Lu Chen walked out of the Imperial Clan Court and looked up at the sky.
The sun hung high overhead; the third quarter of the noon hour had already passed.
The flames in the western market had been extinguished by the Imperial Guards. The cries of battle and slaughter were gradually dying down as well.
He drew a deep breath and was about to speak when, suddenly, a streak of light raced in from afar and landed before him.
It was a Hidden Dragon Guard courier, holding a confidential letter sealed with wax.
"Duke, an urgent letter from His Highness the Sixth Prince!"
Lu Chen took the letter and opened it.
There was only a single short line written inside: "Ye Qingtian has emerged from seclusion ahead of schedule and headed south. He will reach the Capital City in three days."
Three days later.
Capital City, Ironblood Horse Grounds.
The sky was just beginning to brighten. As the rising sun climbed over the horizon, it gilded the entire parade ground in crimson gold. More than 9,800 Demon Suppression Army soldiers stood in square formations at the center of the field, silent and still. Spears and halberds rose like a forest, armor black as ink, their killing intent shooting into the heavens.
No one spoke. No one even coughed.
Everyone was waiting.
Waiting for one man.
A man who was said to have headed south from the Mystic Heaven Sword Sect three days ago, and who would certainly arrive in the Capital City today.
Ye Qingtian.
Lu Chen stood atop the command platform, clad in a black battle robe with the Golden Dragon Token hanging at his waist, his expression as calm as still water. Behind him stood Mo Qianqiu, Han Lie, Zhao Tieying, Gu Mingxuan, and Lei Ba in