In Zhaoyang City

The city gates slowly closed behind them, shutting out the mass of refugees and their hopeful eyes.

The soldier leading the way was a man in his early thirties.

He had a rat-faced, weasel-eyed look, his eyes constantly darting about.

Through the gap in the gates just now, he had seen with his own eyes the white-haired Daoist lop off several heads with a single sword stroke.

Then he saw that the sword summoned by the other party could hang suspended in midair. How could he dare show the slightest neglect?

He trotted along at Shen Hui's side, bowing and scraping with eager attentiveness.

"Immortal Master has come from afar and must have had a hard journey. This lowly one is Wang Wu. I failed to recognize Mount Tai before my eyes. Immortal Master is magnanimous, so please do not hold it against me."

As he spoke, he edged half a step closer, lowered his voice, and added:

"Immortal Master has come at just the right time. A major matter has recently arisen at the Commandery Governor's residence, and notices are posted everywhere seeking capable men and strange talents. If Immortal Master is interested, you might pay the Commandery Governor's residence a visit..."

Shen Hui neither confirmed nor denied it. He merely nodded faintly, then led the others into the city.

The soldier was quite sensible and knew when to stop while he was ahead.

He bowed deeply in salute, still muttering, "Immortal Master, take care," until their figures disappeared around the street corner. Only then did he straighten up.

Zhaoyang Commandery City presented an entirely different scene.

Shops lined both sides of the streets. Though it was nowhere near as bustling as in peaceful times, there was still some semblance of life.

Yet most pedestrians hurried along with anxious