survived by becoming one giant group. These types of groups were good at getting to the final few, but rarely ever succeeded in winning as the top groups were just too much for their hastily assembled army to match. This time was no exception.

8 Groups went down to 7, then 6, 5, and finally 4. In addition to Baron, Ding Lai Hang, and Wang Yi’s group, there was one more that was quite fearsome. It was the Red Ice group. They were an independent group just like Baron. A true force to be reckoned with, but nowhere near what the others were capable of. Slowly but surely, their territory was ganged up on by the 3 other competitors and they were wiped off the map in no time flat.

Now it was just the 3 of them. The question was, would Ding Lai Hang stick with Baron, go to Wang Yi, or go independent and renounce the alliance that he had with Baron?

Wang Yi’s group waited for this to become clear before he mobilized his forces. As it stood, he was definitely no match for both of them. However, if he could isolate one of them, then it was not impossible to accomplish the task that his faction’s elders assigned to him. He had not failed an assignment yet, and he did not plan to start now. Plus, the reward for this one would be huge. Something that he could not pass upon.

Therefore, all of the remaining strategists, four from the Celestial Dragons, 5 from Wang Yi’s group, and 5 from Baron’s group, gathered together for a meeting to discuss how the battle would unfold. However, it would mostly be a meeting between the leaders of each respective group. Baron, Wang Yi, and Ding Lai Hang. While all of the others would be there to stand and watch. It was agreed upon by everyone. They all met at one point where all 3 of their borders connected. The air was tense when all 3 leaders got together and were sitting on the same table.

(DLH) “Alright, let’s get this over with.” Ding Lai Hang said as impatiently as ever.

(WY) “Indeed.” Wang Yi agreed, still wary of his adversaries.

(BM) “Who would like to begin?” Baron asked.

(WY) “I suppose I’ll go. Ding Lai Hang, you stay out of this conflict with me and Baron. My only target is him. However, if you help me defeat him, then you will be rewarded by the Yellow Wang faction, very nicely.”

(DLH) “Yellow Wang faction? Nah, they will be toppled by the Combined Dragon faction sooner or later, I don’t think so.”

(WY) “You should know that even if I may not care for this faction either, you should not be so careless with your words.”

(BM) “What exactly do you wish to accomplish with this, Wang Yi? An ally? Or is it something else?”

(WY) “My task is to defeat you. Nothing else. If he agrees to stay out of our little tussle, then I think that is in both of our interests.”

(DLH) “Interesting. If the two of you fight, then the one who ends up winning will have to face me. Not too bad.”

(BM) “So, you sound like you have made your choice then, Ding Lai Hang.”

(DLH) “It appears I have. Good luck, Baron. I did appreciate our alliance while we were in cahoots.”

(BM) “Heh, I should have known you would have chosen this path. Whatever. Once I deal with him, I’ll come to deal with you as well.”

(WY) “You make it sound as if you won’t have any difficulty taking care of us, Baron. Just you watch. I’ll show you and that overconfident gang that you brought along that no matter how advanced your arsenal, you won’t be able to beat me. I’ve prepared so much before this faction selection tournament even began. Watch your back.”

(BM) “As have we, Wang Yi. Good luck to you, I certainly do not wish to fight my group, yet you actively seek it.”

(WY) “It is my duty, it is a must, it is something that I cannot fail to do. I’m going now.” He said as he got up to leave. However, he was interrupted by Ding lai Hang before he could get out the door.

(DLH) “Remember, Wang Yi. I will not be doing anything but watching while you two rip each other apart.”

(WY) “Good. That is exactly what I wished.”