Three tidal surges raced endlessly from east to west, never ceasing.
The three enormous Raging Waves Battle Platforms seemed to be drawn along by the tides' power, likewise hurtling toward Dongting Lake.
The water statues along both banks of the Yangtze River stood like the most loyal soldiers, steadfastly guarding the places the Flood Dragon Sage would soon pass.
The Yangtze River was crystal clear, and the apparition of a river of stars beneath it grew ever more beautiful.
Brightfort Town had been built beside the river, its banks connected to the docks, and its docks connected to the residential district.
The waters of the Yangtze around Brightfort Town abounded in fish and other aquatic life, with few water demons. It was one of the rare pleasant places in Xiang Prefecture.
But now, the mayor of Brightfort Town was beating a bronze gong, shouting in a voice already worn hoarse, "The water's going to flood the town! Run! Get to higher ground!"
Every household erupted into chaos, chickens flying and dogs leaping. Many people began running away from the Yangtze River, some carrying their elderly parents on their backs, others holding young children, and still others carrying gold, silver, and valuables.
They ran for a full quarter of an hour before many could run no farther and sat down on the ground, panting loudly.
"I'm not running anymore! No more! I really can't run another step. Better to drown than run myself to death."
"What nonsense are you talking about? Get up and run! I heard the wave is five stories high."
"Impossible! How could the Yangtze have waves that high? Even the sea couldn't have waves that big."
"You don't even believe the mayor?"
"That old fellow's gone muddleheaded. I don't believe a perfectly normal Yangtze River would suddenly..."