After Bubai charged his doll with thick, thick energy in the full version of his cool down process...

Leaking a sigh, Bubai gazed down at An Jali beneath him, sensing the depleted yin energy within her.

For a moment, Bubai considered leaving this eco-friendly machine in the dungeon to gather more yin energy throughout the day...

But in the end, he placed his hand on her head and…

“I’m heading out.”

Bubai lifted his hand from the strands of violet hair, observing with a detached air as the cold-faced Xiao Lan eyed him with her glassy eyes.

The ice queen silently slid on his pants, standing up with a grace that belied her earlier vulnerability.

Her hands reached out, deftly smoothing the creases in his robe and she assured him in her usual impassive tone. "Leave them to me."

At her words, Bubai cast his glance over at the twins laying on the ground by the pool, hugging each other and fast asleep.

Bubai nodded in acknowledgment, turning back to look at Xiao Lan to see her hands lowering, setting him free.

He gave her another soft peck on her lips before he turned and walked away.

West District. Plaza.

Twilight painted the marketplace in hues of gold and amber, casting long shadows of the disciples as they meandered among the remaining stalls.

Many vendors were in the midst of packing up their wares, eager to call it a day, while others were just beginning to prepare for the night's business.

Among the latter stalls, many were lined with women clad in colorful, scanty silk garments. Their attire left little to the imagination, most with their bellies and ample skin on display.

"Step right up, brothers! Feast your eyes on the freshest cultivation tools from the Thirteenth District! Got tired of your old cultivation tools? Want to double your cultivation efforts? We've got just the thing for you! Trade-ins and full buy-outs both accepted!"

"Don't miss out on this opportunity, folks! Our professionally-trained tools are guaranteed to amplify your cultivation to new heights. And for a limited time only, we're offering special rental rates!"

"Come one, come all! Whether you're a novice or a seasoned cultivator, our selection will suit your every need. Rent today and feel the power coursing through your veins!"

Strolling leisurely with his hands clasped behind his back, Bubai surveyed the various available merchandise, noting the array of beauties, each possessing a decent if not particularly striking appearance.

Many of these women’s prices were largely determined by the women’s cultivation rather than solely on their outstanding appearance.

If he didn’t consider plundering cultivation and only wanted to have some fun, there were many attractive options for him to choose from, all for a modest fee.

Passing by these stalls that aroused his interest, Bubai would even receive touchy invitations from the women themselves…

“Hey, handsome, don’t be shy! Big sister will ensure little brother is satisfied!”

“Looking for something special, are we? Choose me or my sisters. I promise young master will not regret having us as your sister!”

The offers were enticing, but they only piqued his interest momentarily, before he looked away.

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It wasn’t that the women weren’t attractive — in fact, many of them were quite lovely. But to him, they all just pale in comparison to what he already had at home.

Honestly, none of them truly stoked his fire. In fact, even his interest was… but a facade.

He only adopted this guise because this was the general look of the disciples who frequented the market at this hour.

It was clear what these dogs in heat sought, but Bubai had an entirely different agenda.

While Bubai ambled around the plaza, his gaze would discreetly shift towards the remaining stalls selling insects.

Each still bore a distinct sign, crafted in varying styles yet all seeking the same commodity, offering payments ranging from one to two spirit stones for a vitalized scorpion.

It was clear that these vendors were hoping to attract business under the veil of night, well aware that some covert disciples might be tempted to strike deals after dusk.

Even if they can’t catch much outer disciples due to the night restrictions, these sellers still had a market among like-minded inner disciples.

And perhaps, with luck on their side, they might even reel in a big fish.

Bubai grasped the mindset of these vendors keenly, which was precisely why he proceeded with caution.

Admittedly, the offer in spirit stones was incredibly enticing, nearly causing his eyes to transform into dollar signs at the mere sight of it during the day.

Yet, despite the promise of easy profit glinting like gold, Bubai staunchly resisted the temptation to bring forth his own scorpions for sale.

It wasn't because he didn’t want to. It was because he didn’t dare.

Originally, Bubai sold his scorpions for a single spirit spirit stone, which was already a very good price in his books.

The notion of two or three stones seemed not just overpriced but suspiciously generous.

Drawing from his past experiences, if something appeared too good to be true, there must be a hidden agenda lurking beneath the surface.

In this case, Bubai surmised that there was a cunning big man casting a wide net, employing the inflated prices as bait to lure out the true original vendor of the scorpions – him!

Honestly, Bubai really didn’t want to be an idiot and step into this blatant trap, but…

Some profits simply can’t be given up.

Just imagine, if Bubai sold his entire batch of scorpion, he could probably net a profit of nearly a hundred spirit stones!

Of course, Bubai wasn’t so stupid to seek death like this. Instead, he entertained the idea of selling only a portion of his stock.

However, even in pursuit of this modest profit, he couldn’t afford to be reckless, not when the stakes were so high.

Bubai understood the importance of discretion, knowing that the timing and clientele needed to be carefully assessed before making even a single transaction.

So, scouting the situation was a must, and it must be a manual reconnaissance, steering clear of relying too heavily on his divine senses, lest he inadvertently draws the attention of any lurkers…

After circling the twin towers, Bubai’s expression twisted into one of feigned dissatisfaction, "Huh. No good women tonight."

With a shake of his head, he strode off under the cover of the night, making his way northward.

North District. Night.

Under the blanket of darkness, Bubai ascended the staircase, coming before the grand double doors.

Like usual, his hand reached out to push one open, but... the door didn’t yield to his shove.

“Huh?” Bubai furrowed his brow and exerted more force, muscles straining with the effort.

But to his surprise, the door refused to budge even an inch.

“Locked?” Puzzled, Bubai withdrew his hand and glanced around, noticing the absence of any indication that the Book Pavilion should be closed.

Bubai returned his attention to the door.

This time, he placed both hands firmly against the door, and he pushed with all his might, only to be met with the same unyielding resistance, as if mocking his attempts.

Aware of the strangeness, Bubai let his divine sense creep out, probing the door before him, immediately noticing a layer of force field enveloping the doors.

Before he could fully analyze it, a thin tentacle grew out from the barrier, giving his bubble of divine sense a flick-

Bubai immediately felt a stinging sensation that made him wince, forcing him to withdraw his divine sense hastily!

Finally knowing the cause, Bubai chuckled wryly, “Haha...”

He then bowed respectfully towards the door. "Junior came to pay his respects.”

But there was no response, only the echo of his own words in the stillness of the night.

After a moment of waiting in vain, Bubai straightened up and offered another courteous salute. "Since junior has paid his respects, junior shall return another day."

With a final bow, Bubai turned to leave.

Reaching the foot of the staircase, Bubai cast a lingering look over his shoulder at the Book Pavilion.

It appeared that the old granny wasn't joking when she told him to cool off for a couple of days.

Now, he will be barred from accessing his beloved knowledge bank until further notice. What a loss.

Shaking his head in resignation, Bubai turned away from the pavilion and set off towards the east district, his mind already racing with alternative plans.

"Great, seems I'll have to temporarily relocate my formation work to the dungeons.”

With a couple of days suddenly freed up, it should be enough time to grind for the remaining contribution points he needed.

If everything goes well, he’ll soon be able to get what he wants!