Seven days later, at noon, the Cliff City garrison base was bustling with activity.

Fully loaded trucks thundered down the dirt roads one after another, kicking up clouds of dust as they disappeared over the horizon. Enormous airships rose and descended at the sprawling airfield. Their immense shadows crawled across the ground, sweeping over Ji Jue before gliding off into the distance in pursuit of the departing vessels.

“Wow. This is one hell of an operation.” Ji Jue clicked his tongue in amazement. Carrying a suitcase, he presented his identification and passed through the security checkpoint at the entrance.

Beyond it lay a vast plaza. Rows of heavy vehicles waited to be loaded, while soldiers in full combat gear lounged on off-road transports, wearing sunglasses and smoking cigarettes as they commented on the scene unfolding before them.

The governor of Haizhou really intended to stir things up. It sounded like he wanted to accomplish everything in one decisive campaign. A bold move, certainly. Actually pulling it off, however, would...