My gaze shifted to the swath of clouds on the other side of the mountain range, those I had avoided examining too closely before. Wugang’s soldiers, a forest of them, glittering like sunlight upon snow. Alongside them were the turquoise-armored troops of the Southern Sea. Queen Suihe was said to have a talent for picking the winning side, and I hoped this time her assessment was flawed. There were other soldiers too, whom I did not recognize, clad in armor of copper and of green.

“The Northern and Western Sea will fight against us,” Liwei observed tersely. “They were not our allies, but this is a blow. I had hoped they would steer clear of the confrontation.”

“Queen Suihe must have won their support for Wugang during the gathering of the Four Seas,” I said.

“Before the battle commences, we must do one thing,” Liwei said. “We need someone familiar with the Jade Palace to rescue my father, General Jianyun, and the other courtiers imprisoned by Wugang. Otherwise, they will be in grave danger; they will be used as hostages.”

Shuxiao bowed. “I will go. General Jianyun has been kind to me, to all of us under his command.”

“A few of our soldiers can accompany you.” Wenzhi gestured to the immortal behind him, who stepped forward and bowed. As General Mengqi straightened, she cast a baleful look my way, no doubt recalling how I had duped her before.

“General Mengqi, assemble a group to head to the Jade Palace,” he instructed her. “Shuxiao, previously a lieutenant of the Celestial Army, will lead them.”

The general’s lips tightened as she studied Shuxiao. “Your Majesty, is she competent? I will not risk our soldiers’ safety recklessly.”

“She is as competent as you are,” I replied with an edge in my voice. “And not so easily fooled.” A petty taunt, but I would not stand by while my friends were insulted.

Shuxiao’s eyes narrowed. “After this is over, you may test my competence with any weapon of your choice.”

For her sake, I hoped General Mengqi would not select the bow.

“Such childishness. Do not indulge such rash impulses when the lives of my soldiers are at stake.” General Mengqi’s stare was forbidding, yet bright with speculation.

Shuxiao deliberately turned her back to the general. “Xingyin, take care.” Her words were laden with meaning as she glanced at my mother.

I clasped her hand. “As should you. I will see you when we return.”

“Till then,” she agreed. “We will share our stories over a jug of wine.”

“Are you ready or do you have more farewells to make?” General Mengqi asked brusquely.

Shuxiao’s lips parted in more of a grimace than a smile. “I’m beginning to regret this. Battling undead Celestials would be preferable.” Shaking her head, she followed General Mengqi. They stood apart as they mounted a cloud, soaring toward the Cloud Wall soldiers.