There were no stars in the night over the Hundred Thousand Volcanoes. Thick clouds of volcanic ash sealed off the sky completely, and only the lava from a few active volcanoes in the distance glowed faintly in the darkness.
The walls of the Mountain Clan's Main Stronghold were blazing with torches, lighting up several hundred zhang around them as bright as day.
Warriors patrolled the walls with sabers and swords drawn and crossbows loaded. No one spoke. There were only the sounds of footsteps and the crackle of burning torches.
The Beast Stronghold, the Spirit Insect Stronghold, and the Even-toed Ungulate Stronghold had all sent urgent reports at the same time.
Yan Pojun stood before the sand table, both hands braced on the table's edge, his gaze shifting back and forth between the three small flags.
His eyes were bloodshot. He had not slept for three days. "The Beast Stronghold will be left to Elder Tiger and Elder Ox."
He named the two elders. They rose, cupped their fists, and accepted the order. "The Spirit Insect Stronghold will be left to Elder Bee and Elder Bamboo."
Two more people stood. "The Even-toed Ungulate Stronghold—" He looked at Phoenix Flame Maiden and Spirit Flame Maiden. "Will be left to the Saintess and the Guardian. The six great Saintess guardians will accompany you. The Raptor Clan will send people to provide support from the air."
Phoenix Flame Maiden cupped her fists and accepted the order. Spirit Flame Maiden stood behind her, her expression grave.
"Grand Elder, the Beast Stronghold and the Spirit Insect Stronghold both have two elders holding them down, but the Even-toed Ungulate Stronghold only has the Saintess and the Guardian. Isn't that—" One elder hesitated, leaving his words unfinished.
Yan Pojun shook his head.
"The Even-toed Ungulate Stronghold has