The night had long since deepened. Mochou Lake still rippled faintly in the breeze, while the moon hid halfway behind dark clouds, revealing only a glimmer of radiance. The whole earth lay asleep.
At that moment, a black shadow emerged from somewhere. It first crouched silently atop a roof ridge, observing for a while. Then it suddenly rose, slithered like a snake to another spot, and concealed itself. After a moment, it revealed itself again and headed straight for West City.
When the black shadow reached a grove beside the Matchmaker Temple, it stopped. Opening its mouth, it let out a strange birdcall. An answer immediately came from within the woods. A few breaths later, the shadow flashed into the grove, where a tall, lean man dressed for night travel stood silently waiting.
The later-arriving shadow was also powerfully built, though a little shorter than the man before him. He stepped forward and saluted. "This subordinate, February Twelfth, greets Lord Jingzhe."
The shadow called Jingzhe waved a hand. "No need for such courtesy, February Twelfth. Tomorrow is the final day of Hui Chun Valley's martial contest for marriage. Are you prepared?"
February Twelfth replied respectfully, "Please rest assured, Lord Jingzhe. Ever since I received the gang's orders two months ago, I have been preparing. If I had not needed to wait until the final day to take the stage, I would have long since fought my way in all directions."
"Hehe." Jingzhe laughed. "Your confidence puts my mind more at ease. Having you enter the martial contest for marriage is merely the last resort. Why would I send you onto the stage from the outset?"
February Twelfth said with a flattering smile, "It seems the other brothers sent by the sect failed, which is why we have no choice but