Book 2 Dark Clouds over the Horizon

Chapter 63 Book 2 Dark Clouds over the Horizon

The evening sun cast an amber glow across the fields outside the village of Xian, where Li An stood amidst a group of villagers-turned-soldiers. Their faces were a mix of determination and trepidation as they practiced with the newly designed airguns, rapid-shooting arrows, and repeating crossbows that Li An had introduced to them. Her voice was steady, carrying a calm authority that steadied the anxious hearts around her.

"Steady your stance. Line up the sight with your target. And breathe," Li An instructed, her voice cutting through the murmurs of uncertainty. She stepped beside a young man who struggled to hold his airgun steady. Placing her hands over his, she guided him. "Like this. Let the weapon do the work. Now, fire."

The hiss of compressed air shot through the silence, and the projectile struck a bullseye on the makeshift target. A cheer went up, but Li An raised her hand, silencing them.