Trouble (Part 1)

Stone Sun City

Stone Sun City lay east of the Kun Lin Sword School, forming a strategic pincer with Double Tower City. The city's main draw was its small market, formed by hunters and herb farmers gathering and killing all kinds of prey, attracting large numbers of small merchants to purchase goods and resell them elsewhere.

At the center of the city stood a massive stone sphere, incomparably heavy and impossible for anyone to move. Some called it the Stone Sun, and over time the name spread. The little city's original name was forgotten, replaced by Stone Sun City.

The bright sun shines high in the sky. The guards at Stone Sun City's gate were drowsy, cicadas chirped without cease in the summer heat, and the air was stifling.

No fee was charged to enter the city. Hunters and herb farmers streamed in and out, eking out a living here.

Merchants and peddlers also drove Ox Carts and horse carriages in and out, stocking up here before leaving.

This remote little border city was far from the martial world and far from conflict. All it had was a peaceful, stable life. At worst, a few street thugs and ruffians would loaf about, eating and drinking for free while collecting so-called protection fees.

There were pitifully few martial artists here. The great heroes and masters renowned throughout the Central Prefecture, or even forces with a little reputation, were nowhere to be found here.

The surrounding region was notoriously poor, with harsh mountains and treacherous waters. It produced neither rare medicinal herbs nor precious materials, and could only support a few minor local rich men putting down roots.

Those entering and leaving were either small merchants or honest local hunters and herb farmers, while most of the established residents were ordinary people