Today was the final day of the Martial Examination.
The sky had just begun to lighten, yet the entire Black Stone City was already seething with activity, like a colossal beast awakening from its slumber.
The morning sun crested the towering, fortified city walls, casting its light over the endless stretch of vermilion buildings and green-tiled roofs. Along the main thoroughfare of the Inner City, rows of large red lanterns hung high in the air.
Beside the arena stood the Vermilion Green Building, the most luxurious structure in the area. Bronze beasts perched on the corners of its eaves, seemingly breathing in the purple haze of the morning sun like lifelike celestial creatures.
Luxurious carriages drawn by Exotic Beasts, adorned with intricate carvings and gilded details, arrived one after another. Noble Young Masters and ladies, dressed in fine silks and jade, sat within, arriving early to take their seats and wait.
