Nobu was utterly bewildered, not understanding why someone like Su Changxing, who could use magic, would want to discuss scientific matters with him, especially since what Su Changxing talked about was completely foreign to him.

"It should be about done."

Su Changxing glanced at the glittering Skeleton Talisman on the table, feeling it should be about ready after sacrificing so much blood, it ought to last for a few days.

Though it seemed strange, this was how the Skeleton Talisman was used: sacrifice blood, then harness its ability.

Perhaps those who used this Skeleton Talisman before didn’t sacrifice as much blood as Su Changxing did, only offering blood when needed.

But that method was too troublesome and unable to handle sudden situations, so he decided to feed the Skeleton Talisman all at once, keeping it activated continuously for several days.

He placed the Skeleton Talisman at his waist, then turned to Nobu saying, "Let’s go now. If we take a small boat, which landing spot is more convenient?"

Nobu thought for a moment and said, "From South Port, it’s a rather narrow waterway with no big ships passing through, only fishing boats or black ships carrying goods, and no one oversees it."

Su Changxing nodded: "Okay, let’s go ashore there."

They lowered the small boat from the Horror Ghost Ship and boarded, rowing towards Maelon’s dock.

Nobu noticed that they barely needed much effort to row; the boat moved forward by itself, giving an illusion of operating a steam boat.

But he wasn’t surprised, assuming the propulsion system of the small boat was similar to the Horror Ghost Ship.

Splash, splash～

They approached the shore amidst the splattering water.

On the shore, just a few scattered fishermen were organizing their gear, preparing to go fishing.

The streets were sparsely populated, seemingly desolate, with everyone wrapped tightly, keeping their distance from others.

A person wearing a mask and a raincoat saw Su Changxing and Nobu dressed lavishly yet rowing such a shabby boat, feeling curious, pointing them out to others, then quickly moving far away.

Nobu noticed their actions and put on the mask he had prepared long ago, saying gravely, "Sir, aren’t you going to wear a mask? It looks like the plague is quite severe here."

Su Changxing glanced at the thin mask on Nobu’s face, shook his head, and said, "That thing of yours is probably useless."

He conjured something resembling a cover with his hand and handed it to Nobu, saying, "Wear this, it’s more effective than your thing."

Nobu looked at the peculiar item handed to him by Su Changxing with an amazed expression, and asked, "Sir, what is this?"

"A gas mask, it’s useful if the plague spreads only through the respiratory tract," Su Changxing said, as he donned a gas mask himself, adding another layer of protection.

Actually, the Skeleton Talisman might be sufficient, but he felt it safer to take extra precautions.

This gas mask wasn’t an ordinary one; due to the world’s rules, an ordinary gas mask might not function correctly in this world and would break instantly.

He had obtained it from the Doomsday Shop earlier.

[Disposable Gas Mask: Middle Rank of C, able to filter various substances in the air to some extent, particularly effective in protecting against toxic gases for one day.]

Nobu, mimicking Su Changxing, put on the gas mask and found it somewhat heavy, yet it reassured him greatly:

"Sir, this thing is excellent. If it really protects against the plague, it’s priceless. Is there more of this?"

Su Changxing replied cryptically, "No, just these two for now; that’s all we have."

The two exited South Port and walked towards the city center, witnessing tragic scenes continuously, with people collapsing on the streets.

People nearby dared not help, instead scornfully assuming they had caught the plague and moved far away.

"Damn it, if you got the plague, stop wandering about, dying yourself and dragging us down with you." A man in a black coat with white gloves cursed from a distance, not forgetting to kick a stone at the fallen person.

They arrived at a junction leading in different directions.

Nobu asked Su Changxing, "Where should we go first, the left leads to West City, the right to East City."

Most cities in the Empire were similarly arranged, East City generally housed commoners and connected to the slums.

While West City was considered the inner city, primarily occupied by the nobility, with significant buildings like banks and museums located there.

Su Changxing pondered for a moment and said, "Weren’t you planning to check on your home?"

Nobu hesitated and said, "Sir, my matters can wait, of course it’s best to attend to your business first."

Su Changxing observed Nobu’s loyal demeanor and helplessly said, "You seem quite urgent. Let’s check on your home first, and survey the situation."

Nobu exhaled, leaving a white mist on the gas mask’s visor, then dissipated, expressing gratitude: "Thank you, Sir, our store is near the West City in East City."

Their unusual appearance had naturally attracted attention, but in such an environment, strangers were met with tension, and no one approached to inquire.

As they entered East City, a burly man with golden hair, carrying weapons, caught up with them from behind, blocking their path, scrutinized Su Changxing and Nobu, and asked, "What do you have on your faces?"

They wore cloth masks, while these two were wearing strange items, though curious, he had seen similar ones and heard they could protect against the plague.

Here, the plague’s terror had overstressed everyone’s nerves, with drugstores selling all remedies claimed to treat the plague long gone.

Nobu snorted coldly, "None of your business, move aside if there’s nothing else."

Knowing well that facing such ruffians, one couldn’t appear meek; being soft would lead them to assume you’re easy to bully, and they’d take advantage.

The golden-haired man’s expression turned sour, but he continued, "I’m sincerely asking, such an attitude isn’t nice, right? You look like a merchant, are there more of these items? We want to buy."

He said "we" not "I," implying there were others behind him, likely gang members here.

Nobu was about to speak when Su Changxing stopped him.

Su Changxing smiled and said, "If you want to buy something, shouldn’t you introduce yourself first?"

The golden-haired man saw Su Changxing’s demeanor and relaxed a bit, "You’re outsiders as well. I’m Weigen, from the Black Dog Gang."

Nobu was surprised, "Black Dog Gang? I’ve never heard of such a gang."

Weigen glared at Nobu, boastingly said, "Seems you’ve been gone a while. Now, we’re the bosses here, so if you intend to stay, best cooperate."

"I noticed the item on your faces resembles what the nobles in West City wear. Does it have any protective effect against the plague?"

Su Changxing paid no heed to Nobu’s frantic signaling, calmly said, "Yes, it’s probably effective. However, you must know these are precious items, buying them won’t be simple."

Weigen casually asked, "What do you want?"

Su Changxing glanced at him, "Let your boss come speak with me, you’re not qualified."

Feeling Su Changxing’s pressure, Weigen took a deep breath and said slowly, "Our boss has the plague and can’t meet you personally. If you want to meet, you’ll have to follow me."

"But I don’t think anyone wants to see someone with the plague, so if you have something to say, I can relay the message."

His courteous demeanor differed from typical gang members, letting Su Changxing surmise the Black Dog Gang’s situation was dire, possibly many caught the plague, including their boss.

Su Changxing said nonchalantly, "No need, then I’ll meet your boss myself."

Nobu had no choice but to follow Su Changxing to the Black Dog Gang’s territory, though he feared not the gang, he worried about catching the plague—-an indiscriminate curse upon anyone infected.