"What? Say that again-the Long Kingdom's capital was attacked by demons?"
Before Li Chen or He Ran could react, Wu Ding cried out. His thoughts turned to the catastrophe there and the possibility that it might spill over into his homeland.
Li Chen said, "Plans really can't keep pace with change. We were going to buy tickets early next month and try to get there."
The innkeeper said, "You three needn't worry. The Long Capital hasn't been destroyed. Given time, travel will surely resume. For now, though, I'm afraid you'll have to stay here and wait for news."
He Ran chuckled. "Then business should be good for you, boss."
The innkeeper smiled, took his leave, and departed.
"How could this happen?" Wu Ding murmured dazedly, then shook his head helplessly. "Ah, I don't have any friends or family left there anyway. Why should I worry so much?"
Li Chen and He Ran exchanged a glance. Neither knew quite how to respond, nor could they offer any comfort, so they simply remained silent.
After a long while, Li Chen sighed softly, unable to keep himself from recalling what he had seen and heard before.
In theory, the Puppet Dao revered the Art of a Hundred Crafts, advocated meeting people's everyday needs, and developed productive capacity. It should have been able to build a powerful, prosperous nation that sheltered its people. Yet the opposition between factions brought war, and after a million years, things were still no different from ancient times.
There was truly no telling when days like these would end.
Li Chen's current position and standing were not yet high enough for him to concern himself with the affairs of the world, but he could not help imagining how he might change it if he truly had the ability.
He