When the Radiant Bell Tower rang ten times in succession, Flame Capital fell completely silent. Even though the streets were as bright as day, at this hour, apart from the Red Dream gambling establishments, almost everywhere else had already closed for the night—not even the legitimate Red Dream gambling establishments remained open. In this country, where faith in the sun ran deep, gamblers believed noon was when their luck was best, while patrons of pleasure felt that only daytime encounters offered the best value for money (and, in fact, their stamina really was better during the day).
Northeast of the Imperial Academy, when a squad of Patrol Guards passed around a corner, Le Yu swept quickly across the street. After climbing several times, he arrived at a gloomy courtyard overgrown with weeds. But unlike what he had imagined, the courtyard was not quiet. Instead, it was filled with noisy commotion.
Two martial artists were fighting in the courtyard. One wore a long robe and a top hat, with gun pouches strapped to his trousers and a horrifying meat saw hanging from his waist. The other wore black-and-red hooded clothing and seemed to have no weapons, yet somehow gave the impression that his entire body was made of weapons.
However, the two were not actually fighting in earnest. They were simply brawling—they were not using any martial arts techniques at all, relying only on their fists and feet. You hit me once, I hit you once.
Le Yu almost rushed over and shouted, "Stop fighting! You two can't kill each other like this!"
Apparently, the others had the same thought. From the swaying trees, the dry well, the shadows of the great house, and the parched pond came all sorts of taunts:
"Gouge out his eyes and kick him in the