Early the next morning, sunlight streamed through the inn window, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on the floor. Xu Lin rose early. Glancing at Hu Shang, who was still fast asleep, he pondered for a moment and decided against having Hu Shang accompany him. Gently waking Hu Shang, he lowered his voice and said, "Brother Hu, why don't you spend the day as you please? There's no need to come with me to the Xianyang City History Library."
Hu Shang rubbed his sleep-heavy eyes and, though somewhat puzzled, nodded. "Be careful out there, Brother Xu. If anything comes up, get back and let me know as soon as you can."
Xu Lin gave a slight nod and turned to leave the inn. He walked along the streets of Xianyang City with a storm of thoughts churning in his mind. Before long, he arrived at the History Library, a building that held countless memories of the past. The library's grand and solemn structure featured towering vermilion doors that stood already ajar. Stepping inside, Xu Lin spotted an old man dozing with his head bowed near the entrance. Hearing footsteps approach, the old man opened his eyes and looked up at Xu Lin.
Chapter 140