Her hesitation lasted only a moment before she sent word of the situation inside the mine.
The two dynasties replied quickly. Great Xun's commander said he would investigate, but refused to withdraw his troops.
Great Qian's commander gave an even more direct answer.
"The Demon Path's involvement is real, and Great Xun's invasion is real too."
The war did not stop.
Several hours later, Han Yu arrived at Great Li's border city. The gates were tightly shut, while a great number of refugees had gathered outside.
The defending general feared that spies had mixed in among them and did not dare let them enter.
Han Yu landed atop the city wall. After inspecting everyone, she ordered the guards to open the gates.
"Let them into the city."
The defending general looked troubled. "What if there are Demon Cultivators among them..."
"I'll keep watch."
The gates opened, and the people began entering the city.
Han Yu stood above them, her divine sense blanketing the entire procession.
At the very end of the crowd, an old man looked up at her.
His gaze was clear.
Yet the instant he stepped through the gates, a faint smile appeared at the corner of his lips.
"Stop."
At Han Yu's command, the city gates immediately slammed shut.
The old man stopped amid the crowd without trying to flee.
The nearby civilians hurriedly moved away from him.
The guards rushed down and surrounded him.
"Raise your head."
Han Yu landed before the city gates.
The old man did as told, the smile still on his face.
"Esteemed cultivator, I merely came here seeking refuge."
"Where did you come from?"
"Great Xun."
"Great Xun does not border Great Li."
The smile on the old man's face did not change.
"I'm old. I remembered wrong."
Han Yu raised