LCHART

    The observations of the civilians were nothing short of striking. No matter how many times Ru-Jing sent them down the stairwell with clamouring force, they regained their strength with swift ferocity. The ascent of the stairs was a chaotic and tumultuous scene, as those who faltered were swiftly trampled beneath the onrushing throng. Yet, the most gruesome and startling sight was watching those whose faces were crushed and bones shattered, rise from the ground and dash towards the west gate with a feral and heedless disregard for any feeling of pain and physical agony. With his light-step technique*1 , Ru-Jing leapt from the top of the stone staircase. He ascended into the air, twisting his body quickly to cast an array of ink strokes forward. The shape of the ink formed instantly in long ribbons expanding into the frosty air. Quickly the sporadic tendrils morphed into smooth forms and soon became a flock of agile crane birds. With their large wings, the cranes pushed on...

  Part 1: Plague on the Mountain  Within the expanse of a maelstrom blizzard, jagged lightning cracked open the sky, and insidious thunderclouds roared above the earth. Ascending upwards to the heavens lies the marvelous terrains enveloped by rugged trails, peaks, and treacherous paths of Mount Hua. Located just outside of Huayi City, east of the Tang capital of Chang’an . Three mountain peaks surface above the clouds; two of which inhabit hundreds of civilians who fell prey to the terrors of war, famine, and homelessness, yet now reside in reclusive seclusion from the world. Deep within the mountains, there are also many disciplined individuals that have gained great spiritual transformations, some believe this is where immortals are cultivated and can be found meditating or practicing martial arts inside secluded temples. Some have claimed to have seen these practitioners flying over treetops with great speed and lightness. It is here at the summit of the third peak where th...