Rustle.
A figure walked out of the dense forest.
Lican had arrived at the location where he had once fought the Night Panther,He remembered how desperately he had fought against it back then and shook his head.
If he were in the same situation now, the Night Panther wouldn't stand a chance.
Lican looked toward the other side of the forest, where the trio had come from, before turning toward the path ahead. It had been weeks since they left, so finding the correct path leading toward the city would be difficult.
A boy suddenly jumped down from the treetop.
He landed on the ground with enough force to kick up a cloud of dust, but he paid no attention to it.
Lican had been walking since morning, searching for even the smallest clues that could guide him toward a path with fewer beasts, After hours of searching, he finally sensed that he was approaching the edge of the forest.
After about five minutes of walking, Lican reached a dusty path that seemed to serve as a road. He followed the path as a clearing came into view, increasing his pace.
It was then that he saw people walking along the road, laughing and discussing among themselves.
Should I ask them if I'm going in the right direction?
He deliberated for a moment before deciding against it. As he continued, he noticed more and more people walking along the road.
"Ah, Big Hawk, there would be an auction at the Flowing Vein Auction House today," a crooked-nosed man said to his companion. There was clear excitement in his voice.
"Ah, Crimson Ridge City would be full today. We have to be careful of the pickpockets," Big Hawk said, nodding his head.
"Hmph." The crooked-nosed man snorted. "Who dares steal from us?"
He turned around, giving everyone a death stare. His eyes eventually landed on Lican.
His brows furrowed as he stared at Lican from head to toe, as if scanning him for something. After a moment, he turned back and whispered something to Big Hawk, who turned and stared at Lican strangely.
Lican turned around, his brows furrowing as he felt their gazes on him.
What are they looking at?
Without giving it much thought, he kept walking. He didn't sense any ill intent from them, so there was no reason to be concerned.
Still, he decided to strategically follow them from a distance so he wouldn't get lost.
It was about a ten-minute walk before Lican began seeing more people on the road. Some traveled in luxurious carts pulled by beasts, while young masters dressed in wealthy attire were escorted by guards.
At one point, he even saw someone pick a fight after discovering that another man had taken his wife. Lican found the situation rather amusing.
He had been isolated for so long that seeing all these people and witnessing their various antics was somewhat appealing to him, even with his cold personality.
It wasn't long before he heard the two men speaking again.
"We have finally reached the city. I'm already tired," Big Hawk said breathlessly.
"Don't worry. We'll enjoy ourselves at the Flower Maiden House. Today, it's my treat," the crooked-nosed man said with a laugh.
Lican watched as Big Hawk's tired face immediately brightened, his eyes shining with excitement.
"You're serious, man? I heard they got fresh ones this time," Big Hawk said happily.
Flower Maiden House?
Lican's brows furrowed. He didn't understand why the name made the man so happy. After a moment, he simply shrugged.
"Ah, look at the city gates! We've arrived!" the crooked-nosed man exclaimed.
Lican raised his head and followed the direction of their gaze.
Soon, he saw the city gates.
Except... there was something strange about them.
There was no door.
Just a massive gate standing open before the city.
He had underestimated the bustle of the city as he passed through the so-called strange gate. He had spent most of his life in his father's manor, so seeing such a lively place was still surprising to him.
Some pavilions seemed to rise above the ground, while small-store owners called out to potential customers, offering goods for exchange and trade.
But Lican noticed something else.
The strange looks people gave him had not lessened. If anything, they had increased.
Some looked at him with disgust, while others seemed to look at him with pity.
A little child even pointed at him and told her father that a beggar was coming their way.
How do I look like a beggar?
It was then that Lican looked down at his attire, something he had completely ignored until now.
He was wearing rough beast-skin clothing, and it was filled with holes and dirt.
For a moment, he imagined how he must look to the people around him.
I really do look like one.
He laughed inwardly before continuing on his way.
None of the store owners called him over. They simply assumed he was either a beggar or a lost child.
Lican didn't seem to care.
He only needed to find the right place to safely trade his goods. After hearing the two men talk about pickpockets, he had no intention of causing any trouble.
Not now, at least.
He was in an unfamiliar environment, and the last thing he wanted was to start a fight before understanding the place.
He had been walking aimlessly for a while, taking in the sights and receiving curious stares from almost everyone he passed.
At one point, he even spotted Big Hawk and his companion, whose name he later learned was Hai, entering a beautifully decorated pavilion. The place was lively, and Lican could hear the commotion from outside,the shouts of drunken men mixed with bursts of laughter.
Women dressed in revealing clothes moved among the customers, ushering them inside with giggles and smiles. Lican even saw one of the men grab a woman's butt. She merely giggled shyly and told him to go inside first.
Lican paused and stared at the strange scene for a moment before shaking his head and continuing on his way.
I don't understand this city. That was weird.
He continued walking until something caught his attention.
He stopped in front of a particularly luxurious pavilion and looked up at the golden-plated sign above its entrance.
Flowing Vein Pavilion.
Big Hawk and his companion had been talking about this place earlier.
Lican thought for a moment before walking toward the pavilion.