The chief of defense still did not invite her.
And that hesitation cost them.
The empress did not sigh, did not frown, did not show even the slightest trace of impatience, because she simply lifted her hand again, almost lazily, as though continuing a task she had already committed to finishing. Another pulse of celestial qi flowed outward, precise and controlled, striking yet another section of the already weakened formation grid, and the result was immediate as a cluster of runes flickered violently before collapsing, their connections severed as if they had never been properly anchored.
A segment of the outer barrier dimmed.
Then cracked.
Then vanished entirely.
Below, the chief's jaw tightened, but still he did not speak.
So she continued.
Another section.
Then another.
