The Peace Prefecture Army suffered a crushing defeat. Even with Du Tianhao covering their retreat, countless men were killed and wounded.
Of the thirty-thousand-strong army, only a little over five thousand escaped alive. Every survivor was wounded; they had been all but crippled.
"March at full speed. Head straight for Peace Prefecture City."
Having defeated the Peace Prefecture Army, Cloud Prefecture had no force left that could stop its great army.
They swept forward all the way, intending to seize Peace Prefecture as quickly as possible and face the imperial court's army that would soon come charging in.
The defeated remnants made for Peace Prefecture City, intending to fight to the death there.
News of the army's defeat swiftly reached Peace Prefecture City and spread throughout the lands of Peace Prefecture.
"Terrible news! The Peace Prefecture Army has been routed, and the Cloud Prefecture army is about to arrive!"
"Cloud Prefecture has become a den of evil. The Cloud Prefecture army are all the Evil Cultivators' lackeys. Falling into their hands is worse than death."
"Peace Prefecture cannot be defended! Everyone, run for your lives!"
The common people lived in constant terror. Some had already begun taking their families with them, preparing to flee Peace Prefecture.
"Damn it, the Peace Prefecture Army has lost. What are we supposed to do?"
"The Cloud Prefecture army is coming. We cannot stop them; we have to leave at once."
"We can only abandon Peace Prefecture."
Those aristocratic clans, sects, and factions were all scared out of their wits and prepared to flee Peace Prefecture.
The Peace Prefecture Army had been dealt a devastating blow and no longer had the strength to fight. If they stayed, only death awaited them.
The entire city was in turmoil. Some commoners erupted in despair and