Ten minutes later, Xiao Jie met Master Xiao Yue in the Xiao Yue Palace.
The palace was still majestic, but the tension that filled the air was unlike any other day. The number of patrolling guards had doubled, each with a solemn expression, and their armor was stained with dry mud and dark red blood.
Inside the main hall, most of the rare treasures previously on display had been put away, replaced by military maps and sand tables hanging on the walls, densely packed with small flags representing the deployment of both enemy and friendly forces.
Master Xiao Yue was clad in silver-white armor, intricately engraved with moon patterns, a cyan cloak draped over her shoulders, looking a bit more fatigued than during their last meeting. Her stunning beauty remained captivating, yet her brows bore traces of lingering worry and anger, marks left by the prolonged battle and exhaustive efforts.
