At high noon, the sun hung high in the sky, casting a blazing light that mercilessly baked the earth. The bluestone paths of Taoyuan Village seemed almost ignited under the scorching glare, radiating waves of heat that made the soles of one's feet feel hot.
At the village entrance, a defensive fortification built from logs and boulders stood tall and sturdy. Although it looked somewhat crude, it caught the sunlight with a chilling, intimidating gleam, as if declaring to the outside world its solidity and inviolability.
Surrounding the fortification, villagers stood in a disciplined row, gripping various farm tools such as hoes, sickles, and carrying poles, their expressions solemn like a well-trained army. Their gazes were locked onto the road outside the village entrance, as if on guard against potential enemies.
Chapter 398