Black Snake stood on the roof, where only a few charred beams remained.
Thermal Sensing pierced the night and smoke, clearly outlining the surroundings of the compound. Many bonfires burned, with at least two hundred human-shaped heat sources gathered around them, sitting or standing, noisily drinking and eating meat.
In the firelight, the unruly soldiers' disheveled appearances were clearly visible.
Many had haphazardly thrown on several layers of clothing, while others tightly hugged bundles stuffed with goods. Their raucous laughter and curses filled the place with a foul atmosphere.
The mingled smells in the air were an utter jumble.
Alcohol, meat, blood, scorched debris, and all manner of stenches-Black Snake worked to pick out his target's scent from among them.
The man seemed to hold a fairly high position. Most likely, he was staying in this compound surrounded by heavily armed troops.
Soon, Black Snake pinpointed his target's scent amid the jumble. He checked the wind and confirmed that its source lay inside the compound.
After mentally calculating the distance and direction, he leaped high again, traced an arc through the air, and landed steadily atop the compound wall.
Many people bustled about inside, hurrying to deliver things to the brightly lit backyard.
It was hot and noisy over there.
He leaped lightly across the rooftops and concealed himself behind a tree with a swing hanging from it.
Hidden in the shadows, he scanned the clamorous backyard.
Many robust men with vigorous blood and qi indulged in food, drink, and pleasure, accompanied by a few frightened, cowering women.
Besides them, there were three evil spirits wreathed in black-and-red killing intent.
The ghostly evil spirits were breathing in the resentment and foul energies within the city. Nourished by the warfare and bloodshed, all three were growing very quickly.
Black Snake observed