The Iron Wall Guard Camp, barely a third of a mile from the prefectural offices, had descended into utter chaos.
Fires blazed on every side, sending up billows of black smoke.
Soldiers scurried everywhere like headless flies. The clash of weapons filled the air, mingled with waves of battle cries and screams.
The camp stood beside the residences of powerful nobles and wealthy families, most of whom belonged to the Xiang Family's faction. They had once enjoyed the Iron Wall Guard's protection; now every mansion rang with tumult.
The wealthy grandees had no idea what upheaval had struck the Iron Wall Guard. They could only send out scouts while ordering their guards to ready their weapons and stand prepared for battle.
"Who is causing this trouble? Who dares rebel?"
Inside the Iron Wall Guard Camp, Commander Xiang Kun brandished his steel saber under the protection of a hundred or so armored soldiers, roaring question after question, a somewhat bewildered look on his face.
He, too, had been watching the Brightlight Courtyard, never imagining that his own backyard would catch fire. The upheaval had come so suddenly that he was utterly unprepared.
"My lord, Commandant Zhang killed Commandant Zhou! He's rebelled!"
An officer in bloodstained armor rushed over in a panic to report.
"What?" Xiang Kun's expression changed drastically. His eyes widened in disbelief. "How dare Zhang Sanshi? Everything he has-his wealth, his status-was given to him by my Xiang Family!"
Zhang Sanshi had originally been a rough martial fighter of humble origins. His formidable skills had earned him some renown in the Prefectural City, drawing the Xiang Family's attention and securing him a place among their retainers.
For over a decade, he had served diligently and faithfully. He had even saved Xiang Kun's life during an assassination attempt, earning enough