Three hundred li north of Jing City, by the bank of a small river, a dozen individuals dressed in black were scattered in a circle, taking a rest. The eyes that were visible were sharply observing the surroundings for any movement. Not far from them, over a dozen steeds were grazing on the grass by the riverbank.
The horses had significantly hollowed bellies, evidently having not eaten for an extended period. Their flanks and necks were damp, stained with an unknown shade of dark red in many places, and most had injuries on their legs, the blood from which had been dried by the wind. Clearly, their masters had ridden them through a brutal slaughter not long ago.