The faint light of a crescent moon pierced the night sky, lost in the deep shadow cast by the city wall, rendering everything at its base dim and obscure.
However, several bonfires burned fiercely at the city gate. The firelight illuminated the surrounding darkness. A cold night wind swept past, carrying smoke up into the air as the flames danced, casting flickering shadows of the people gathered there.
The sudden appearance of a figure in the distance filled the air with tension. The murmur of conversation slowly died down, replaced by a complete silence.
Xu Tieshan and the others parted the crowd, making their way to the front.
In the flickering firelight, the six of them were just able to make out the newcomer's features, and looks of surprise appeared on all their faces.
