First Encounter (Two Chapters Combined)

The surrounding crowd surged toward the emergency exits, each person pushing to get there first. Lin Li stood near the wall, chatting with Zhang Yuxi with an easy, unruffled expression.

"Although you're a Cultivator and can handle the fire better than ordinary people, fire and water are merciless. It'd still be better to get out of danger sooner... just in case something unexpected happens," Zhang Yuxi reminded him.

"Fine, I'll listen to you. I'll leave the department store now..." Seeing how worried Zhang Yuxi was, Lin Li stopped arguing and answered according to her wishes.

"Then I'll go back and find you..." Zhang Yuxi said.

"You don't need to come find me. I'll be able to leave the department store in a moment. Go home and check on your mother's injuries," Lin Li urged.

Zhang Yuxi thought it over, then changed her mind. "All right. Once you're out of the department store, send me a message."

"Mm." Lin Li nodded, then ended the call.

The commotion continued unabated. With the situation out of control, everyone was desperately trying to leave the dangerous place, clogging the exits and greatly slowing down the evacuation.

After finishing his call with Zhang Yuxi, Lin Li put away his phone and looked at the chaotic scene before him, letting out a sigh inwardly.

He then entered the crowd, shouldering aside the panicked people blocking his way. After walking more than a dozen steps, he reached the railing and looked down.

The middle of the department store was hollow. From the sixth floor, he could look down and see parts of the second floor.

Black smoke was pouring from the second floor, where the fire had broken out. Judging by the smoke, the blaze there was not very serious, just as the announcement had said.

He