All Calculations; Movements on All Sides

As Seru wrote the secret letter, a once-in-a-century downpour was falling outside over the Eastern Country.

Rain poured down like a river from the heavens, washing over the ancient bluestone streets of Tianlin City and scouring away the last of her hesitation.

She sat in the study of Quieting Heart Garden, where a specially made piece of "Hidden-Text Silk" lay spread before her.

This silk had been refined using a secret art of the Moon Wolf Clan. Only by infusing it with specific Demonic Power while writing would the words appear.

Her brush, dipped in ink mixed with Kirin blood, moved across the silk.

The opening contained the usual formal greetings, worded with customary respect.

"To Lord Chiyo of the Western Country: Seru, envoy of the Eastern Country, conveys the greetings of my father, the Kirin King.

"Since returning from the Western Country, I have been deeply impressed by Your Lordship's broad-mindedness and profound wisdom. Father has been greatly moved by Your Lordship's vision of 'shared prosperity among the demon clans' and wishes to discuss great matters with the Western Country..."

At that point, Seru's brushstroke shifted. Threads of moon-white Demonic Power seeped from her fingertips into the ink.

The hidden text began to emerge.

"However, changes have arisen within the Eastern Country.

"Great Elder Chilin has secretly formed an alliance with the Shark Tribe of the South Sea and the Ice Dragon Clan of the Northern Territory. In three days, they will divide into three forces and attack the borders of the Western Country.

"Chilin intends to usurp the throne with the aid of foreign clans.

"Father is injured and unable to hold things together alone. I hope Your Lordship will make preparations early."

She paused, then continued writing.

"The Eastern Country sincerely wishes to form an alliance with