Li Qingxian and Zhou Hen traveled through the night. After walking a dozen steps, they heard people whispering in a corner.
"This winter isn't as cold as previous years."
"But more people have died this year than in previous years. In past years, when winter had just begun, when had anyone died? It's only been a few days now, and several have already died."
"That does seem true. Strange."
"This year will probably be hard to get through."
"Why?"
"In past years, when we begged at this time, there would still be some leftover food. But this year, as soon as winter came, we couldn't beg for much."
"That's true. I heard some master say that whether the year-end will be easy depends on the Talent-Seeking Gathering."
"What do you mean?"
"Think about it. If everyone's little lives are going well, they'll be too lazy to attend the Talent-Seeking Gathering. But if their lives are bad and they fear they can't go on, they'll all try their luck. Maybe some sect will take a fancy to their child and waive the apprenticeship fee. Look at the Divine Bow Sect this year—they waived the fees for quite a few disciples and even provided food and drink."
Li Qingxian listened as he walked. Passing the corner, he glanced into the alley and saw two beggars huddled in a corner, speaking in low voices.
"Uncle Zhou, do so many people normally die when winter has just begun in the north?"
Zhou Hen shook his head. "Hard to say. Generally speaking, very few do."
After taking a few more steps, Li Qingxian suddenly stopped. "We're going back."
Li Qingxian returned and found the person who had frozen to death. He dragged the body into an empty alley, asked Zhou Hen to stand guard at