Shortly after noon, the streets and alleys of the Prefectural City, normally noisy and bustling with crowds and endless streams of horses and carriages, were almost deserted.
Even the slowest-witted people had sensed that something was wrong.
"Peerless Flying Rainbow" had stormed into Golden Bright Ward in the south of the city alone, armed with a single spear.
The prefectural offices had been attacked, and Prefect Xiang had been abducted by an outlaw in broad daylight. Whether he was alive or dead remained unknown.
The White Scale Guard in the northeastern district had suddenly mobilized, charging into the city center to clash with the Iron Wall Guard.
One jaw-dropping piece of news after another spread like an explosion. Meanwhile, unruly soldiers had suddenly multiplied on the streets, and faint battle cries and roars could be heard.
Not only did ordinary people cower in terror, trembling inside their homes and not daring to show their faces, but even the great households and gang bosses shut their doors and windows, pulled their people back, and mobilized every available household guard and attendant to strengthen their defenses.
The cold wind rustled.
A murderous chill filled the air.
Several dozen riders galloped down the long street without restraint. Hooves struck the bluestone paving with a violent clatter, sending grit and fallen leaves swirling into the air.
The riders all wore fitted martial attire and carried weapons. There were men and women among them, their expressions varied. Leading them was Song Yinglong.
Song Yinglong had not brought an army of thousands with him.
First, he had only just brought the White Scale Guard and Iron Wall Guard under his control. Their loyalties remained unsettled, and they needed to be intimidated and kept in check. He could not immediately send them into battle.
Second, this opponent