With bated breath, I carefully broke the seal of the letter, my hands trembling with a mix of anticipation and dread as I prepared to immerse myself in Ma Chen's final words of guidance and wisdom. Unfolding the delicate parchment, I traced the familiar script with a sense of longing and urgency, allowing his heartfelt sentiments and unwavering resolve to wash over me and offer a glimmer of hope amidst the encroaching darkness and uncertainty.
As I devoured the contents of the letter, my heart sank with each passing revelation. "I'm sorry you had to return to find the shop in such a state. The Sect was attacked first, and Zhang Li Mei went missing. Xue Li and Zhang Ning, her father, left to search for her, believing she was kidnapped. As for the city, the frenzied beasts began attacking it non-stop. It's not just here, it's happening all across the continent."
