Preparations

"Greetings, Lord Bai Yu," the King boomed, rising from his throne with surprising alacrity despite his age. His voice, though regal, held a tremor of relief. The others in the room, alerted by the King's address and the sheer pressure of Bai Yu's aura, turned their attention to the young cultivator. A wave of surprised murmurs rippled through the room as they recognized the insignia of the Azure Sword Sect adorning his robes. Those who possessed even a rudimentary understanding of cultivation bowed respectfully, acknowledging the immense power radiating from Bai Yu – a mid-Bone Forging expert.

Bai Yu exchanged courteous greetings with the assembled officials, his sharp eyes absorbing the scene. He then turned to the General, his voice firm yet polite. "Tell me, how many cultivators are at your disposal, and what have your scouts reported?"

The General stepped forward, a map unfurling in his calloused hands. "We have two Bone Forging experts," he explained, gesturing towards the scarred man – Xi Tang – and the elderly Gu Tong, a member of the royal clan.

"Additionally, we have roughly a hundred Blood Condensation Realm cultivators stationed around the city." the General continued. "According to our scouts, a wave of Demonic Beasts is imminent, with several Stage 3 beasts expected to lead the charge."

A knot of apprehension formed in Bai Yu's stomach. He'd never faced a Stage 3 Demonic Beast alone. His sole encounter involved the assistance of the village chief, a peak Bone Forging expert, and even then, they relied on strategically placed poison to subdue the creature.

Dealing with a horde of such beasts in a large-scale battle presented a daunting challenge. He would need to rely on his newly acquired techniques and raw power to make a significant impact.

Alright," Bai Yu declared, his voice cutting through the nervous tension in the room. "Time is of the essence. Let's get everyone ready. Man the city walls, reinforce defenses, and prepare for battle!"A wave of renewed determination rippled through the officials and generals. Bai Yu's decisive leadership instilled a sense of calm amidst the impending chaos. With a final nod to the King, he strode out of the opulent palace.

The bustling city streets greeted him. As he made his way towards the imposing city walls, the sheer scale of the fortification left him momentarily awestruck. Built from gleaming white jade, the walls snaked around the city like a protective serpent, each section manned by nervous but resolute soldiers.Bai Yu ascended the ramparts, the city sprawling beneath him like a living entity. From his vantage point, he could see the meticulous preparations – archers taking their positions, siege weapons being readied, and squads of cultivators patrolling the walkways. He knew the battle would be fierce.