Shops on Both Sides of the City Gate, Shops on One Side, and More Shops on the Other

As Zhou Qiubai passed through the city gate tunnel, he glanced sideways at the old soldier.

The old soldier reflexively puffed out his chest, his right hand unconsciously rising before his chest. It was the motion of a military salute, but halfway through, he remembered that he had not given one in a very long time.

Zhou Qiubai smiled at him, then turned back and continued on.

Once they passed through the city gate, the familiar streetscape of Heaven Dou City rushed toward them.

Five years had passed, yet Heaven Dou City was still the same Heaven Dou City.

The shops on both sides of the city gate—shops on one side, and on the other...

Still shops.

Yang Guyun did not even glance over, but Zhou Qiubai patted him on the shoulder.

"Those chestnuts look good. Once we're done, let's buy some."

Dugu Bo's residence lay in the northern district, near the imperial city. Though small, it was exceptionally quiet.

Zhou Qiubai reached out and pushed open the gate. It opened at once.

The courtyard was arranged exactly as it had been five years ago.

The difference was that the expressionless steward was no longer standing at the entrance, and the cumbersome formalities were gone as well.

Dugu Bo emerged from the main hall and smiled when he saw the two of them.

"You're here?" He greeted them like two younger relatives who had just returned from a stroll down the street. "The door wasn't locked. Come in."

Zhou Qiubai stepped over the threshold and surveyed the courtyard.

"Why aren't you putting on airs this time?"

Dugu Bo casually waved a hand as he headed into the hall.

"Pomp is for outsiders. Back then, I thought you were children of some great clan, so the proper etiquette couldn't be skipped.