Chapter 101: Everything's in Complete Chaos!

After an urgent discussion with Jiang Bai, the intention to pursue peace talks was expressed. Jiang Bai agreed, but on the condition that the sum be increased to sixty million. With no other choice, the three military alliances had to accept this demand.

Thus, after nearly half a month of rapid assault, the Jingjin region and Lan Province fell entirely under Jiang Bai’s control. The attack was so swift that the enemy forces had no time to react before hostilities abruptly ended.

Just as the enemy’s fury reached its peak and they prepared for battle, an event in Europe shocked the entire world. On February 30th, Hanssi, leveraging its overwhelming military advantage, launched a fierce offensive against the traitorous Polan. Through extensive tactical advances, Polan was completely occupied in less than a month and subsequently fell under full Hanssi control.

On March 15th, the Iron Tower regime declared full mobilization. The following day, the Eagle regime did the same. By March 27th, the joint forces of Eagle and Iron Tower had stationed themselves along the border between Iron Tower and Hanssi but had not fired a single shot at Hanssi’s positions. Both regimes hoped that Hanssi would redirect its aggression toward the Bear regime, thereby igniting internal conflict between the two military powers. This overt appeasement strategy was derisively dubbed the “Silent War” by the media.

Having annexed Polan, Hanssi’s national power surged dramatically, and it rapidly expanded its military forces. Dark clouds gathered once again over the world’s skies.

Meanwhile, Jiang Bai’s Seventh Army quietly entered Blue Island. They swiftly transported coastal defense artillery deep into the island and deployed them on a large scale to prepare for any potential threats from the enemy.

“Corps Commander, we have completed the deployment of all batteries within Blue Island Fortress!” reported Deng Fei, commander of the fortress artillery brigade under the Seventh Army, his face alight with excitement. “Once the ammunition arrives, we can activate immediately. This time, I will make the enemy fully understand the power of coastal artillery!”

Originally the deputy commander of a heavy artillery regiment, Deng Fei had been specially chosen by Jiang Bai from the elite core of the heavy artillery and combined with new recruits to form a dedicated fortress defense unit on Blue Island. Deng Fei was promptly appointed as its brigade commander.

Under the personal guidance of Hanssi’s military experts, Deng Fei and his troops quickly mastered the assembly and operation of coastal defense guns. Seeing Deng Fei’s enthusiasm, Jiang Bai nodded approvingly.

“Excellent. Blue Island is now entirely under our control. From now on, you must become an unbreakable reef on this island. No matter how fierce the storm, we must hold our ground and ensure the enemy cannot leave even the slightest trace!”

Deng Fei responded firmly, “Rest assured, Corps Commander, I will accomplish the mission!”

In truth, he was brimming with confidence. With these artillery batteries, repelling the enemy’s incursions would be effortless. Especially after securing control of Blue Island, Jiang Bai had invested generously—not only deploying numerous coastal guns but also constructing many fortresses and stationing a heavy artillery brigade permanently. This elevated Blue Island’s firepower to a terrifying level.

Gazing upon the massive gun barrels lining the shore, Jiang Bai felt the sting of the great expense. Yet, whenever he thought about the impending deadly confrontation with the enemy here, ensuring they suffered heavy losses, the cost was entirely justified.

More importantly, Blue Island’s strategic position was crucial. Once a naval base was established, it would pose a tangible threat to the enemy’s supply lines, rendering their rear insecure. When the Ghost-class submarines reached full combat readiness, this sea region would become a nightmare for the enemy.

In the long term, these coastal defenses, built with extremely durable materials, would remain effective for at least thirty years. Protected by these formidable fortifications, it would be nearly impossible for enemy naval artillery to destroy the coastal guns unless they scored direct hits.

Meanwhile, within the enemy’s capital, the army minister raged, “Damn it! Those hateful bastards! Jiang Bai! They’ve taken the Jingjin region and Blue Island in just half a month! Were our garrisons all to no avail? Facing Jiang Bai’s assault, they offered no resistance and instead retreated!”

“Who ordered the withdrawal of Blue Island’s troops? If those forces had supported us, stopping Jiang Bai’s advance would have been a breeze!”

Listening to the army minister’s furious outburst, the senior officials exchanged complicated looks during this tense meeting. In contrast, the naval minister feigned surprise and asked, “Minister of the Army, have you forgotten? It was your direct order that shaped this war’s strategy.”

Though the naval minister’s tone was outwardly respectful, the biting sarcasm was unmistakable.

The army minister’s veins bulged in fury at this retort.

It must be noted that, early on, the army had devised a detailed offensive plan and was even prepared for full-scale war with the Sanlaodeng regime to capture Lan Province. According to a prior agreement with Sanlaodeng, once they occupied Blue Island, the enemy would gain the right to station troops there. Then, by finding any pretext, they could legitimately control the island.

However, at the crucial moment, Jiang Bai unexpectedly seized the Jingjin region and Blue Island, leaving the enemy in a highly disadvantageous position.

“We must not allow Jiang Bai’s plan to succeed!” the army minister declared. “We have to retake Blue Island and the Jingjin area! Without this foothold, we cannot guarantee the security of future maritime landing operations!”

The minister of justice furrowed his brow and responded, “But this means we will have to declare war directly on the Carrier faction.”

“What’s the point in hesitating now? If Jiang Bai continues to grow stronger, the threat we face will only increase!”

“As for a pretext to start the war, it’s simple. We can claim that two expatriates have gone missing and need to search Lan Province. If they refuse, we can launch a direct attack!”

Upon hearing this, those present exchanged glances, acknowledging that while the excuse was flimsy, it was nonetheless a barely acceptable justification.

“We support the army minister’s viewpoint!”

With consensus reached among the senior leadership, even the head of the enemy’s capital, though deeply unwilling, could not resist. He dared not oppose openly, for fear of impeachment.

Thus, the stage was set for the next chapter of the conflict.