Capital City Chang'an.
Zhongjue Hall.
"What a fine chain of open schemes."
After receiving the news, Shan Liangcheng came to the imperial palace and carefully reviewed the battle report once more. Then he casually held it over a candle and lit it, watching it burn to ashes.
He had originally been a True Disciple of Shengyun Sect's Golden Wing Peak, one of the sect's few second-rank Formation Masters. Moreover, unlike every other cultivator who had come to the Eastern Continent—
Shan Liangcheng had not come for Cultivation Resources.
As a True Disciple, he had long since secured a quota for a Foundation Establishment Pill.
This time, he had come—
Primarily to serve his sect, and secondarily to avenge a friend.
Han Xiang had been his chess companion for more than ten years. Though they had never shared a life-and-death bond, the single word "friend" was enough for him to do his utmost. At least then, he would have something to say before Han Xiang's empty grave in the future.
"Immortal Master Shan."
Minister of Personnel Yin Mingchun said, "What should the court do next?!"
"Yes!"
The civil and military officials had fallen into a panic.
The court now retained actual control over only three provinces in the Central Plains.
Once the rebel army crossed the Fei River, it could drive straight at Chang'an.
"Why are you all in such disorder?"
Calm lay beneath Shan Liangcheng's icy voice as he enunciated each word. "Young Master Zhou has not lost. Do not be deceived by appearances. The General Trend still stands on our side."
"Not lost?"
Yan Maoxing froze for a moment, then said, "Immortal Master Shan, are you speaking nonsense? Four hundred thousand troops were reduced to ashes, and you call that not losing?"
"It is true that the four hundred