Ning City's hour was originally the busiest hour of the day.
The streets were bustling with the sounds of people, citizens queuing at grain shops, devotees listening to teachings at the Daoist sites, and merchants selling at street corners, all weaving into an intricate tapestry of lively scenes.
But without any warning, the sky suddenly darkened.
It was as if an invisible giant hand had dragged a heavy black curtain across, and the daylight was instantly swallowed, plunging the world into gloom.
Even the wind carried a piercing chill, laced with an elusive fishy scent, quietly sweeping through every corner of the city.
The new followers of the Taishang Dao were the first to notice the anomaly, halting their tasks and looking skyward, faces filled with bewilderment and doubt.
"Why has the sky suddenly turned black? Could it be a torrential rain is coming?"
"No, look at the sky! What is that ominous thing up there?"
