"Master of the Tower! Master of the Tower! Disaster!"
A disciple scrambled into the courtyard and dropped to his knees with a thud. His voice trembled as he said, "Master of the Tower, the Imperial Court's Coalition Army... the Imperial Court's Coalition Army has already reached the Fortress!"
"Slow down. What exactly is happening?"
The disciple took several ragged breaths, steadied himself a little, and hurriedly replied, "Master of the Tower, I was just on the wall and caught a glimpse of them. There are at least two thousand, and they're forming up for battle.
"According to an urgent report from our scouts, their leader is Xie Xuan'an of the Xie Family. He also has troops from the Cui Family, the Wang Family, and several others under his command. They're coming at us in full force!"
Rather than panic at this news, Yuan Muzhi threw back his head and roared with laughter.
"Excellent! Excellent!"
Excitement filled his face as he said, "I was just worrying about a shortage of human ingredients for my pill refining, and now they've delivered themselves to my door!
"I hear these aristocratic scions grew up soaking in medicine jars from childhood. Their flesh and blood must be excellent.
"They'll make perfect medicinal ingredients!"
Yuan Muzhi instructed the disciple, "Pass on my order. Have every disciple prepare at once and follow me out to meet the enemy!"
"Yes!" The disciple accepted the order and hurried away.
Yuan Muzhi stood before the door with his hands clasped behind his back, a hint of excitement curling his lips. He murmured to himself, "Xie Xuan'an... I hear he's a Bridge Sea Realm martial master, just like me.
"I've never used a Bridge Sea Realm martial master as a medicinal ingredient before.
"Since you've delivered yourself to my door, you