The midday shift in the lower coal yards of Rust Hall came to a screeching halt when a bronze gong suspended from the central watchtower chimed twelve times in rapid succession.
Master Chai stopped pounding his iron link against the brass plate, lowering his arm as a senior courier clad in white and gold silks dropped from a soaring martial airship onto the gravel courtyard.
The imperial courier unrolled an oversized parchment scroll bearing the personal wax seal of Grand Elder Jian Wuchen, clearing his throat to project his voice across the sprawling industrial wings of the outer service division.
"By decree of the Grand Elder and the Outer Sect Directorate," the courier announced, his crisp tone echoing against the basalt walls. "To test the martial vigor and combat readiness of all o
