The upheaval in Chu Province.
As though it had sprouted wings, news of it spread throughout the world at an unbelievable speed.
Jiao Province.
Within a stone pavilion on the lake behind the Yan Clan's ancestral grounds.
Yan Hanhai and Yan Daoyi, the two Divine Mansion Great Experts who anchored the Jiao Province Yan Clan like pillars holding back the sea, sat facing each other. Their tea had long since gone cold, yet neither had any inclination to take a sip.
A long while passed.
Only then did Yan Hanhai let out a long, weary breath.
His weathered face was filled with complicated emotions and shock.
"Cui Yuan, that old fox... what incredible resolve!"
"He even gave up the Governor's seat. He's staked the entire Cui Family, skin and bones, on the Marquis of Chu!"
Beside him, Yan Daoyi gave a bitter chuckle.
"Hasn't he just?"
"We thought the Cui Clan would submit in name at most, acknowledging the Marquis of Chu as their superior while continuing to rule Chu Province like local emperors behind closed doors."
"But who could have imagined Cui Yuan would go this far!"
Yan Hanhai rose, clasping his hands behind his back.
He looked toward Chu Province.
He remained silent.
"Grand Elder, what should our Yan Family do now?"
Yan Daoyi asked.
"What should we do?"
Yan Hanhai's gaze sharpened.
He turned back to look at Yan Daoyi.
With a sigh, he said, "Daoyi, tell me, does our Yan Family still have a choice?"
Yan Daoyi froze for a moment.
Then he shook his head.
"There you have it. Otherwise, with things as they stand, Jiao Province will face enemies on three sides—perhaps even four. The skies over the south now belong entirely to Li."
"Enough. Prepare a lavish gift. We missed our chance to