Shen Mingyuan's face went pale with shock, but he ultimately did as Chen Cheng instructed and hurried off.
...
That night.
The moon shone brightly in a near-starless sky as a bleak, cold wind swept through.
Under the faint moonlight, the Zheng Martial Arts Hall was completely empty, without a single person in sight.
Everyone had evacuated to the Shen Family compound.
Even the hundred Protectorate Army soldiers patrolling the nearby streets had been called away.
The surroundings were utterly silent!
A bonfire burned in the main plaza of the Martial Arts Hall's front courtyard. Its light mingled with the moonlight, illuminating the square.
On a raised platform, Chen Cheng stood tall with a Long Saber at his waist. He gazed toward the night sky, his deep eyes holding a cold, sharp glint.
The night deepened, and the full moon slowly climbed to its zenith.
