I

t was late into the afternoon when Sun Xin, Wen Xiao, Big Bang, and Jirgal approached the city's main gates and were met with heavy military presence in and around the premises. Captain Lao Lung met them and signaled them to halt.

"By order of the emperor, this city is on lockdown by the Ming Imperial Army. Due to the rise of attacks and the ever-present threat of anarchic factions, no one may leave or enter the city," he said.

Sun Xin reached into his ...