"It's quite the straightforward plan. But do you really think it's going to work? Do you really think anyone would believe some guy dressed like a hobo would have the ability to propel their chances of being accepted into the Wandering Cloud Sect? They would probably wonder what a man who can't even take care of himself would be able to bring them. Most likely, they'd just assume you're a swindler and avoid you outright," said Huli Jing.

Lao grins back at him.

"You're not wrong. Any rational and logical human being would know better than to trust some shoddily dressed man they've never seen before coming with promises of grandeur..." responds Lao. "However, you'd be a fool to believe humans act solely based on rationality."

Huli Jing doesn't say anything in response. From the time he had spent with Lao, he knew that it was better to just let him explain things at his own tempo. If he carelessly interjects, chances are, the conversation will end with him being the butt of some joke.

Lao smiles at this.

You're finally becoming a bit sensible, he thought.

"We humans are inherently emotional beings. We tout ourselves as some sort of evolved form of life, supreme beings whose fate is to take everything this world has to offer. That our intelligence far surpasses that of any of those other inferior life forms that still roam around in the woods and jungle, not capable of creating any semblance of society. Mindless fools whose existence only serves to be exploited by us."

And in a way, this belief is indeed grounded in reality. Humans may not be the most physically gifted beings in the world, born weak and feeble. Even a fully grown man is no match for a regular tiger or bear.

However, despite this, humans are still the absolute top of the food chain. No species on this planet is capable of enduring the full wrath of human capabilities.

We have our inherent intelligence to thank for that.

We are born with a cognitive ability far superior to that of any other species. This more than makes up for the shortcomings we might have in physicality.

Not strong enough? Grab a weapon to fight with.

Still not strong enough? Form a group and surround the threat.

And that's not the most impressive part..."

Huli Jing's face starts zoning out.

Huh, he really likes to listen to himself talk, huh. This is probably going to take a while to end, he thinks.

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Though he certainly doesn't voice those thoughts. To anyone watching, Huli Jing would look like a dedicated student trying to learn everything he could from his teacher.

And so, Lao continues his inspiring speech about human nature while Huli Jing tries his best not to fall asleep.

-----

"...importance. And so, most people, when given the possibility of achieving their biggest desires, which they thought were impossible before, will jump headfirst into it. They will give themselves some sort of rationalization like, 'I don't really believe this. I'm only curious about how much of a fraud this guy is,' in order to give their actions some sort of rational basis, when in reality, in the back of their mind, they are eagerly wishing that the guy in front of them is actually telling the truth. That this decision will change their life."

Sure, maybe not everyone would act in this manner. There are still people with different priorities in life. Some may not be as invested in becoming a cultivator, and as such, they would not put themselves in the position of getting scammed and looking foolish in front of their peers.

But I can say for certain: by the end of the first week, I will have had at least one customer. The biggest hurdle to surpass will be that first customer. After that, word of my greatness will start to spread. First as mere rumors. These rumors might still not increase my credibility with everyone, but they will give those who were already intrigued by my presence more solid grounds to request my help.

Then, as more and more people start confirming the rumors surrounding my abilities, the atmosphere will change drastically. By the end of the second week, I should be the most trending topic on these streets.

And by that point..." he shows a fearless smile.

He stretches his hand forward, completely open, with his palms facing the sky. Then, in one swift motion, he closes it with incredible intensity.

"The sect will be in the palm of my hand."

ಡ_ಡ

Does this guy feel no embarrassment? How is he able to act like a cartoonishly evil villain explaining his plans for world domination without even batting an eye?

Huli Jing refrains from commenting, though. Courting death like that would only make his plans easier.

The two of them kept walking through the open market, going up and down the busy street several times. Vendors were in competition to find out who could yell the loudest, pedestrians were haggling, trying to get the best deal possible, and some were walking slowly and shakily, trying to carry the massive loads they had just acquired.

The sun, high in the sky, slowly makes its daily journey from east to west. The previously clear blue skies take on an orange and reddish hue as the star continues to dip below the horizon, only slightly more than half of it visible.

The street, once bustling with activity, begins to calm down. The crowds are dispersing, and the vendors are preparing to wrap up another day of work. Some are counting their profits, while others are packing up their goods and getting ready to leave.

Okay, time to make my move.

He heads toward one of the small barracks.

Inside, an old man could be seen counting a few coins. From the looks of it, today hadn’t been particularly successful. His shabby clothes and unkempt appearance suggested that days like these were the norm rather than the exception.

It was to be expected. His barrack was located in a remote area, at the far end of the commercial street. The little business had a simple design, making it even harder to catch someone’s attention.

Lao walks right up to the small barrack. The old man, still unaware of his presence, seems lost in his own world.

He lays 10 bronze coins on the table.

This finally catches the old man’s attention.

Lao smiles brightly at him and exclaims, "Old man, give me the best bottle you have."