[WARNING: Graphic content.]
…
The sun had set by the time Bai Ruyi reached the outskirts of the town that surrounded the palace complex.
Though it had gone dark with nothing but torches and lanterns illuminating the streets, it was still quite early in the evening.
And yet, there were hardly any people outside. Most of the houses and establishments Bai Ruyi passed by had their doors and windows tightly shut.
Even the dozen or so people who had one reason or another to be outside were quick and furtive in their movements.
None stopped to talk to each other, and as soon as they saw the lone man in off-white clothing, they stopped and walked the other way.
From this alone, Bai Ruyi already felt a deep sense of foreboding.
As soon as he cleared the end of the street that led to the b
