The diplomatic convoy traveled the Jade Road between Zhōngyuán Prefecture and Jiětuō Dào's eastern border, carrying three Council Elders, forty-seven sect representatives, and two hundred twelve guards. It was the largest peaceful delegation sent to the independent state in twenty years—a gesture of goodwill intended to ease rising tensions between Council authority and Path of Liberation autonomy.
Supreme Elder Wēn Zhìyáng had personally organized the mission, selecting representatives known for diplomatic skill and moderate views. The convoy carried proposals for increased trade cooperation, joint dungeon management agreements, and cultural exchange programs.
Every participant believed they were serving continental peace.
None suspected they were instruments of continental war.
