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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 85 Holy City
As Yuxuan approached the meeting hall, a heavily armored guard stood waiting at the entrance. Upon her arrival, the guard bowed respectfully and led her inside. His demeanor was one of deference, and he felt a sense of joy at Yuxuan's presence. With Jade Pavilion dead, she was now the ruler of Holy City, and the generals awaited her orders to repel the enemy. Yuxuan felt a wave of anxiety wash over her; she had never commanded troops in battle before.
No matter what decisions she needed to make, she knew it was wise to first listen to the opinions of the other generals.
Inside the hall, various commanders were already present. Upon seeing Yuxuan enter, everyone rose from their seats and greeted her with bows. They were all familiar faces; although the leader had changed to Yuxuan, their expressions remained similar to when they had served Jade Pavilion.
Yuxuan glanced at the defense layout on the table and said, "The defensive arrangements are rigorous, but I feel they are insufficient. Does anyone have good ideas for repelling the enemy?"
The generals exchanged glances, unsure of what to say. Except for Ji Zichen, who was focused intently on the defense map.
The guard who had led them in spoke up, "Our city walls are strong and tall. As long as we hold our ground, they won't be able to breach us."
The generals nodded in agreement, believing this was the best course of action.
Yuxuan's expression showed some disappointment. She furrowed her brow; at this moment, she needed to project an image of control. With heavy steps, she walked to the window and listened to the sounds of battle coming from afar. Returning to the table, she fixed her gaze on everyone and said, "Holding our ground seems like a good way to minimize casualties for now, but I know Second Uncle too well. He is determined to capture Zhuque. If he cannot breach the city in three to five days, he can afford to wait three to five years."
"Do we have enough supplies in the city to last that long?"
Yuxuan exhaled deeply after finishing her statement. Although Ji Zichen stood behind her and could not see her expression, he could sense the urgency etched on Yuxuan's face.
The hall fell silent; the generals understood this possibility as well, but opening the gates to confront the enemy was not a favorable option.
Yuxuan continued, "Second Uncle's goal is Zhuque. Once she is revived, you must come up with a good plan to get her out."
This was Yuxuan's final directive. She and Ji Zichen left the council chamber, and Yuxuan said, "Do you know why I'm in such a hurry?"
Ji Zichen replied, "I know. You want them to find a way to carve a path through the bloodshed so that I can take her away, thus alleviating the crisis in Holy City."
Yuxuan continued, "You were the same at Corner Lodge. I hope this plan will work."
Yuxuan finally had some time to herself. Although the city gates were still under siege, the enemy wouldn't breach the walls anytime soon. As the leader of the Suffering Holy Church, she needed to stay focused, but she didn't want to be on edge every moment. She instructed her generals to find a way to engage in direct combat while ensuring Lin Chuyu's escape. On one hand, it was out of compassion for the people of Holy City; on the other hand, it was to protect Ji Zichen.
As long as they could escape the Desolate Central Plain, the threat from Desolate Evil Hall would diminish significantly.
With a clear objective in mind, Yuxuan felt much calmer.
Yuxuan also understood that with her change in status, others' perceptions of her would shift as well. She had seen this clearly with Jade Pavilion. Jade Pavilion once had two childhood friends, but as time passed and they grew up, their relationship changed. The bond they once shared was no longer one of intimacy but had become a purposeful exchange.
The three were no longer childhood companions; the simplicity and joy of those times were gone, replaced by the complexities of adult relationships.
Yuxuan sensed that Jade Pavilion's feelings toward those two girls had changed. She knew that their feelings toward her must have shifted as well. The two girls were sisters, and their competition for Jade Pavilion's attention had once been friendly but had gradually turned into something more pronounced. Jade Pavilion disliked this; what began as playful pursuit had almost evolved into a struggle against each other.
Jade Pavilion clearly understood that their rivalry was no longer about affection but about future status. They were competing for position, not for him.
The thought of such a relationship frightened Jade Pavilion deeply. Yet deep down, he didn't want either of them to be hurt. However, in the end, someone would inevitably be harmed. He had long known that when searching for a life partner, he would have to choose between them. But now Jade Pavilion didn't have to make such a decision because he was already dead.
Ji Zichen followed behind Yuxuan, who was lost in thought, saying nothing as they walked together. Ji Zichen didn't know where Yuxuan intended to go. They arrived at a marble-paved square adorned with many statues and stone walls depicting scenes from the Doomed Court. It seemed these murals served as a reminder for the people of Holy City not to forget their roots—that their rightful place was in the Doomed Court and not within Holy City itself.
The craftsmanship of the stone walls was exquisite, creating an immersive experience for viewers. The palace buildings depicted in the murals shimmered with golden light; if one didn't look closely, it would be easy to overlook them. But Ji Zichen did not miss it. Although she had never been to the Doomed Court, she could tell from the murals that the architecture within the palace must resemble what was illustrated on the walls.
The golden threads must be Gold Thread. To build walls with Gold Thread is an extravagant luxury. Ji Zichen truly wants to see the Doomed Court. If the sun shines brightly, those Gold Threads will surely dazzle under the sunlight.
In the square, there are statues of the emperors from the Doomed Court, a total of seven. Unfortunately, Ji Zichen does not recognize any of them; their faces have become almost indistinguishable. After a brief glance, Ji Zichen looks away.
The night is cool with a gentle breeze that feels very pleasant. Beneath Yuxuan's feet lies a smooth, white staircase. There is a commotion at the city gate, and few people inside can sleep soundly. Many citizens are outside their homes, anxiously discussing the battle. As Yuxuan walks among them, many bow their heads in respect, while others make way for Yuxuan. This is one of the benefits of being the leader of the Holy Teachings.
However, at this moment, Yuxuan only wishes to return to the past.
The Suffering Holy Church may not be as magnificent as Corner Lodge, but it has its own unique charm within the Holy City. Beyond the square lies a bustling Commercial Street, where lanterns shine brightly and attractively. Some shops have their doors partially closed, while others are wide open. From outside, Ji Zichen can see various goods displayed inside.
The citizens of the Holy City wear gray coarse clothing, reflecting their lower status, while some shopkeepers don bright silk shirts. The attire varies among the people here, but everyone strives to present their best selves.
Most buildings in the Holy City have colorful walls painted in various hues. The lights illuminate these colors, resembling a flowing rainbow.
Having traveled to many places, Ji Zichen has never seen such beautiful houses.
After following Yuxuan for a while, Ji Zichen cannot help but ask, "Where do you want to go?"
With a sigh, Yuxuan replies, "The body of my brother has been exhumed; I want to go see it."
Taking a few steps forward, they suddenly hear a loud bell ringing from afar. Startled, Yuxuan exclaims, "Not good! They have breached the city!"
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