Shengtian City, Moon Gazing Tower.
Several black figures sprang out from the top of the tall building at once. By the moonlight, it was possible to see clearly that they wore identical black robes embroidered with yellowed maple leaves.
"Let him get away again. That bastard's as slippery as an eel!"
"The entire city's been under martial law for nearly half a month. If we still don't have results, His Majesty will probably fly into a rage."
"Alas, there's nothing to be done. That thief's lightness skill is outstanding, and his martial cultivation advances a thousand miles in a day. If this keeps up, we'll probably need a commander to subdue him."
"Unfortunately, both commanders have gone to Qingzhou. The jianghu has truly been anything but peaceful lately."
"Let's return to the department first. Don't let that vile thief catch us alone."
If Li Qing had been there, he would have recognized at a glance that these people belonged to the Maple Guard Department. One of them was even someone he knew—wasn't that Yang Xing?
Meanwhile, Li Qing had already returned to his blacksmith shop in Shengtian City.
Darkness. Cold.
If the furnishings around him had not matched his memories, he might even have suspected that his crossing had failed and that he was still in the Eternal Night World.
"Whew! More or less. Counting the time, I spent nearly nine months in the Eternal Night World."
"When I left, Shengtian City had already entered autumn. Three months passed there, so it's only natural that it has become deep winter here."
After saying this, Li Qing inspected every corner of the blacksmith shop and confirmed that no thieves had broken in.
The gold, silver, jewelry, and two vats of medicinal wine he had brought back were all intact. Only then