Just as Qian Sha Yu had suspected.
A net of retaliation against Spirit Hall was being woven in secret within the Star Luo Empire.
Several days earlier,
the air deep within the Star Luo Empire's imperial audience hall was oppressively heavy.
"Your Majesty, you understand better than I do that when the lips perish, the teeth are left exposed to the cold."
Ning Fengzhi stood tall in white robes, every word carrying a chilling weight.
"The Heaven Dou Empire's royal family has long existed in name only. All power rests in the hands of Qian Renxue, who disguised herself as Xue Qinghe."
"Heaven Dou is now Spirit Hall's backyard, theirs to use whenever they please!"
On the throne in the audience hall, the Star Luo Emperor's brows were tightly knitted, his expression dark as deep water.
"Sect Master Ning, the news you brought today has indeed shaken me."
"But Spirit Hall's reserves run unfathomably deep. If I rashly deploy my troops, wouldn't I be drawing fire onto myself?"
"Drawing fire onto yourself?"
Ning Fengzhi gave a bitter laugh and stared straight at the Star Luo Emperor.
"Where does Your Majesty think Spirit Hall will point its blade next, once it has swallowed the Heaven Dou Empire?"
The Star Luo Emperor's breath caught.
"Just recently!"
Ning Fengzhi stepped forward, his voice filled with grief and outrage he could not conceal.
"The Clear Sky Sect, the greatest sect under heaven, also suffered devastating casualties fighting Qian Renxue!"
"If even a force like the Clear Sky Sect, with seven or eight Titled Douluos, met such a miserable fate, does Your Majesty believe the Star Luo Empire's mighty warships and powerful cannons can hold back Spirit Hall's full army?"
Those words plunged the audience hall into deathly silence.
A sheen of cold sweat broke