Online Game: Me, with Unparalleled Comprehension

The number of soldiers guarding the city gate had clearly increased by at least double, clad in armor and armed with weapons, their expressions solemn.

People lined up in long queues to enter the city, undergoing checks one by one, a slow process.

Above the city wall, the patrol posts were much denser, their eyes scanning the area below with keen scrutiny.

Wu Feng slowed down and stopped under a large tree some distance from the city gate, looking up at it.

Above the city gate hangs a striking yellow flag with a black "戒" (jie, meaning "abstinence") embroidered on it.

This is a special marker indicating that the city in the game has entered a state of martial law.

During this period, the city will strengthen access control, conduct strict checks on all personnel, significantly increase patrols and guards within the city, and may even implement a curfew.

"Martial law has been declared..." Wu Feng frowned.

In this situation, entering the city is easy, but leaving the city will likely be difficult.

Once inside, if you get entangled in any trouble, it will be difficult to get out.

He glanced at the yellow flag, then at the heavy guard at the city gate, and after a moment's hesitation, decided to enter the city first.

Duan Yanqing's kidnapping attempt failed, and Yun Zhonghe died; he certainly won't let it go easily.

They might come back to Dali City to cause trouble again.

Taking advantage of the early stages of martial law, I might sneak in and check things out; perhaps I can find an opportunity.

He straightened his dark blue suit, pulled down his hat, and strode towards the queue, patiently waiting to be questioned.

When it was his turn, the guard looked him up and down, paying particular attention to his back and waist, and then briefly inquired about his origins and purpose for entering the city.

Wu Feng casually made up a reason for visiting a friend, speaking calmly.

Seeing that he was dressed plainly and had a restrained aura, the guards did not notice anything unusual and waved him through.

Upon entering Dali city, the atmosphere on the streets was indeed much more tense than yesterday.

Patrolling squads of soldiers were everywhere, their steps were neat and their eyes were sharp.

Although the shops along the street were still open, there were significantly fewer customers. Many players gathered at street corners or in teahouses, whispering among themselves, their faces showing tension or excitement.

Wu Feng did not linger on the street and headed straight for the largest inn in the city that he remembered—"Sihai Inn".

The inn's lobby was still bustling, but everyone was speaking in hushed tones. He walked to the counter and said to the innkeeper, "I'd like a superior room, something quiet."

"Alright, sir." The innkeeper looked up at him, handed him a key, and said, "Room No. 3, East Wing, Second Floor. Five qian of silver per day."

Wu Feng paid the money, took the key, took out a tael of silver from his pocket, placed it on the counter, and pushed it toward the shopkeeper, while lowering his voice: "Shopkeeper, I want to ask you something."

The shopkeeper's eyes lit up, and he quickly shoved the silver into his sleeve, a smile spreading across his face: "Sir, please ask me anything, I'll answer to the best of my knowledge."

"Why is the city suddenly under martial law? Why have the defenses been increased so much?" Wu Feng asked.

The innkeeper looked around, leaned closer, and lowered his voice: "Sir, you may not know this, but the Prince of Zhennan's heir was rescued last night! However, both the Prince and the Emperor were terrified. To prevent any further mishaps for the heir, the Emperor personally ordered a city-wide curfew, increased garrison troops, and strict checks on entry and exit. The Four Evils are vicious and cunning; we must be on guard! There are even bounty posters for them in the city now, with shockingly high rewards!"

"Understood, thank you." Wu Feng didn't ask any more questions, picked up the key, and turned to walk towards the stairs.

The innkeeper, standing behind, said solicitously, "If you need any further inquiries, please feel free to ask!"

Wu Feng went up to the second floor and found room number 3, Jia.

The room is spacious, exquisitely furnished, and even has a small balcony facing the street.

He pushed open the balcony door, walked to the railing, and looked down at the street below.

Pedestrians hurried by, soldiers patrolled, and the atmosphere was tense.

His gaze quickly moved past the rows of rooftops and landed in the northwest of the city—where Tenryu-ji Temple was located.

The yellow tiles of the temple gleamed in the sunlight, and the figures of the monks and soldiers could be vaguely seen moving along the temple walls.

"Now is not the time," Wu Feng thought. The guards were too tight during the day, and even with the Ten Fragrant Softening Powder, it would be difficult to make a move.

Wait until late at night when everyone is quiet and the guards are changing shifts or relaxing their vigilance before attempting to sneak in.

He went back inside and sat down at the table. A little while later, the waiter knocked on the door and brought the food and drinks he had ordered: a pot of sake, two small dishes, and a bowl of rice.

Wu Feng ate slowly, glancing occasionally at the street outside the balcony, observing the city's activities.

The food and drinks were ordinary, but they could replenish hunger.

He ate leisurely, but his mind was racing as he planned his route for the evening and the obstacles he might encounter.

Suddenly, a burst of hurried running sounds and commotion came from the street below.

Several people who looked like players ran past hurriedly, talking loudly and excitedly as they ran:

"Hurry! I heard Duan Yanqing is provoking us again! He's in that woods east of the city!"

"They've even brought Ye Erniang and the Crocodile God of the South China Sea this time! They're coming on strong!"

"I reckon there's going to be a good show! Maybe I can even snag a bargain!"

"Let's go! If we're late, we won't be able to see it!"

Wu Feng narrowed his eyes and put down his wine glass.

Duan Yanqing is here again? And he brought two other villains with him? Yun Zhonghe just died yesterday, and he's here today... Is it revenge, or does he have some other scheme?

Without further hesitation, he got up and walked to the edge of the balcony. He spotted a deserted corner of the roof below, lightly touched the railing with his toes, and floated down like a falling leaf, landing silently.

He then mingled with the crowd surging towards the East Gate on the street, and followed the other players, quickly walking out of the city.

Arriving at the clearing in the woods not far from the East Gate, a large number of players and NPCs who had come after hearing the news had already gathered there, forming a large circle, whispering and craning their necks to look into the circle.

Wu Feng lowered his straw hat, squeezed to the front of the crowd, and scanned the scene.

In the center of the open space, two groups of people are facing off.

On one side was the Dali side, led by Duan Zhengchun: Duan Zhengchun had a cold expression and held a long sword; standing beside him were his family retainers, including Chu Wanli and Gu Ducheng, as well as four senior monks of the Tianlong Temple, Benyin, Benguan, Benxiang, and Bencan, who were dressed in yellow monk robes and had white eyebrows and long beards.

The crowd was tense, as if facing a formidable enemy.

On the other side were the three villains led by Duan Yanqing: Duan Yanqing leaned on crutches, his face withered and gloomy; Ye Erniang held a tattered swaddled baby in her arms, her face bearing a strange, benevolent smile; and the Crocodile God of the South Sea carried a huge crocodile-mouth scissor, his mouth wide open, his eyes fierce.

Behind the three, there were several other players with unusual attire, not dressed in the style of the Central Plains, about five or six people in total.

"Yanqing's story about avenging Yun Zhonghe is quite righteous," a player whispered to his companion. "I wonder who killed Yun Zhonghe. That was really something."

"Who else could it be?" another player chimed in, his tone certain. "It must be that anonymous god at the top of the leaderboard! He leveled up two times in one go yesterday. I wouldn't believe it if he didn't kill him! Where else would you get so much experience besides killing a boss like Yun Zhonghe?"

Wu Feng stood to the side, his lips twitching involuntarily.

These guys were absolutely right.

He shook his head, refocusing his attention on the two opposing sides in the arena.

At this moment, Duan Yanqing's dry, hoarse voice slowly rang out, carrying a chilling aura: "Duan Zhengchun, are you involved in the murder of my fourth brother? If you don't hand over the murderer today and give the Four Evils an explanation... don't blame us for washing your Dali city gates in blood!"

Duan Zhengchun shouted sternly, "Duan Yanqing! You have committed countless evils, kidnapped my child, and Yun Zhonghe's death was divine retribution! What does it have to do with me? You dare to come here and provoke me today? Do you really think Dali has no one to rely on?"

"Hahaha!" The Crocodile God of the South Sea laughed wildly, "Enough nonsense! Hand over the murderer! Otherwise, I'll cut off your head, the King of Zhennan, and use it as a chamber pot!"

The atmosphere instantly became tense!