"The people I knew called me Chengzi," Nick answered Gu Yong Cheng's question after a thought. Based on his observation, this world and the people are similar to Ancient China he knew.

This means it would not be odd for him to choose the same name he had back on Earth. Furthermore, it holds a significant meaning to Nick.

"Chengzi, as in... The Flame Citrus produced by that village? It seemed the people there cherished you a lot. They even named you the same as their produce. No wonder you survived the attack..." Gu Yong Cheng nodded. Obviously, he guessed everything wrong.

Even Nick couldn't believe how coincidence it was for his name to sound similar to the village's special products and somewhat cover the evidence he was someone from another world.

After all, the true owner of this body had long gone. In addition, Nick was unsure if the attack on the village was pre-arranged for his arrival or if it was pure coincidence.

But regardless, he was a little unhappy after listening to Gu Yong Cheng's reply.

(Citrus your head! My "Cheng" is the same as yours! It's the "Cheng," as in success, not orange! Your head is that orange, you idiot!)

Nick hid his displeasure with a smile on his face. But deep inside, he was scolding Gu Yong Cheng for the pronunciation mistakes. And apparently, there are really oranges in this world, known as Flame Citrus.

(Author's Note: The word "Cheng" has four different pronunciations in Chinese. It was a pun on purpose)

"We're almost home!" somebody interrupted their conversation midway just as Nick was about to respond to Gu Yong Cheng's offer to join the Punitive Army. But even without this interruption, Nick was determined to go solo.

As this was his first time coming to a human settlement, Nick couldn't help but divert his attention to Nanyao City.

The black brick walls of the city could be seen from five hundred meters away. And it was hard to believe that this was just one of the four entrances leading into the city, also known as the south gate.

(Just look at the fortification... The grandeur it had does not lose to the historical city of Xian...)

Nick smiled as his gaze followed the walls without an end. This city should be flourishing simply based on the extent of the built walls.

But his impression of this Nanyao City instantly changed just as they stepped through the south gate.

The inside of this Nanyao City was nowhere as grandeur as the outside. Instead, it was struck with poverty and hunger, with famished-looking people seen everywhere. Although these people are properly dressed, they cannot hide their twiggy appearance.

Even the number of food stalls and grocers was limited here. And at some point, they're nowhere to be found in some streets.

Furthermore, beggars and refugees are in almost every rear alley along the streets. While pests like rats and cockroaches are as rare as the food stalls and grocers, they're nowhere seen.

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"Big brother Yong Cheng... This place..." Nick couldn't help but ask out of curiosity. He had difficulty believing that this was the norm here.

"We're currently in the southern section of Nanyao City, which was the poorest of nine districts." Gu Yong Cheng whispered back. Apparently, there was a reason for the south to be in such terrible condition.

One of them was because it was the nearest district leading to the Southern Demonic Forest. And secondly, it was because of how active the demonic forces were in this area.

On the contrary, the north district was doing much better, as it was the second safest out of the nine districts in this Nanyao City. The first is naturally the core district, where all the reputable families congregated together.

It was also where all the administrative buildings, Nanyao City's Protection Forces, and other primary fighting forces were situated.

"You're about to give me a reply to what I asked earlier, correct? What was your decision, little Chengzi?" Gu Yong Cheng asked. It was about time he asked for an answer because they were about to enter the city's core district.

They would take roughly five minutes to arrive at the Gu Family Residence after walking past the connecting bridge and several inner gates.

"Yes, big brother Yong Cheng. Please forgive this little brother for not coming along." Nick politely expressed his intention of not coming along with the Gu Punitive Army.

After all, this was just his first day in this world.

With zero understanding of this world, it is obvious that Nick will not simply join a faction before he knows how they operate. Furthermore, it appears that there's more to what he can see based on the disparities between the south and core district.

"That's fine too. Joining the Punitive Army might be good, but it was too restrictive sometimes. Perhaps, going on your own would be better for you." surprisingly, Gu Yong Cheng was not offended by Nick's decision.

"In that case, just stay here until I come back. I'll let the captain know your decision before bringing you to get a place to stay." he added. Afterward, Gu Yong Cheng moved to the front to speak with the captain.

He returned ten minutes later with a bag in hand. Judging from the weight and how tightly Gu Yong Cheng holds it, the content inside this bag should be the money used in this world.

"I have delivered your answer to the captain. Naturally, he was slightly disappointed but decided to respect your decision." Gu Yong Cheng said. "But just remember that the door to our Gu Family Punitive Army is always open for you," he added.

"Since you've chosen to walk this path on your own, I can only help you to find accommodation to stay there temporarily. Everything else will be up to your own from there, alright?" Gu Yong Cheng added.

"Thank you, big brother Yong Cheng." Nick replied.

...

With someone experienced like Gu Yong Cheng leading, the two visited a few places to shop for essential goods. Afterward, Nick was brought to a building where people with the same misfortune as himself were housed.

This house has around twelve people and could accommodate twenty people per floor. Since it is still early, a few more people should be on their way here.

"You will be staying here for the night. By tomorrow, a representative will be coming over to bring everyone to the Spirit Awakening Hall to awaken your Innate Spirit. I could only wish you luck during the ritual and awaken a good Innate Spirit." said Gu Yong Cheng.

After explaining all the necessary things to Nick, Gu Yong Cheng left the building hesitantly. On the inside, he hoped he could help Nick a little more, but the reality is always cruel to kind people.

As Nick had expected, another batch of people came later, filling up the first floor of the building he was staying in. This process repeated until the evening was here. The building ended up having all five levels fully occupied by refugees like himself.

Food was distributed later that night. It wasn't surprising that they were only given a steamed bun and watery gruel for dinner. After all, they're considered well-treated compared to beggars and refugees sleeping in the alleyway.

The next morning, they were awoken by the sound of a drum.

Like Gu Yong Cheng's remarks, they're ordered by a representative to follow him as they walk to the "Spirit Awakening Hall."