In the Northern Ju Royal Capital, amid picturesque scenery and curling mist, several naked men soaked in a spiritual hot spring, relaxing and chatting.
Most leaned against the bank with their eyes closed, enjoying themselves and exchanging the occasional remark. Only one man with prominent cheekbones kept opening his eyes to gauge everyone's reactions.
He was Shi Jiao, a Censor of the Northern Ju Court. Once the idle conversation lulled, he broached a topic himself. "Brother Lan, why is this Great Amnesty War being held in the Demonic Domain?"
The so-called Demonic Domain was the ancestral land of the Demonic Court. Since its destruction in ancient times, it had largely lain abandoned because the Xun Gate Passage established there was extremely unstable. People passing through could easily be twisted out of existence. Who could possibly keep a place like that under control? Surely they could not ask the supreme experts capable of shattering the void to serve as doormen every time someone wanted to enter or leave. Thus, it had been left deserted.
The man addressed as "Brother Lan" was tall and thin, with fine, delicate skin. Stubble covered his narrow face, lending him a distinct masculine charm. His name was Lan She, and he was the commander of Northern Ju's team in this Great Amnesty War.
Still resting with his eyes closed, he replied, "It was agreed upon by all five powers. It isn't something we can decide. The main reason must be that the newly refined Xun Gate has stabilized the passage."
Shi Jiao chuckled. "Whatever the reason, congratulations on securing the commander's position, Brother Lan. When you return victorious and rise through the ranks, don't forget us."
"Exactly."
"You're sure to win."
The others soaking in the pool chimed in as well. They all knew that victory