"Stop?"
The shopkeeper held the birdcage in one hand and spoke gravely.
"This isn't just my family's affair. I hope you'll think twice before acting."
With the Osmanthus Tree at its center.
In Small Town, the head of the Liu Family locked his door.
He told his children not to go outside.
Then he headed out with his eldest and second sons.
The old man fishing put away his rod as well and headed toward the center of Small Town...
At the same time.
In every household in Small Town, whether the wealthy families in the east.
Or the ordinary families in the west, everyone told their children not to go outside.
Then, without any prior agreement, they walked toward the center of Small Town.
Li Ping'an turned to look.
Six roads led to the center of Small Town.
Three broad roads and three narrow ones.
Now people kept coming this way.
Almost all six roads were packed with people.
So many people had gathered, yet their surroundings were silent except for the faint sound of the breeze.
Li Ping'an put away the Fusang Saber and tucked his hands into his sleeves.
His eyes narrowed slightly as he watched the people approaching from every direction.
"I am Wei Zhen of the Cloud Cliff Pavilion. I've long heard of your great name, sir. I'm fortunate to meet you today."
A man in blue robes cupped his hands.
"Amitabha. This humble monk is Wuchen of the Floating Dust Temple. My respects, Mr. Li."
A monk draped in a kasaya bowed slightly.
"Qiu Ying of the Longing Garden pays her respects, sir."
"Tianya Zi of Qianmo Island. We once met in Tengchong City, sir. I wonder if you still remember."
"Amitabha. Guang Chen of the Tranquil Heart Temple.
"This humble monk once