Su Wan's forward scouts intercepted them at the base of Ashford Ridge, and Wei Liang's group had weapons half-drawn before recognizing the escort formation from three days earlier.
"Stand down," Su Wan called out, riding forward herself. "We're on the same side today, assuming that hasn't changed since your message reached me."
"It hasn't," Wei Liang said, lowering his stance cautiously. "Provided everything holds up the way we discussed."
Su Wan nodded, dismounting to walk alongside him as their combined forces began the final approach toward the ridge. "The gathering's already underway. Four factions confirmed present, positioning for negotiation rather than combat, at least for now."
"Numbers," Liu Che asked, all business despite the tension.
"Roughly sixty fighters total across al
