Rumble...
In the clear sky, low thunder rumbled faintly. The sunlight dimmed at a visible rate, as if an invisible hand had covered the heavens.
In mere moments, chaotic clouds surged forth from the void and blanketed the city. Lightning churned within them, leaving the darkened city stifling and oppressive.
Looking up toward the horizon, one could still see golden sunlight spilling from the edges of the storm clouds beyond Cangnan City. Yet not a trace of it could shine into the city, as if this place had been cut off from all outside influence... including light.
Like a vicious curse.
The wind gradually picked up.
The hem of Lin Qiye's clothes fluttered wildly in the wind. He frowned at the carriage before him, then nodded after a moment.
"I'm Lin Qiye." He paused before continuing, "May I ask if you are... Master, one of the five Human Apexes?"
Lin Qiye had heard Hong Ying mention that a Human Apex had recently arrived in Cangnan, traveling by carriage. Seeing this scene before him, he immediately made the connection.
"Just call me Master Chen. 'Apex' is such an awful title. I don't know who came up with such a lousy name." The old man's voice seemed somewhat displeased. "Get in. This old man has something to say to you."
As soon as he finished speaking, the bookish attendant driving the carriage stood and opened the carriage door behind him. He then waited respectfully at the side for Lin Qiye to enter.
Lin Qiye hesitated for a moment before stepping toward the carriage.
Only upon approaching did Lin Qiye realize that this carriage differed somewhat from those he had seen on television. Or rather, it was not as luxurious as he had imagined. There were no extravagant decorations; it was simply pieced