A tremor of excitement ran through the Azure Phoenix army and all their fear melted into feverish ambition.
The shouts began first in pockets, then spread like wildfire.
"For the Azure Phoenix!"
"For glory!"
"For His Majesty!"
Their battle cries rose to meet those of the Qin soldiers, the two rival armies now charging side by side toward a single goal, trapped within the same killing ground, yet unwilling to yield to the other.
Shu Ji Shi watched them go, the faintest trace of satisfaction crossing his face.
Then he turned to his gathered generals, his tone lowering to something far more pragmatic, cold and deliberate.
"Prepare the legions that remain outside the barrier," Shu Ji Shi commanded,"We march for Coldwind City while those caught inside…" his gaze flicked back toward the glowing dome of light, "…can keep the beasts company."
