Chapter 36: The Kingdom's Fracture
The war map room was a heartbeat of strategy. Lin Xuan, with his 5th Layer Qi Transformation, studied a map showing Ironfang's advances. "Ironfang wants to bleed us with daggers in the dark," he murmured. "Let's see how they fare under a collapsing kingdom."
He used spiritual echo stones to assign tasks. Xiao Fen reported on Wudu Clan poison shipments, cloaked with sound-concealment talismans. Lin Xuan dispatched scouts while his recruits practiced Void Pulse Kick at the warehouse base.
The Hei Clan's internal chaos deepened, thanks to Wudu neurotoxins. Lin Xuan met with Prince Ji Yunjing, a 2nd Layer Profound Heavenly Realm cultivator. He offered subtle support, providing encrypted messages hinting at Ironfang's plans. "Your insight aids us," the prince said, a cautious nod of trust. Lin Xuan replied, "Junior Brother stands with Dawnriver."
Outside, Liu Yang, in the 7th Layer Body Refining Realm, shaped blood armor, the crystalline red shield encasing his torso with fluid grace. Lin Xuan watched, interrupted by the arrival of Bloodshade Abyss scouts. He used Illusion Diversion to mask his presence. "Their interest is a blade we can turn," he mused. The night settled, with Liu Yue at his side. "The fracture begins," he said softly, his resolve burning bright.