Neither Righteous Nor Evil?

"Of course, besides destroying these things, we also need to investigate signs of ghost activity along the way. If we encounter civilians in danger, we must help them as well," He Wenzheng added.

"If that is all, there is no need to make such a big fuss and send so many people, is there? My squad of Mountain Fist Sect disciples should be enough..." Zhou Meng said in a gruff voice, frowning.

"The strength of the Mountain Fist Sect's immortal masters is naturally not to be underestimated. But all current missions are like this. Everyone must work together to ensure nothing goes wrong," He Wenzheng said.

"There must be reasons behind the higher-ups' arrangements. Besides, the appearance of ten thousand ghosts in Chang'an this time is tied to the Body Refining Altar's scheme, so there are many unknown risks. It would be safer for us to act together," Shen Luo said after some thought.

"Senior Shen is absolutely right," Zhao Tingsheng agreed.

Hearing this, Zhou Meng said nothing more. The group left the Hidden Troops Hall and headed for Dunyi Ward.

After leaving the Great Tang Government Office, they first traveled west to Far-Reaching Ward before turning south. Great Tang armored soldiers could be seen patrolling in formation everywhere along the way. Whenever they saw the official waist plaques worn by Shen Luo's group, they saluted them from afar with military courtesy.

The situation from Far-Reaching Ward and Yongshou Ward to Three Auspicious Harmony Wards was still fairly good. Though they saw many tents erected by refugees from the southern part of the city, most of them remained orderly and properly settled.

Once they crossed the southern boundary of Auspicious Harmony Ward, they could see thick smoke rising from many places in the distance. The chaos had clearly not ceased.