Chapter 60: Aldrian’s Way to Fill The Time
Thud! A young boy slammed into Aldrian and fell on his butt, but Aldrian didn't budge. He only stared at the boy, who looked about nine years old, dressed in tattered clothes. His dirt-smudged face and messy black hair made him appear more like a beggar. The boy rubbed his backside from the fall before looking up at Aldrian.
"I'm sorry for bumping into you, young master. I hope you don't take it to heart," he said, trying to stand while dusting off the dirt from his pants. Aldrian just smiled.
"It's okay. Be careful next time."
The young boy only bowed to him before running off, disappearing into the crowd. Xin Haotian, who had witnessed the scene, walked over and stood beside Aldrian.
"You know he pickpocketed you, right?" he asked. Aldrian responded with a simple nod.
"You're quite calm for someone who just got their stuff stolen."
"I just wanted to see what he'd do and where he'd go. It's more interesting here, more dynamic than when I'm with the elves." Aldrian said.
What he saw during this short walk could be described as 'wilder' than what he was used to in the Ivory Empire. He could sometimes sense people being beaten up in dark alleys for no reason. He also passed through the red-light district, where worldly pleasures were offered to guests. The artifact vendors occasionally sold fake items. It was truly a new experience for him, as it was very different from the elven cities, but he wasn't surprised. The elves were more disciplined and organized than the demon cultivators, after all.
Aldrian looked down at his waist, where his pouch should have been, a pouch containing defense and escape talismans given to him by Emperor Ladwin. It was more practical to keep some essential talismans outside rather than in a storage ring. He watched as the young boy stole his pouch. From where he stood, Aldrian could still sense the boy's movements and decided to follow his trail.
Xin Haotian merely shrugged and followed him, with their entire group trailing behind the boy, passing through several dark alleys before arriving at a dilapidated building. Aldrian used his camouflage technique to conceal himself and the two ladies, while Xin Haotian employed his own method of hiding. They were so well-hidden that even someone at the grand duke stage wouldn't have realized they were standing there.