"Not yet. The Hub can continue evolving and refining here, while the effects of the Heroic Spirit Hall and Vow Hall need further testing. Additionally, this one's temperament still requires more shaping; we'll have to stay for some time."
Zeke subtly shifted his gaze toward Senti, whose head rested on Fu Hua's shoulder.
Senti glanced sidelong at Zeke before rolling her eyes.
"Say what you want; I'm used to it. You only get away with such rudeness because of your strength; otherwise, someone would've flattened you long ago."
"I doubt you're in any position to judge me on that front."
"It's just that I despise lying and prefer being honest with people—it's not like intentionally provoking others as you do."
"As a matter of fact, I, Zeke, also consistently treat people with honesty. We're quite similar in that regard."
"...Shameless! Old Antique, let's go quickly—don't engage with him anymore, or we might get tainted!" Senti clung tightly to Fu Hua's back, facing Zeke and sticking out her tongue.
Zeke shook his head firmly, insisting he wasn't exaggerating and unwilling to indulge the child's tantrum.
Fu Hua reached back gently swatted Senti's plump, rounded bottom with a smile. "Alright now, stop quarreling with Zeke; you won't win against him anyway. Speaking of which, I heard you were appointed as the chief instructor for their new million-strong army. Aren't you concerned about the soldiers on the front lines?"
"Worrying won't change anything," Senti replied from her perch on Fu Hua's back, sounding somewhat dejected. "I've taught them everything I could, but ultimately, this is their world. We can't do everything for them; they must face it themselves."
Fu Hua paused, her eyes widening slightly at the sentiment.
Zeke turned directly towards them and remarked,
"I see, you've learned to think more maturely now?"
"...What's your point? Are you looking for a fight? Want to taste this immortal's Void Sword Divinity?!"
"If you can behave yourself from here on out, I might just give you that chance."
"Deal! I'll listen to you, but once we leave this world, you owe me a fair duel!"
"Agreed. A gentleman's word..."
"...is as good as his bond!" Senti shook Zeke's extended hand, grinning widely with rows of pristine white teeth, her smile eerily benevolent.
Zeke nodded, satisfied.
So all this child wanted was another sound beating! Why didn't she say so earlier?! Though it may seem peculiar, Herrschers have always been rather odd; perhaps their interests simply differ from humans'? In any case, he could certainly fulfill her request!
Fu Hua sighed deeply, placing her hand on her forehead, overwhelmed by sheer exhaustion.
"Ahh!"
Little Fuxi, my apologies - this time, I truly couldn't stop them. Failing to protect and keep watch over Senti consistently is indeed my failure.
Two days passed swiftly, neither long nor short, seemingly in the blink of an eye.
On a mountain peak ten miles from Seven Stars Lake, Guanxing stood at the center of the Big Dipper formation, gazing across the distant lake surface. With a gentle sway of his plumage fan, his azure sleeves fluttered in the wind like pale-blue waves.
"Guanxing-sama, time is running out. You haven't rested for two days already. Perhaps you should take a break before the xenobeast emerges?"
Eyes as clear as an icy lake shifted slightly. Guanxing lowered his hand holding the fan and placed both hands behind his back without turning around.
"No need. I won't rest until the xenobeast is eliminated. Inform all mages: their rotation breaks are over. From now on, everyone must maintain the array continuously. Until the xenobeast is vanquished, not a single person shall retreat!"
"Yes, Guanxing-sama!"
The assisting mage girl stepped back several paces outside the formation's perimeter, retrieved a communication talisman from her trigram-patterned robe, gripped it firmly, and ignited it with a burst of firelight.
Guanxing observed Seven Stars Lake, now riddled with swirling vortices. His eyes flickered with faint luminescence, and the corners of his lips curved into a cold smile.
"As a mage, I cannot engage you directly in battle. But let me, Zhuge Kongming, deliver the first strike against this demonic threat!"
Zhuge Kongming raised her hands, and the feathers of her plumage fan fluttered as air currents swiftly converged around her. The seven stars beneath her feet glowed brighter, drawing immense unseen power from all directions.
The young mage finished sending her message, sensing the surging energy in the heavens and earth. She swallowed nervously before hastily pulling out paper and pen to jot down seemingly chaotic patterns.
"Is this what Master meant by 'the one in millennia'? It's terrifying! This energy formation spans thousands of miles across our nation's borders, yet Guanxing-sama gathers yang and disperses yin with ease, like plucking fruit from a bag? I must document every detail! Studying this formation and technique could take a lifetime—no, it deserves to be passed down as a secret manual for generations to come!"
With fervor, the mage girl meticulously recorded the shifting energies, unwilling to miss any nuance.
Meanwhile, Zhuge Kongming slowly closed her eyes, concentrating the forces of heaven and earth within her mind, awaiting the arrival of her target.
Beside Seven Stars Lake, vast armies were arrayed across the landscape, their siege engines arranged neatly in rows. At the forefront, on a raised platform built at the water's edge, stood Durandal with her longsword planted firmly in the ground and cloak billowing majestically.
In the central command area behind them, Kiana sat devouring copious amounts of meat and wine, her gaze sharp as a sword despite her ravenous appetite.
Behind her, over sixty thousand diverse warriors, each clad in distinct attire, awaited patiently. Some meditated according to personal preference or sect discipline, while others polished their weapons, all quietly anticipating the onset of battle.
This formidable legion had transitioned from vanguard flankers to the central army—a position neither expendable cannon fodder nor reserve forces in the rear, demonstrating utmost respect for these valiant soldiers.
Having consumed everything before her, Kiana took one final swig from a large jug of potent liquor and slammed it onto the table.
"Crash!"
With a deafening noise, both the jug and the table shattered simultaneously. Turning around, Kiana casually wiped her mouth with her sleeve, then lifted a heavy halberd high.
"My comrades! Are you well-fed and ready?"
Her voice, amplified by chi, resonated far and wide across the field.
As the second imperial princess, Kiana prioritized agriculture and trade, saving countless lives and livelihoods of commoners. Her great deeds earned her widespread admiration from heroes across the land. After spending these past few days with them and witnessing her bold demeanor now, their respect for her only grew stronger.
Promptly after her question, numerous resonant voices filled the air from all directions.
"Sated! Content!"
"Is it time to begin?"
"Just waiting for your command, Lady Kiana!"
"..."
After a moment, Kiana thrust her long halberd into the ground, creating a deep pit. She spread her arms wide and declared,
"Noble heroes, allow me, Kiana, to humbly express my gratitude on behalf of all the people worldwide for your immense virtues and righteousness! We've feasted well and shared our spirits generously; every piece of armor and weaponry has been distributed as promised. Now...from this moment forth, we can no longer simply be friends! I am the commander-in-chief, and each of you is my brother-in-arms on the battlefield. Upon issuing orders, whether advancing or retreating, they must be executed without hesitation. Disobedience will face merciless military discipline! Have you all understood? Of course, there's still a chance for anyone to withdraw now, but once Huo Dou descends upon us, I'll show no mercy to those who disrupt our formation!"
Kiana scanned the crowd, her gaze sharp like sword energy. In response, she saw only proud figures standing tall and resolute.
A smile then tugged at Kiana's lips.
"Excellent! Thank you, brothers, for keeping the greater good in mind! I hereby record each of your names as participants in this battle. In the name of His Majesty, I assure you that after its conclusion, every one of you will receive due honor and rewards without exception. Now, let us fight to our last breath for the sake of all living beings!"