When Chen Jie employed the strategy of "removing the firewood from beneath the pot," what he did was different: Tao Cha used it against his own father, while Mei Li applied it against her enemies. Though on the surface the approaches seemed similar, they differed by a vast margin. Suddenly, twelve minor magical units appeared along the northeastern border of the Chinese nation in a country renowned for its artificial beauties and boastful individuals—this country consistently claimed that many aspects of Chinese civilization were originally created by their ancestors. As a result, Mei Li, who considered herself well-versed in Chinese culture, naturally assumed that this country had deep historical ties with China. When attacks simultaneously struck twelve cities in the Korean nation, they were left stunned. Their American patron was preoccupied, having already withdrawn overseas forces and focused on domestic defense. Moreover, their relations with neighboring countries were not particularly strong, and their claim of being Asia's second military power had significantly diminished after the patron's withdrawal. Moreover, they always believed that the Huaxia nation would be the first to face an assault—the magical race would have to suffer heavy losses before even reaching them—and thus, they could deploy their relatively limited military strength, remain on the defensive, and launch a decisive, well-organized counteroffensive. Just as the United States, which remained unscathed by the WWII battles on its soil, emerged as the world's leading military and economic power after the war, the Rodan nation now also had such an opportunity. When the first explosion rang out, many people were still dreaming of defeating the magical forces and establishing global dominance. Like other nations, lacking any prior combat experience against the magical race, they suffered a devastating defeat, with twelve cities reduced to ruins within moments. A massive exodus of Rodan citizens surged toward the Three-Pan countries. Just one hour earlier, their government had announced a policy rewarding those who fled to the Rodan nation, encouraging people from neighboring troubled regions to escape their hardships and return to the free, prosperous Rodan homeland to enjoy a better life. The Tricyclic nation was also stunned. Even when they opened fire with sustained gunfire, they could not halt the advance of the people from the east. In their eyes, the bullets aimed at them by their neighbors were far kinder than those from the magical race. Only when the second wave of attacks was nearing its end did the eastern people begin to gain a little confidence, organizing some resistance. However, by then, their defensive positions had been largely destroyed, and their army had been shaken to its core—thus, the results were only modest. Their highest leadership immediately appealed to the Chinese nation for aid, and with some embarrassment, asserted that historically, the eastern nation had always been a vassal of the Chinese Empire, and now they were willing to reestablish this relationship, forever following the Chinese nation’s lead. The Chinese people chuckled—hadn’t you all previously constantly emphasized that your civilization originated from your own eastern nation? Now you’ve suddenly shown your humility. Sorry, but it’s too late. You only now realize the value of relying on others. Many nations that were more aware of this long ago have already done so—let alone you. The Three Fat States were also stunned. Though the Peninsula had split into two nations that had long remained estranged, the human societies didn't care much about such distinctions. In the eyes of the magical races, you all spoke the same language and shared a common ancestry—how could anyone believe you weren't allies? The leaders of the Three Fat States had clearly grasped this point, and thus decisively ordered their armies to cease hostilities. If fighting continued, they would be seen as allies of the magical races. As for the Chinese people, to claim they were entirely unconcerned would be false. After all, the Peninsula bordered the Chinese mainland, and as the old saying goes, "when the lip is lost, the tooth suffers." If the Korean and Fat States fell, the Chinese would inevitably follow. Of course, the strategy of how to assist would need careful planning. First, they must ensure that their supposed allies don't gain an advantage—no opportunity for them to weaken the magical forces. Only when both sides had been sufficiently drained would they step in. Though this approach might seem unkind, it was exceptionally well-suited to counter nations that simply didn't understand the meaning of kindness. Under the leadership of Qin Feng, the Second Division of the Inspection Bureau arrived in full force at the border area facing the Three-Fat Nation, patiently awaiting the appearance of the magical beings. The Second Division, centered around Qin Feng and composed largely of Chinese cultivators, included many of the girls around him, as well as the seasoned officer Isabella from the Immortal Sect. While the Second Division was significantly larger in numbers than the First Division, its overall combat strength was considerably weaker—making it an excellent choice for intimidation. However, should actual combat unfold, only a few members would be capable of breaking through the enemy lines. Moreover, there was an unexpected guest present. It was Qing Ya, who had originally served as the captain of the First Division. She had persistently insisted on joining the Second Division, despite initial resistance from Lei Feng, the Director of the Thunder and Wind Bureau, who eventually gave in after repeated appeals. Her motivation was clearly not to be with Qin Feng. Though they had shared several intimate moments resembling kisses, their relationship remained pure—largely due to the fact that the new member of the First Division, Chen Jie, was someone she simply did not wish to share the field with. Léi Fēng, the seasoned elder, personally took charge as captain of the team, generously bestowing the deputy captain's position upon Tao Chá, who was overjoyed and exclaimed with enthusiasm. He felt this was a clear sign of the Inspection Office's trust in him, as well as a testament to his own capabilities. He had truly risen to prominence, with endless potential ahead. So thrilled was he that he completely forgot his original reasons for coming here. As for the fact that Qingya had left the team, he hadn't given it much thought at all. "Yaya, the demon forces will show up soon—let's be the first to charge right in." Qin Shao smiled. "You'll unleash lightning while I hurl my hammer, and meanwhile, I'll leave a few severely wounded ones behind so the others can also get their share of action." Though his expression remained serious, Qingya still felt he was being rather rude. "Why should I hand over the credit to others? I never do that." "Hand over credit?" he snapped, eyes blazing. "This is about giving others a chance! Can't they just stand by and watch while we fight? That would mean they'd never get a chance to strike, and their confidence would never grow." "Whatever you say—still, I'm not listening." The beautiful Inspector scowled. Qin Shao straightened up. "Now, listen—first, I'm asking you to clarify something. I'm the team leader, and you're supposed to follow my lead. You're not listening, are you? Then just go. Find Tao Xiang, he'll certainly take good care of you." "Alright, I'll listen," she said, gritting her teeth, since her own weakness had been firmly held. "Hehe, that's so good of you," he said with a bright smile. "All the performances will be ours soon—you'd better act happy."