Because of the difference in longitude, Taylor woke to twilight, while Mulan woke in his bed at almost the same moment to find that the sun had not yet fully set.
As the saying went, a nine-story tower began with a mound of earth, and a journey of a thousand miles began with a single step. Mulan knew that changing this world meant drawing on every force available to him. If none were suitable, he would cultivate one himself.
Of course, Mulan could not simply go back to sleep. He got straight out of bed, straightened his clothes, picked up his cane, and went downstairs. After putting on his coat, he hooked the hat off the top of the coat rack with his cane, caught it in his hand, and settled it on his head. He adjusted the brim with his fingers, then opened the front door.
With a confident smile, Mulan headed out again before dusk.
The market street outside the Black Castle was at its busiest. Many people came to browse after work, while others wandered through without any intention of buying anything. In some corners of the market, prostitutes had already taken up suitable spots to solicit customers.
Mulan held a newspaper in both hands, his cane tucked under his left arm. As he read the articles that interested him, he kept watch on his surroundings out of the corner of his eye.
Unlike the leisurely days when Mulan had first arrived, the Black Castle's students were now immersed in intensive study. Combined with the strict regulations now in place, this meant they rarely went out. Some also did whatever useful work they could around the Black Castle, earning points from the various professors and even senior members of the Service Department.
These points were not easy