The Arrival of Yun Province's Commanderies

June twenty-third, Cangwu Mountain.

Pale golden sunlight rose in the sky, but the Four Symbols Sect's mountain gate was still ablaze with lights.

From its foot to its summit, every part of Cangwu Mountain had been meticulously prepared.

A brocade banner bearing the Four Symbols pattern hung every ten paces along both sides of the mountain path. The four colors swayed gently in the breeze, making the mountain look, from afar, as though it had donned a suit of motley armor.

The square inside the gate had been transformed into an open-air banquet venue. A broad red carpet ran down its center, leading straight to the Sect Master's seat at the front.

Behind the seat stood an enormous Four Symbols Sect Emblem, its gold lines against a black field gleaming with a deep luster in the morning light.

Several reception points had been set up around the sect's perimeter. Four Symbols Sect disciples each had their duties: some registered guests, others guided them to their seats, and still others wove through the crowd carrying tea and pastries.

Dozens of disciples stood along both sides of the mountain path, maintaining security and order.

Dressed in Vermilion Bird Hall's formal uniform, Zhu Qingli stood just inside the gate, surveying the welcoming, reception, and gift-collection arrangements.

Whenever a disciple ran into a problem they could not resolve, she offered a word of guidance.

Shi Jian sat in the seat of honor in the Black Tortoise Hall section. His spirits were much better than before, though the cloudiness in his eyes had deepened.

His gaze lingered on Ye An for a moment, unconcealed gratification in his eyes and a faint smile on his gaunt face.

As the sun climbed higher, guests began arriving.

The first were local martial forces from Cangwu.

Though Blazing Fire