The distant sun slowly sank toward the west.
Chen Shouyi called the two Little Dots and went down the mountain. He took out his bicycle and rode along at an unhurried pace.
A line of enormous self-propelled guns, like steel giant beasts, rumbled past in a long column. The ground trembled faintly. Passersby hurried to one side, talking among themselves, their faces tinged with unease.
Lately, the whole city of Hai had been on edge, oppressed by gloom and all kinds of rumors flying everywhere.
Yet for ordinary people, when faced with such upheaval, the only thing they could do was endure it. Knowing more wouldn't change anything.
Chen Shouyi glanced at them, then looked away.
The Divine Stone has been completely used up. From now on, I'll have to rely on myself and cultivate slowly!
He sighed softly and looked toward the distant horizon. Beneath the white smoke belching from countless chimneys, the dusky light of the setting sun carried a hint of languor and helplessness, like the fading glow of a day on the verge of its end.
Chen Shouyi had originally planned to head straight home, but then, on a sudden impulse, he turned his bicycle toward Hai University.
Although the atmosphere of war had grown increasingly intense, the university continued holding classes as usual, seemingly unaffected.
Chen Shouyi parked his bicycle in the bike shed and headed toward the dormitories.
"Excuse me, do you know Song Tingting?" Chen Shouyi called over a girl who looked sweet and honest.
"Ah!" The girl's face flushed when she saw Chen Shouyi. Stammering, she said, "I... I don't know her. How about I ask around for you?"
"Thanks. Sorry for the trouble."
"No trouble, no trouble," the girl hurriedly replied, sneaking glances at Chen Shouyi, her heart pounding. "What year