Chapter 224: Two Pig Heads

Chapter 224 Two Pig Heads

Though they had agreed to go to Sword Lake, the two of them were very slow in leaving the city.

The two little pigs strolled leisurely along the city's main thoroughfare, looking at the stalls and the dazzling array of shops on either side with immense curiosity. Despite both being considered well-traveled and knowledgeable individuals, at this moment, they found everything remarkably fresh and novel.

Zhao Changhe had never truly had the chance to properly stroll the streets in this world, whether in Qinghe or Suyang. Back in Gusu, when presented with the two options of walking the streets or boating on the lake, the final choice had been the lake.

As for Suzaku, who knew how many years it had been since she last strolled the streets like a young girl... Once the Suzaku mask was donned, a torrential, overflowing murderous aura would cause the entire street to fall into deathly silence. Walk the streets? Walk a hammer.

Not to mention her real identity, which would make strolling the streets even more difficult.

Yet now... when people's gazes fell upon their faces, there was no fear. Instead, it was replaced by a collective auntie-like smile, entirely filled with goodwill.

This feeling was very strange... a bit relaxed and comfortable, yet also a bit shameful. Grown adults still wearing piggies, and moreover, seemingly misunderstood by others as being a couple with the pig next to her. That auntie-like smile made her feel very awkward.

But then she thought, since the masks were on anyway, no one knew who she was, so what was there to be ashamed of?

Thus, only relaxation and novelty remained.

Sword Lake City was actually quite bustling. Although it could not compare to the capital, it won out by having its own unique characteristics. For instance, the style of pancakes sold over there seemed unseen in the capital—thick like buns, smelling rather fragrant.

"Hey." Suzaku nudged Zhao Changhe with her elbow. "We didn't eat breakfast, we've been rushing since early morning, and now it's almost noon. Let me tell you, not eating breakfast is bad for martial arts practice..."

"Do you want to eat that pancake?"

"No, I am advising you..."

Zhao Changhe had already darted to the pancake stall in a flash. "Two, please."

Suzaku strolled leisurely to his side. "I didn't say I wanted to eat this, you chose it."

"Then just one?"

Before the words could fully land, his hand became empty. The pancake that had just arrived in his grasp was suddenly snatched away.

Turning his head to look, a pig's head was grunting and mumbling, "Why should you get to eat and I don't? Confiscated."

Zhao Changhe: "..."

The lower part of the pig head mask lifted slightly. Not even caring if it scalded her mouth, she took a direct bite of the pancake, then swiftly covered it back down.

Zhao Changhe shook his head and smiled, turned to toss a piece of silver bullion, took another pancake, and walked away while munching.

Suzaku said casually, "How is it that I heard people say you were out of money after leaving the South? Now, seeing you stay at inns and buy things, your money seems endlessly spendable. Where did this money come from?"

Zhao Changhe was surprised. "How is your information so well-informed? I've only ever complained about having no money to Xuan Chong."

"That was a ship of the Grand Canal Gang, and the ship is full of our people."

"...Alright. You people truly gather my information down to the smallest detail, thoroughly and clearly."

"It's still not clear enough. For example, I don't know where your money comes from now. Did Cui Yuanyang give you money again?"

"It was given by your Holy Maiden."

"..." Suzaku suddenly felt that the pancake in her hand was no longer fragrant.

Little hoof, using the Holy Sect's money to keep a man, is that it!

"Just a joke, hahaha." Zhao Changhe laughed. "What I lost were the banknotes. The loose silver wasn't lost, I had it originally. It's just that indeed, not much is left, so I have to find a way to make some money."

"Make a joke like that again and I'll beat you."

"Yesterday you were calling me 'good brother', today you're shouting for beatings and killings. Oh right, how does your Holy Sect make money? By collecting offerings from believers?"

"We have our own industries, and many of them are not shady businesses, but perfectly open and legitimate ones. It's just that no one knows the person in charge is one of ours." Suzaku leisurely nibbled on her pancake. "The strength of the Holy Sect is not something you can find out by subtly probing a little. The factions in the shadows are beyond your imagination... How about joining the sect? We'll give you a good position, and from then on, you'll eat well and drink well. Martial arts will be even less of an issue; as for any meridian problems, we can mobilize all members to find a solution for you. Backed by a good sect, it is far more comfortable than struggling alone anyway."

"Just give me Chichi."

"Out of the question. We are not the Maitreya Sect, we do not use beauty to entice people." Suzaku said disdainfully, "And you don't need to look at me with rolling eyes, I know what kind of wicked ideas are turning in your head. The Venerable allowed me to follow you for understanding, not to give me to you. Put that thought to rest, disgusting."

Zhao Changhe truly didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "I didn't say anything, you filled in a whole bunch by yourself. Have you thought about it that way yourself?"

"I just know you would think so!"

"Yes, yes, yes." Zhao Changhe had no way to refute. He really did have this kind of misunderstanding.

I had thought this place held nothing special beyond the Ice Soul at the bottom of Ancient Sword Lake. The motley crowd of Sword Lake City, that so-called "chaos"—how could I have had the mind to experience it back then? Once the business was done, I hurried away. Now, returning, I unexpectedly stumble upon something else quite remarkable.