The plan to march on Sand City under cover of night had been canceled, but every soldier knew full well that the enemy was right before them, watching hungrily. They had to remain on standby, ready to leave the city and meet the enemy at any moment. In that sense, nothing seemed to have changed.
The generals from the five nations were rather relieved to hear the outcome. They had never particularly appreciated or approved of Qin Zihui's plan to advance, and the current situation was at least a little better by comparison. The enemy could not possibly take Xuan City by force. Besides, they were out in the open, completely exposed on the hill, with no further chance to launch a surprise attack. They could not understand how Yetos, who was reputed to be so difficult to deal with, could have been this stupid.
They did not dwell on it. All they needed to do was hold out for a few days until the enemy exhausted the provisions they had brought. However strong their troops and horses might be, they would have no opportunity to put that strength to use. Besides, hadn't Qin Zihui said the brief rainy season was coming? Once today and tomorrow were over, it would arrive the day after.
The advantage was theirs. Xuan City was a formidable stronghold, easy to defend and difficult to attack.
While the soldiers prepared and the generals pondered, the darkest hours before dawn quietly passed. Daylight shone over the land, and Xuan City gleamed like a pearl upon the barren earth.
Kanni had no desire to admire the beauty of sunrise. After spreading out his bedroll, he took off his coat and shoes and lay down, comfortable and relaxed. At once, the blood flowing through every inch of him,