Tang Eagle

Shangzhou, Shangluo County.

As dusk settled and lanterns began to glow, an expansive mansion sprawled across the eastern city, its rooftops stretching in an unbroken line over a hundred acres. In a small courtyard nestled in the northwest corner, Wei Fufeng sat alone inside, reading a book.

“Spread out and seal the area!” a deep masculine voice rang out, its command carrying from afar, followed by a growing chorus of chaotic noises.

Wei Fufeng paused in surprise. He rose and walked to the door, opening it to step outside. Faintly, he heard shouts of “Catch the assassin!” His gaze drifted toward the tall outer wall on his right, beyond which lay the alley by the side gate.

He cast a glance at the wall, then turned back inside, determined not to meddle in affairs that did not concern him. As he shut the door behind him, a sudden bang sounded above. Startled, he instinctively looked up and leapt aside, narrowly avoiding a shower of dirt and dust.

Looking out again, he saw a figure drop from above into the courtyard.

With a thud, the figure landed on both feet, only to stumble and fall. An assassin? Wei Fufeng’s eyes widened in shock as he watched the figure spring up and dash toward the door. In a flash, the person entered the room.

Bang! The door slammed shut, and the newcomer fixed their gaze on Wei Fufeng.

He stared back in astonishment; the intruder was a woman clad in green.

In his surprise, the woman lunged at him, a cold gleam flickering as a short sword pressed against the left side of his neck.

“Not a soun