Chapter 118

Evening. When Xun Rui and Cheng Wanli returned, Zhao Yi feigned illness, telling them to discuss any business the following day. He went to bed early. Once he was sure they were gone, he changed into Zhu Tong’s clothes, fastened his homemade tactical pouch around his waist, and slipped out of the relay station. After asking for directions along the way, Zhao Yi headed toward the west side of the city. As he moved westward, the surroundings grew increasingly quiet. In some areas, the distant sound of barking dogs could still be heard, but by the time he reached the Earth God Temple on the west side, all was silent. The area was filled with dilapidated houses, with only a scattering of candlelight flickering here and there. The drought had taken its toll; those who could leave had left, and those who remained were barely scraping by.