All Daoist friends, sorry for the long journey

Chaoge.

Nine Chamber Hall.

Wen Zhong returned from Jinao Island and did not stop for even a moment before heading straight into the royal palace.

The moment he stepped through the hall doors, he saw Di Xin sitting upright on the throne, quietly reading a bamboo slip, as though he had been waiting there for quite some time.

"The Grand Preceptor has returned."

His tone was calm, without the slightest hint of surprise or urgency.

It was as though he had already anticipated every result of Wen Zhong's journey.

Wen Zhong's heart jolted. He hurried forward, bowed deeply toward the throne, and spoke with barely concealed excitement.

"Your servant Wen Zhong pays his respects to the King!"

Di Xin raised a hand, signaling for him to rise.

"Did the journey go smoothly?"

Wen Zhong straightened, excitement and exhilaration written plainly across his face.

"Your Majesty!"

"Your servant has fortunately fulfilled his mission."

"Ancestor Master has agreed. The Martial Uncles will arrive in Chaoge before long to help Your Majesty set up the formation."

"Good."

Di Xin merely nodded faintly before rising from the throne.

"You have worked hard, Grand Preceptor."

"What are you saying, Your Majesty? Easing Your Majesty's burdens and serving the Great Shang Dynasty are this old minister's duty."

Di Xin nodded and was about to speak again.

Suddenly, he paused and turned his head toward the sky beyond the palace.

The corners of his lips curved in an almost imperceptible smile.

"They arrived rather quickly."

Wen Zhong froze, not yet understanding what Di Xin meant.

In the next moment, he sensed thirteen vast yet distinct auras descending from beyond the heavens and arriving above Chaoge City.

The power of those auras caused even the Human Dao Destiny throughout Chaoge City to ripple almost imperceptibly.

They had not