Night pressed down upon the town.
The streets that had bustled by day now held only a night watchman striking his clapper as he slowly made his way from the far end of the long street.
Before the County Government Office, two lanterns swayed gently in the night wind, their flickering light stretching the stone lions' shadows long across the ground.
Inside a side hall, County Commandant Xu Jinheng had yet to retire.
Several case files lay spread across his desk.
Xu Jinheng sat behind it and rubbed his brow.
He had scarcely enjoyed a peaceful night's sleep lately.
First, the Blood God Sect and the Heavenly Principle Society had stirred up trouble. Then a bounty on Jade-Faced Flying Dragon had drawn underworld figures into Gaolin County.
Next, with the autumn harvest approaching, mutant beasts had descended from the mountains, and unrest had broken out in the Medicine Fields...
Every last incident weighed heavily on Xu Jinheng's mind.
A trusted bailiff standing beside him said quietly, "My lord, it's late. Would you like to rest?"
Xu Jinheng shook his head.
A bailiff stood at the doorway and saluted with clasped hands. "Lord County Commandant, Ma Changkui is here."
Xu Jinheng looked up. "Ma Changkui? What brings him to the County Government Office at this hour?"
The bailiff said, "He says he broke through to the Sinew-Piercing Realm today and came especially to share the good news."
"He also brought gifts from Ma Manor to thank you for your care over the years."
Xu Jinheng paused in surprise.
Then most of the worry creasing his brow dispersed, and delight shone in his eyes.
"He's broken through to the Meridian-Opening Realm?"
Ma Changkui had already placed first in Gaolin County's Martial Examination this year and achieved skin-tempering perfection at a young age.