In the silence, Chen Chong felt two pats on his leg.
His leg jerked reflexively, but he managed to stop himself before kicking out.
"Mr. Chen, a lot of 'people' are coming over."
Zhou Xi's voice came from behind him. "They're all looking at you."
"...I know."
Chen Chong exhaled, softening his expression as he addressed the little girl beneath the truck. "Don't worry. We're not like those people outside. Stay hidden here in a moment. Don't run around."
The girl covered her mouth. Seemingly feeling a little safer, she nodded uncertainly.
"Mr. Chen, they're here."
"I know. Watch the child."
Chen Chong stood up.
Half crouching, Zhou Xi looked up at him. "Don't you need my help?"
"Not for now. Get under the truck too."
Chen Chong paused, then added, "Keep her safe."
"Understood."
Zhou Xi glanced at him, then obediently crawled under the truck and crouched beside the little girl.
Looking out, they could see only Chen Chong's lower body and the growing number of legs appearing in the surrounding fog.
Chen Chong surveyed the strangely behaving pedestrians around him. Clearly, they were no longer entirely normal.
The ordinary-looking office workers moved with heavy limbs, considerable strength, and very labored breathing.
Even the slightly sturdier men had strength approaching the first realm, while the young people dressed as Martial Arts Hall apprentices seemed to have reached the second realm.
Clearly, everyone affected by this Ruin Rift had undergone some degree of change.
Given more time, perhaps they would become like those devotees and monks.
But however numerous they were, their strength posed no real threat to Chen Chong.
Still, watching their expressions, which had not yet become completely serene, Chen Chong frowned deeply and left his blade sheathed.
The nearest few had already reached out to grab him,