Tang Lan said nothing, but a glint of thought flashed through his eyes. The Holy Spirit Cult's Evil Soul Tools could drive Soul Beasts into madness, but could they truly direct the advance and retreat of a Beast Tide with such precision? Or perhaps, beyond that Soul Tool, there were other methods—or... another "person" pulling the strings from behind the scenes?
At that moment, the morning sun finally dispelled the darkness completely, casting its warmth over the shattered city walls, the bloodstained earth, and every survivor.
Those who had endured a night of brutal fighting bathed in the long-awaited sunlight that represented life and hope, yet felt little warmth. There was only the exhaustion of surviving a disaster, the grief of losing companions, and deep concern for the future.
This "peace" that had arrived amid mountains of corpses and seas of blood stood in stark contrast to the devastation of the surrounding battlefield, making it seem especially eerie and heavy.
"Clear the battlefield! Treat the wounded! Count the casualties!"
Xu Yu steadied himself and began issuing a series of orders. The battle had temporarily ended, but the aftermath was just as burdensome and urgent.
The City Defense Army and Soul Masters still capable of moving began to act numbly. They gathered the bodies of their comrades, burned or buried the Soul Beast corpses, searched for wounded who might still be alive, and repaired the damaged city walls and fortifications... The air was thick with the stench of blood, charred flesh, and disinfectant.
Near noon, inside a spacious yet plainly furnished and solemn meeting room at the City Lord's Mansion.
All of Rosette City's remaining senior figures capable of attending had gathered there. This included the City Defense Army's main generals, the leaders of the Soul Master teams, foreign powerhouse representatives