This is a small town built from ice and snow.
Though called a town, it really is just a street less than a hundred meters long.
On either side of the street stand either taverns or brothels.
After all, for these sea gatherers who make a living in harsh environments all year round, only alcohol and women can make them feel relaxed.
And this thriving demand has naturally led some to see a business opportunity.
So despite the incredibly harsh environment, driven by money, people still come here every year with women and strong liquor to do business.
They don’t disperse until the polar night arrives.
As a result, this small town doesn’t even have a name, and the sea gatherers call it the Happy Den.
At this moment.
In the largest tavern in this small town, many sea gatherers were already dead drunk, yet they were still constantly gulping down liquor.
It seemed as though they were trying to drink themselves to death.
Outside, the cold wind howled, with temperatures dropping to extremes, but inside the tavern, it was surprisingly warm.
However, the stench from the unwashed bodies of the sea gatherers mixed with the strong odor of alcohol was enough to make anyone just entering wrinkle their nose.
But the tavern keeper sat behind the counter with a broad smile, as if this foul air was the best scent in the world, so pleased that his eyes were nearly closed.
The tavern owner had a rare large belly in this area, and his chubby face seemed very prosperous, but if you underestimated him because of this, you were courting death.
After all, no one who runs a business in this kind of place is an easy touch.
Otherwise, they’d have been chewed to the bone long ago.
Looking at the nearly full tavern, the owner was calculating in his mind whether he should hire some women to work as bartenders.
That way, it could stimulate consumption, and after drinking, the sea gatherers would inevitably look for women, allowing him to earn an extra penny.
But this year might already be too late, maybe next year!
No matter what, I’ll have to hire some women next year.
Just as the owner was pondering how to expand his business, the thick door curtain was suddenly lifted.
The cold wind, which had lingered outside for a long time, took advantage of the opportunity to come in, instantly sobering up most of the sea gatherers sitting close to the door.
"Damn it, where did this...?"
Someone opened his mouth to curse but swallowed his words back when he saw who entered.
It’s not that the newcomers looked fierce.
Quite the opposite, the two who walked in were quite distinguished in appearance.
Especially the young man at the back, his clean and handsome look outshone even the most popular girl in town.
It was precisely because of this that the sea gatherers dared not cause trouble.
The reason was simple.
Being able to reach Wuyang Beach in this icy world was proof enough of their capabilities.
Furthermore, the stark contrast between their cleanliness and the surrounding environment further demonstrated that this young man’s strength was anything but ordinary.
Because to maintain such a state, one must possess formidable power.
Otherwise, do you think these sea gatherers wouldn’t want to live a more dignified life?
Truth is, the conditions and their abilities simply wouldn’t allow it!
Just as the sea gatherers fell silent, the tavern owner’s face changed.
Because he recognized the person walking in front.
Didn’t he just come here last year? Why is he here again this year?
And what’s with this inscrutable young man behind him?
These thoughts flashed through his mind, but soon his face was filled with a wide smile, and standing up, he bowed and said,
"Hero Liu!"
Jing Rou was not using his real name here, instead going by an alias.
This was also the customary practice here.
"Shopkeeper Yang, business is even better this year than last!" Jing Rou said with a smile.
"Thanks, thanks. Just scraping by for a living." Yang Zhan replied cheerfully.
With that, Yang Zhan took a wine jar from beneath the counter and poured a cup for both Jing Rou and Zhao Ya.
"A genuine shot of baijiu, have a sip to warm yourself up."
As they picked up their bowls, they saw the clear spirit within, its aroma strong.
A single gulp went down like a hot coal, warming its way from their throats to their stomachs, dispelling much of the chill at once.
Even Zhao Ya had to admit that in such a place, mild rice wine just wouldn’t cut it; only this kind of strong liquor would do.
Yang Zhan watched with a cheerful smile.
Only after Zhao Ya and Jing Rou had downed their drinks did he say, "Hero Liu, are you here again for the Miracle Creation?"
"That’s right, this is a junior fellow disciple of mine. He’s quite curious about the Miracle Creation, so we came over to take a look."
As he spoke, Jing Rou glanced around the tavern at the sea gatherers within but didn’t see a single familiar face, causing him to pause slightly.
Though making a living by the Wuyang Sea as a sea gatherer was quite dangerous, with life easily taken by the cold or accidents if one weren’t careful.
And after saving enough money, many choose to leave the trade.
But there shouldn’t be not a single familiar face around.
Seemingly sensing Jing Rou’s astonishment, Yang Zhan sighed lightly.
"You’re looking for Old Leader’s men, aren’t you?"
"That’s right."
"Don’t bother looking; they’re all dead."
"Dead? How did they die?" Jing Rou was greatly shocked.
Yang Zhan let out a sigh, "It happened a month ago. At that time, Old Leader was leading a team to gather by the sea. Unexpectedly, a thick fog suddenly rolled in. When it cleared, people only saw traces of blood and torn clothing left on the ground. As for Old Leader and his men, they vanished without a trace, though it’s presumed they met their demise."