At the same time.
In the First Territory, at the Territory Lord's Mansion.
"My lord, the Five Great Powers—the Ximen Clan, Jiang Clan, Xiao Clan, Liu Clan, and Chen Clan—have jointly sent us a Spirit Scroll."
"They said you must open it personally and reply to them at once."
"Oh?"
Ji Yuanyuan raised an eyebrow. "Bring it here."
"Yes, my lord."
Ji Long did not dare delay. He hurriedly handed her the Spirit Scroll.
Ji Yuanyuan took it and read through it.
Only after a long while did she set it down.
It was a call to arms.
The target, naturally, was Chen Wen.
But Chen Wen had no real grievance with the First Territory.
Ji Long glanced at Ji Yuanyuan. "My lord, what do you...?"
Without saying anything, Ji Yuanyuan handed him the Spirit Scroll.
Ji Long read it and fell silent.
"What do you think?" Ji Yuanyuan asked.
Ji Long drew a deep breath. "I think you were right, my lord. The Territory Lord's Mansion answers to the Ascension Alliance, so its orders should come first."
"Since the Ascension Alliance has made no move, we can hold our position."
"Mm."
Ji Yuanyuan nodded, then added, "Still, I'm quite interested in this challenge."
"Come with me in a few days. I expect it'll be quite a show."
Ji Long raised an eyebrow. "So you think highly of Chen Wen, my lord?"
"What good would that do? This is a dead end. That young man won't escape it."
Ji Long sighed softly. "I heard the Ascension Alliance meant to recruit him at first."
"But in the end, he had no Heavenly Mandate. He couldn't defy fate atop the city wall, either, and didn't receive a single reward."
"That was why the Ascension Alliance abandoned him."
"That was part of it.