Three days later, at the Central Parade Ground of the Alliance Headquarters.
The hour of Mao had just arrived when a deep assembly horn echoed through the mountain headquarters.
Soldiers from every battalion moved at the sound, forming ranks by unit. Armor clanged; footsteps fell in unison.
In less than half an incense stick's time, the vast parade ground was packed.
The Vanguard Battalion, Heavy Armor Battalion, Sword Cultivator Battalion, Alchemy Hall, Array Dao Battalion, and Logistics Battalion stood in separate formations on either side. They formed a dark sea of people, yet not a voice was heard.
Every gaze fell on the Rostrum at the center of the parade ground.
Today was the army-wide assembly after their return from the Ruins Realm.
Everyone knew they would hear the results of that journey deep into dangerous territory, along with the plan for what came next.
At the third quarter of the hour of Chen, Su Ming ascended the Rostrum at an unhurried pace, dressed in black robes.
Xuanyuan Tian Ji, Ruthless Great Emperor, Ye Wushuang, Feng Xuanzi, Immortal Emperor Qingyan, Immortal Emperor Lingyue, and the other senior leaders stood to either side.
Su Ming took his place at the center and swept his gaze over the massed soldiers below.
Every face held soaring morale and undisguised anticipation.
He skipped the opening remarks and went straight to the point.
"I called the whole army together today for only two things."
"First, to make clear what we accomplished in the Ruins Realm."
"Second, to explain what we're going to do next."
His voice was not loud, but it rode the wind across the entire parade ground and reached every ear clearly.
The whole ground fell silent, waiting for him to continue.
Su Ming raised a hand. A wisp of gray Void Power