The scene before me sent chills down my spine. In District Thirteen, the street was packed with people, heads bowed, all kneeling and worshipping over and over again.
The swishing sounds echoed in perfect rhythm, almost without a single hint of disorder. It was clear and loud. The plaza, marked by thirteen massive pillars, was now crowded with people—even the edges were overflowing. Rachel Lan was nowhere to be seen.
Looking around, there must have been tens of thousands of people here. Even the curious onlookers like us had joined the crowd. I glanced in every direction, but saw no sign of Ghostworm or any of his companions.
"This really does look like some kind of cult ritual!"
Redhair couldn't help but speak up. Just as he said, it was impossible to see any real meaning behind this spectacle. The main gate of the courtyard was open; Samuel Young was still in his white shirt, looking as laid-back as ever.
The kneeling and worship ended quickly, lasting less than half an hour from start to finish. The crowd that packed the plaza soon dispersed and returned to their places.
What I saw before me was unbelievable, yet I had no idea what was really happening. There was no visible change in these ordinarily shadowy residents—no sign of any special Taoist technique at play.
Back at the hotel in District Thirteen, Rachel Lan was still sound asleep, and Master Richard Ming was meditating—he hadn’t gone out to observe anything earlier.
"I thought it would be something interesting, but it turned out to be nothing at all."
Yuna Ji said with disappointment, while Mona Ouyang’s expression shifted—uncertain and troubled.
"What’s wrong, Ms. Ouyang? Did you sense something unusual?"
Mona Ouyang shook her head slightly. Her spiritual capacity felt unchanged.
"I’m not sure yet, but for a moment, I felt the presence of a dream. The compatibility between body and soul seemed undisturbed."
The matter was left unresolved, and for a while, we sat in silence in the room.
"I can’t take it anymore. I’m going out for a walk." If the Ninefold Hall is meant here, use 'Ninefold Hall.' If 'Elder Peach' is referenced, ensure the term is consistent with glossary.
Leah King said as she stood up. She seemed used to things here, and Basil Bertram immediately followed her like a shadow. The Woodstone’s protection lingered around them.
"I’ll go with you, Leah." Those born to darkness seemed restless tonight.
Just then, the doorbell rang. I floated over and opened the door. A staff member stood outside, smiling as he handed me a note.
"Mr. Ethan Zhang, someone asked me to deliver this note to you." He had gulped down more than half the bottle, looking relieved.
I responded with a simple "Oh"—yet another note. I muttered under my breath, but the contents immediately caught my attention: Samuel Young.
I stepped out, heading in the opposite direction along the 13th District. Soon, I found a jewelry shop and slipped inside through a narrow alley beside it.
The road was straight—at the end stood a three-story building with a courtyard. On a rocking chair in the yard, Samuel Young sat, smiling faintly, gently waving the fan in his hand.
"Long time no see, Ethan Zhang."
"Samuel Young, I didn't expect you to come here as well."
This was unexpected—the courtyard gate was open, and Samuel Young was still in his white shirt, looking as laid-back as ever.
"Thanks for what you did before."
Samuel Young shook his head, then looked at me.
"There’s a saying—when gentlemen part for three days, they should look at each other with new eyes. You’ve changed a lot, Ethan Zhang."
"Maybe so. Anyway, what did you want to see me about?"
I asked straight away. Samuel Young shook his head again, then got up, bringing over two bottles of wine and handing one to me.
"Just wanted to catch up with you."
I responded, and Samuel Young sat back down on the rocking chair, a hint of melancholy on his face.
"After all, I'm the only one who came here alone. Though Elder Peach should be arriving soon too."
I quietly watched Samuel Young. He forced a bitter smile and said,
"Only Elder Peach and I received the invitation from the Ninefold Hall."
"Are there any other Taoist practitioners coming?"
I asked, and Samuel Young shook his head again.
"I'm not sure. Maybe someone else will show up."
"Let me get us something to eat. I want to share a few drinks with you."
I waved my hand, took a sip of the wine.