After leaving Hundred Treasures Tower, You An was in high spirits. He patted Li Chen on the shoulder and said, "Little brother, my treat. Let's go have ourselves some fun."
Li Chen laughed. "Forget it, Old You. If you've got time for that, you ought to spend it cultivating. Besides, do you even have any money right now?"
At those words, Old You's face fell at once. "Damn it, I nearly forgot! I'm a penniless bastard now!"
He wasn't literally without a copper to his name, of course, but for a rogue cultivator, falling to such straits meant he truly could no longer afford a life of wine and revelry.
"Life really is hard."
You An could only shake his head and sigh, abandoning his plans for a proper celebration.
As they spoke, the two suddenly saw a group of people hurrying past up ahead.
All wore close-fitting martial attire, their gazes keen and piercing. As they passed Hundred Treasures Tower, they gave Li Chen and You An a look, then one of them broke away and approached.
"Friends, may I ask whether you've seen this young master?"
"Hm?" Li Chen's expression shifted slightly, for the man had taken out a portrait bearing Zuo Hao's likeness.
He quickly recovered and shook his head. "No, we haven't."
"All right." The man waved a hand and headed into Hundred Treasures Tower, apparently intending to question the shopkeeper inside.
Li Chen looked around and discovered that several others dressed the same way had already entered the shops along the street, while two continued ahead to watch the passersby at the intersection.
"Who are these people, and why are they looking for Zuo Hao?" He gave them a few seemingly curious glances and signaled for You An to leave, asking the question through voice