章 604: Like a Purgatory

Qin Huai and Zhang Daozi exchanged glances, their understanding of one another evident. Instead of heading directly to Lingkou Pass, which would consume unnecessary time, they decided to find a bustling restaurant in Qingzhou City. 

Once renowned for its inner-city prosperity, the landscape now lay in ruins, a stark contrast to its former grandeur. Wilted trees, faded blossoms, and blood-tainted canals painted a grim picture. Nature and architecture seemed in decay, with wild creatures roaming freely. 

As Qin Huai observed the malnourished cats and dogs darting in and out of shadows, he was taken aback. "Even these cats and dogs have such powerful vitality fluctuations?"

Considering the martial realm's standards, these animals exhibited an energy signature akin to the blood refinement realm. 

"Most likely, they consumed remnants discarded by the Sacred Heart followers," Zhang Daozi deduced, "or they wouldn't have survived here."