The Private Council

The golden halls of the Phoenix Cry Council Chamber were filled with heavy silence as the empire's highest-ranking officials sat in deep contemplation. The feast was over, and now, the reality of what they had witnessed had settled in.

Seated at the head of the table, Emperor Huo Feng observed his ministers with a calm expression, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest of his throne. The strength of the three youths had shaken the empire's hierarchy.

Finally, Grand Minister Huo Shenzhou spoke, his voice tinged with unease.

"Your Majesty, we cannot ignore the reality before us. The Ancient White Tiger Clan and the Azure Dragon Clan… they are stronger than we anticipated. The power of their younger generation eclipses even our greatest prodigies."

General Yan Feilong crossed his arms, his expression grim.

"It is one thing for Raikai and Shinryu to be this strong, but their clans surely have others of similar caliber. If we were ever to war against them…"

An uncomfortable silence followed.

But then, Emperor Huo Feng chuckled. His laughter echoed through the chamber, causing the officials to glance at one another uneasily.

"You all speak as though we have lost something." His golden eyes burned with unwavering confidence. "But what I see… is potential."

The Emperor's Perspective

The officials exchanged uncertain looks before Huo Shenzhou tentatively asked,

"Your Majesty… you mean to say this is a good thing?"

Huo Feng nodded.

"Think about it—what we witnessed was not a threat, but an opportunity. With these two clans as our allies, our empire gains far more than just military strength. We gain warriors who will stand beside us when the Great Collapse truly begins."

The council members slowly absorbed his words, and realization dawned upon them.

Strategist Lin Zhuoxian leaned forward.

"Then… rather than fear their strength, we should solidify our alliance and ensure we all move forward together."

Huo Feng smiled.

"Exactly. We have already seen the proof—Xue Mor accomplished what no one thought possible. We shall build on that success."

The officials nodded, though some still looked uneasy.

Dividing the Battles Ahead

Minister Zhu Yifeng cleared his throat.

"If we are to work as true allies, we must decide how our battles will be fought. The Great Collapse will bring countless dangers. We should determine which threats the clans will handle while our empire prepares for its own wars."

General Yan Feilong stepped forward.

"The borders of the empire have already begun to stir. The Demon Clans lurking in the south have grown bolder. Their forces will require our full attention."

Huo Shenzhou nodded.

"Then it is only logical to let the Ancient White Tiger Clan and the Azure Dragon Clan handle external threats—roving warbands, chaotic sects, and wandering calamities that emerge beyond our borders."

The room was filled with murmurs of agreement. The Phoenix Cry Empire would focus on defending its lands and preparing its own forces, while the two independent clans would act as vanguards, dealing with external dangers before they reached imperial territory.

Huo Feng rose to his feet, his voice resolute.

"Then it is decided. We shall move forward not as divided forces, but as a united front. The Great Collapse will test us all—but if we stand together, we shall not only survive, but rise above all others!"

His words ignited a fire in the council chamber. Though uncertainty still lingered, they could not deny the truth—these alliances were their best chance at surviving the trials to come.