Nighttime Talk

Night fell soundlessly over Clear Sand River Water Manor.

The clamor, chaos, shock, and killing intent of the day seemed to have been temporarily swallowed by the heavy darkness.

The glow of the formations and restrictions throughout the Water Manor was brighter than usual. The number of patrolling Clear Sand Guards had multiplied severalfold, and every one of them wore a solemn expression, their sharp gazes sweeping over every rustle of wind and grass around them.

A stifling tension hung in the air.

Most of the guests attending the Dharma assembly had been permitted to leave after preliminary questioning and image records were taken.

Yet some cultivators with sensitive identities, or potential ties to Blackwater River or the events of the day, had been "invited" to stay temporarily in designated guest courtyards within the Water Manor, under the "protection" of the Clear Sand Guard.

Though these people were dissatisfied, with the tacit approval of Jade Dragon City's envoy and Clear Sand River's freshly displayed thunderous methods, they could only endure it for the time being.

The market district had not been completely shut down, but it was strictly confined to a small area outside the core district and heavily guarded. Trade had also grown much quieter, utterly lacking the bustle of the daytime.

When cultivators spoke, they mostly lowered their voices, their eyes warily sweeping their surroundings. Naturally, their conversations could not avoid the daytime assassination attempt and the Dao Champion's earth-shattering performance.

At the heart of the Water Manor, within a quiet chamber.

The lamps were bright, and all restrictions had been activated, sealing off the inside from the outside.

Steward Zhao of Jade Dragon City sat in the seat of honor with a gloomy expression, holding the three dark-blue poisoned needles that had been restrained by Xu Yuan's