Opportunity

The gathering of the kings ended hastily. The Holy Sun King, who had only just gained the upper hand, discovered that an unpassable mountain still blocked his path.

Like everyone else, the Grand Commandant had brought only an adviser and a guard. Yet when he delivered his ultimatum and threats, it was as if the hundred thousand Imperial Guards stood behind him. The Holy Sun King wished he could roar just as fiercely, but years of cowardly restraint finally won out. "I..." He managed only one word before he was beaten down, unable to raise his voice no matter how hard he tried.

Still, the Holy Sun King was furious. He knew he held the advantage, yet could not show it. It was like hiding a priceless treasure while cringing like a beggar with every step, and the thought made him even angrier. He kicked over the food and wine, shoved his adviser to the ground, and only when he reached the tent entrance did he turn around and snarl, "Don't think you're safe just because you have more troops, and don't think the Dragon King can protect you!"

The Grand Commandant replied, "You have two days."

Stay or leave—a simple choice had suddenly become a momentous decision, laden with meaning. The plump Zuo Ri King felt he ought to seize the opportunity, so he ignored his adviser's warning and was the first to speak up. "I never imagined the Holy Sun King would be so outrageously rebellious. He's the one who wants to kill everyone here. There's nothing more to say. Grand Commandant, when you march against him in two days, count me in."

"That's right. We can't let the Holy Sun King get away with it." The others chimed in, then took their leave. Before long, they would