That winter, two unprecedented events took place in Jade City. Most residents merely watched the spectacle, but a very few wise men understood that the long-brewing upheaval had finally begun.
The first major event was a sudden wave of assassinations. This was not exactly new—at Jade City's most peaceful, several murders still occurred every day—but what set this wave apart was the assassins' mysterious identities.
The first target was Tianshan Sect's military advisor, Zhang Ji. Although the attempt failed, it immediately caused an uproar. Everyone knew that the organization of this wandering swordsman had completely become Golden Peng Fortress's vassal, so the finger pointed at Dragon King. Those who knew more of the inside story leaned toward Moonlight Hall instead.
But in less than two days, the assassinations expanded in scope. They were no longer limited to members of Tianshan Sect. Swordsmen from every direction, Central Plains martial artists of unknown origin, the few assassins Golden Peng Fortress had left, Dragon King's first batch of attendants, and even a monk from Four Truths Blue Lotus all became victims.
After a brief round of mutual accusations, every faction swore vehemently that it was absolutely not the mastermind. Yet this won them little trust from the residents and only cast the whole affair deeper into fog.
Some people sighed that Golden Peng Fortress had indeed declined. Others regretfully said that Dragon King was not forceful enough—he dared to do it but did not dare admit it.
Jade City was Jade City, after all. Though the assassinations had caused panic, they had not caused much disruption. Every business was still flourishing. What truly shocked everyone was the second major event.
Four armies were stationed thirty li outside the city, each with at least twenty thousand men. The last time Jade City had faced