Li Xuancang openly defied the imperial decree, and Liu Jin and the others' expressions changed drastically.
"Lord Li, this is His Majesty's imperial decree. Are you truly going to defy it?"
No longer caring to fear Li Xuancang, Liu Jin questioned him in a shrill voice.
Li Xuancang remained calm, without the slightest ripple of emotion.
"When a general is abroad, the ruler's orders need not all be obeyed. If I leave, who will protect the people of Cool Prefecture? If the Grassland cavalry batter down the pass and all living things are plunged into misery, who will bear that responsibility?"
It had not been long since the previous decree of demotion, yet now another decree wanted Li Xuancang to risk his life on the battlefield. How could there be such a good deal in this world?
Li Xuancang was not some slave to be summoned at will and dismissed with a wave.
"This..."
For a moment, Liu Jin had no reply.
More importantly, Li Xuancang's strength had already reached a point where he had truly grown into a force to be reckoned with. Neither the Imperial Court nor the emperor dared do much to him.
Much less at such a critical time—they dared not punish Li Xuancang even more.
"Lord Li, once Spirit Yang Prefecture falls and the rebel army charges straight through, chaos will engulf the realm. The people will be beneath the butcher's blade of Evil Cultivators, unable to live in peace. I hope you will consider the greater good and send troops in support."
Unable to force Li Xuancang, Liu Jin changed his approach, appealing to his emotions and reasoning with him.
"The people of Cool Prefecture are people too. I will not leave."
Li Xuancang remained unmoved.
Though he did feel some compassion, in his