The moon was sparse and the stars were few.
By the time he left the City Lord's mansion, the moon was already hanging high in the sky.
Walking on the silent stone-paved road, Lu Heng's heart was somewhat complex. In the apocalyptic world, people had become exceptionally numb, living with extreme caution.
Many people, in order to snatch supplies and the right to survive, did not hesitate to betray friends and relatives, and scenes of mutual slaughter happened every day.
But here it was different; he felt the myriad aspects of life again.
While eating at the restaurant, some people recounted the strange events they had encountered during their travels, some discussed mission tactics with their friends, and others were bidding farewell to their friends, talking about their aspirations for future life...
Although there were also the magical beasts they spoke of, and life outside was fraught with many dangers, people's hope had not been extinguished. Those wild magical beasts were like prey to the people here; people hunted them, and the meat of those magical beasts was edible. Moreover, Lu Heng had personally tasted it, and its flavor was even more delicious than that of farmed and artificially ripened animals.
...
The next morning, after resting for a night in the space, Lu Heng experienced what it was like to rest in an ancient inn.
It was just that the bed was a bit hard, but Lu Heng could still adapt to these things. After all, in his previous life, he had only spent half a year in even worse sleeping environments.
After getting up, Lu Heng found another secluded alley and flashed out of the space.
With the city exit documents in hand, Lu Heng planned to visit the outskirts of the city in the morning. Having arrived here, there were some things that needed to be verified again.
What if, upon reaching the outskirts of the city, this strange space behaved differently from before? Then, after leaving the city, he would have no means of self-preservation.
Such a thing absolutely could not happen; Lu Heng had to place himself in an environment that he could control.
At the city gate, he waited in the queue for exiting the city.
There were quite a few people preparing to leave the city this morning. Lu Heng observed the attire of the people around him.
There were cultivators carrying various weapons, and merchants driving carts...
Wait, what kind of animal was pulling that cart?
Why did it look so strange? Was it not a wild beast?
The animal pulling the cart had two thick, curved horns on its head. Although its body looked sturdy, its bulging muscle tissue was like that of someone who had trained in fitness. Its limbs were also thick and strong, but the front of its hooves were split in two, and its tail, like a whip, kept swinging behind it.
"Are its hooves injured?" Unconsciously, Lu Heng blurted out his question.
The passersby nearby heard him and all turned their heads to look at Lu Heng, their faces showing surprise.
Fortunately, at this moment, the city guards shouted loudly from the front, drawing everyone's attention back, "Line up properly, don't be rowdy. The city gate is opening!"
The crowded people immediately adjusted their formation, automatically lining up in two rows.
The city gate made a "creak, creak" sound, and seven or eight soldiers pulled the two heavy doors open slowly inwards.
After the city gate was fully opened, the soldiers removed the barricades at the city entrance, allowing the civilians to pass.
Just as Lu Heng stepped out of the city gate, a burly man who had been walking beside him looked at him and said, "You're going out of the city alone?"
Lu Heng didn't understand but still nodded.
The burly man patted Lu Heng's shoulder and said, "There are quite a few untamed magical beasts outside the city. With your thin physique, it's better to bring a few helpers when you go out."
Lu Heng continued to nod, indicating that he understood, but didn't say much to the burly man.
The burly man continued to chat with Lu Heng, "You look like a rich young master who doesn't know the basics of life.
Just now, I saw you didn't even recognize the Split-Hoof Ox pulling the cart; those are good at pulling heavy loads."
Lu Heng: "...I really don't go out much. This is my first time leaving the city, and I want to travel outside."
"Then do you want to hire some people for protection? We three are veterans of the Battle Blade Mercenary Group and are capable of dealing with low-level magical beasts." After speaking, the burly man extended his other arm and pointed to the other two beside him.
Those two also chimed in in unison, "Yes."
Lu Heng's mouth twitched slightly. Was this guy eagerly looking for work?
However, following them might allow him to better understand the situation with the magical beasts outside. Moreover, he didn't feel any malice from these three. These three looked honest and simple, and didn't seem like people with deep schemes.
But if he went with them, it would be inconvenient for him to verify matters concerning the space. However, perhaps at night, he could try it out.
"How much do you charge?"
"Haha, our charges are not expensive. Ten crystal stones per person per day is enough. Food and accommodation are our responsibility, and the employer doesn't need to spend extra crystal stones." Seeing that there was a chance, the burly man immediately said.
"Uh, but... I haven't decided where to go yet. What were you three originally planning to do when you left the city?"
"We three are planning to go to the Cloud Mist Forest outside the city to kill some magical beasts and get some magic crystals and magical beast meat."
"Oh? Is that so? Then I'll follow you to the Cloud Mist Forest for a bit. By the way, you know I don't go out often and everything I know about the outside is just from books. Can you tell me some interesting stories about the outside along the way?"
"No problem. Our Battle Blade Mercenary Group is known for being well-informed in Jinyang City. Whatever you want to know, we brothers can tell you."
"Oh. Then tell me everything. I'm out here traveling, and it's always good to learn more about various places."
"Alright, then let's talk as we walk."
"Mm."
"Just talk about the city. The City Lord took a third concubine this year. That concubine's face and figure, tsk tsk tsk..."
Lu Heng: "...Have you seen the City Lord's family?"
Don't women from wealthy families in ancient times not go out much? Wouldn't the City Lord marrying a concubine make everyone in the city see her?
"Of course, I heard it from others. But the City Lord's third concubine is the top courtesan from the most famous Spring Fragrance Pavilion in our Jinyang City. Although I haven't seen her, some wealthy families in the city have had the pleasure of seeing that beauty, that beauty..."
"Uh... I'd like to know about the situation in the Cloud Mist Forest." Lu Heng felt a little awkward; he didn't want to hear about the City Lord's concubine.
"Oh, there's nothing particularly special about the Cloud Mist Forest."
Lu Heng...
Lu Heng: "Um... My name is Lu Heng. I still don't know how to address the three of you?"
The burly man laughed heartily, pointed to the two beside him, and said, "Hahaha, I forgot too. I'm a rough fellow and don't pay much attention to these things. My name is Wang Tiezhu, that one with a mole on his face is Li Shitóu, and the easy-to-recognize one, who was born with little hair, his name is Zhao Sanmao."
Lu Heng...