Seeing that it was already nine in the evening, I quickly got out of bed.
I still felt very uncomfortable, with all my wounds aching.
However, the flesh wounds were manageable; I could endure them with a bit of perseverance.
It was the mental weakness that was truly tormenting.
Perhaps it was due to the impending dissipation of Hu San Tai Nai's fox energy, but I felt a growing dullness in my head.
It was akin to the dizziness experienced during a high fever.
Not severe, but enough to make one uncomfortable.
I knew exactly what was happening: my mental energy was faltering again.
If I didn't obtain the Ghost Longevity Lamp Oil soon to stabilize my "mental energy,"
This condition would worsen until it led to death...
I put on my clothes and walked out of the room.
Hearing the snoring from the adjacent room, I glanced over.
Old Mo was still asleep. I didn't wake him because Martial Uncle seemed not to have returned yet.
I checked the outer room and even Wan Shou Tang opposite the shop.
No one was there; Martial Uncle was still out.
Xiao Mei, who had been sleeping on the sofa, opened her eyes.
Seeing me pacing back and forth, she understood my thoughts.
She said lazily:
"Daoist Tang hasn't returned. You should go rest a bit longer! I'll call you when he's back."
At this moment, I had no mind to sleep. I quickly sat down on the sofa and lit a cigarette from the pack beside me.
Taking a deep drag, I said:
"I'm not sleeping. There are only a few hours left.
Whether I sleep or not, there's no difference."
Xiao Mei remained curled up in a corner of the sofa, not moving, and didn't reply.
She merely glanced at me, then closed her eyes and fell back asleep.
I leaned back on the sofa, smoking one cigarette after another.
For some reason, I still felt agitated.
Usually, after smoking two cigarettes in a row, my throat would feel uncomfortable.
Today, I had smoked three consecutively, and it was as if nothing had happened.
It wasn't a craving to smoke.
I just wanted something to do to keep myself alert...
About twenty minutes later, footsteps approached from outside.
Hearing the footsteps,
I stubbed out my cigarette and stood up with a "swish."
My eyes were fixed on the doorway.
Soon, a figure drew closer.
Upon closer inspection, it was indeed my much-anticipated Martial Uncle, who had been out all day.
"Martial Uncle!"
I called out and walked towards the entrance.
Martial Uncle looked travel-worn, with a tired expression.
Seeing me appear, he nodded:
"Mmm! Are you rested?"
"Yes, Martial Uncle."
I replied.
Martial Uncle entered the room and sat on the sofa beside me.
Hearing the snoring from within, he said to me:
"There's still time.
Go wake up Xiao Mo.
We'll be setting off shortly."
"Alright!"
I responded and went directly into the inner room.
Old Mo was sleeping soundly, even drooling.
"Old Mo, Old Mo..."
I woke Old Mo.
Seeing me call him, he sat up instantly:
"Oh, oh, are we leaving? Good, good, right away!"
He didn't even have time to wipe his drool before reaching for his shoes.
It was evident that my matter was of great importance to him...
"No, Martial Uncle just returned.
He wants us to get ready; we'll depart later."
Hearing this, Old Mo finally paused, rubbing his eyes:
"Oh, okay, okay."
He then yawned.
Afterward, I began preparing various talismans and magical artifacts for myself.
Everything was readily available in the shop, making it convenient.
Martial Uncle also drew a few talismans for himself after resting for a while.
Ten minutes later, Old Mo and I, having finished our preparations, arrived in the living room.
"Martial Uncle, we're both ready."
I said.
Martial Uncle blew on the talismans he had drawn and nodded:
"I'm ready too. Let's go now!"
After Martial Uncle spoke, the little fox on the sofa also jumped down.
It transformed into human form and stood behind us.
Martial Uncle put away the talismans he had drawn.
He looked at the three of us and nodded slightly:
"Let's go!"
With that, he picked up his sword bag leaning beside him and walked out the door.
The three of us also followed suit.
Finally, I closed and locked the door, and followed Martial Uncle towards the direction of the Second Factory...
The night was a little chilly tonight.
The cold wind was howling...
But no one paid it any mind.
Following Martial Uncle, we walked forward with steady footsteps.
Martial Uncle appeared very calm, carrying his broadsword, leading the way.
I was very curious about what Martial Uncle had been doing all day.
Seeing the somewhat somber atmosphere, I asked:
"Martial Uncle, what were you doing today?"
Old Mo also wanted to ask but was afraid Martial Uncle would kick him, so he remained silent.
Hearing my question, he also looked over.
Martial Uncle, however, smiled and feigned mystery:
"When we meet that 'thing,' you'll know!"
After saying that, he ignored me.
Old Mo and I exchanged glances, feeling a sense of mystique.
But seeing Martial Uncle's composed demeanor, it was clear he had prepared some formidable method.
Since he didn't say, we didn't press further.
Before long, we could see the towering chimneys and steel steam furnaces of the Second Factory from a distance.
The Second Factory, originally Qing Mountain City Chemical Fertilizer Second Factory.
In earlier years, it was massive, employing thousands of workers, with constant vehicle traffic.
Much of the fertilizer from many surrounding provinces and cities was produced here.
Our street also prospered because of the Second Factory back then.
Now, the Second Factory had relocated, and the entire factory area was long abandoned, overgrown with weeds.
The Second Factory was not far from us, about eight to nine hundred meters.
We walked along the old street, looking at the towering chimneys and smelting equipment, and soon arrived at the main gate of the Second Factory.
Currently, there wasn't even a security guard here.
Only a large X-shaped seal was affixed to the massive iron gate.
At this moment, Martial Uncle stood directly in front.
I, Old Mo, and Xiao Mei stood behind Martial Uncle, quietly gazing at the abandoned Second Factory under the moonlight...