Year-end, year-end—the winter cold was biting.
With bellies empty and clothes too thin to cover their bodies, with demons and monsters harassing them, how were they supposed to make it through?
Yet after entering the Inner City, the scenes of misery seemed to have been wiped away out of thin air.
Cries of hawking rose one after another. The passersby wore plain but clean clothes, and from time to time, one could even spot young masters like Li Cunxiao, dressed in brocade and riding fine horses.
The scent of wine, the scent of meat, the scent of powder and perfume.
With complicated feelings, Li Cunxiao entered Zui Chun Lou once more.
Besides Shen He, Jiang Qi, Xiao Mei, and Ye Chengxiao, several unfamiliar faces had appeared in the private room.
But without exception, every one of them wore brocade robes and jade ornaments.
Upon seeing Li Cunxiao, everyone greeted him warmly and introduced themselves.
After exchanging pleasantries and drinking another round, they finally got to the point.
"Brother Li, the gambling matches are only secondary at this gathering. The main reason is that we wish to invite you to join a small association organized by us."
"Senior Sister Jiang told me about it. You've contacted the various martial arts schools in the Inner City, and the purpose is to spar and test one another, correct? As I recall, only martial artists who can manipulate blood essence may participate?"
"Precisely." Having Li Cunxiao respond, that young master looked as though glory had been bestowed upon him.
"If Brother Li has any promising candidates in mind, you may bring them along for sparring and exchange as well."
"Take Brother Shen, for instance. He often recommends young talents to participate. After all, real combat is a martial artist's foremost priority. Shutting oneself away