No, there had to be a problem! Even if the sura king were otherwise occupied with his blood fetish, what about the bloodwinged riders? Surely they would have returned bearing news!

The bloodwinged riders were the elite forces of Xuechi, and the elder could hardly envision them losing against any enemy.

However, the riders had all likewise turned into fertilizer for the wood spirits, and even their mounts had all been cooked and eaten.

A sura scout rushed into the palace. "Elder, I have urgent news! The enemy forces have slaughtered our army and are heading straight for the palace. They'll arrive within two hours!"

The elder...