It was only the end of the afternoon watch, yet the Capital's skies had already darkened, and one torrential downpour after another arrived right on schedule.
Far away in Anyi Ward, blood mingled with rain in every alley.
The thousands of Embroidered Uniform Guards attached to the White Tiger Office withdrew in succession, under orders to hold the streets and alleys and await the Central Court's decision.
An elder of the martial world fled into the narrow wooden building and cried hoarsely:
"Young Master Jia surrendered! He's standing trial in the Imperial City!"
Scholar Twin Whips and the others were drenched in blood. The news struck them like a thunderbolt.
How could the boss bare his neck for the blade?
The elder gazed for a long time at the leaden sky, his face full of grief.
"Darkness is falling."
The Scholar's eyes were bloodshot. He gripped the elder's arm tightly and pleaded in a low voice:
"You must protect Lord Jia's family. Miss An of Medicine King Valley will reward you handsomely-supreme martial arts, ten thousand taels of gold. I humbly beg you all to do everything in your power!"
The elders of the martial world nodded firmly.
Without a moment's hesitation, Scholar Twin Whips headed toward the Imperial City.
Against the crushing might of the Embroidered Uniform Guard's Commanding Commissioner, they were far too weak. They were even a burden to their boss. All they could do was fly like moths into the flame and share his grave.
Within the towering Forbidden City, heavy rain scoured the white marble pillars. Thousands of gold-armored Imperial Army soldiers stood ready to strike as four Pacification Commissioners dismounted.
They strode toward the Imperial City's Imperial Path. A imposing man in the Golden Python Flying Fish Uniform stood with his hands behind