Proofreader & Editor: Peter Pan

Just past noon, under the towering city tower with blue tiles, armored soldiers stood tall and straight, gripping long spears. Below the tower, the expanse of the city wall stretched into the distance, and at its center, three broad gates stood open—one tall flanked by two shorter ones—through which a ceaseless stream of people and horses flowed, painting a bustling scene.

The fierce sun hung high in the sky, casting a vast shadow from the city gate over the throngs entering and exiting. The shadow stretched across the drawbridge and moat, reaching the feet of Yuan Ming.

Gazing at the familiar gates, Yuan Ming slightly lifted his head, his eyes finally resting on the grey stone plaque above the archway, inscribed with two bold characters: "Qu Jiang."