It had to be said, the researchers at the Huaxu Academy worked fast.
Ling An had only just reached a nearby village when September received a message from Xiangli Yao.
There were indeed elders here who knew where the old fog suppression devices had been located.
September went to handle the simple task of talking to them himself, leaving Ling An with some free time.
Bored with nothing to do, he wandered around the village.
Suddenly, a lilting, melodious sound caught his attention.
It sounded as though someone was playing an instrument.
Following the sound, Ling An came across a grandfather and his grandson by the roadside.
The old man held a fresh green leaf to his lips and blew into it.
The mellow notes drifted into the distance, mingling with the wind.
"It's... the kitty Patroller!" The child recognized Ling An at once.
"That's right. Yours truly," Ling An said modestly.
"Ahem, so you're the legendary Patroller Ling An." The old man quickly lowered the leaf and greeted him.
As though something had occurred to him, he suddenly asked, "Have you come to the Wailing Wastes because of this fog?"
"That's right." Ling An nodded.
"Then you really must hear what this old man has to say."
The old man looked at Ling An. "The main reason the Wailing Wastes got its name was that Sorrowful Cry. Did you know that?"
"Go on."
"Actually, a long time ago, there wasn't just one bird-shaped Tacet Discord in the Wailing Wastes, but two. They were Tacet Discords, but they never attacked humans. They just stuck together, never leaving each other's side. To my eyes, they were just like a young couple.
"Back then, you could see them flying overhead every day, their necks entwined, as affectionate as... as a pair of