Strongest Scammer: Scamming The World, One Death At A Time-Chapter 671: The Frost Plume Town

Inside, of course, Han Yu was pleased. Two hundred wisps of grey surprise and green joy floated into him. He hid a smile.

With that, the rest of the journey passed even faster. The hunters were energized, hopeful, even bold. When a new wave of wolves appeared, several of the men ran ahead shouting bravely.

Han Yu had to drag them back before they got themselves killed.

Finally, on the fifth day, they saw it:

Frost Plume Town.

It sat stretched across a wide valley where the mountain winds calmed. Dozens of wooden rooftops sloped under light snow. Lanterns hung from doorways even in daylight, and smoke rose lazily from tall chimneys. Compared to the hostile mountains, it was bustling, warm, and lively.

Compared to White Peacock Town, it was a bit smaller, but what it lacked in size, it made up for in character.

Han Yu stared at it from the ridge above, taking in the sight in silence.

It felt like civilization.

"We made it!" Wei shouted and pumped his fist.

The others cheered, and Changli slapped Han Yu on the back. "Brother! Drinks are guaranteed tonight!"

Han Yu only smiled. "I look forward to it."

They entered through the gate which was little more than wooden poles and a tattered banner with a stylized frost lily on it. Town guards nodded at them, giving Changli's group familiar greetings.

The hunters wasted no time dragging their packed goods toward the market street.

Frost Plume Town's market was surprisingly large, stretching from one end to the other. Booths sold spirit beast meat, fur cloaks, talismans for cold resistance, herbal bundles, and crude spirit tools.

The scents hit Han Yu instantly.

Roasting beast fat.

Sweet-spicy cinnamon pastries.

Fermented wine.

He inhaled slowly, savoring it.

The hunters began offloading their haul toward the buyer's hall, a place that specialized in purchasing spirit beast materials. The moment the clerks saw the massive pile of wolf pelts, fangs, meat, and tendons, their eyes nearly bulged out.

"Over ninety wolves?" one clerk sputtered. "In winter? Are you mad?!"

Another clerk hurried forward, examining the quality. "These… these are excellent. Freshly killed… not frozen stiff either. This will fetch a fine price."

"And the Alpha Wolf," Changli said proudly, pointing to the large corpse they had hauled with difficulty. "Give us something good for that."

Han Yu stood off to the side watching the process with mild amusement. The clerks nearly broke their brushes calculating the sum owed.

The men received three heavy pouches of spirit stones once the transaction was complete.

The hunters turned to Han Yu immediately.

"Here, brother!" Wei said, thrusting one pouch into Han Yu's hands.

Han Yu blinked. "I did not ask for a share."

"And yet you get one!" Changli declared boldly. "Without you, we would have returned with half as much. Maybe less."

"Probably just fox tails," one of the others joked.

"Or broken bones," another added.

Han Yu looked at their earnest expressions. Honest men. Hardworking. Grateful. Not like sect disciples who would have fought to keep every last coin.

Han Yu nodded and accepted the pouch.

"Very well. I appreciate it."

The hunters grinned broadly. Changli slung an arm around Han Yu's shoulder.

"Now! Since we are rich, we can take you around town. Food first, then wine, then—"

"Do not say the Pavilion," Han Yu muttered.

Changli grinned. "Then perhaps a tour of the Pavilion."

Han Yu sighed.

He followed them into Frost Plume Town's central street, watching everything intently.

Children ran around throwing snowballs.

Merchants shouted their wares.

A pair of young cultivators practiced sword swings behind a shop.

Women carried baskets of clothes toward the river.

There was life everywhere. A chaotic, warm life that made Han Yu feel strangely at ease.

He paused near a stall selling roasted skewers dipped in chili flakes and snow mint. A young girl was cooking, her cheeks flushed from the heat. She offered Han Yu one and he bought it with a few coins. The spicy-mint flavor burst across his tongue, making his eyes widen.

Different from the mountains. Different from the Blood Sect. Different from White Peacock Town.

He kept walking.

He passed a talisman store where a man was carving frost-protection arrays on parchment. He passed a cloth shop where thick white robes hung from racks. He passed a blacksmith hammering glowing metal, sparks flying like fireflies.

The hunters guided him with proud enthusiasm.

"This is the best bakery."

"That is the best liquor house!"

"Over there is the bathhouse if you want to relax later."

Han Yu listened, absorbing it all.

And then, inevitably…

They passed a large building decorated with pale blue wooden beams shaped like flower petals. Incense smoke drifted gently from its doorways, and painted lanterns gave off a soft glow even during the day.

A beautifully carved sign hung above the entrance.

Frost Lily Pavilion.

Even from the street, Han Yu sensed a strange aura. Not dangerous, but veiled. Hidden. Quiet.

He slowed his steps.

Changli smirked knowingly. "If you stare too long, the Pavilion will stare back, brother."

Han Yu did not reply.

He simply watched the doors, where a woman in a white winter gown greeted a group of men with a soft, trained smile. Her movement was graceful. Controlled. Cultivated.

Han Yu faintly scanned the woman with his spirit sense, finding her to be at the Early Stage of the Qi refining realm.

'Not strong but... For a place like this it stands out.' Han Yu thought.

If even a greeter was a cultivator, this place was certainly not simple. Han Yu scanned the inside of the place, finding some Formation Arrays within the walls. Most were just defensive and reinforcing in nature, but Han Yu also found an array that he could not decipher.

This place… it was no ordinary house of pleasures.

But for now, Han Yu let the thoughts rest.

He turned back to the group.

"Food first."

The hunters cheered and led him toward a large tavern at the far end of the street.

Han Yu followed, still watching Frost Plume Town with quiet, growing interest.

Something here was more than it appeared.