Choo choo! Choo choo!
The train pulled into Three-Head Fork, and Liao Zihui stepped aboard.
Had it not been for his plump physique, Li Qi might not have recognized him. Liao Zihui was swathed from head to toe, a thick mask obscuring his face.
"Brother Li, it's been a while!
Old Shen, how long has it been since we last met!"
Liao Zihui removed his mask, offering greetings all around. On the train, there was no need to maintain vigilance against Heavenly Light, allowing them to temporarily shed their protective gear.
Li Banfeng exchanged pleasantries with Liao Zihui, making a specific point, "The Autumn Song Festival at Xiaoyao Lodge is fast approaching, Chief Envoy Liao, you absolutely must attend to lend your support."
Liao Zihui gestured dismissively, "Director Shen is within earshot; we cannot discuss such matters in his presence. He'll surely report me the moment we return."
Shen Jingye let out a chuckle, "What's wrong with listening to a song? The foremost Singing Empress of Puluo State, Jiang Mengting, is said to be gracing Xiaoyao Lodge with her presence, isn't she? Her singing is legendary; I too wish to hear it."
After the initial courtesies, the core discussion commenced.
Liao Zihui presented a scroll, "Brother Li, here is a roster of five thousand individuals; please review it."
Perusing the list offered little insight. Li Qi had never set foot in Three-Head Fork and knew none of the names presented. "Chief Envoy Liao, were these individuals selected from the City of Sinners?"
This stipulation originated from Greenwater Beggar; he had insisted that the 'Three-Headed People' he requested must hail from the City of Sinners.
Liao Zihui confirmed with a nod, "The very place we are now is the City of Sinners, and all the individuals I've chosen are from within its confines. If you doubt my word, you are welcome to question them individually. Should one person spout falsehoods, it might be attributed to my influence, but surely not all five thousand would conspire in deceit?"
Li Qi, genuinely desiring to verify, declared, "Since Chief Envoy Liao assures me of this, let us disembark then!"
Liao Zihui had subordinates retrieve the equipment. Li Banfeng donned a hat, put on the heavy protective suit, and fastened his mask.
"Director Shen, would you care to accompany us?" Liao Zihui inquired.
Shen Jingye rubbed his neck, responding, "Chief Envoy Liao, might you be so kind as to procure some inhibitors for me? I partook of some prior to our arrival, and their effect seems rather potent at the moment."
Individuals unaffiliated with cultivation, upon reaching Three-Head Fork, are susceptible to the localized phenomena. Their necks develop an itch, their thoughts become scattered, and they experience an illusion of sprouting two additional heads.
Naturally, the severity of this reaction correlates with the duration of one's stay in Three-Head Fork. A visit of a few hours typically results in minimal consequence, with the illusion rapidly dissipating.
However, prolonged stays of ten days or half a month could transcend mere illusion, potentially leading to the actual growth of two extra heads.
To ensure safety, it is advisable for those without cultivation to administer inhibitors upon arriving at Three-Head Fork. Shen Jingye's request for inhibitors served a dual purpose: to subtly display his standing, indicating he remained a 'White Lamb' and should not be implicated in disembarking, and to clearly delineate his position, signaling that their current endeavors within Puluo State should not involve him.
Liao Zihui promptly summoned an attendant to fetch inhibitors for Shen Jingye, then led Li Banfeng off the train.
The platform remained unchanged from previous encounters. Beyond the metal fencing, a dense crowd of 'Three-Headed People' was still visible.
They extended their hands through the fence, palms open, gazing expectantly at Li Qi.
Li Banfeng posed a question to Liao Zihui, "Are all these individuals boarding the train today?"
Liao Zihui answered with a shake of his head, "Not all of them."
"What do you mean by that?"
Liao Zihui elaborated, "Some are family members bidding farewell to their loved ones. Uncertainty about whether they will ever reunite in this lifetime compelled them to come and see them off."
With that explanation, Liao Zihui gestured, commanding the gate to be opened.
Five thousand individuals formed orderly lines, proceeding into the station through a makeshift passage.
This temporary passage was constructed from wire fencing. As they advanced, individuals confined within the perimeter reached out, tugging at their clothing and grasping their hands.
Li Banfeng could discern cries emanating from the crowd, along with faint, fragmented words of encouragement.
Li Banfeng observed numerous hands reaching towards him, clasped together in supplication as they bowed in his direction.
Ever since he could recall, Li Banfeng had rarely shied away from eye contact. Whether conversing or conducting business, he typically met others' gazes directly.
Yet, on this particular day, his eyes involuntarily shifted away.
"Chief Envoy Liao, approximately how many 'Three-Headed People' reside at Three-Head Fork?"
Liao Zihui replied, "The City of Sinners harbors over two hundred thousand inhabitants. Those who remain concealed outside the city's boundaries have not yet been accounted for."
More than two hundred thousand...
Li Qi's gaze fell upon the five thousand individuals boarding the train. They were being directed into cargo carriages, which lacked any windows.
"Has provision been made for food and drink?"
Liao Zihui let out a laugh, assuring, "No need to fret, we absolutely won't allow them to perish from hunger."
Li Qi meticulously checked each carriage, and with all passengers aboard, the train let out a whistle, signaling its imminent departure.
Ascending the train, Li Qi positioned himself by the window, his gaze fixed upon the station receding behind him.
On the platform, individuals continued to offer him bows.
The train commenced its slow journey, and amidst the sibilant hiss of steam, Li Qi discerned the resonant sound of drums, a deep, rhythmic beat.
Liao Zihui's brow furrowed, questioning, "Why the drumming today? Could they be plotting mischief once more?"
Their intentions were far from mischief.
This particular drumbeat was unique to the City of Sinners, reserved only for two distinct occasions.
The first instance was during the New Year festivities, symbolizing the City's fervent hope for continued life.
The second was when the very possibility of survival seemed to vanish, signifying the City's desperate struggle to endure.
Today was not the New Year, yet a sense of hope was palpable.
The reason behind these five thousand souls departing the City of Sinners, and their ultimate destination, remained unknown to the onlookers.
However, their departure represented a beacon of hope.
Thud! Thud!
Li Banfeng stood by the window, his gaze silently following the diminishing platform.
A silent promise echoed within him: I shall return.
...
En route, Li Qi proceeded to the carriage occupied by the Three-Headed People to conduct a headcount. Seizing this moment, Liao Zihui inquired of Shen Jingye, "What prompted Green Flower's peculiar interest in these Three-Headed People?"
Shen Jingye shook his head repeatedly, confessing, "Even I haven't managed to unravel that mystery. By the way, when does the Autumn Song Festival at Xiaoyao Lodge typically commence?"