Southern Capital.
Within the vermilion Imperial Palace, the radiance of Li Fire surged and metal qi spread. Red birds danced through the light, swept over the Cloud Path, and finally vanished into the Vermilion Steps before the Main Hall.
Inside the Vermilion Heaven Hall.
Upon the lofty imperial throne sat a lone man in magnificent vermilion robes, a crown upon his head. He was tall and slender, and divine light faintly shone within his Vermilion Jade-like eyes, reflecting the Southern Heaven Origin Net Great Star. Even the shifts in fortune along the eastern and western fronts were visible within them.
"Both the eastern and western fronts have been stalled."
Tianchi's voice was cold and emotionless as he looked toward the white-robed man attending him below.
"Has there been any movement from Liyang?"
Xie Kuo bowed. A trace of difficulty crossed his handsome, scholarly face, but he still answered respectfully:
"Your Majesty, an order has come from the [Southern Li Heavenly Gate] on Double Radiance Mountain. Someone will be coming."
The atmosphere within the Main Hall changed slightly. One after another, the maids in apricot-red palace dresses on either side dissolved into scattered vermilion Li Fire. The Southern Heaven Vermilion Bird painting overhead began to shine with layer upon layer of light.
"They probably won't send down anyone particularly formidable."
Tianchi raised his brows slightly and spoke in a quiet, lingering tone:
"They all want to preserve themselves, then harvest a little fortune at the very last moment. Until we reach Liao's Capital, those few will not emerge. Minister Xie, what do you believe Li Fire to be?"
He suddenly raised this question, looking down at Xie Kuo.
"Your Highness, Li is the luminous envoy of Greater Yang and the illuminating officer of Lesser Yang. It is the fire of the