The Next Morning... Kankal City
With the first rays of the morning sun, Kankal City once again became busy with its daily activities.
At that moment, a soldier hurried toward the palace chamber where Snehwal, Master Jins, Liora, Lith Yakshini, and Lily were present.
As soon as he entered the chamber, he knelt on one knee. Raising a sealed letter above his head with both hands, he respectfully said, "Master... an unknown person has sent this letter."
Snehwal and Lily glanced at one another. Both of them had almost understood who had sent the letter.
Even so, Lily spoke in a calm yet authoritative voice, "Soldier... open it and read it aloud in front of everyone."
"As you command."
The soldier carefully opened the letter and began reading in a loud voice.
~ "Dear Lily Yakshini, I, King Omas, am organizing a competition to choose a new ruler for my empire. I know this event is being held earlier than the appointed time. However, according to tradition, the victor between your host and Humbha's host shall become the heir to my throne. Just as this custom has continued since ancient times, the successor shall once again be decided through a duel. Fifteen days from today, this competition will be held in my palace. Therefore, I request that you make sure to attend."
As soon as the letter ended, deep silence filled the entire chamber. Snehwal stepped forward and took the letter from the soldier's hands.
Without saying a word, Lily simply gestured lightly with her hand, ordering the soldier to leave. The soldier lowered his head in obedience and quietly walked out of the chamber.
Then Master Jins let out a deep breath and said, "Now do all of you understand the complexity of King Omas's mind?" Everyone silently nodded in agreement.
At that moment, every person present had only one objective~to achieve victory in this war by any means necessary.
Yet no one gave any thought to the bloodshed that was destined to accompany this war. The ordinary people who had joined the army merely for money... was it truly right to sacrifice them in this war as well? That question did not find a place in anyone's mind.
After a few moments of silence, Snehwal stepped forward and said, "We should send a letter as well." Everyone's eyes turned toward him.
Snehwal continued, "The letter will be sent in Lily's name. It will say~ 'I am ready for this competition. However, we would like the duel to take place on the rocky plain located in the southern part of Mehan Mountain. The outcome of this competition shall be decided there. Some time ago, we felt uncomfortable in your palace, so we consider that location to be more appropriate.'"
The moment he finished speaking, Master Jins's eyes widened.
In a single instant, he understood the true purpose behind Snehwal's proposal.
If the competition were held at Mehan Mountain, then it would be possible to move the entire infantry there within fifteen days.
Master Jins immediately looked at Lily and said, "Yes... that's a good idea."
"Lily, write the letter exactly like that."
Then he continued in a calm voice, "And I will personally deliver this letter."
Hearing this, everyone present was startled. However, no one said anything. At that moment, Master Jins extended his hand. In the next instant, a blue crystal appeared in the palm of his hand.
The moment they saw it, everyone understood. It was a Teleport Crystal. Snehwal and Master Jins looked at one another. A faint smile appeared on both of their faces, as though they had already discussed this plan beforehand.
Now everyone present understood that the final war could no longer be avoided.
Whether Humbha's host emerged victorious... or Lily's. After such deep hatred and years of bloodshed, neither side would ever accept defeat peacefully.
In the end, war was inevitable. And amidst all of this, the swords still remained sheathed... but politics had already reached its highest peak.
Dissatisfaction was growing within both sides. Some high-level cultivators seemed to be waiting for a war where piles of corpses would cover the land and the bones of cultivators would be scattered across the battlefield.
Humbha Yakshini had witnessed countless wars in her lifetime and had emerged victorious in many of them. But this time, the situation was different. Lily had risen as a young Yakshini, and until now she had inflicted wounds upon Humbha that she could no longer ignore, no matter how much she wished to.
Now it was impossible to say who would rule after this great war... and who would begin their final journey toward death. Everything remained uncertain.
However, two equally powerful centers could not exist upon the same land for long. In the end, one of them would have to bow. Only then would true peace become possible.
Yes, after that change, the system of governance would certainly be shaken for some time, and chaos would spread. But as time passed, the wounds would heal... and a new era would be born.