The moon obscured, a wind blew high, the night cool as water.
Three men, armed with a knife, sword, and axe, dressed in black and concealed behind masks, stood in a quiet corner of the street, blocking a passing carriage.
The three masked men paid no heed to the young driver's questions.
Inside the carriage, Pei Xuanjing, hearing the voice of Pang Hong, slowly opened his eyes, picked up the Flowing Flame Sword lying beside him, lifted the carriage curtain, and stepped out.
In a low voice, he told Pang Hong, "Just stay in the carriage, don't come out."
Then, with a cold laugh, he added, "I never thought you'd pick me as your target."
The man clad in black, with a long knife in his hand, coldly instructed, "Kill. Leave none alive. We only have the time it takes for an incense stick to burn."
As the words fell, a burst of potent Blood Qi emerged from the bodies of the three, like torches in the night, impossible to ignore.
