At a single command, sinister winds rose from all sides.
In an instant, the dark clouds that had just parted closed again, thicker than ever, hanging so low they seemed about to touch the ground.
A cold north wind began to blow. It did not seem strong, but its chill pierced to the bone. It was late summer, and people wore light clothing that offered no protection against the eerie cold. When the wind struck, it stung their skin and raised their hair. Worse, a distinct chill seeped through flesh and muscle, then pressed toward their organs.
More terrifying still was what came with the wind.
Countless Mountain Spirits and River Demons!
Some had mangled bodies; others were nothing but masses of black mist. Even the more complete ones wore ghastly, savage expressions. Riding the wind, they gathered into a vast horde in the blink of an eye, wailing and shrieking as they charged toward the Moon-Viewing Conference.
At the sight of them, the officials, honored veterans, and scholars at the gathering cried out.
There were brave and worldly people among them, but most were ordinary mortals. They had never seen anything so horrifying in their lives. How could they not be afraid?
Just then, Di Renchen spoke.
"Sending spirits to assail the emperor's carriage? Sir of the Mohist School, you may be old, but you don't know much!"
He raised a hand and pointed ahead. "The emperor stands here. Evil Fiends, begone!"
At his command, the countless ghosts rushing toward them slammed into an invisible wall and stopped short. Some at the front burst apart outright, dissolving into black wind. Those behind hesitated, afraid to advance.
The emperor of Great Xia bore the Fortune of the Nine Provinces. Though it hindered his cultivation, it also granted him extraordinary powers.