On First Street in Hippo Ancient City, crowds surged back and forth, yet Li Ziran felt only desolation. Time flowed onward minute by minute, and with every minute that passed, his disappointment deepened.
How many years had it been since he had last felt scrutinized like this? As his surgical skill had steadily deepened, it had usually been living beings begging him for help. When had he ever needed to beg someone else? Though Snow Woman had called it an equal partnership, standing here now, he had already fallen into the weaker position.
The steps beneath him were icy cold, yet Li Ziran did not shift an inch. His eyes swept over the passing pedestrians, hoping to catch sight of Snow Woman.
Of course, Snow Woman was not irreplaceable. But among the Ancient Clans he knew, those truly capable of serving as guides were as rare as phoenix feathers and qilin horns. More importantly, this woman knew that powerful Ancient Clans in the Void Expanse were plundering the Red Soil Continent's origin. This continent was heading toward its end.
Even the old man from Six Flavors House had hemmed and hawed over these secrets. Clearly, anyone who could understand such information was no ordinary person.
It was not about status, but about control over information. Snow Woman surely had her own intelligence network, and especially after their trip underground, he could tell that she took her work very seriously.
That was the most crucial point. A serious guide could often teach one the finest, most delicate skills, rather than merely make do with crude methods.
First Street remained as bustling as ever, yet not a single person came near Christie's. No matter what, this place seemed out of place in Hippo Ancient City. Sitting on the steps, Li Ziran looked