Guang'an Prefecture, West City City Tower, the wind and rain were bleak, making the corner bells clang sonorously.
On the flying eaves and arches around, stood five figures, some with closed eyes meditating cross-legged, others standing upright gazing down at the city from above, separated from the wind and rain, casting hazy, rain-blurred shadows.
Below the city tower, suspended in the air, was a huge banging bell, known as the Sky Striking Bell. This was a special weapon; in cases of extreme urgency, it served to warn all the civilians in the city.
In recent days, it had been rung twice.
At this moment, the Sky Striking Bell was silent, but the city below was in utter turmoil.
Troops and Sword Officials scurried about everywhere in the city, commandeering carts and horses, coordinating personnel, and dispatching food supplies. In the homes of ordinary people, there was chaos, with everyone hurrying to and fro.
