Why hasn't he said anything yet? Nervously, Po Ming scratched the back of his neck, stealing subtle glances over his shoulder. The oppressive silence gnawed on his nerves. Two hours had slipped away since they left the city's outskirts, but neither Han Rui nor the brothers uttered a word.

Han Rui, still concealed in his disguise, trailed the brothers with measured steps.

If only I had known something like this would happen, I wouldn't have come today. What is this guy planning to do to us? Po Ming pondered silently.

The unlikely group navigated through the bustling streets, occasionally slipping into shady alleyways along the way.

Another hour whisked by, and the group found themselves in a less reputable section of the city. Dilapidated structures sprawled as far as the eye could reach, with potholes brimming with muddy pools dotting the uneven roads.

Beggars, thieves, and other dubious characters roamed the streets in abundance, their masked, heavily armed counterparts lurking in peculiar bars and inns. The area was bathed in the flickering glow of an assortment of paper lanterns and oil torches as dusk approached. Merchants emerged in droves, artfully showcasing their wares along the streets.

Han Rui observed the bustling night market, a place he had often heard about. The vibrant atmosphere enveloped him as mortals and cultivators seamlessly intermingled, engaged in their distinct activities.

Most of the crap here is obviously fake, but there are surprisingly a good number of things here too. Someone with a trained eye could make a killing in a place like this, Han Rui thought, staring at a golden bracelet with several animalistic runes etched on its surface.

He shifted his focus to the Po brothers, exchanging greetings with a few passersby along the way. Despite the casual encounters, they didn't linger, wary that even a moment's delay could jeopardize their lives. An hour later, the group reached a modest inn resonating with the clamor of a lively and inebriated crowd.

Han Rui and the brothers settled in a dimly lit corner near the exit, affording them a clear sight of a masked performer engaging the audience with an impassioned sword dance. Meanwhile, another masked artist sang while skillfully playing a zither.

“This is nice, right?” Po Ming said with a nervous smile while beckoning toward a waiter.

The young boy sprinted over, wearing a fawning and somewhat nervous smile as he greeted the men. “Welcome sirs. How may I help you?”

“Bring your best dishes and wine! Tell that fat fucker Jiahao to make it extra delicious, okay?” Po Ming said, glaring at the boy.

The thin waiter nodded meekly as he hurriedly sprinted toward the kitchen. Po Ming then turned his attention back to Han Rui. “Boss, I can guarantee that this place has the best food in town. The owner is a bit of an asshole, but he sure can cook.”

Han Rui nodded silently, his fingers drumming on the chipped table's surface. He cast cursory glances at the other customers, yet none managed to pique his interest.

Han Rui broke the silence with a direct question, his gaze unfocused as it lingered elsewhere. “So, who among you will be responsible for delivering my investment?”

The Po brothers exchanged quick, silent shudders, their glances darting nervously between them. Po Ming broke the uneasy silence by clearing his throat.

“Erm, about that... we haven't forgotten, sir. We were just trying to make you comfortable. But now that you've mentioned it, we'll go and retrieve it,” he said, nudging Po Yan's arm. “The youngest will take care of fetching it,” he added.

Po Yan stood up promptly, leaving the inn under Han Rui’s watchful gaze.

“Don’t worry, sir. He should return shortly, probably by the time you finish your meal,” Po Ming assured.

“I hope so,” Han Rui muttered casually, turning his attention to the brothers. “After all, you two will bear the consequences if he chooses to forget his brotherly ties.”

The brothers laughed nervously, unable to hide their inward anxiety.

“So, what are your thoughts on the five major clans?” Han Rui asked suddenly, redirecting his attention to the performers.

The brothers shared confused glances, taken aback by the abrupt change of topic. However, their silence lasted no more than five breaths.

“Sir, to be honest, I'm not well-versed in their affairs,” Po Ming admitted nervously. Unaware of Han Rui’s affiliation with the clans, he couldn't afford to display hostility or interest towards any of them.

Po Wei admitted, “Same here,” his nervousness mirroring that of his elder brother.

Han Rui turned toward the duo, wearing a gentle smile. Ironically, it only deepened the apprehension the brothers held.

“No need to be on edge. I'm not affiliated with any of those individuals,” Han Rui reassured them, ceasing his drumming on the table as he continued, “Be honest with me. In case it wasn't obvious, I'm not a local. I want to familiarize myself with all the influential figures in the city. Unless, of course, you don't consider yourselves reliable enough to satisfy my curiosity.” He finished the statement with a discernible frown.

The brothers panicked, flinching slightly as they hurriedly spoke up. “We can,” they said simultaneously.

“Good. I knew I could trust you guys,” Han Rui chuckled. “So, what do you think of the major clans?”

Po Ming pondered for a moment, meeting Han Rui’s curious gaze. “Sir, to be completely honest with you, I couldn't care less about any of them,” he said, closing his eyes. However, the slap he anticipated didn’t arrive. Instead, Han Rui’s brows shot up, and his lips curved into a smile.

“Tell me more,” Han Rui said.

Emboldened, Po Ming cleared his throat as he continued. “I might risk losing my head if a descendant of those clans overhears what I’m about to say, but I couldn't care less. They're all responsible for the city's decline. They consider themselves joint rulers, but their concern is solely for their own clan members. The rest of us are left to languish in abject poverty or be at the mercy of their heirs. Any talent not aligned with them is coerced into joining or faces the threat of being forced out of the city, or even worse, assassination. It's as if we're condemned to be nothing more than slaves to their whims.”

Po Ming hesitated, realizing he might have divulged too much in the heat of the moment. He lifted his head, meeting Han Rui's penetrating gaze. Unlike earlier, the formidable man now sported a dazzling smile, rendering him even more intimidating.

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“Continue,” Han Rui urged, his interest piqued. “Is this the general sentiment among the people?”

Po Ming shook his head. “It depends on who you ask. Many would rather keep silent to avoid potential consequences, but we're all aware of the harsh realities.” Po Ming explained.

“I understand that not everyone in their circles is bad, but the issue is that those in power aren't much better. The Han and Zhu clans, for instance, aren't as haughty as the rest, and the Fang clan is known for its hospitality. Yet, despite these differences, none of those high and mighty folks share anything in common with people like us. Their gestures of charity, perhaps aimed at upholding their public image or for personal satisfaction, don't truly reflect a genuine concern for our well-being,” Po Ming lamented.

“I don't blame them,” Po Wei chimed in. "With their immense power and wealth, it makes sense for them to distance themselves from nobodies like us. I, too, would prioritize the growth and prosperity of my clan if I were in such a position.” Po Wei paused, locking eyes with Han Rui before resuming. “Now, if the Valiant Dragon were still among us—”

“Enough already,” Po Ming interjected.

“But brother, you know I speak the truth,” Po Wei said.

“You don't know anything about what you're talking about. So, zip it,” Po Ming retorted, glaring at Po Wei, who wore an aggrieved expression.

“What's this about a Valiant Dragon?” Han Rui asked.

“Sir, it's nothing. He's a legend in these parts. My brother and I, along with many others, were obsessed with his tale. Unfortunately, his story ended before he could reach his prime,” Po Ming explained with a sigh. “Many people deceive themselves into thinking things would be better if he were still alive.”

“They would,” Po Wei insisted.

“Quiet down, you rascal. You're clueless,” Po Ming said, giving Po Wei a smack on the head.

Han Rui's smile remained as he suddenly posed a question, “So, what would you change if you held the power?”

“I'm not sure I understand,” Po Ming muttered.

“I mean, if you had the authority, how would you do things differently from those clans?” Han Rui repeated, his gaze sharp and unwavering.

The brothers exchanged glances, silently contemplating the question. Meanwhile, Han Rui leisurely adjusted himself in his chair, thoroughly engrossed in the artists' performance.

Po Ming sighed, breaking the silence. “It would be nice to attain that level of power, but it's practically impossible. Power alone doesn't define the strength of those clans. They possess extensive resources, both in terms of manpower and materials, allowing them to crush and subjugate any lone individual. Unless someone is genuinely, and I mean, extraordinarily powerful to the extent of overwhelming every cultivator in the city, there's little point. You'd either be compelled to join one of them or expelled from the city.”

Han Rui nodded thoughtfully, his fingers drumming a slow rhythm on the table. “You're right. You're a lot smarter than I expected,” he remarked.

Po Ming sported a bashful smile, genuinely unsure whether he was being insulted or complimented.

A moment of silence passed before Po Wei interjected, “Moreover, a sudden surge in power is a recipe for disaster, no matter how you slice it.”

Han Rui directed his attention toward Po Wei. “How so? Enlighten me.”

Po Wei nervously cleared his throat before continuing, “If people like us were to suddenly wield power comparable to the clans, they'd stop at nothing to capture us, solely to unravel its origin.” Pausing abruptly, he cast a cautious glance at the other customers. Satisfied that no one was eavesdropping, he leaned in closer and added in a hushed tone, “Consider the Han clan, for instance. After years of decline, they made a sudden and remarkable comeback a couple of years ago. It's widely believed they've become the second-strongest clan and are poised to surpass the Zhu clan in the next few years. The mystery behind their resurgence has fueled rumors throughout the city and beyond for quite some time now.”

He leaned in further as he continued, “Sir, given your recent arrival, you may perceive this as normal. However, there has been a gradual surge in the influx of foreign cultivators into the city over the past couple of months.”

“What does that have to do with anything?” Han Rui whispered back, unable to conceal his curiosity.

Po Ming interjected before Po Wei could respond, “According to the rumors, it's linked to the Han clan. While the likelihood is low, there's a chance that other clans and foreign powers might launch an assault on the Han clan.”

Han Rui furrowed his brow. “Are they swimming in riches or something, with so many people chasing after them?” he muttered.

“Sir, that's an understatement if the rumors are to be believed,” Po Wei whispered. “Their wealth can apparently rival the combined treasuries of several established sects. But that's not the crux of the matter.”

“Huh? If it isn't about money, what else could it be about?” Han Rui asked, unable to conceal his confusion.

“It's about their remarkable ability to produce talents, sir,” Po Ming answered. “While their wealth is outstanding, they have nurtured several geniuses over the past few years. Literally, every member of their younger generation is a rarely seen genius.”

Han Rui scoffed and rolled his eyes. “You're exaggerating.”

“Senior, they may not compare to you, but their talents are indeed remarkable,” Po Wei explained. “There's an annual competition among the younger generation of major clans, open to other participants as well. However, members of the Han clan have consistently claimed the first position for the last eight years—”

“That still doesn't prove anything,” Han Rui interrupted.

“Sir, they've also dominated the first fifty spots in each of those competitions,” Po Ming added.

Han Rui's eyes widened momentarily as a pensive demeanor washed over him. “That's outstanding,” he muttered.

“It truly is, but there's an even more surprising twist,” Po Ming added.

Han Rui focused intently on the bald man, eagerly awaiting his next words. Po Ming wasted no time and continued, “The competition routinely draws cultivators from both nearby and distant sects. The final top twenty participants are typically chosen to become disciples of these sects. Keep in mind, every sect in attendance holds power several times greater than the major clans. However, the Han clan has staunchly refused to send any of its members to these sects. Now, it's a common sight for those in the fifty-first to seventieth positions to receive and accept such offers.”

“Oh, I see where the problem lies now. No wonder other clans and sects are conspiring against them,” Han Rui mumbled. “I'd be curious too about how they consistently produce geniuses. But why haven't they been attacked yet?”

“Because nobody knows who is supporting them. According to rumors, the Han clan's seemingly useless young master is slated to marry the daughter of the Su Clan. No one in their right mind would dare to act against a clan that has birthed more geniuses than the entire Celestial Ridge combined,” Po Ming explained.

Han Rui nodded in understanding. “I see,” he muttered.

However, Po Wei, sitting next to Po Ming, muttered almost inaudibly, “There are rumors that the marriage is off the table, though.”

Instantly, Han Rui turned toward him. “What did you say? Where did you hear that from?”

Po Ming interjected, “Sir, don't mind him. He spends all day listening to gossip and unscrupulous topics.”

Ignoring Po Ming's attempt to deflect, Han Rui waved off his words, his attention still focused on Po Wei. “I want to hear where you heard that. Is it common knowledge in the city now?”

Po Wei nervously shook his head, bewildered by Han Rui's sudden interest in the topic. He had mentioned it casually, never anticipating that Han Rui would press for details.

“I overheard it at a popular bar in the red-light district,” he explained hesitantly. “Word is the Su clan is pursuing a divorce. Can't say I blame them, though. Who could have predicted that the son of the Valiant Dragon would turn out to be so wanting?”

Han Rui's tense features remained stoic as he delved into contemplation. The knowledge of the divorce was confined to me, Grandfather, and the elders on our end. It hadn't been disclosed to the public, so how did whispers of the matter find their way to the red-light district, of all places? Unless...

Han Rui's frown transformed into a smile as he nodded slowly. A chuckle escaped his parted lips, catching the Po brothers off guard.

“If your statement holds true, it appears the Han clan has lost its backing,” Han Rui remarked.

“Who knows. Those clans usually have a trick or two up their sleeves,” Po Wei said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if it's some elaborate trap or something.”

Han Rui burst into laughter. “I appreciate your skepticism. In the world of cultivators, nothing is really the way it seems,” he said, sitting upright. “I didn’t think much of you guys initially, but this little exchange has broadened my perspective. If your younger brother mirrors your sensibilities, I’m confident we could form a harmonious partnership,” Han Rui concluded before reaching into his robes.

The Po brothers exchanged puzzled glances as they sat there, utterly perplexed by Han Rui's words.

Han Rui produced a transparent bottle housing three blue-black pills, placing it deliberately on the table. A warm smile adorned his face as he met the bewildered stares of the brothers.

“Ever thought about joining the unofficial, fifth major power of the city?” he proposed.

Before the brothers could respond, a thunderous roar resonated throughout the bar. “Po Ming, drag your fat ass out here!”