The night passed quickly.
The next day, just as dawn was breaking, the sound of roosters crowing rose and fell outside the window.
In the inn room, Zheng Que finished cultivating and slowly exhaled a breath of stale air. He glanced at Qing Li, hanging from the crossbeam, and Ku Lan, sitting beside the table. Then he opened the Soul-Nurturing Bag and put both Ghost Servants inside.
Next, he set a few more small mechanisms before heading out, making straight for Gongfeng Square.
There weren't many people in the market at this hour. Zheng Que smoothly collected a patrol Bijia Vest from the Merit Bureau.
Its vermilion color was vivid, making it conspicuous in a crowd. It was simply cut and noticeably roomier than ordinary clothing, with two waist ties for adjusting the fit so it could be worn by men and women alike. White lines traced runes across its surface, and it gave off a faint spiritual aura.
It counted as a talismanic implement.
A talismanic implement was an ordinary saber, spear, sword, halberd, or piece of protective gear with runes carved into it, giving it special effects.
After looking it over, Zheng Que had just put on the Bijia Vest when a cultivator carrying another vermilion vest walked straight toward him.
The cultivator looked to be in his thirties. He was a medium-height man with regular features, dressed in a long purple sandalwood robe. His complexion was exceptionally pale, and even beneath the sunlight, he radiated a chill. His lips were completely devoid of color.
He introduced himself as "Li Li'an" and said he was staying at Xinyuan Inn in the western part of the city.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two put on their patrol vests and headed for East Street.
Li Li'an had clearly lived