The skies over the Western Continent darkened, but no one paid much attention at first.
Storm clouds weren't unusual here, especially near the flatlands stretching from the Jade River to the cities beyond. The horizon always looked heavy. People were used to it.
Inside the main regional command tower of the Qing Alliance, several leaders sat around a glowing table, discussing the week's results.
"We've pushed them back near the riverbank," one clan elder reported.
"Reinforcements reached the Longwind cliffs on time. No significant damage," said another.
General Zhou, one of the top military heads in the region, leaned back in his seat with a small smile. "They're running out of energy. As expected."
Across from him, Elder Fan sipped his tea. "Let them. Once the northern and eastern fronts settle down, we'll finally have a clear edge."
Another leader chimed in. "It seems the Xu family's methods worked in other regions, but we haven't needed them here. Our systems held."
