The four towers of the Tang Sect stood tall at the cardinal points, piercing into the clouds, their silhouettes faintly visible in the pale mountain mist of early dawn.0

The clatter of paws and armor echoed as the northern wolf riders arrived, their mounts snarling with restless energy. These riders wore no armor, only rough animal hides to ward off the lingering spring chill. Each one was built like a bear, all muscle and menace, and their sharp eyes were locked firmly on the mountain gate ahead.2

They made no effort to hide their approach, didn’t slow down an inch. The column surged forward like a tidal wave, as though intent on crashing through this southern seat of power in a single charge, shattering it, slaughtering the men, enslaving the women, and pillaging everything of value.0

At the front rode a bearded man in a blue robe. Without warning, he drew his blade. A single...0