The winds of the Imperial Capital had grown clamorous once more.
The markets and neighborhoods, once thronged with endless streams of carriages and people-wealthy merchants from north and south, dukes and marquises, and wandering martial artists from every walk of life-were unusually deserted.
Restaurants, inns, and brothels had shut their doors. Even the scions of powerful families, normally fond of riding through the streets and stirring up trouble, had retreated into their mansions.
Patrols of armored soldiers passed along the broad streets from time to time. The clash of weapons against armor sounded painfully sharp in the deserted lanes.
All four armies guarding the Capital-the Divine Martial Guard, Phoenix Soaring Army, Feathered Forest Guard, and Heavenly Strategy Army-had mobilized. Their frigid menace left everyone trembling with fear.
As the heart of Great Yin, this place remained the center of power beneath heaven, however far the dynasty had declined over the past few decades.
The eyes of countless factions from the four corners of the world were fixed upon it. Beyond those openly present, no one knew how many lurking monsters had gathered in the shadows.
These people might not have been capable of accomplishing anything, but they were more than capable of stirring up wind and waves.
Amid the uproar spread by the various factions, news that the Dao Lord of Myriad Tribulations had united north and south swept through the Imperial Capital almost overnight.
Having accomplished such a monumental feat, with countless factions of north and south under his command and innumerable experts gathered beneath his banner, what would the Dao Lord of Myriad Tribulations do next?
The answer went without saying!
Everyone could guess, but few dared voice it.
The Nine Tribulations Chan Monastery.
Inside the Mahavira Hall, Abbot Yanxin and Yanchen sat facing each other, their eyes