The grand hall of the White Crane Hall felt uncomfortably heavy. Incense smoke drifted past the carved white pillars, but it did nothing to ease the gloom hanging over the room.
Tu Hengshan stood by the wide stone balcony, staring down at Flying Eagle City. Behind him, Grand Elder Deng paced with folded hands, holding a stack of communication talismans that had just flared out.
"Hall Master, the news is verified," Elder Deng said with a heavy sigh. "The Ironback Crocodile Clan and the Thunderbird Clan have already started swinging blades at each other in the south district. Two trade streets are already blocked, and blood has been spilled."
Tu Hengshan pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling a massive headache coming on. "Those overgrown lizards really think Nie Fang killed their young master? Even a fool can tell someone set them up."
