Two days later, Lin Chen finally emerged from that stretch of endless mountains and stepped onto a broad, level official road of packed yellow earth.
Compared to the secluded path from before, this place was clearly far livelier. Merchant caravans laden with goods passed by from time to time, their camel bells chiming in the distance; groups of three or five martial artists or cultivators, armed with sabers and swords, traveled together with hurried expressions; occasionally, elaborately decorated carriages pulled by tamed low-grade demon beasts sped past, kicking up clouds of dust.
The land on either side of the road had also opened up. Farmland and scattered villages could be seen in the distance. The spiritual energy in the air seemed slightly denser than it had been in the mountains and forests. Though it was still thin, there were clearly more cultivators traveling back and forth. Those in the Qi Condensation Realm were everywhere, and every so often, one could sense the aura of Late Qi Condensation flicker past.
Lin Chen changed into a more common set of gray fitted clothes and put away his previous blue robe, making himself look more like an ordinary martial artist on the road. He remained low-profile, blending into the crowd as he headed east at an unhurried pace.
As he traveled, he kept an eye on the activity around him, especially the groups that did not look particularly friendly. The bearded man at Black Wind Pass had mentioned that the Blood Hand Gang operated near the official road, and Lin Chen wanted to see the situation for himself.
By afternoon, a crude tea stall appeared beside the road ahead. It had several rough wooden tables, a few long benches, and a straw shelter. A handful of travelers rested inside, while an honest-looking old