Shenhua Mountain, Chunyang Palace.
The Chunyang Palace on the mountain was especially beautiful in winter. More disciples practiced martial arts in the square than usual, while new disciples went in groups to the dining hall. In the kitchen, a young, plump chef bustled about with a smiling face, waving his ladle. There was something of the old fat chef uncle in him, but besides being a cook, he was also a Spirit Void disciple. When he was not refining pills, he preferred cooking.
Jade Void Palace. Five leaders of the various lineages sat within the hall. Gu Cangyu of Gold Void, the acting sect master, occupied the first seat. Yu Rong of Clear Void, Jiang Li of Spirit Void, and Qi Yun of Purple Void were all present, along with Chu Zhe, the current Jade Void Peak Master. The five wore calm expressions as they gazed at a map of the Southern Wasteland formed through sorcery.
The map of the Southern Wasteland, created by a special spell, showed every detail with crystalline clarity. Rivers and mountains alike were all present.
Everyone's gaze fell upon Yu Rong.
Yu Rong, famed throughout the world for her wisdom, had become the backbone of Chunyang after Li Xiangyan's ascension. Whenever anything major arose, they consulted her. Her schemes and counsel always convinced others.
"Junior Sister, the Southern Wasteland is in the midst of a chaotic war. What do you suggest?" Gu Cangyu asked.
Though he was the acting sect master, he actually preferred curling up in a volcanic crater to forge iron. He wished he could throw every matter onto Junior Sister Yu Rong. For a hulking man covered in muscles and wielding a broad greatsword, nothing was more agonizing than worrying over affairs.
Yu Rong studied the map carefully before speaking slowly.
"Something