Once Origin Xia's cycle had passed, the constraints on the Origin Upper Hall immediately loosened considerably, and they began preparing to formally drive back Celestial Xia's invasion.
Celestial Xia had to be dealt with, and the sooner the better. Their presence was nailed there like a leak in the roof that could never be plugged. They would not permit such a thing to continue existing.
Before launching their counterattack, however, the two halls intended to make one final effort. They would lay out their own terms and send an envoy to negotiate with Celestial Xia once more. If they could make Celestial Xia recognize that it was outmatched and withdraw on its own, they could avoid a great upheaval of arms. Even if they were to act, they ought to take the fight to Celestial Xia.
Since the matter of negotiating with Celestial Xia had been proposed by Councilor Xiang, the Origin Upper Hall sent someone to him to inform him of the arrangement.
When Councilor Xiang heard that he had been ordered to serve as envoy, he smiled. "What is there to discuss with Celestial Xia now? If we do not fight a battle, how could Celestial Xia possibly withdraw of its own accord? We might as well fight first. The chances of success would be greater that way."
The messenger cultivator said, "Councilor Xiang, since the two halls have arranged for you to go, please do not decline. Councilor Guo said that the two halls also hope you will do your utmost. Whether you succeed or fail, they will not hold it against you."
Councilor Xiang pondered. "Is that so..." He looked up. "I want to see the document first."
The messenger cultivator looked at him but did not refuse. Silently, he took out the document and handed