The shadow of the Star Luo Empire's downfall hung over every survivor like the heaviest leaden cloud, weighing on their hearts. Inside the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well Branch Sect, the atmosphere was grim and tense to the extreme. Even the air brimmed with the iron-blooded aura of a war about to begin.
In the council hall, Ning Fengzhi fought to contain the storm raging within him. He forced himself to assess the situation as calmly and rationally as possible, searching for that sliver of hope.
"The Spirit Hall swallowed up the Star Luo Empire in one fell swoop. They seem unstoppable, but this has also exposed the dangers of an unstable foundation and making enemies on every side." Ning Fengzhi's voice echoed through the silent hall, carrying the resolve of someone with his back to the wall. "The Star Luo Empire has vast territory and deeply rooted factions. Though the Spirit Hall seized control of the upper ranks with thunderous force, it will take far more than a day or two to digest its enormous population, army, and resources. The embers of resistance will not be snuffed out so easily."
His gaze swept over the others before he continued. "That is our chance to catch our breath—and our only chance! While the Spirit Hall is occupied with absorbing the Star Luo Empire and has no time to turn its full attention east, we must unite every force within the Heaven Dou Empire that can be brought to our side!"
"Fengzhi, what do you have in mind?" Bone Douluo Gu Rong asked gravely.
"Consolidation! Total consolidation!" Ning Fengzhi declared. "Every remaining Soul Master legion of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family and the Royal Knights must be more closely integrated with the power of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect,