Qian Renxue (67)

"Reminder: in town, the use of Soul Skills above five rings is prohibited. Privately approaching within three kilometers of the rift is prohibited. Curfew is enforced after eight every night. Violating any one of these will result in immediate expulsion and placement on the continent's observation blacklist." The woman returned the documents to her. "For lodging, I recommend Scholar's Home. Fair prices, and it's close to the town library."

"Thank you."

After walking into North Wind Town, Qian Renxue felt the changes of this era even more directly. The shop windows on both sides of the street displayed goods she had never seen before: foldable soul-guidance screens, personal protective field generators, simulated Soul Ring training devices. Snatches of people's conversations drifted into her ears:

". The rift in the northeast district expanded by 0.3% last week."

". Shrek Academy's latest report believes the rate of rift expansion is accelerating."

". The barrier jointly developed by Tang Sect and Spirit Pagoda can only slow it down, not stop it."

". I heard the first case of 'Void Sickness' appeared in Heaven Dou City."

Qian Renxue headed toward "Scholar's Home," a small three-story inn. The man at the front desk was middle-aged and had his head down, repairing a radio that was making static.

"Lodging. Single day or long-term?" He did not even raise his head.

"A week to start," Qian Renxue said. "Do you have a quieter room?"

"The innermost room on the third floor. The window faces the back mountain. Quiet. Eight hundred Federation Coins for a week, breakfast included."

Qian Renxue paid the fee—Tang Wulin had prepared more than enough currency—and took the key. The room was simple but tidy: one bed, one table, one chair, and a cramped bathroom. She set down her simple luggage and walked to