After the banquet ended, Iron Mountain Tiger and the others left in a drunken haze. Before leaving, they showered Mo Hua, their "big brother who fed and clothed them," with profuse thanks.
Mo Hua could only remind them, "Save your Spirit Stones. Don't squander them. Use more of them for cultivation and carve out a future for yourselves."
Iron Mountain Tiger and the others nodded repeatedly, bowed to Mo Hua, then threw their arms around one another's shoulders and took their leave.
After pondering for a long while, Mo Hua still made a trip to Fortune Pavilion and found Shopkeeper Zhao.
Night had already fallen, and the darkness was deep.
Yet Houtu City was flourishing like brocade. The night market blazed with lights, and quite a few young masters and ladies wandered Fortune Pavilion after dark, spending Spirit Stones freely.
Shopkeeper Zhao was still receiving guests and discussing business deals.
However, his business mainly dealt in Array Techniques, with an emphasis on practicality.
He did not sell luxurious Spirit Artifacts, beauty-enhancing Pills, ladies' cosmetics, or other pleasing trifles. Before long, the counter had grown deserted.
When Mo Hua entered, Shopkeeper Zhao was lounging in a rocking chair before the counter, looking utterly resigned to doing nothing.
Mo Hua walked right up to him before Shopkeeper Zhao finally noticed him in surprise. "Young Master Mo, you haven't gone back?"
Normally, after arriving in town and being welcomed with a feast, Mo Hua would return "home" early.
After all, there was still a domineering senior martial sister waiting at home. Young Master Mo had to go back and report in.
Yet it was so late today, and Young Master Mo still had not returned.
"I have something I'd like to ask about," Mo Hua said.
Shopkeeper Zhao understood at once. He called