In this way, several days passed continuously. On this day, from morning onwards, the sky began to grow gloomy, and by dusk, a fierce wind had picked up, with dark clouds covering the stars and moon, plunging the world into darkness.
Faced with such terrible weather, Zhao Ya naturally couldn’t sit still.
During this time, he was most afraid of rain, because as soon as it rained, even if the kerosene could be used, its effect would be greatly reduced.
So he hurriedly shuttled between the towers of the major city walls.
At the same time, he notified the major Martial Arts Halls to have them prepare in advance.
Some people took this seriously, but others felt Zhao Ya was making a fuss over nothing.
Bang!
When the first drop of rain fell, Zhao Ya stood silently under the eaves of a tower, gazing at the restless rolling dark clouds in the distant sky.
"Looks like this is going to be a torrential downpour," Meng Shiwen sighed beside him.
As she spoke, dense raindrops were already crashing down, quickly gathering into countless small puddles on the ground.
The noisy sound of rain easily evokes a sense of loneliness, especially so in this pitch-black night.
And hiding under this small corner of the eaves, looking at the serious face of his Junior Brother Zhao Ya, Meng Shiwen somehow felt there was a strange warmth in the atmosphere.
"Indeed, it’s a heavy rain," Zhao Ya said calmly, but a hint of concern flickered in his eyes.
The storm was far more violent than expected.
And under such a downpour, even the fiercest kerosene would struggle to burn fully.
This was precisely what Zhao Ya was most worried about.
Feeling Zhao Ya’s concern, Meng Shiwen hesitated, then said, "Actually, things might not be that bad. In the afternoon, Master already informed a few other Martial Arts Halls, and the government has also sent out forces fully prepared."
"Right now, Shen Dao and Shaocheng have united the disciples of the major Martial Arts Halls, and are stationed at the various city gates. We have done our best, so no matter what happens, it is beyond our control."
Hearing this, Zhao Ya turned his head and looked at her quite surprised.
Because in his impression, Meng Shiwen would never say such long sentences, let alone comfort people.
Meng Shiwen’s cheeks flushed under Zhao Ya’s gaze, she quickly turned her head to hide her unease.
"These words are from Master for you, don’t overthink it."
Zhao Ya smiled at her words, "Still, thank you, Senior Sister."
Then he directed his gaze back to the curtain of rain, speaking calmly, "Actually, I am not overly worried. As you said, we have done everything possible; any further changes are beyond our influence."
"I’m just thinking that if anything happens tonight, many people might never see the sun rise again."
Meng Shiwen was about to say something.
At that moment, a sharp flash streaked across the sky, followed by a thunderous roar.
Meng Shiwen was startled, catching a glimpse of a flicker of firelight in the distance from the corner of her eye.
"It’s the South City Gate."
Zhao Ya and Meng Shiwen exclaimed in unison.
Earlier, Zhao Ya and Shen Dao had agreed that if any side encountered trouble, they would immediately ignite the warning beacon on the tower to alert the others.
But who would have thought that the first to give a warning would be the ordinarily insignificant South City Gate.
One must know that the main gates of the Commandery are the East and West gates, while the north and south face the forests, considered remote places with few passes, aside from woodcutters and hunters.
"Who’s at the South City Gate?" Zhao Ya asked.
"It’s Nie Jingnian from Ren Yong Martial Arts Hall!" Meng Shiwen replied immediately.
"You stay here and guard, I’ll go check it out!"
Without waiting for Meng Shiwen to respond, Zhao Ya swiftly dashed into the rain.
Meng Shiwen opened her mouth to speak, but within moments, Zhao Ya was already out of sight.
Helplessly, she could only muster all her spirit, looking towards the night sky beyond the city.
In that pitch-black night seemed to lurk countless beasts ready to pounce, making even the normally brave Meng Shiwen feel a chill.
Hope Junior Brother stays safe!
She silently prayed in her heart.
Meanwhile, Zhao Ya was rapidly darting through the curtain of rain.
His clothes were already soaked, but there was no time to worry about that now.
Because he knew Nie Jingnian well.
Unless something major happened that he couldn’t handle alone, he would never randomly light the warning beacon.
But from his position in the east heading to the South City Gate, there was some distance, no matter how anxious he was, it would still take a while.
When he was anxiously worried, he suddenly saw a blaze to the north gate as well.
Zhao Ya’s heart instantly sank.
His biggest fear had come true.
The last beast tide only targeted the East Gate, but this time audaciously launched an attack on two gates.
But now that things have come to this, Zhao Ya had nothing more to say.
Because just like Meng Shiwen mentioned, they had done their utmost; now, it was up to fate.
Rewinding time three minutes earlier.
At the South City Gate.
Nie Jingnian stood at the lookout, gazing outwards.
Behind him, the place was brightly lit, with a few disciples from the Martial Arts Hall who somehow acquired two roasted chickens and a jar of aged wine, currently gathered to eat, drink, and chat merrily.
Jiang Zhong from the Hundred Steps Martial Arts Hall carried a bowl of wine to Nie Jingnian’s side.
"Senior Brother Nie, have a sip of wine to ward off the chill. I’ll stand watch."
Nie Jingnian nodded, accepting the bowl and sipping slowly on the side.
"Such heavy rain is really rare," Jiang Zhong engaged in casual talk with Nie Jingnian.