Duke Huan of Qi and Guan Zhong stared in stunned silence, their souls trembling.
After a long moment, Guan Zhong swallowed hard and said with a quaver in his voice:
"Was the West Pole Celestial Court... struck by an unforeseen calamity? Or have the Five Directions Celestial Courts gone to war?"
Duke Huan of Qi's brow was also furrowed. After a long pause, he said:
"This is not for the likes of us to peer into. But it should be no great matter. Just a few palaces and a Celestial Gate have fallen..."
"But," Guan Zhong said softly, "the Celestial Gate is the facade of a Celestial Court. It is its very face."
Duke Huan of Qi fell silent, a deep worry clouding his features. The West Pole Celestial Court was the Qi Kingdom's greatest backer...
Suddenly, a drop of liquid splashed on his face.
Duke Huan of Qi looked up instinctively. It was blood, dripping from the head hung on the banner.
