The Heaven Dou Empire, the imperial palace.
For the Heaven Dou Empire, tonight was destined to be a night of terror.
Dressed in brocade robes and wearing a crown, Emperor Xue Ye sat on his throne, listening to Ning Fengzhi's report from below the steps.
Three other important figures were also present in the hall. One had an arm wrapped in a cloth sling and a full beard. Another had traces of blood at the corner of his mouth, and one or two cracks in the lenses of his glasses. The third stood right beside the steps: Xue Qinghe, crown prince of the Heaven Dou Empire.
"Your Majesty, the figures have been compiled. No civilians were injured, but Shrek Academy suffered devastating losses. Thirty-six teachers and students died, including Liu Erlong, and three hundred and forty-six students were injured," Ning Fengzhi reported.
"Such insolence!"
Emperor Xue Ye could no longer contain himself. He slammed his palm against the throne's armrest and rose in fury. "Does Spirit Hall have any regard for my Heaven Dou Empire? They actually dared to use force in the Heaven Dou Empire's Imperial Capital! Do they truly think my Heaven Dou Empire would not dare declare war on them?!"
"Please calm your anger, Father. What matters most now is finding a way to respond. If war breaks out, not only are most Soul Masters under Spirit Hall's control, but so are most of the kingdoms and duchies within our borders. You must not act rashly," Xue Qinghe cautioned, cupping his hands.
At the same time, Xue Qinghe felt a surge of delight. Those kingdoms and duchies he had mentioned had aligned themselves with Spirit Hall thanks entirely to his efforts.
Moreover, Xue Qinghe had a compassionate heart. Although he desperately wanted to end the continent's strife