Invite Him Out of the Mountains, Urgent Report

Beside the monk's right hand stood a burly man clad in armor. A third eye grew from the center of his brow, two curved horns rose from his head, and his wild, fluffy hair looked more like an animal's fur.

These four were the masterminds behind the recent events in the north. Every one of them stood among the world's foremost figures.

Black Lotus Madam of the Demonic Path's Hundred Desires Demon Sect, Demon Bull King of the Monster Path's Gluttonous Lineage, Bone Bright Venerable of the Buddhist Sect's White Bone Temple, and the Samsara King of the Ghost Path's Samsara Hall.

Demon Bull King spoke in an icy voice. "Everyone, our spy network in the north has suffered devastating damage."

"We have lost more than half of it. The greatest losses were Dragon Path City, Two Realms City, and Yang Province City."

"We have operated in those three places for many years. They were strategic positions that any military force seeking to conquer Yang Province and North Province had to fight for."

"But now, an accident has occurred. Numerous Dao Lineages and imperial dynasties joined forces and destroyed the most vital core of our network in one stroke."

"Although part of the northern spy network is still operating, it can only serve as a nuisance. Using it to overturn the entire order of North Province will be exceedingly difficult."

"This has had an enormous impact on our plans."

"Now we have two choices: raise our armies at once, or postpone matters and make new arrangements."

"If we choose the first, with insufficient preparation, it will be hard to say how much we can achieve."

"We will very likely be dragged into a war of attrition. After all, the Northern Barbarians form the main force, and their population is limited."