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The first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains of their rented room in Raging Fire City. Yang Kai, Yun Xuan, and Ruan Xin Yu stirred awake, their bodies still feeling the remnants of fatigue from the previous day's journey.
Suddenly, a deafening sound reverberated through the city, jolting them from their slumber. It was a booming echo that resonated like a battle horn, sending a wave of alarm rippling through the streets.
Yang Kai (sitting up quickly): "What was that?"
Ruan Xin Yu jumped out of bed, her eyes wide with fear.
Ruan Xin Yu: "It sounded like an attack! We need to get outside!"
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A City in Alarm
They hurriedly dressed and rushed out of their room. The atmosphere in Raging Fire City had shifted dramatically. People were flooding into the streets, their expressions a mix of confusion and panic.
Yun Xuan (looking around): "What's happening?"
As they pushed through the crowd, Yang Kai felt a familiar tension in the air. Warriors gathered, murmuring anxiously about the source of the sound.
Yang Kai (focused): "We need to find Ji Yan. He'll know what's going on."
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Meeting the City Lord
They navigated through the throngs of worried citizens until they reached the city lord's mansion. Inside, Ji Yan was already gathering his officers, his face etched with concern.
Ji Yan (addressing the crowd): "Stay calm! We need to assess the situation. That sound was not random; something is coming!"
Yang Kai stepped forward, catching Ji Yan's attention.
Yang Kai: "Do you have any idea what it might be?"
Ji Yan (grimly): "We suspect it could be the Coffin-Bearer returning. His presence is often heralded by such sounds, but we need to prepare for the worst."
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A Sense of Urgency
The tension in the air thickened as Yang Kai glanced at Yun Xuan and Ruan Xin Yu. He knew the Coffin-Bearer could bring both treasures and trials.
Yang Kai: "We should gather warriors and fortify the city. Whatever comes, we need to be ready."
Yun Xuan (determined): "I'll help rally the others."
Ruan Xin Yu (nodding): "Let's not waste any time!"
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Preparation for the Unknown
They split up to gather support and inform the citizens. Yang Kai's heart raced with anticipation. He had foreseen the Coffin-Bearer's arrival and understood the challenges that lay ahead.
As warriors rallied and prepared, the ominous sound echoed once more, drawing closer. Yang Kai stood resolutely at the forefront.
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