The next morning, dawn barely broke over the eastern horizon.
By the bedside, only a faint fragrance lingered.
Li Mo was long accustomed to waking up to find the "ice block" already gone.
Silently gauging his training progress, he got up and headed downstairs, where Ying Bing was waiting for him.
Today, the hot pot shop had no proprietress, but beneath the tree by the entrance stood a graceful figure.
Clad in deep-blue fish-scale brocade that accentuated her delicate frame, she held a longsword in her arms.
Through the fluttering veil of her bamboo hat, one could almost glimpse her serene gaze.
"Damn, those legs are longer than my lifespan."
"Rumor has it the current top disciple of the Qingyuan Sect is a peerless beauty with formidable skills. Could it be...?"
Wherever she appeared, she effortlessly became the center of attention.
After locking eyes for a few seconds, Li Mo chuckled and spoke.
Riding the morning breeze into the city, Li Mo finally felt the thrill of living in a martial world.
Ziyang Prefecture City bustled with carriages and crowds, its streets alive like swirling smoke.
Realizing it had been a while since he last visited Princess Xiao Jiang and the kids, Li Mo decided to buy some treats for them.
"Are these white plums sweet? Sweet as can be!"
"Folks, today’s a special deal! This exotic wine usually costs eighty-eight taels, but for you—just eighty-eight coppers!"
"Wrap up all the candied hawthorns for me."
"Ah, Benevolent Li? Hahaha, Benevolent Li is eating my candied hawthorns!"
One vendor nearly lost his mind with joy.
He promptly fetched a wooden sign and scribbled:
‘Candied Hawthorns—Highly Recommended by Benevolent Li!’
The effect was instantaneous. A crowd gathered, curious and eager to buy.
"Benevolent Li, try mine next!"
"Do you like roasted yams?"
"Benevolent Li, need new clothes? Our women’s wear is stunning!"
"Wait—where’d he go?"
Chaos briefly ensued.
It took Li Mo a while to squeeze out of the throng, bamboo pole of candied hawthorns in hand—even resorting to his Windshadow Steps.
Ying Bing turned her head, puzzled by Li Mo’s inexplicable fame in the city.
"Honestly, this is your fault."
After hearing the full story, Ying Bing paused, then turned away, her lips behind the veil curling faintly.
Soon, the two arrived at Mud Corner Alley.
The once-messy courtyard was now tidy, cluttered yet orderly.
The roof of the rundown house had been patched, and a makeshift stove stood in the yard.
"St-stutter Sister, look! Big Brother Li’s here!"
"Ooh, who’s that lady with him?"
"Wow! I’ve wanted candied hawthorns forever!"
The kids swarmed around them.
After greetings, they grew curious—why wasn’t Stutter Sister, who usually talked about Li Mo nonstop, coming out today?
Li Mo glanced up and spotted a figure peeking from behind the door, only half her face visible, cheeks flushed with shyness.
The image reminded him of the socially anxious kitten he’d raised in his past life—one that hid whenever strangers visited.
Li Mo shot Ying Bing a questioning look.
You told me to find her, but you two... aren’t even close?
Ying Bing observed Jiang Chulong—her breathing steady, her thin frame now healthier—and her expression softened.
Li Mo waved encouragingly.
"Chulong, I brought you snacks."
Jiang Chulong finally stepped forward, nervous but reassured.
Though her eyes were covered, she could sense it:
This sister... wasn’t a bad person.
Mud Corner Alley’s little yard welcomed its head chef.
Li Mo tied on an apron and started cooking for the kids.
Meanwhile, Jiang Chulong stole a glance at Ying Bing, flustered when she realized the other was watching her, and quickly lowered her head.
This sister... is even more elegant than First Aunt, Second Aunt, Third Aunt... back in the palace.
Her presence is so intimidating...
"Big Brother Li, I..."
"N-nothing... I’ll help... cook..."
She deftly drew her Chixiao Sword and began assisting.
Ying Bing took half a step forward, then hesitated and retreated.
Half an hour later, as the meal was nearly ready—
"What are you all doing here?!"
A voice thick with frustration rang from the gate.
A young man in fine silk stood there, two candied hawthorn skewers in hand.
The left skewer fell to the ground.
Li Mo leaned back slightly. What’s this attention-seeker doing here?
"I waited for you at the magistrate’s office for hours! Why didn’t you show up?"
"You’re clearly already in the city!"
Luo Yu demanded, righteous indignation in his tone.
Li Mo finally remembered what he’d overlooked.
Not that he’d ever planned to team up with Luo Yu anyway.
"You forgot something this important?"
Luo Yu’s brows knitted into a frown.
"What have you been doing in the city, then?"
"Running a hot pot shop."
Li Mo answered matter-of-factly.
Luo Yu’s blood pressure spiked at his nonchalance.
He turned a hopeful gaze to Ying Bing.
She didn’t even glance his way.
She didn’t even know this hyperactive guy’s name.
Who are you? Never met you.
Counting money? So, the proprietress?
Luo Yu saw black. He was ready to spit blood.
The candied hawthorn in his right hand also dropped.
Ziyang Prefecture City sits at the foot of Qingyuan Mountain! How can you two laze around with a hot pot shop while people’s safety is at stake?
Are you here on vacation?!
"Hmph! I thought you were someone worth respecting. Now, I’m thoroughly disappointed!"
"And you, Miss Ying Bing—to stoop so low!"
With a furious flick of his sleeve, Luo Yu stormed off.
Li Mo rubbed his temples. "What’s his problem?"
Ying Bing shook her head slightly—unfazed and uninterested.
Just as they picked up their bowls to eat—
Luo Yu, who’d just left in a huff, reappeared.
"Uh... lend me two candied hawthorns." Luo Yu’s face cycled through shades of pale and red.
The ones he’d dropped were his last two—hard-won prizes.
Li Mo couldn’t help laughing. "Take them."
"Hmph... my sister wants some..."
Luo Yu plucked two skewers from the bamboo pole by the gate.
Then, he turned back, emphasizing:
"Don’t think this fixes anything. I’m still disappointed in you."
He jabbed the air with a skewer for emphasis.
At the gate, he paused again, his eyes lingering on Li Mo and the kids at the table before muttering:
"Lately... children have been going missing."
With that, he hurried off.
He hadn’t come just for candied hawthorns—he’d been investigating.
"Missing children..."
Ying Bing repeated the words, pensive.
Li Mo looked at the little kids and asked,
"Have any of you seen suspicious people around here lately?"
"We're way too clever to be tricked by kidnappers!"
"Mhm! Stutter Sister is super strong—she even beat up that vicious dog at the alley entrance. She protects us!"
The little ones quickly reassured him.
Li Mo, however, wondered if he should just take them to his shop. They could even help out with small tasks.
Hmm... would that count as child labor?
A cough came from outside.
It was Xiao Qin, disguised.
His expression was grave as he scanned the surroundings.
When Li Mo approached, his first words were:
"Smiling Arhat sent a message."
PS: Happy Dragon Boat Festival, everyone! Did you eat any zongzi today?