The next morning, at the East Xuan Gate outside Zhenxi Prefecture City.
Since the establishment of the Southern Desert Metropolitan Mansion, the central focus of defense shifted westwards. Zhenxi Prefecture City naturally transitioned from being a frontline stronghold to becoming a transportation hub.
At the break of dawn, various carts loaded with goods had already formed a long queue, waiting to enter the city.
Armored soldiers, fully armed, filed out in orderly rows, maintaining the scene's order.
Merchants dressed in varied attire bustled back and forth between their shops, assigning tasks to prepare for entry into the city.
Compared to the merchants, the knife-bearing convoy guards appeared far less busy. Entering Zhenxi Prefecture City's perimeter meant their duties were absolved. In groups of three or more, they congregated casually, chatting and joking around.
"Damn, what rotten luck! Finally made a run to the Western Frontier, and now we run into martial law."
