The next night.0

Beyond the third gate of the Holy Tree Temple’s city stronghold, rows of sedan-like palanquins built from dark green wood emerged. Each palanquin was carried by two sturdy men and guarded by six more. A veil of drapery concealed the interior, where a faint flute melody played.0

As the flute’s notes drifted through the night, crimson swarms of insects gathered overhead with a low, buzzing hum, trailing after the procession like vast crimson clouds that surged swiftly toward the city outskirts.0

Standing atop the gray-black walls, dressed in white, Cui Wuji looked down at the palanquins with Li Yuan by his side.0

“They’re called insect wardens,’” Cui Wuji explained. “They use music to command these insects, which are extremely sensitive to Yin energy. There’s no chance those undying husk can hide from them now.”0

“Insect wardens?” Li Yuan repeated. “If the Holy Tree Temple had them all along, why not send them out sooner? The undying husks might never have grown so bold if you had....0