Zan Buliu was chatting merrily with a merchant of the Dangyi Tribe when he noticed someone walking straight toward him. He looked up and received quite a shock. Although Hu Xiaotian was in disguise, he had worn this same face when visiting Zan Buliu in the Yong Capital, so Zan Buliu was no stranger to it.
"Brother Zan!" Hu Xiaotian called out. "It's been months since we parted in the Yong Capital. Who would have thought we'd meet again out here on the frontier? Haha, fate really does keep bringing us together!"
Zan Buliu's expression turned exceedingly strange. He forced out a smile. "Your Highness..." Before he could finish, a piercing look from Hu Xiaotian stopped him short. Zan Buliu chuckled, his laughter steeped in indescribable embarrassment. He clasped his hands and bowed deeply. Hu Xiaotian returned the courtesy and asked with a smile, "Is the Prince of Yan here with you too, Brother Zan?"
"I haven't been in contact with the Prince of Yan for a long time," Zan Buliu said quietly.
Hu Xiaotian nodded and glanced around.
Zan Buliu immediately explained, "I'm heading to the Yulan Kingdom on business. I happened to pass through the Returning Ruins, so I came to join the bustle and see whether there were any rare goods for sale. I never expected to meet you here on the frontier, Young Master Hu."
"If you hadn't told me, Brother Zan, I would have thought you'd come specifically to find me," Hu Xiaotian said with a smile.
Zan Buliu gave a dry cough. "I heard you're getting married in May. I thought you'd be busy preparing for the wedding."
Hu Xiaotian laughed. "I was going to have someone deliver an invitation to you, but since we've met here, I can tell you in person. You