Inside the imperial study.
Whoosh.
Emperor Dingyuan's massive body turned, slowly settling onto the dark-gold dragon throne that symbolized imperial authority.
The enormous weight made the throne creak and groan.
Thud, thud, thud!
Amid heavy footsteps,
a five-meter-tall figure clad head to toe in pure white heavy armor slowly entered the study. He lowered his head slightly at one side and respectfully saluted.
This was the military's foremost Grandmaster, Bai Shanxin.
Black shadows flickered, silently drifting into the study like wisps of green smoke. The other three marshals of the four great military commands quietly appeared at Bai Shanxin's sides, saluting Emperor Dingyuan as well.
Heavenly Wolf, Azure Qilin, and Yuan Kong—the three marshals stood in a neat row.
Next came Xiao Fuyue of Moon Haze.
Dressed in a magnificent long robe, he silently appeared on Emperor Dingyuan's other side, standing opposite the military men before dipping his head slightly in respect.
Cao Yanxu, chief superintendent of the palace attendants, flashed into view, his entire body radiating an invisible, distorted blood essence.
He bowed, then turned his gaze toward the military Grandmasters opposite him.
Next was Shangguan Diyun, the Grandmaster responsible for guarding the imperial city.
The four ministers of the Ministry of War—four elder officials, all at the limit of the Golden Body realm—stood at the very rear.
Within the small imperial study, seven Grandmasters and four Golden Body limit experts had gathered in a short time.
Apart from the other five military marshals stationed far away in external territories, these were most of the top experts the Great Moon imperial family could assemble at any time.
"From this day forth, the four military commands shall mobilize three hundred thousand troops and march upon Yuanxi."
Emperor Dingyuan's hand clenched around the dragon throne's armrest.
"Marshal Bai, Yuanxi has countless