Taiping County's ancient city gate stood towering, the weak winter sunlight piercing through the thick clouds and casting a dim light within the gateway.
A cold wind surged from the open ground outside the gate, continuously seeping into the entrance.
As Shen Qing stepped into the gate, the chill of winter rushed toward him, causing both Shen Xiaohu and Zhang Shuyuan to involuntarily hunch their shoulders.
Once they exited the ancient city gate, the wind gradually subsided.
Familiar sights reappeared before the trio of Shen Qing.
The uneven ground, a mix of soil and dark snow…
All around, densely packed makeshift shelters made from various materials stretched endlessly.
Narrow, muddy paths snaked between the shelters, the running figures of children intermingling with sporadic vendors' cries, adding a touch of life and chaos to the bleak scenery.
It was already afternoon, and the number of people entering the city had decreased significantly.
