Zhang Xiaohua slipped down the wall and hid in a patch of darkness, his heart pounding wildly. This was his first time attempting something so dangerous; nervousness was inevitable.
After calming himself a little, Zhang Xiaohua carefully examined everything before him.
This was a chaotic place. Beyond the wall lay a large open space littered with all manner of things, though he could not make out what they were in the darkness. At the far end of the clearing stood a disorderly cluster of houses, or perhaps shacks cobbled together. The blazing lights atop the stockade wall illuminated only one edge of the square. Faint lamplight seeped from the distant houses, and even from where Zhang Xiaohua stood, he could hear the clamor drifting over. It had to be quite lively over there.
Looking at the clearing he had to cross, Zhang Xiaohua furrowed his brow. How could he get through without drawing anyone's attention? And what sort of situation awaited him among those houses?
Suddenly, Zhang Xiaohua had the urge to slap himself. He had only just remembered that he had divine sense at his disposal. Why had he rashly climbed the wall without scouting first? Alas, he still was not used to it. He would have to practice this ability more often in the future.
With that thought, he immediately released his divine sense. Sure enough, every movement atop the wall behind him became clear at a glance. Divine sense truly was an essential household tool for murder and arson on nights of black wind and high moon. He then swept it toward the houses, but the distance was too great; his divine sense could not reach them. Still, Zhang Xiaohua thought, *The houses are full of noise, so something lively must be happening. Who would leave for