"Judgment City—not bad. It looks more imposing than it did a month ago, and some of that gloomy, oppressive air is gone. Not bad, not bad."
Murong Huai stepped down from the carriage and came before the city gate, gazing at the words on the plaque. The calligraphy was free and unrestrained without losing its grandeur, elegant yet composed. It was as sharp as a sword's edge, yet as solitary as a cloud over a vast sea.
"The sword edge conveys intent, while the brushstrokes render reality. Excellent calligraphy!!!"
Creak—
The city gates slowly opened. Mo Heng, Qian Jun, and Jiang Mo led a group of senior Ministry of Works officials out. All of them wore Spirit Hall uniforms. They exited the gates together, came before Murong Huai, and the three of them cupped their hands in salute.
"Reporting to the Adjudication Elder, Mo Heng, chief director of the Ministry of Works, together with all Ministry officials of Level Three and above, welcomes the Holy Son!!"
"We welcome Your Highness, the Holy Son!!" The Ministry of Works personnel behind Mo Heng also dropped to one knee in salute and shouted in unison.
"Rise!"
At his words, everyone rose. The ten thousand Black Flame Army soldiers behind Murong Huai had all disembarked and stood upright in light gear.
Murong Huai looked over Judgment City's walls and praised, "Mo Heng, the renovations to these walls are quite good. They no longer have that sinister feeling. Very good—this is what makes a place feel inhabited."
Mo Heng smiled. Murong Huai then turned toward the Black Flame Army and called out, "Soldiers, from today onward, you are members of Judgment City. Enter the city first. Everyone is to rest for three shichen. Once you wake up and finish your meal, assemble at the drill