The atmosphere was stiff. The three people kneeling were slightly better off; with their heads lowered, they didn't need to concern themselves with much. But the soldiers standing behind them simply stood there, dumbfounded, not knowing what to do. They wanted to speak but didn't dare, and as for leaving without permission, even with ten lifetimes' worth of courage, they probably wouldn't risk it.
Time stretched on for a while. Yan Jiang only now seemed to notice the situation behind him. Finally, he spoke, "Alright, stop standing there. Except for those three, everyone else—if you're not gone by the count of three, deal with the consequences yourself."
His voice revealed no hint of emotion, yet it carried an invisible tension that made the air thick with dread!
