Heaven Dou City.
As the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire, it should have been bustling with crowds and traffic, flourishing in every way. Yet when Zhao Xuan returned, he found it somewhat desolate, the atmosphere heavy and oppressive.
Not only were there far fewer pedestrians on the roads, but even the vendors lining the streets were not as lively as usual. Suddenly, with a shrill neigh, a messenger galloped down the avenue on an iron-clad steed, trailing a cloud of dust as he raced straight for the imperial palace.
Zhao Xuan stood on the street for a moment, and the conversations of passersby reached his ears.
Much of what they said concerned the attack on the Heaven Dou Empire's borderlands. As the imperial capital, news traveled fastest here. Who knew whether someone's second brother-in-law or cousin's cousin happened to serve some noble family? Thus, whenever the continent saw even the slightest disturbance, rumors would swiftly spread throughout Heaven Dou City.
An attack on the borderlands was a major event the Heaven Dou Empire had not encountered in decades. The common people were deeply worried, their faces filled with anxiety.
Last year, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan had nearly been wiped out. Now the Heaven Dou borderlands had been attacked as well. They feared that the warfare absent for decades might return, and when that happened, no matter which side won, it would be people like them who suffered.
Just like now, with the borderlands under attack, trade with many regions had been cut off, and their lives were beginning to be affected.
At the same time, some people were quietly speculating about which force had made a move against the Heaven Dou Empire.
Zhao Xuan returned to the academy. By coincidence, the one on duty this time was