Feiyun Prefecture, once the heartland of the Eight Direct Prefectures, had now become an isolated island on the verge of collapse.
Dongfang Da Qian had been defeated in the capital and led his followers through a bloody path to break out. Just when the outside world believed he would go underground, he delivered a stunning blow, breached the Feiyun Prefecture Prefectural Office, drove out the prefectural governor, and seized the magpie's nest.
It was an exceptionally brilliant move, turning a dead end into a lifeline.
He had opened a gap in the encirclement around the capital, calmly occupied the prefectural seat, and watched for changes to come.
But the other side reacted swiftly as well. The remaining seven Direct Prefectures rapidly closed in, cutting off the tentacles he had meant to extend outward.
Dongfang Da Qian had originally planned to use Feiyun Prefecture as his foundation, expanding left and right into the other Direct Prefectures to form a protective arch. Instead, he was caught utterly off guard and could only shrink back into Feiyun Prefecture.
He was surrounded on all sides as tightly as an iron barrel. He had more than enough strength to defend himself, but the slightest movement would bring a thunderous strike down upon him.
During this period, Dongfang Da Qian had been living the life of one trapped in a city of sorrow.
The longer it went on, the lower morale sank. No one still hoped that Lingyun Hall's victory would turn the situation around.
The capital was urgently preparing for the Heaven Sacrifice Ceremony. Border officials in all directions, hereditary marquises, and great clans had all presented tribute to demonstrate their submission.
The great tide had passed!
Although Feiyun Prefecture remained in their hands, anyone with eyes could see that the enemy had deliberately left