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Hanping Prefecture, East City Pass, city wall...
The moon had moved westward, with dark clouds floating.
The wind carried the scent of blood mixed with the fragrance of dewy grass and wood before dawn, mingling fresh new shoots with decaying timber.
Insects called from afar, and crows circled nearby.
Death was mournful, yet victory rallied the spirits.
"We drove the barbarians back, and that's all they amounted to!" an armored warrior exclaimed excitedly, "That's all they amounted to!"
"Indeed, barbarians are just humans, they die when struck by a blade! Though those demon beasts were terrifying, we also had masters from Shanhe Martial Arts Hall with us!" another warrior chimed in.
The noise and commotion continued.
General Yuan did not interrupt, merely watched silently as his subordinates collected the bodies.