The Zhishi Abyss lay four days' journey from Northern Mang's capital, but only two days from the border.
Following the military map, they raced onward day and night.
Two days later.
Jia Huan reached the Hidden Valley they had originally chosen.
"Boss!!"
Scholar, Twin Whips, Iron Palm, and the others had been waiting for several days.
At the sight of their pillar of strength, much of their anxiety melted away.
Jia Huan changed into clean clothes and commanded sternly:
"Head for the Western Regions at once!"
"Boss." Scholar opened a rosewood box containing several imperial edicts and said anxiously:
"Your presence in Northern Mang's capital was exposed. Their royal court seized on it to stir up a storm and even issued a proclamation. A hundred and sixty thousand Northern Mang heavy cavalry have descended on Northern Liang. The border troops are barely holding on, and this is already the third day."
"The Central Court has sent three gold-token orders in succession, instructing you to take temporary command of the military token, rally morale, and keep the enemy outside our borders even at the cost of your life. Once reinforcements arrive from the Nine Border Garrisons, you may return to the capital to report. Otherwise, you'll be charged with defying the imperial command and desertion."
Jia Huan's expression turned icy.
He picked up the transcribed proclamation and declaration of war, then glanced at the imperial edicts and official letters from the Grand Secretariat and Ministry of War.
"Boss, the Central Court's intentions are vicious. They're clearly setting you up to suffer." Unable to contain his anger, Twin Whips said indignantly:
"Hold the line, and you get no credit. Lose it, and you're guilty of a crime that reaches the heavens. It'll take at least half a month for the Nine Border