Kunpeng's gaze darkened. "Bai Xuan is untouchable, but his teacher is a Saint. With a mere raise of his hand, why would a Saint need to come in person?"
The entire tent fell silent, the air seeming to solidify.
Seeing morale begin to flag, Jiang Ziya immediately rose and spoke in a clear voice. "No matter how many strategies we devise, we must ultimately test them in battle. Rather than sit here in vain speculation, let us meet on the battlefield tomorrow. The victor will then be clear!"
The immortals could only nod. They each returned to their camps to meditate and gather their strength, quietly awaiting the battle at dawn.
The next day, the Golden Crow leaped from the sea of clouds, spilling ten thousand rays of golden light across the earth. Outside the camp gate, drums and horns rang out in unison, armor clanged, and ranks of soldiers marched out to the beat, forming a stern battle array. Banners snapped in the wind, and killing intent soared into the heavens.
As was customary, the two armies first exchanged a war of words. Wen Zhong sat upright atop Black Kirin and lightly nudged it with his legs. The spirit beast understood at once, lifting its head and striding slowly forward.
Wen Zhong leveled his halberd from atop his mount, his voice booming like thunder and shaking dust loose from the ground. "Jiang Ziya! You rebels of Xiqi have defied ceremony and offended your superiors. You know nothing of the bonds between ruler and subject, yet you dare arrogate yourselves as kings! Your crimes are unforgivable! I am the Grand Tutor of the court, governing the realm on the King's behalf. Those who understand the times should surrender at once. Seeing that you have not yet strayed too far, I