The sky was dim, thick masses of dark clouds piled together overhead.
Accompanied by rumbling thunder, the summer that had been sweltering for days finally saw a rare torrential downpour.
Whoosh!
Sheng Tian, Chiming Street.
A carriage hurried through the rainstorm, its rolling wheels crushing through the water on the road as it left the city without hindrance.
On closer inspection, the coachman in a bamboo hat and straw rain cape wore a rather unnatural expression. He even seemed somewhat nervous.
There was no other reason. Aside from a person seated inside, there was also a tiger in the carriage.
Though the tiger was still young, it already possessed a measure of majesty, making him feel exceedingly ill at ease.
Though tiger and leopard cubs had yet to show their stripes, they already bore the air of beasts that could devour cattle!
"Driver, no need to be nervous. My tiger doesn't hurt people."
A leisurely voice drifted out from within the carriage, soothing the coachman's slightly restless heart.
The person in the carriage was naturally Li Qing, who was heading to Qingzhou to return the Ancient Profound Hammer Technique to Master Gu's family.
Whether he could find Master Gu's family or not, he still had to make this journey. After all, it was something he had promised to do.
And so, the carriage left through the north gate and continued northward.
Meanwhile, Shengtian City.
Within the newly established Maple Guard Department, the maple guards who had joined not long ago stood in a circle beneath the eaves around the martial arts platform ahead.
Heavy rain splashed onto the platform, but it could not douse the blazing heat in everyone's hearts. Their gazes were filled with anticipation.
"I heard the top three in this assessment can receive not only silver rewards,