Soon, night fell.
Chongdao Ward, Yangzhou.
It was late at night. The streets, bustling with carriages and horses during the day, were now silent, and the gates of the various wards had all been shut tight. Only the occasional clack of a night watchman's wooden clapper carried from afar, echoing through the empty streets.
Besides that, ordinary soldiers on patrol sometimes marched past in formation.
Since this was the wealthy district of Yangzhou's inner city, where many high-ranking officials and wealthy merchants lived, the streets were paved with bluestone and lined with imposing residences behind vermilion gates. Naturally, a little extra security was needed.
As for how much good ordinary soldiers like these could do, that was a matter of opinion.
At any rate, they were certainly enough to handle ordinary thieves and keep the peace.
Just then!
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
Four white figures, ghostlike, skimmed across the rooftops and soundlessly landed among the tall trees outside a sprawling mansion with seven courtyards.
They were none other than Lin Daiyu, Tanchun, Zijuan, and Xueyan, all wearing masks.
"..."
Lin Daiyu still wore her simple dress, but she looked even more frail, as if a gust of night wind might knock her over.
Yet beneath her misty, smoke-like brows, her eyes were now as cold and still as water. She held a long sword, its scabbard faintly shimmering with spiritual runes in the moonlight.
"..."
Tanchun stood beside her. The night breeze lifted the loose strands at her temples, revealing her bright eyes and shapely brows. Her gaze was keen, yet restrained.
She paid no attention to the mansion. Instead, she lowered her head and gently opened the wooden case holding the magical artifact known as the "Shadow Gu." A faint light flickered inside, illuminating her grave expression.
"!!"
"Sister