Southern Prefecture in Peril

Fortunately, Jinzhou had long been mentally prepared, and had made concrete preparations as well. Southern Prefecture had already arranged a retreat for them. At the first sign of war, vast quantities of Jinzhou supplies began withdrawing into Southern Prefecture. Without the Yan Kingdom Imperial Court's permission, Southern Prefecture threw open Yan Kingdom's borders and let Jinzhou's forces in without any obstruction.

Jinzhou's troops fought as they retreated, ultimately withdrawing in full into Southern Prefecture. Myriad Grotto Heaven Manor's foundation of many years finally fell into the hands of the Zhao Kingdom Imperial Court.

Zhao Kingdom's forces also advanced to Southern Prefecture's border—the border of the Yan Kingdom as well. Whether to invade Yan Kingdom territory and become embroiled in an even greater war was fiercely debated within Zhao Kingdom's court. Their troops pressed against the border, hesitating and wavering for a time.

With Zhao Kingdom's forces pressing at the border and eyeing them like tigers watching prey, all of Southern Prefecture was gripped by panic.

Although Zhao Kingdom had yet to launch an attack, Southern Prefecture was already preparing for war. Its civilians began withdrawing toward Ding Prefecture, lest they suffer once the fighting began.

Many civilians had only just managed to settle down and make a living in Southern Prefecture. Unwilling to abandon their homes and livelihoods, they could not bear to leave. Yet when they did leave, they supported the old and carried the young, their hearts heavy with sorrow.

The splendid situation and stable order Southern Prefecture had built over the years were destroyed in an instant...

When the rapidly marching army halted for a brief rest, a large bird flew in from the distant sky and landed. Huang Lie, Sect Master of Great Zen Mountain, had returned after going back to Southern Prefecture to assess the