In the late autumn, three years later, the maple leaves on Zhongnan Mountain burned like fire. Su Jinhuan was in the training courtyard, guiding her disciples through the "Twelve Forms of Heart Protection," when she suddenly felt the Jade Pendant at her waist grow searingly hot.
She looked up toward the northwestern horizon and saw a mass of ink-black clouds rolling and gathering with uncanny speed. Everywhere they passed, birds fell from the sky and vegetation withered into yellow decay.
"Gather all the elders; prepare to depart." No sooner had Su Jinhuan spoken than a black shadow swept across the treetops like a phantom.
Chapter 144