Sacrifice and Rebirth

Both Zi Jing and Yu Zhen walked forward, leaving the fortress and kneeling in front of the tree. 

"We humbly greet the spirit of the Nuwa Clan!" 

Cupping their fists, they both spoke out to the clan. Following them, the soldiers of the fortress knelt down on one knee and repeated the greeting. 

Both Ming Yue and Xuan Yin walked up as well, cupping their fists and bowing. 

"Please, there is no need to bow. you can all stand up."

The spirit replied with a kindly voice before taking on a darker tone. 

"I'm afraid that this is all the help that we can provide. While the Nuwa Clan can help stave them off, it is only temporary. We do not have the capability of destroying them, not until the tree blooms. And that will time and energy, not even your ring will hasten your process by much", she said. 

The commanders lowered their heads once more. 

"This is already enough, soon reinforcements will come", they replied.