Although shocked in his heart, "Asō Tarō", under Zhou Huai's control, still maintained his usual gloominess and calmness.

He merely cast a faint glance at the despairing eyes inside the carriage before withdrawing his gaze.

"Well done."

"When early morning comes, sneak everyone into the city."

"Remember, absolutely do not let anyone find out."

The middle-aged man hurriedly bowed and scraped, his face covered in a flattering smile.

"Rest assured, Lord Asō!"

"Guaranteed to be foolproof!"

Zhou Huai said no more, turning to sit back in the car.

The vehicle started and slowly drove away from this countryside filled with the aura of despair.

Looking at the rows of box trucks in the rearview mirror that resembled steel cages, Zhou Huai fell into deep thought.

The plan in his mind, which had originally been unformed, seemed to gradually take shape.

...

In the blink of an eye, the next day arrived.

A piece of news that shocked the whole world swept through every corner of the globe like a Category 12 hurricane.

Just this morning.

Zhao Qingcang, the Supreme United Front Marshal of the Great Xia Nation, convened an emergency online meeting.

The meeting was broadcast live to the world simultaneously through major official channels.

In the broadcast, Zhao Qingcang, wearing a crisp marshal uniform, had a solemn expression and eyes as sharp as knives.

He stood beneath a giant national emblem, with the fluttering red dragon flag behind him.

The entire venue was so quiet that a pin drop could be heard.

Zhao Qingcang's gaze swept across the camera, and his steady, powerful voice clearly spread throughout the world via the amplification equipment.

"Everyone."

"Today, I stand here for a matter of grave importance concerning the national dignity and survival of our Great Xia Nation."

"In recent years, our neighbor across the East Sea, the Sakura Country, has repeatedly encroached upon our borders and provoked the national prestige of our Great Xia Nation!"

"Their actions have already become extremely rampant!"

"However, this is not all."

Zhao Qingcang's voice was sonorous, and his eyes burned with fire.

"Just recently, for their own selfish interests, the Sakura Country actually used the most filthy and despicable means to assassinate our country's SS-Rank Professional, the Vice Principal of the Imperial Capital Academy, Ms. Lin Zhu!"

"They snatched away the supreme treasure that rightfully belonged to our Great Xia Nation, that ancient Divine Artifact capable of reversing life and death—the Pendulum of Life!"

"How is such behavior any different from a bandit?!"

"How is such evil behavior any different from a beast?!"

Zhao Qingcang slammed his hand on the podium in front of him, making a deafening bang.

"Our Great Xia Nation has been a land of etiquette since ancient times, advocating peace."

"But peace is not obtained by begging like a dog!"

"Dignity is forged through iron and blood!"

"Facing jackals, we can only unsheathe our sharp blades!"

His gaze was like lightning, scanning the the void, every word carrying powerful weight.

"Today, I, the Supreme United Front Marshal of the Great Xia Nation, Zhao Qingcang!"

"Hereby officially declare war on the Sakura Country in the name of the Great Xia Nation!"

"This war will not end until one of us is destroyed!"

"Until the Sakura Country hands over the murderer, returns the Divine Artifact 'Pendulum of Life', and surrenders unconditionally to our Great Xia Nation!"

"Those who offend our Great Xia, however distant they may be, will be executed!"

Not long after the news was released.

Takamagahara, Sakura Country.

Kujo Koji sat upright in his luxurious room, unhurriedly sipping tea.

On the holographic screen in front of him, Zhao Qingcang's impassioned declaration of war was playing on a loop.

He finished watching it.

There was not the slightest anger or panic on his face.

Instead, a faint, almost mocking smile appeared on his lips.

He set down his teacup, adjusted his collar, and calmly said to the communications officer beside him.

"Connect to the global channel."

Soon, a new live broadcast screen appeared on screens all over the world.

In the picture, Kujo Koji's figure appeared.

Behind him were the symbols of the Sakura Country: Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms.

"Just now, I finished enjoying the wonderful performance of Mr. Zhao Qingcang, the Marshal of the Great Xia Nation."

Kujo Koji's voice was very soft, carrying a condescending elegance.

"To everything he said, I have only a four-word response."

"Purely fictitious."

The smile at the corner of his mouth grew deeper.

"As for the Pendulum of Life, that is something our Sakura Country obtained through our own capability. How can you call it plundering?"

"Since the Great Xia Nation wants to fight, then our Sakura Country will accompany you to the end!"

He slowly stood up and opened his arms, as if to embrace the entire world.

"And it is also a perfect opportunity to draw a period of Perfection to the century-old grievances between our two countries!"

With the speeches of the supreme commanders of both countries concluded.

In the comment sections of major social platforms, forums, and news websites in the Great Xia Nation, traffic instantly reached an unprecedented peak, and countless servers directly crashed.

【Wolong Fengchu】: "Heavens! Did I see that right? Marshal Zhao is... going to war with the Sakura Country completely?"

【Fengjin Chehu】: "Why so sudden? Weren't they just having minor skirmishes at the border a couple of days ago? How did it suddenly escalate into an endless national war?"

Below this comment, tens of thousands of replies flooded in instantly.

【Specialist in Killing Sakura Dogs】: "Sudden? We should have fought long ago! These bastards were burning, killing, and looting on our Great Xia land a hundred years ago, and we haven't even settled this blood debt with them yet! Now they dare to assassinate our SS-Rank Expert and snatch our Divine Artifact, do they really think our Great Xia Nation is made of clay?!"

【Flying General of Dragon City】: "Well said! Fight! We must fight them to the death! I'll be the first to sign up for the army! I swear I am not human if I don't!"

【Uncle Wang Next Door】: "Brother upstairs, don't get too excited, but I don't think it's sudden either. My cousin is in the Sichuan Capital Military Department. Three days ago, their entire division secretly set out. At the time, I thought they were going to the border for a rotation, but now it seems the country has prepared long ago!"

【Hearts of the World Unite】: "Really? Even the Sichuan Capital Military Department has moved? That's one of the trump card forces of our Great Xia Nation! It seems they are playing for real this time!"

【Little Scholar】: "But... once war begins, it will surely bring disaster to the people. Isn't this too impulsive?"

As soon as this slightly rational comment was posted, it was immediately drowned out by the waves of anger.

【Those Who Offend Our Great Xia Will Be Executed However Distant】: "Get out, you hypocrite upstairs! They are bullying us right at our doorstep, and you're still here calculating the financial cost? Can dignity and sovereignty be measured with money? Without a country, how can there be a home!"

【Loves to Eat Tomatoes】: "Exactly! Spineless coward who's afraid of death! It's not too late to surrender now. The Sakura Country is short of dogs, so you'd fit right in!"

【I Want to Join the Army】: "Stop arguing! Can any insider tell me if it's still in time to enlist? Fighting the Sakura Country, I must have a part in it! Even if it's just as a logistics soldier!!"

For a time, the entire internet of the Great Xia Nation was completely ignited by a towering wave of shared hatred and Battle Intent.

Countless retired veterans petitioned to return to their units, and countless passionate youths rushed to the recruitment offices.