The "Scripture of Books" held no special significance, containing the texts and moral principles that scholars needed to thoroughly study before their exams.
The scholar who had been rescued by the Sutra of Salvation was also preparing for his examinations, but unfortunately, he strayed onto a dark path midway, not only delaying his great future prospects but also losing his life...
Xu Qing calmed his mind, as countless meanings from the classics flowed in like a silent stream, nurturing his literary thoughts.
When the entire Scripture of Books transformed into a faint fluorescence and merged into his mind, he suddenly opened his eyes, looking vigorous and energetic.
It is said that a bellyful of poetry gives one an elegant demeanor. Now that he understood the classics, although there seemed to be no change in his appearance, there was an indescribable literati aura about him.
He had an inexplicable feeling that if he were to participate in the provincial exams in the future, he would undoubtedly pass as a Scholar with ease.
However, even if he did not seek fame through exams, just the fact that he was now literate was already his greatest gain tonight.
He was originally a foreigner in a strange land, and being able to understand the local language and script in advance was undoubtedly fortunate.
After digesting the Scripture of Books, Xu Qing picked up another reward, a radiant blue Heart Communication Pill.
The passionate scholar had a moment of clarity before throwing himself into the river, seeing through Su Hongxiu's true nature. Even though the scholar was unwilling to face it, he had grasped human nature to some extent.
A Heart Communication Pill, once ingested, would lead to clarity and wisdom.
After swallowing the elixir pill, Xu Qing instantly felt his ears become keen and his vision clear, with thoughts affected by desires becoming clearer.
At this moment, with the rooster's crowing at the fifth watch, dawn was near.
A clear-minded Xu Qing was instantly alarmed, realizing that he had been so absorbed in the Sutra of Salvation that he had lost track of time.
If daylight broke and the steward of the mill discovered that half the zombies were lying prostrate, there would surely be a rigorous investigation. At that time, even the slightest mistake would leave him, as the instigator, with no good outcome!
Returning the passionate scholar to his original place, Xu Qing turned around and took a look, seeing that every corpse worker he had rescued was now standing with their eyes closed and faces wearing strange yet happy smiles, as if recalling the happiest moments of their lives.
The scene before him in the gentle breeze sent chills down his spine.
Xu Qing looked down at the delivery uniform he was wearing, blue and yellow layered, yellow inside and blue outside—his attire starkly different from that of the local natives in the courtyard.
After some thought, Xu Qing turned around and took the scholar's long robe, putting it on himself.
To escape from this place, he needed to pass through the alleys and streets of Linhe District. If he continued wearing his strange clothes, he would be too conspicuous and easily attract attention.
After changing clothes, Xu Qing fixed his gaze on the direction of the outer wall, preparing to take a few steps and jump over it. However, he noticed that every time he moved, the gold and silver tablets hidden on him would jingle noisily.
"..."
Stripping a few pieces of cloth, he tightly wrapped the tablets. Standing on the spot, he jumped lightly, only to find himself leaping three feet high.
At this moment, the tablets on him didn't make a sound. However, he couldn't help but wonder when his jumping ability had become so impressive.
Xu Qing felt that if there was a standard basketball hoop in front of him, with a slight exertion, he could easily reach the top of the backboard.
If he had this athletic ability in his past life, who would still be delivering takeout!
Indeed, the poor must rely on mutation!
Itchingly eager to give it a try, Xu Qing approached the courtyard wall. Focusing on the wall ledge, he suddenly exerted his Achilles tendon, bounding effortlessly over the wall that was about ten feet high.
Zombies could see in the dark as if it were daytime. Standing at the high point, he used the night to observe the general layout of the Corpse Worker Mill.
Not mentioning the entire mill, just within Xu Qing's line of sight, there were two corridors and three large courtyards, each with corpse workers busy with their tasks.
"This mill owner is truly wicked, amassing wealth through the dead, not fearing that one day he might be struck by divine punishment!"
Within the mill, the bustling of the corpse workers was significant enough to cover any subtle movements.
Xu Qing quietly climbed over several courtyard walls, avoiding the sheds under the corridors, and shortly arrived at the last courtyard wall near the street.
On this side of the wall was the place where the dead worked for free; beyond the wall was the world of the living.
"Some zombies cannot be confined..."
Without any hesitation, Xu Qing decisively climbed over the wall to escape.
As for his future plans, he already had an inkling.
Zombies, neither living nor dead, inherently possessed longevity. Once he escaped here, he would find a chaotic burial mound or cemetery. With the Sutra of Salvation in hand, perhaps he could survive for a few hundred years and cultivate into a Corpse Immortal. At the very least, becoming a Zombie King would not be bad.
Holding onto hopes for the future, Xu Qing leapt off the high wall, landing in the alley.
His current location was in an alley adjacent to the mill. At the alley's end, he could vaguely see the lights from Linhe District's main street.
It seemed like store lights, or perhaps the busy atmosphere with smoke rising from population gatherings.
Initially, Xu Qing stepped cautiously towards the street. Gradually, his pace quickened, and after about a dozen breaths, the street of Linhe District was just within reach.
At this time, the sky was still dark, with the heavy mist lingering at the alley's entrance.
Suddenly, a slippery figure appeared around the corner, almost colliding with Xu Qing, who had just reached the alley's entrance.
"Move aside! Quick, move aside!" The newcomer hurried by, gasping for breath.
Xu Qing quickly retreated two steps and then clearly saw the other's appearance.
It was a tall, thin young man, completely naked.
Behind the youth, faint voices could be heard—"Where is the person?"
"Reporting to the constable, the flower thief ran into the alley!"
"Ha, if I recall correctly, that should be a dead-end."
"Follow me!"
...
At the alley's entrance, Xu Qing avoided the naked man running at dawn and then peeked out. He saw several aggressive officers rushing from the left side of the street.