No more opera troupe, no more dragon boat, no more singing women, and no more generals glowing with golden light.
Zhao Ruonan brought twenty warriors, driving ten vehicles, carrying Mr. Zhao, the Young Taoist, the Old Taoist, Song Xiaodong, Sun Yiyi, and Chu Xianling, into the heart of the Lop Nur desert.
The moon was only a half crescent now, rising later each night, reaching the sky only after nine o'clock.
Zhao Ruonan instructed his men to pour the prepared milk and fresh pig's blood into large wooden barrels and place them in the center of the desert.
The Young Taoist drew talismans around the area.
Mr. Zhao ate elixir to rest.
Song Xiaodong, Sun Yiyi, and Chu Xianling looked at each other.
"After tonight's affair is over, we can return tomorrow." Song Xiaodong said with a smile to Sun Yiyi and Chu Xianling.
Sun Yiyi and Chu Xianling remained silent, quietly watching Song Xiaodong.
"Are you two not afraid of death?" Song Xiaodong asked Sun Yiyi and Chu Xianling.
