The streets bustled with people, most of them capable mages. The few ordinary people were longtime residents waiting for their families to return.
Looking at the crowded sidewalk, Mu Bai glanced at the mages whose auras were anything but weak and asked in confusion.
"Why are there so many mages here? Most seem to be mercenaries or Hunting Mages. Is something big about to happen in Tianshan?"
Mo Xie shook his head. He surveyed the mercenary groups and explained.
"Pan Town is the southern gateway to Tianshan, so it naturally sees a lot of traffic. More importantly, this is the last chance to enter Tianshan for a while. Next month, the weather will turn colder and harsher, making entry difficult. The Demon Beasts inside will grow even bolder."
"I see."
Mu Bai nodded in realization. Put that way, it made perfect sense.
As they walked, they also saw people with haggard faces. They were probably waiting for the day their family members who had disappeared in Tianshan would come home.
"Those poor people. I don't know what the ones who went into Tianshan were thinking, leaving their families behind like that."
A young man in the group sighed as he looked at the grief-stricken people.
Xiao Hui patted his shoulder and spoke gravely.
"There's nothing wrong with a mage wanting to grow stronger. You might not feel it now, sheltered and supported by the Evil Heaven Pavilion. But when you have no one to rely on, you can't afford to pass up any chance to get stronger."
"Since we're in a fortunate position, we should respect their choices. And we should be grateful for the Evil Heaven Pavilion's help."
The young man took the lecture without complaint. He nodded earnestly.
Xiao Hui was right. If they hadn't followed Mo Xie