The Ghost Fiend Sect Master frowned and said:
"Prefecture Lord... are we really... really just going to sit here and wait for death? Perhaps... perhaps there are still remnants of the army..."
"Remnants?!"
The Centipede-Insect Daoist abruptly raised his head, his eyes bloodshot, his voice hoarse and shrill. "Look at those stray dogs outside the city! Those are your remnants!
"Out of forty thousand troops, only this handful of wrecks came back. Who else do you want to send to meet them? Your Ghost Fiend Sect disciples, to fill the gaps between Qing Chen's teeth?!"
His gaunt palm slammed against the armrest. "How many people capable of fighting can the Prefectural City still muster?
"Fifteen thousand, at the very most! We're already stretched thin defending the city with that many, and you still dare send them out?"
"If we go out now, we'll be inviting the wolf into our home, handing the Prefectural City to him on a platter!"
Worried that Wu Gui would blame them, the Prefectural Assistant murmured, "But... are we just going to watch..."
"Hmph!"
The Centipede-Insect Daoist swept his chilling gaze over everyone present, making their scalps prickle, and said bitterly:
"What we need to watch now is whether our own heads are still secure on our necks! Qing Chen's next target will undoubtedly be this city!"
He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his surging qi and blood, and his voice turned icy. "Hear my decree!"
"First, effective immediately, the Prefectural City will enter the highest state of battle readiness. Activate every Defensive Grand Formation. Spare no spirit stones from the treasury, and keep them running day and night!
"No matter how great the consumption, keep them going! If anyone dares slack off, execute the Formation Master along with his entire clan and dependents!"
"Second,