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Seeing Cai Youdao still hesitating, Luzi reminded Big Shopkeeper that with the protection of the great hero Lu, there should be no danger. Moreover, just taking a stroll nearby to enjoy the moonlight should not pose any problems.
With Big Shopkeeper's words in mind, Cai Youdao felt it was inappropriate to say anything further. He reminded Outside to be cautious as things were quite chaotic, and advised Big Shopkeeper to be careful in everything. After saying this, he stood aside with his hands down.
Luzi walked over to Cai Youdao and told him that the brothers had worked hard, and once this period passed, their salaries would double. He indicated that there was no need for modesty; being too humble might lead to losing out. Then he waved at Xiao Yu'er and leaped onto the wall, disappearing into the night after a few agile jumps.
Luzi naturally knew about Zichu's residence. The property deed belonged to Prosperity Pavilion, making it a familiar route for him. Prosperity Inn was located in the northern part of Handan's inner and outer city, while Zichu's house was in the southern part of the outer city. This layout was not intentionally designed by Luzi and his companions but was established by the original planners of Handan City.
The pattern of wealth distribution—rich in the north and poor in the south—had its own significance. According to the arrangement of the Bagua, one could discern its underlying logic. The east symbolized vitality and life, while the north represented water, which is associated with wealth; without financial backing, how could one expect to be prosperous?
Naturally, wealthy merchants preferred to develop in the north, seeking good fortune regardless of their understanding. Consequently, they drove up land prices in the northern part of Handan City. Day laborers and small vendors could not afford such prices and thus flocked to cheaper areas. Since there was little attention from affluent individuals in the south, land there remained relatively inexpensive.
The two moved swiftly southward through the night, with Luzi intentionally testing Xiao Yu'er's agility since it was a family skill of his. Without looking back, he kept his ears attentive. Whenever they reached a safe spot to rest, Luzi would guide Xiao Yu'er on how to adjust his breathing rhythm and frequency when gathering energy.
The inner city of Handan housed the royal palace, and at this time, the City Wall was brightly lit. Groups of palace guards patrolled above at regular intervals. As they passed by, they observed the situation above and decided to circumvent towards the west side of the palace wall. There was no other choice; even if they were bold enough, it was unnecessary to directly enter King Yue's palace.
At first, Xiao Yu'er found it somewhat strenuous to keep up with Luzi. However, with Luzi's subtle guidance, his previously hurried breathing had calmed down considerably.
This change in breathing rhythm made Luzi nod approvingly; he then stopped worrying about whether Xiao Yu'er could keep up. He focused on the rapidly moving rooftops and walls beneath him as he sprinted onward.
Just as Xiao Yu'er jumped over a slightly wider alley, he saw Luzi raise his hand to signal a stop. He quickly straightened his body and stabilized himself before crouching down to look ahead.
At that moment, the moon had just hidden behind a cloud, causing the bright snowy rooftops to dim accordingly. Simultaneously, several dark figures appeared in front within the alley. They exchanged gestures and quickly ran towards Luzi's hiding spot.
Is there really someone skilled walking down the street? What a disgrace! Just as this thought crossed Luzi's mind, the person running in the lead jumped up and leaped onto the wall.
The figure in black did not pause for a moment, twisting at the waist to dash along the top of the wall. Then, with a push off the ground, they soared onto the rooftop. The three Masked Men closely following also caught up, and the four of them almost simultaneously reached the rooftop, heading straight for Luzi.
Hiding behind Luzi, Xiao Yu'er witnessed this scene and suddenly felt sweat forming in her palms. Turning to glance at the Patrol Team on the city wall, her breathing became somewhat rapid. If they timed their run correctly, the guards on the Inner City Wall would not see anyone on the nearby rooftop. However, if a fight broke out, it would be impossible to control the situation.
Even a slight scuffle would alert the Sentinel, and subsequent warnings would draw the attention of the Patrol Team on the streets. Indeed, at that point, it would be a worry not just about admiring the moon but whether they could escape from the encirclement of the Patrol Team.
The Patrol Unit within the city is not a regular army like those fighting outside; they have their own methods for capturing individuals who violate curfew. The team carries not only weapons but also nets and snares. Moreover, these individuals patrol the city year-round and know its streets and alleys as well as their own homes.
No matter how skilled a Martial Arts Master may be, encountering patrols equipped with specialized capture tools can be quite helpless. The clash of spear and shield reveals its outcome clearly in this case. Once someone violating curfew is spotted by the patrols, there has yet to be any report of anyone successfully escaping.
As Luzi observed that the figure in black was getting closer, he reached back to touch his Bronze Sword. It was just a matter of coincidence and an act of desperation. This encounter had become inevitable because this was indeed the best and closest route for night travelers.
Thus, it was clear that their opponents were also professionals in this field!
With this thought rising in his mind, Luzi suddenly felt a jolt of anxiety. The people appearing before him were clearly not from the Zhao People, but outsiders from various Feudal States Campaign Teams. How could there possibly be authentic masters among mere officials?
The appearance of such individuals could only mean two possibilities: either they were executing a national mission or there was an important figure equivalent to a national-level official within this Campaign Team!
How strange! Could it be that old man's worries have come true!?
Luzi's sudden realization did not affect his opponents' speed. They only needed to cross two more rooftops before both groups of night travelers would inevitably encounter each other. In this cold winter night, dressed in such attire and out at this hour for business was certainly suspicious. Speaking or greeting each other was out of the question; engaging in combat had become unavoidable!
At the critical moment, the sound of a bell on horse harnesses echoed from nearby. As the walls of the alley were illuminated by flames, a patrol squad staggered in from the direction of the four night walkers. Voices carried through the firelight as a mounted officer, equipped with professional capture tools, scanned the street.
The four individuals across had already leaped onto the rooftop opposite Luzi's hiding place, clearly having heard the unusual sounds behind them. Confirming the source of the noise, the leader raised a hand to signal everyone to conceal themselves. The four froze in place, crouching low on the rooftop and remaining completely still. At this moment, even with careful observation, it was difficult to distinguish their dark silhouettes.
Luzi reached out to press down on Xiao Yu'er, who was preparing to draw her bow from behind, subtly shaking her head to indicate not to make any movements. Then she focused on the snow-covered rooftop directly ahead; their opponents were just a few steps away!
When Luzi saw that the leader of the patrol team had reached directly beneath where the four cloaked figures were hiding, she quickly pinched a small round stone between her thumb and forefinger.
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