Chapter 240: The Eve of the Storm

On the day of the waning moon, it finally arrived.

From dawn, the sky grew dark and oppressive.

Lead-gray clouds hung low over the eaves and brackets of Bianliangcheng, like a water-soaked heavy filthy cloth, ready to collapse at any moment.

There was no wind; the air was stagnant and icy, carrying a strange odor of earthiness and faint niter.

The whole city fell into an unnatural silence; even the usually bustling market was deserted, and any passersby hurried along with worried faces, as if something invisible choked their throats.

An extreme tension, as if a mountain rain were about to fall and the wind filled the tower, enveloped the capital of this new dynasty.

The imperial palace, Zichen Hall.

Chen Wen stood with his hands behind his back before the huge hall window, silently gazing at the dead sky outside.

He still wore his simple, practical clothing, not the elaborate dragon robe, and his waist sword remained unsheathed.

The "Fortune Momentum" vortex within his body had never been this active and heavy.

It was no longer just slowly turning; it was like a boulder dropped into a deep pool, violently churning and surging, emitting a scorching, mighty aura.

This aura was not aggressive; it resembled an enraged, primal beast gathering strength, letting out an instinctive, silent roar at the approaching threat.

At the edge of the vortex, its formerly blurred outline now seemed to turn into countless tiny, sharp ice crystals or lightning, continuously colliding and annihilating silently with the cold malice and yuan-energy fluctuations emanating from the Iron Crow Army in the air.

The Growth Progress Bar still sat at 69%, but Chen Wen felt it was not stagnant—like a bowstring pulled to the limit, storing power, awaiting the moment of earth-shattering release.

He needed no report from Qian Gui to sense clearly that the net of destruction woven by the Iron Crow Army was continually tightening.

The center of that net was this very palace, and it was himself.

The nodes of the net spread throughout the entire city.

"Your Majesty."

Zhang Cheng and Wang Pu entered together, both faces equally solemn.

"All sectors in the city have executed the plan; important offices, granaries, and arsenals have been reinforced with extra troops, personally overseen by loyal commanders."

Zhang Cheng reported in a low voice.

"The populace has been urged to stay home; militia and martial marquises in every ward have been mobilized to help maintain order."

Wang Pu added.

"General Han Tong and General Zhang Yongde reported half an hour ago that, as planned, they have formed a pincer against the Chengde Army and will launch the general assault no later than noon tomorrow."

"They guarantee that the northern Hebei enemy will not interfere with the capital region's situation."

Chen Wen slowly turned his gaze over the two senior ministers.

"Thank you for your efforts."

"In extraordinary times, employ extraordinary measures."

"Tell those below: tonight, no matter what you hear or see, hold your posts, fulfill your duties, and that alone is a great merit."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

The Jing'an Marquis residence, in fact the temporary command hub of the Inspection Bureau.

Qian Gui stood like a statue before the huge defense map of Bianliangcheng.

On the map, dozens of red dots were densely marked, some accompanied by small names or codes.

These were confirmed or highly suspected Iron Crow Army strongholds, contact points, and possible weak spots they might exploit.

"Marquis, all teams are in position."

The deputy reported in a low voice, his tone hoarse from tension.

"The sixteen key intersections of the inner city, the four gates of the palace city, and all side gates are guarded by the 'Hidden Blade' and our strongest brothers, equipped with strong bows and crossbows, plus the first batch of trial 'Disturbing Crystal' devices sent from the Minister of Revenue."

"In the outer city districts, the city defense forces cooperate with our plainclothes to conduct grid patrols; any abnormality can be immediately suppressed."

"But..."

The deputy hesitated.

"Those 'Cold Crows'... several suspected top-tier Iron Crow Army leaders remain undetected."

"We've only caught small fry; the real big ones are still hiding in the dark."

A cold light flashed in Qian Gui's eyes.

"It's fine."

"If they intend to act, they will surely show themselves."

"Pass the order: everyone, keep your eyes sharp!"

"Pay special attention to fire sources, unknown smoke, and any suspicious crowds attempting to assault key targets."

"Especially those... things that don't look like living people!"

He recalled the fearless 'death warriors' of the Northern Han army, and his heart tightened.

"Tell the brothers: tonight, there is no retreat."

"The Emperor watches us; the people of Bianliangcheng watch us."

"Only a fight to the death!"

"Yes!"

In dark corners of Bianliangcheng.

Abandoned mansions, deep cellars, even the attics of seemingly ordinary homes.

Iron Crow Army members silently made their final preparations.

They checked poisoned crossbow bolts, sharpened blades, and carefully placed cans of incendiary oil and packets of black powder at predetermined spots.

Their eyes were numb yet fanatical, movements mechanical yet precise, like a group of wind-up killing machines awaiting the final trigger.

In a certain underground chamber, the icy leader personally handed the last three 'Annihilation Thunder' devices to three death warriors whose minds had been utterly destroyed by drugs and special rites, leaving only pure destructive desire.

The eerie blue light flickered like ghost fire in the dim chamber, illuminating his expressionless face.

The hour is approaching.

He announced coldly.

For the master's glory.

For the world's 'correctness'.

Let fire and blood cleanse this deviant filth!

The low, fervent echo resonated in the secret chamber, like a curse from hell.

And outside the courtyard in Chan Prefecture where Zhao Kuangyin was imprisoned.

Several vague black shadows, taking advantage of the increasingly heavy night and the silent streets, silently approached the high wall like geckos.

They received the highest order from the 'Master'——at the same time the 'Blood Moon' plan is launched, spare no expense, to fish out this possibly still useful 'pawn' from the prison cage.

Perhaps it is to, after the Chen dynasty collapses, gather the remnants, or perhaps…… merely to add a hint of chaotic variable to this destructive feast.

Inside the prison cell, Zhao Kuangyin seemed to sense something, he flung open his eyes and gazed toward the small iron window.

Outside the window, the night sky was as black as ink, as if nurturing countless demons and monsters.

His heart pounded uncontrollably.

On the imperial palace's watchtower.

Chen Wen had somehow already ascended here, leaning on the railing to gaze into the distance.

His gaze seemed to pierce through layers of palaces and dwellings, seeing the malice writhing in the darkness, seeing the ghostly fiends sharpening their knives, seeing the taut nerves of Qian Gui's soldiers, and also seeing countless ordinary folk, in panic and unease, lighting the feeble lamps praying for safety.

His inner 'Fortune Momentum' vortex spun ever more violently, that immense force almost about to burst out of his body.

But he still forcibly suppressed it.

He was waiting.

Waiting for that final moment.

Waiting for the collision that must come.

He slowly raised his hand, pressing it against the icy sword hilt.

The blade within the scabbard also seemed to sense his lord's intent, emitting a faint, almost inaudible hum.

Come.

He spoke silently to that sinking night.

His voice was calm, yet it contained the resolve and power sufficient to cleave through all darkness.

Lead clouds lowered, the night grew darker.

Bianliangcheng, like a beast crouched beneath ancient shadows, held its breath, waiting……

That which is destined to rend the heavens and shake the earth……

The first clap of thunder.