Li Qingxian said, "Devil Sect City is guarded with extreme rigor. Even with the two of you being highly skilled and aided by the Night Guard, you will still face danger. First, make a list of everything you need, and I'll find someone to gather it all. In particular, you must prepare all kinds of antidotes."
"Before we leave, may we cultivate in Heavenly God Hurling Mountain Park for a few days?"
"Of course. Even cultivating for a month would be no problem. You must make ample preparations for the trip to White Stone City. If either of you faces mortal danger, flee at once. Your lives are more important than this matter."
The two of them nodded together.
Li Qingxian rose and walked to the window, gazing at the dry pond within the government office.
"At this time of year, the lotus flowers in Jiangnan have already bloomed."
Zhou Hen and Gray Falcon quietly looked out the window together.
Summer was growing hotter, yet not a single mosquito could be seen in White Stone City.
On sweltering nights, every household kept its doors tightly shut. No one slept on the rooftops or in the courtyards.
Late at night, Zhang Yuanbai returned home. Without even washing up, he rolled onto his bed and promptly fell into a deep sleep.
In the eastern courtyard next door, two figures in black set up an altar, placed a white porcelain figurine in its center, and withdrew.
Before long, the altar flared with light. The white porcelain figurine seemed to come alive, turning its body to face Zhang Yuanbai's bedroom to the west.
In his dream, Zhang Yuanbai vaguely saw a woman leading a child as they ran toward him, their faces blurred.
A stab of pain pierced Zhang Yuanbai's heart. With his lips