The Lord of Void and Real

Chapter 29: Chapter 28: The Depressed Market

“Brother Shen, it seems we won’t be able to drink today. Let me know where you’re staying, and I’ll come visit you another day for a good drink,” Yu Meng took his eyes off the view, patting Shen Luo on the shoulder.

“No need to hide it from you, Brother Yu. I just arrived in the city. As for where I’m staying…” Shen Luo deliberately gave a bitter smile, speaking vaguely.

“Oh? Brother Shen is not a local, yet he’s willing to risk his life defending the city. That’s some daring spirit, a true brother!” Yu Meng was taken aback by this and gave Shen Luo a thumbs-up.

The accompanying three men also looked at Shen Luo with friendlier eyes after hearing this.

“You are too kind, Brother Yu. I am only doing what I can for self-protection,” Shen Luo hurriedly waved his hand.

“Haha! There aren’t many men with character like Brother Shen in this world these days! If you don’t have somewhere to stay in the city, why not come with me to my house?” Yu Meng laughed heartily, then seemingly thought of something and asked.

“I indeed haven’t had a chance to find a place yet, so I will take advantage of your kindness, Brother Yu.” Shen Luo has been filled with curiosity, so he readily accepted the invitation.

“Bother about what? We’re brothers. No need to talk such formality. Let’s go!” Yu Meng raised his eyebrows, draped an arm over Shen Luo’s shoulders, and set off.

The group came to the corner tower of the city wall along the roadway. About to step down the city ladder, they saw several soldiers in uniforms, supporting a stout middle-aged man, struggling step-by-step up.

Shen Luo looked down to see the man had fair skin, short yellow mustaches by the mouth, and the clumsy suit of armor he wore made him look like a chunk of fat meat stuffed into a turtle shell, quite incompatible.

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The middle-aged man and his party also saw Yu Meng descending the city wall and stood where they were.

“Give way to the heroes,” the middle-aged man’s eyes fell on Tian Chong’s body, his face slightly changed, and he ordered.

The soldiers immediately moved him aside to clear the path.

“You first take Tian Chong back,” Yu Meng instructed the remaining men.

The three aides responded, picked up Tian Chong’s body, and proceeded down the city ladder.

As they passed the stout middle-aged man, seeing the blackish bloodstains on the flag, the man’s brow broke out in a cold sweat.

Shen Luo followed Yu Meng down the city wall to the man’s side.

“Lord Liu,” Yu Meng greeted with a fist and palm salute.

“Yu… Cousin Yu,” The middle-aged man hurriedly took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat off his forehead.

“The beasts that attacked the city wall left many bodies behind. We must get rid of them as soon as possible. We can let the people in the city continue to portion and preserve them. Additionally, the parts of the city wall that were damaged need to be repaired soon.” Yu Meng looked back at the city wall and said.

“Cousin Yu, rest assured. I have already sent people to do it,” Lord Liu replied hastily.

Yu Meng nodded and did not say anything more, taking Shen Luo further down the city.

Lord Liu wanted to say something but seeing Yu Meng walking away without looking back, swallowed his words, wiped his sweat again, and continued his way to the city wall with the support of others.

“Who is this Lord Liu?” Shen Luo asked as they descended the city wall.

“Deputy Liu Fu of Donglai County,” Yu Meng replied casually.

“So he’s the officer in charge of military and political affairs in the area,” Shen Luo said with some confusion in his heart.

At first glance, Yu Meng didn’t look like an ordinary city guard, but he also didn’t seem like someone of an official status. Why did this “Lord Liu” appear somewhat nervous in his presence?

“What kind of parent official? Simply a weak scholar, perhaps apt at resolving minor disputes, but a joke in times like these. The military preparations in Donglai County are slack. If not for the young and strong men in the city holding out, relying on those old soldiers would have been hopeless.” Yu Meng sniffed disdainfully, declaring.

Hearing this, Shen Luo instantly understood why Yu Meng was displeased with this man.

“But having said that, although this man is timid, at least he did not abandon the city and flee. He even knew to ascend the city walls to comfort the people after the battle. That’s more commendable than the officials in neighboring counties,” Yu Meng sighed, adding.

“That’s true,” Shen Luo nodded in agreement, feeling a bit more understanding towards Deputy Liu.

At the brink of life and death, how many people could truly face death unflinchingly?

However, a question arose in his mind. In his memory, Donglai County Town was located in the southern part of Chishui Prefecture. He had never visited, but neither had he heard of such terrifying wolf pack sightings in that area. Wasn’t it?

If such a thing truly happens, it wouldn’t take long for the news to spread all over the world.

“Brother Shen, let’s go,” Yu Meng saw Shen Luo deep in thought and urged him forward.

…

While he didn’t feel much when he was atop the city wall, now that he had walked into the city, Shen Luo felt the majesty of Donglai County, with the city walls nearly one zhang higher than Chunhua County’s.

The city wall, extraordinarily high and broad, protected the city like a mountain range. Though the wall’s surface eroded from wind and rain, its grand facade was still somewhat evident despite the damage it bore.

A vast main road beneath their feet directed straight into the city, wide enough for four carriages to drive side by side. However, perhaps due to long-term lack of maintenance, the road was full of potholes.

The street-side shops on either side were larger and taller than those in Chunhua City, but they appeared somewhat dilapidated for some reason.

The architectural style here was different from Chunhua County. While the latter had simple and grand structures, the buildings here were quite tall with more decorations on the eaves, walls, and door frames.

“My home is near the Confucius Temple. Brother Shen, please follow me.” Yu Meng led Shen Luo deeper into the city.

Shen Luo followed behind Yu Meng, surveying his surroundings. The more he looked, the stranger he felt.

It was nearing sunset but still daylight, yet there was hardly anyone on the streets inside the city. Most of the shops along the street were closed. A once-bustling inn at the corner of the street didn’t even have its doors shut, but inside it was deserted, the floor dust-covered, suggesting it had been out of business for some time.

Only a few shops selling necessities like rice and flour were still open, with hardly anyone around.

The clothing style differed as well. The men here mostly wore turbans and robes that were shorter than what Shen Luo was used to. The women wore short top garments that revealed their necks and chest area, paired with long skirts, a stark contrast to Chunhua County.

For some reason, the people here seemed somewhat numb, especially their eyes. There was an indescribable feeling of fear and confusion.

Occasionally, Shen Luo could see some poorly dressed people, old and young, begging passersby, but their pleas were largely met with indifference. The depressing scene made one feel heavy.

“Could it be that this Donglai County isn’t the Donglai County in Chishui Prefecture that I know? Where am I exactly? Am I still within the Great Tang territory?” Shen Luo wondered to himself.

But Yu Meng seemed accustomed to all this, striding briskly towards the heart of the city.

Shen Luo had to suppress his doubts in his mind and quickened his pace to follow Yu Meng.