The Difference Between Day and Night

Chu Tianshu had talked a lot with Yungu last night, so he naturally understood what he meant.

Although there has been chaos in the Golden Triangle for half a year, everyone's slogans are loud and clear, so they have a legitimate reason to act, and every force Shangdu doing the right thing.

In actual combat, the outcome was mixed, with both sides experiencing victories and defeats.

Over time, a subtle tacit understanding actually developed.

During the day, there's generally no major trouble. Even if there are incidents like robbery or brawl, they're usually minor and unsavory.

However, at night, armed forces scattered throughout the region would always try to expand their gains under cover of darkness.

Large-scale criminal gangs in various cities and towns look down on the meager incomes of ordinary residents.

They always had to wait until nightfall to attack those places that were rich in resources.

For example, incidents of raiding drug manufacturing plants and directly attacking wealthy people's estates are not uncommon.

In addition, there were sorcerers who flocked to Southeast Asia from all over the world.

These sorcerers are not necessarily all members of evil sects; they simply harbor a mentality similar to gold prospectors, believing that this place is a treasure trove full of risks and opportunities.

Some sorcerers even come here specifically to target those members of evil sects.

Many evil sorcerers are wanted and have bounties on their heads.

Their heads themselves represented immense wealth.

Hidden behind the scenes are victims and enemies who, in order to offer rewards to these evil sorcerers, promise not only money, but also rare medicines, casting materials, ancient magical artifacts, and secret manuals.

Every night, many evil sorcerers would take the opportunity to practice their spells, and their enemies would seize the chance to strike.

Although Yungu was a pure martial artist, once he reached the Taboo level, he could often sense the fluctuations of these sorcerers fighting at night.

The ruins of Grotto-Heaven now correspond to that area of mountains and forests.

On this side of the jungle lies the county town of Kingdom of Siam.

On the other side of the jungle lies the even deeper Golden Triangle landscape, dotted with villages and towns of mountain people, winding through mountains and valleys along narrow paths.

Sometimes, the Yungu floats up from the mountaintop, offering a panoramic view of all directions.

The feeling was truly like a hundred waves rippling across a thousand ripples, with bustling activity everywhere.

"If someone really sees our nice cars at night and tries to take advantage of us, it'll be a good opportunity for us to show off our skills."

Chen Taozhi was somewhat belligerent, and her response was tinged with anticipation.

The soldiers who got off the vehicle behind them all had bright, shining eyes.

Yungu glanced at it and praised, "The people's hearts are with you; what a spirit you have!"

Even the most elite troops in his Divine Machine Battalion back then might not have been able to compare to these people before him.

Even the most spirited person needs to eat.

Chu Tianshu smiled and said, "Mr. Naichai, although it's only evening, it shouldn't be difficult to prepare some food for us."

Naichai quickly extended his hand and said, "Please, we've already prepared everything."

He led the group eastward, leaving behind the palaces. In the distance were rows of large houses, all of them antique buildings.

However, those with a keen eye can immediately tell that many of the bamboo and wood structures are newly built.

However, the person who painted it had good skills, and it showed a warm and smooth texture that had been through the years.

Naichai lightly, and the emphasis on his words suddenly became very standard, like the tone of a broadcaster who had worked hard to learn.

"The dining area inside that building features high tables and large chairs, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding scenery, including the setting sun."

"Inside that house, there was a low table and a blanket for meals, with people sitting around it. The bamboo and wooden doors and windows were covered with fine gauze. Behind the house was a bamboo grove, where one Wind-Listening and see the bamboo shadows swaying gently, creating a unique and charming atmosphere."

Are you all going upstairs or inside?

Chu Tianshu looked at those large houses, which were actually made of bamboo and wood, and were more than a meter off the ground. To enter the houses, one had to climb the steps first.

In terms of size, the large house is clearly more spacious than those wooden buildings.

"Let's go inside."

Chu Tianshu walked up the steps, pushed open the door, and entered. A cool breeze wafted into the room.

There were no paintings, calligraphy, decorations, or potted plants in the house.

However, on the bamboo wall on the side, the natural color of the bamboo skin is used to bake and iron it, creating a refined and elegant ink painting style.

In the painting, deer drink from a stream, monkeys offer fruit, wine is served in flowing cups, and lotus leaf cups glide gracefully across the stream.

Ancient scholars in flowing robes and belts dance with swords by a stream, while a few strokes in the corner depict a madman holding a zither and a musician playing the flute.

The back wall of the main house was deliberately covered with large gauze windows, allowing a hazy view of the bamboo forest outside.

In the center of the room, there was a low table surrounded by carpeted cushions.

"What a great place!"

Chu Tianshu was very satisfied and praised him.

It's rare to find that despite the subtropical climate, there aren't any mosquitoes or other insects bothering you.

Moreover, it's not magic used; it's a persistent, technologically advanced method for mosquito control that has been developed over many years.

However, not many people can sit in one room of this large house.

Chen Taozhi gave a hand signal to the team members, and they split up and went to other large rooms.

Sun Buyuan clearly appreciated the room's decor. He walked over to the bamboo wall painting, leaned closer, and gently smelled it.

Naichai called to the waiter at the door to hurry up and serve the food. First came a few plates of cold dishes, a pot of wine, and a pot of plum juice.

"No need for wine, I brought some good wine with me."

Yungu placed the bottle on the table and sat down directly beside it.

Chu Tianshu also sat cross-legged opposite him, placed his longsword beside him, unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt, and waited for dinner.

The hot dishes were served quickly: grilled crab, grilled shrimp, green curry chicken, pork neck, and stir-fried spinach over high heat, among others.

The round table was large enough for five people to sit around, Naichai joined in. Although he only tasted a few bites, it was clear that he really liked the dishes.

But for Chu Tianshu...

Of these dishes, only the spinach was quite delicious; the others were overly seasoned with spices.

The last thing to arrive was the pot of Tom Yum soup in the very center of the table; it had a bright color and a rich aroma.

Tom Yum soup is an intangible cultural heritage of Kingdom of Siam. Tom Yum means sour and spicy, and Goong means shrimp.

As it has evolved, it now refers generally to seafood soup with a sour and spicy flavor.

Chu Tianshu ate a few pieces of shrimp first; they were sour and spicy at first, but after chewing them carefully, he could taste their fresh sweetness. Then he scooped up a bowl of soup.

The soup is spicy but not overpowering. The sourness might seem a bit strong at first, but after a few more sips, it becomes refreshing and invigorating, cutting through any greasiness and leaving you feeling energized.

He scooped out three bowls of soup and vegetables, but barely touched the other dishes.

Naichai how much he liked this national soup, she smiled broadly and kept urging him to drink more.

"I didn't expect Mr. Chu to like Tom Yum soup so much. If you don't mind, I'll give the order now: for the next few days, you can change the other dishes, but this soup can be served every day?"

"Can."

"Haha, Mr. Chu, try this one too. Put this pork neck in the soup and dip it in lightly."

Naichai became increasingly excited and began to describe the soups and dishes at length.

Chu Tianshu looked at the pork neck meat, its aroma of spices pungent enough to fill his nostrils, and smiled as if he hadn't heard anything.

He has a Jianghuai palate and doesn't particularly like the taste of spices. The spices used by Kingdom of Siam are even stronger than those used in heavily seasoned regions of China.

This soup is truly an anomaly; although it contains spices, the flavor is perfectly balanced.

Yungu and Chen Taozhi didn't mind at all and ate every dish. The two had only known each other for a short time, but they already seemed to get along very well.

Sun Buyuan is in big trouble.

His taste was even milder than Chu Tianshu's; he could only manage a few bites of spinach with glutinous rice. However, he eventually discovered that the seaweed salad in the cold dish next to him was of a very high standard, which allowed him to eat more.

After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, both host and guest were satisfied and had a good time.

Chu Tianshu pulled out a tissue to wipe his mouth and casually said, "I barely slept yesterday, and I'm exhausted from the journey today. After drinking the soup, I can't help but feel a bit sleepy."

Naichai, "Then let's go see where we can rest..."

"No need."

Chu Tianshu turned to the side, looking at the flickering candlelight on the window behind him as the sun gradually set.

A slight cool breeze was blowing in through the gauze window, also ruffling a few strands of Chu Tianshu's hair.

He stretched lazily, yawned, and lay down on his side.

"I think this place is fine. Mr. Naichai, you should go back and rest. You'll see when our observation team starts working."

Naichai stood up and said, "Then I won't disturb you any longer. Our job lately is to accompany you all. If you need anything, just let us know, and we'll be there quickly."

When he reached the door, Naichai around, closed the door, and breathed a sigh of relief.

It seems these people are just going through the motions.

The Golden Triangle is so dangerous right now. If these people go out and cause trouble, and something happens, I'll be held responsible. Right now, it seems like I can have a few days of peace and quiet.

However, as soon as he left, Yungu smiled.

"Brother Chu, are you really asleep?"

"What are you going to do if you're not sleeping?"

Chu Tianshu said, "So far, you haven't found any clues about the Grotto-Heaven being blocked, have you?"

Yungu's smile vanished, "Indeed, we speculate that those who can still influence the operation of the Grotto-Heaven in this world must be Ghost God."

"Previously, it only affected the flight path, which should have been a one-sided exertion of power by Ghost God and gods in the Spirit Realm. But it got stuck here, which means there is also pressure in the real world. Only by responding from above and below can the Grotto-Heaven ruins in the gap between the two worlds be blocked."

Yungu's thoughts were clear, yet he let out a soft sigh.

"However, given the current situation in the Golden Triangle, there are far too many things that seem to be related to ghosts and Ghost God."

It's impossible to say exactly how many of the sorcerers who have come from all over the world have practiced magic related to Ghost God, in addition to the considerable amount of local Ghost God worship.

It's impossible for so many Ghost God and gods to join forces; their territories and habits are completely different.

It's really hard to tell which one, or which groups, targeted Grotto-Heaven.

Chu Tianshu said, "Then let's first see which kinds of Ghost God and divine auras are the most profound and enduring on this land."

Yungu asked in confusion, "How do we proceed? Should we go door-to-door?"

Sun Buyuan's expression was grave. "That's a huge workload."

"I told you, I need to take a nap first."

Chu Tianshu turned to the side, supporting himself on his elbows, his right fist resting on his temple, his eyes closed, his tone becoming increasingly gentle.

"You all need to keep your presence to yourself, don't disturb my sleep."

Sun Buyuan's eyes flickered, as if he suddenly remembered something.

He had seen Chu Tianshu's file; Chu Tianshu... was actually a patient.

Premature spiritual communication and the entry of external evils into dreams are rare conditions, and even fewer people survive them.

In Sun Buyuan's experience, he had only ever seen one case of someone who survived and became so strong so quickly.

Even when one's cultivation level is ordinary, those with this condition will unconsciously sense the strange aura emanating from the entire town, finding parallels in their dreams.

Given Chu Tianshu's current cultivation level and the strength of his spiritual perception, if he were to deliberately allow external evils to enter his dreams...

How wide a range and how many different kinds of auras can he sense?

In the dream, the sky was dark and the earth was desolate.

Chu Tianshu sat lazily on the hill, his right leg bent, his elbow supporting his knee, his fist resting on his chin, and his head tilted slightly.

Since he stepped into the Taboo, the ferocious beasts, monstrous snakes, traps, and poisonous fogs that manifested as evil spirits in his dreams have basically dared not approach him on their own.

He can even continue sleeping in his dreams.

This dream world, whose logic he had painstakingly built up from childhood, continued to operate stably.

"Let me try. Now that this dreamscape is fully expanded, let's see how far its boundaries can reach..."

Chu Tianshu raised his left hand, spread his five fingers towards the distance, and slowly straightened his arm.

The river stretches on.

The grassland is expanding.

In the darkness, the restless aura of evil spirits was faint due to the distance.

But even in this most sensitive realm of dreams, their subtle characteristics can still be discerned.

Based on their characteristics, they were given form through the associative logic of dreams.

(End of this chapter)