On the outskirts of the Soulbreak Mountains.
An army two hundred thousand strong had encampments stretching a hundred miles, its banners blotting out the sky.
Clad in a suit of low-grade Profound Rank armor, Jin Muzhen stood on high ground with his hand resting on his saber.
As he surveyed the orderly ranks of the army under his command, a trace of satisfaction flashed through his eyes.
Over the past days.
He had sent heads rolling.
Who knew how many troublemakers he had mercilessly beheaded, hanging their heads outside the camp gates to dry in the wind.
Now, he had drilled the two hundred thousand barbarian soldiers into complete obedience.
"Commander, the Prefect has arrived. He is in the main tent."
A personal guard raced over to report.
Jin Muzhen's heart jolted.
He hurried to the main tent.
There, he saw Pei Lie seated in the place of honor.
He hastily bowed.
"Greetings, Prefect."
Pei Lie glanced at him.
"Rise," he said mildly. "You have handled the task I assigned you well."
His methods had been a little brutal.
But Pei Lie cared only about results.
Jin Muzhen was overjoyed and was just about to offer a few modest words.
Yet Pei Lie's expression suddenly turned solemn.
"I have just received orders from the Governor. Tomorrow, several important figures will come to the Soul Severing Mountain Range in person. You must not let your guard down. Do not let anyone unrelated to this affair disturb them. Otherwise, even I will be unable to save you."
Jin Muzhen sucked in a cold breath.
He immediately nodded emphatically.
The next day.
At noon.
Above the Soul Severing Mountain Range.
Clouds stretched for ten thousand miles.
Jin Muzhen stood behind Pei Lie on a high cliff, watching the heavens nervously.
Time passed.
Suddenly,