Yu Country made its final efforts for peace by sending the Imperial Palace Tributor and Prince Yue, Li Hui, who had just returned from his studies in Zhanquan, to visit Taihao Mountain and pay respects to the Haotian Sect Leader.
However, the results were disappointing—they did not even get to see the Head.
The last attempt to negotiate peace thus failed, and the only option left was to prepare for war.
The drums of war had already begun to beat. Workshops throughout Yu Country started up their Spiritual Energy Machines, water-powered hammers forged armor, ranches led out warhorses, craftsmen made arrows, and porters loaded bags of grain and grass onto Spiritual Energy Locomotives. The engines roared as supplies were transported to the frontier.
Meanwhile, in Chang'an City, young men from the noble families in the city's north, all yearning to make a name for themselves, excitedly discussed their upcoming official positions in the great halls.
