A Blood-Soaked Founding (Part Three)

Huan King Jian Shang descended slowly from the Heaven-Sacrificing Altar that pierced the clouds. More than fifteen minutes passed before he reached the foot of the altar, where his ministers waited to welcome him.

"Welcome, our king!"

As soon as the Huan King arrived, the assembled ministers of the Huan Kingdom bowed as one and shouted their welcome again. It was also their signal for him to return to the palace.

"Your Majesty! The situation has changed. The various factions have been meeting frequently, and something feels wrong!"

As Jian Shang approached his royal carriage, Jiang Yao drew close without attracting notice and reported in a low voice.

"Oh? Didn't they want to disrupt my founding ceremony? They kept passing the responsibility around instead of acting. Why join forces only now?"

Jian Shang's eyelid twitched. He looked at Jiang Yao in surprise and confusion.

In the world of Forging the Sacred Court, gu was a form of self-address used by rulers, alongside zhen and guaren. It was a matter of custom and etiquette. However awkward Jian Shang found it, he could not cast etiquette aside, at least not in public.

Jian Shang could roughly guess half the reason the factions had held back before, but he could not understand why they had suddenly become so united. The Huan Kingdom had already been founded. Even if they struck now, what practical purpose would it serve? The task would only be harder, and their losses greater.

"I am too foolish to say." Jiang Yao gave a rueful smile, then paused to think. "Perhaps they believe this is the best moment to move against us. The timing, the terrain, and the people are all in their favor."

"That makes sense..."

Jian Shang nodded. He understood what Jiang Yao meant.

The timing lay in