The Outer City of Flowing Stone Stronghold was every bit as chaotic as the Outer City of Windrise Stronghold had been.
It was still broad daylight, yet fights and disputes were already breaking out constantly in the Outer City's streets.
Occasionally, uncollected corpses could even be seen in corners along the streets.
Chen Shi'an went to a restaurant and headed straight upstairs to a private room on the second floor.
A waiter approached with an eager smile plastered across his face. "What would you like, sir? Our specialties are steamed goose heads and braised carp..."
Chen Shi'an took out a piece of silver and set it on the table. "Sorry for the trouble, but please ask your shopkeeper to come here."
The waiter beamed, snatching up the silver and repeatedly bowing with his hands clasped. "Please wait a moment. I'll go find the shopkeeper right away."
With that, he left delightedly.
A short while later, a knock sounded at the door.
Chen Shi'an said softly, "Come in."
The door opened, and a middle-aged man with a black beard on his chin stepped slowly inside. Smiling broadly, he clasped his hands toward Chen Shi'an. "Sir, I am the shopkeeper here. What can I do for you?"
Chen Shi'an said nothing, simply taking a triangular black token from his sleeve.
At the sight of the triangular token, the black-bearded shopkeeper's expression changed at once. He then bowed respectfully to Chen Shi'an. "Greetings, my lord. What are your orders?"
Chen Shi'an said softly, "I want to see your young mistress. The sooner, the better."
Chen Shi'an ate in the restaurant's private room, then cultivated for nearly two hours.
A series of knocks sounded outside the door.
He opened his eyes and said softly, "Come in."
The door opened, and a slender woman