Central Earth, Shi Bang, Springwater Market.
Under the blazing sun, people streamed back and forth. At the end of this week, the great market that locals had long grown used to was bustling and clamorous everywhere.
Vegetables, meat, spices, tobacco, general goods—beneath the shacks, countless disorderly stalls were crammed together. The paths between them were so narrow they could not fit two people walking side by side, and in some places, one had to lift one's feet carefully to avoid stepping on the goods crowded underfoot.
Amid the flying dust, locals with headscarves wound around their heads threaded through the market, and the sounds of haggling never ceased. Every now and then, through the crowd, one could see several gun-toting soldiers riding in armed off-road vehicles outside the market, swaggering through the streets.
And amid Springwater Market, a middle-aged man with a face full of stubble reeked of rotten drunkenness as he staggered forward. Every so often, he bumped into someone and drew several curses, and someone even grabbed him and punched him.
He did not get angry. With his gapped teeth exposed, he grinned fawningly and breathed out a foul stench.
.?
He looked like a beggar.
But no beggar had such a treasure in his hand.
He was leading a girl.
The girl, around thirteen years old, had her wrist gripped by his filthy palm as she stumbled along behind him, following every step. Her eyes were full of curiosity when she looked around.
Sometimes, she wanted to linger before a stall, but the moment her feet stopped, the man mercilessly dragged her away.
The girl asked blankly and curiously, "Big brother, where are we going?"
The bearded man lowered his head, showing a mouthful of rotten teeth. His smile became delighted. "Remember this—don't call me brother later.