Changes in the World

Fang Shu arrived at Five Viscera Temple.

Toad Shoal, once rather bustling, had now become as desolate as a ghost town.

At first, he thought only the people within the mountain gates had not come out and about.

But even after he reached Toad Street, he saw only a few hurried figures on the road.

Especially when he passed a certain spot and caught sight of a familiar figure, Fang Shu finally realized that life for those in the mountain had truly been difficult after the great war.

At the entrance to the Servants Hall's shop renting and selling meditation rooms, half a man lay sprawled across the stone steps, listlessly basking in a sun that did not exist.

If not for the faint trace of blood and qi still in his body, he would have seemed truly dead.

This man was Steward Sun, with whom Fang Shu had crossed paths when he first came up the mountain.

As Fang Shu approached him, his steps slowed slightly, but he did not stop, much less go up to exchange pleasantries. His expression remained calm as he passed right before the man.

Yet as his figure swept past, Steward Sun, whose eyes had been shut, could not help opening them. He watched Fang Shu's retreating back with envy and confusion.

"Another disciple returning to the mountain?" Steward Sun murmured inwardly. He also vaguely felt that Fang Shu's back looked somewhat familiar.

But before he could think further, a sharp, scolding click of the tongue rang out from within the meditation-room rental shop.

A plump and lovely maidservant emerged from the shop, carrying a basin. With impatience, she tossed it before Steward Sun and barked at him as if feeding a dog:

"Eat."

After tossing down the food basin, the maidservant twisted her