In the latter half of the night.
Outside Muddy Bay, river waves battered the shore, while wrecked ships and broken masts bobbed in the black water.
In the Martial Temple's main camp, rows of torches burned. The Martial Guards on night patrol wore armor and carried sabers, their expressions solemn.
City Lord Qin Yueshan's tent stood in the deepest part of the camp.
The Martial Temple's merit officer hurried up to the tent at almost a jog, undisguised delight on his face.
"My lord!"
The guards outside the tent reached out to stop him.
"What brings you here to seek an audience so late at night?"
The merit officer lowered his voice, but could not suppress the excitement in his tone.
"Something momentous!"
"One of our Dragon-Tiger Guards has mastered the first level of the Four Harmonies Demon-Subduing True Art!"
Both guards' expressions changed at once.
One immediately turned and entered the tent to report.
Before long, Qin Yueshan's deep voice came from within.
"Let him in."
The merit officer hurriedly lifted the flap and entered.
Inside the tent, the lamps burned brightly.
Qin Yueshan had not removed his armor. Still clad in his Martial Temple battle armor, he sat behind his desk reviewing battle reports from Muddy Bay.
The demon tide had kept shifting over the past few days, putting tremendous pressure on the front lines. Even Qin Yueshan rarely enjoyed a truly restful sleep.
At the merit officer's report, the Cinnabar Brush in his hand paused slightly.
"What did you just say?"
The merit officer bowed and cupped his fists, saying clearly, "My lord, one of our Dragon-Tiger Guards has mastered the Azure Dragon Demon-Suppressing Force, the first level of the Four Harmonies Demon-Subduing True Art!"
Qin Yueshan slowly raised his head.
The weariness in his eyes was