The Po brothers hurried back to the inn, with Po Yan trailing behind, still puzzled yet curious about what he’d missed. His two elder siblings were practically bouncing with excitement as they approached Han Rui’s table. This time, several steaming dishes and pitchers of chilled alcohol adorned the once-vacant table, and a new group of dancers and musicians had taken the stage, replacing the previous act.

Po Ming and Po Wei arrived first, but neither dared to sit without Han Rui’s permission. Po Yan joined them, bewildered by his brothers’ extra-subservient behavior. What had happened while he was gone? And what about the strange strength they’d shown earlier? He was almost certain that the mysterious man, now casually slurping noodles, had something to do with it.

Po Yan leaned in and tugged on Po Wei’s sleeve, whispering, “Brother, what exactly did he give you guys earlier?”

Po Wei turned to him, his face suddenly cold and foreboding, casting a bone-chilling glare at Po Yan’s innocent expression. Then, without a word, he turned back to Han Rui, grinning like before. Po Yan felt as if he’d just survived an encounter with a demon. He hesitated, then shifted to Po Ming’s side, whispering, “Brother, what—” but froze mid-sentence, taking an involuntary step back.

Po Ming’s stare was even worse than Po Wei’s. Po Yan couldn’t shake the feeling that another word would earn him a slap. Damn it. I just wanted to know what happened, he thought, rubbing his chest where the tension seemed to settle.

Meanwhile, Han Rui paid little mind to their silent exchanges, focused entirely on his meal. Every so often, he invited them to join him, but Po Ming and Po Wei staunchly refused, believing that even standing this close to him was pressing their luck.

Soon, Han Rui cleared all six plates and downed the remaining wine, giving a small burp as a toothpick dangled from his mouth. “So, as I was saying—”

Before he could continue, Po Ming and Po Wei abruptly dropped to their knees, leaving Po Yan in a daze. The eldest Po brother gave a swift jab to the back of Po Yan’s knees, sending him down as well. With one hand firmly pressing Po Yan’s head in a bow, all three brothers bowed low as Po Ming declared, “Senior, we are willing to join you. Whatever you ask of us, we will do it. I swear on our ancestors’ graves—we will serve you with every fiber of our being.”

The music in the hall ceased, and a wave of curious glances turned their way, with whispers rippling through the crowd.

Han Rui rolled his eyes. “Get up, you idiots. Why are you making a scene?”

“Senior, we dare not—”

“If you don’t get your fat asses up, forget anything I said,” Han Rui snapped.

Instantly, the brothers scrambled to their feet.

“Sit,” Han Rui ordered, gesturing to the empty seats. They hesitated but then took their places, reluctant yet obedient.

The curious onlookers gradually lost interest, and the festivities resumed. Han Rui, however, wore a deep frown as he eyed the trio before him. He took a slow breath, his expression softening just slightly.

“From now on, you’re only to do what I tell you. Is that clear?” he said firmly.

The Po brothers nodded meekly, their eyes widening as Han Rui pulled a transparent bottle from his robe, revealing three blue-black pills inside.

Han Rui set the bottle a few inches from his cup, raising an eyebrow. “Ahem… So?”

The brothers exchanged confused glances until, finally, understanding lit Po Ming’s eyes. He leaned in to whisper to Po Wei, who then nodded, his face alight with realization.

Without hesitation, Po Wei produced several satchels, and the bag Han Rui had used to wager with Bai Li, sliding them across the table. “Senior, we retrieved your bag. Please take it back,” Po Ming said, nudging the bag closer to Han Rui. “And these satchels—consider them humble investments, as we discussed.”

Han Rui nodded slowly, a faint smile on his lips. “Not bad,” he said, tucking each satchel into his robes, which seemed to devour them like a bottomless pit. “It’s not much, but I appreciate the gesture.”

The brothers beamed as each sack vanished into Han Rui’s robe. With the last bag stowed away, Han Rui turned back to them, a glint in his eye. “Now, how would you like to buy some of my pills?” he asked with a grin.

Po Yan’s brow furrowed. “But sir, we just invested—” he began, only for two quick slaps to land on his cheeks, jerking his head left, then right.

“If you say one more word, I’ll skin you alive, you fat fool,” Po Ming hissed, glaring at him. Po Yan swallowed his indignation and sat quietly.

Po Ming quickly turned back to Han Rui, offering a sheepish smile. “Senior, what price would you like for them?”

Han Rui rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Well, how much do you have on you?”

“Just a moment, please.” Po Ming turned to his brothers, and the trio huddled in whispered conference before he cleared his throat and faced Han Rui again. “Senior, we only have ten bronze coins, but we—”

“Deal,” Han Rui interrupted, extending his hand.

Po Ming and Po Wei blinked in shock, unsure if they’d heard him right. Po Yan, however, promptly retrieved the coins, sliding them over to Han Rui in quiet reverence.

Han Rui inspected the coins briefly, then pocketed them with a nod before sliding the bottle over to the brothers. “One pill each. I’d suggest finding a secluded place to take them, but it’s up to you.”

With that, Han Rui stood, and the brothers instinctively moved to follow, but his raised hand halted them. “One of my subordinates will visit you soon. Thanks for the meal, gentlemen, and for investing in my humble business.” With a bright smile, he turned and departed in slow, deliberate steps.

Po Yan, his patience finally wearing thin, turned to his elder brothers. “So… are you going to tell me what that was all about?” His gaze darted between Po Ming and Po Wei, who both wore disappointed expressions.

Silence met his question, and Po Yan sighed, reaching for the clear bottle. “Not only did he con us out of our money, but he also made us buy this useless junk,” he muttered.

A series of rapid slaps met his face, spinning his vision in rhythm with the hall’s lively music.

“Are you out of your mind?” Po Wei scolded, lowering his hand. “Show some respect for our benefactor!”

“But, brother—” A fresh slap cut Po Yan off.

“No buts. I don’t want to hear it.”

Once again, the brothers had drawn the attention of nearby patrons.

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“We should find a quiet place to take these,” Po Ming said, brushing off his earlier disappointment. “It’s a shame we can’t follow him now, but he said he’d send someone soon. Let’s prepare ourselves.”

Po Yan stowed the pills, and the trio quickly shuffled out of the inn. Moments later, a larger man charged out from the kitchen, brandishing a butcher’s knife and hurling curses as he pursued the brothers, who had conveniently “forgotten” to pay their tab.

Meanwhile, only a few meters away, Han Rui had transformed into a plain-looking young man strolling down the road. He paused, chuckling as the three hefty figures dashed past him, followed by an even larger man in a greasy apron, knife in hand, shouting profanities.

Han Rui grinned to himself, stifling laughter. “Perhaps I should’ve left them a few coins for the bill. Well… hope they survive,” he mused, chuckling as he disappeared into the city’s shady backstreets.

[I can see that you’re excited!]

“Of course, I am! I just made another sale,” Han Rui replied mentally, whistling as he swaggered down the street. “By the way, I was meaning to ask—does it count as selling to seven people if one of—”

[I know what you’re thinking, but unfortunately, the answer is no.]

“Damn it,” Han Rui muttered under his breath, though his cheerful expression didn’t waver. “I hope the rewards won’t disappoint, then.”

[When have I ever given you something useless?]

Han Rui paused, momentarily stumped. He couldn’t deny that, even if most of the system’s resources hadn’t directly benefited him, they were undeniably valuable. After all, he wouldn’t have been able to revive the Han clan without them.

Coming back to himself, Han Rui asked, “With my current lifespan, it’s practically impossible to cultivate anytime soon. Is there any way to make temporary cultivation booster pills?”

[Check the Item Shop! I’ve told you several times that it’s been updated, but you still haven’t checked it!]

Han Rui’s cheeks reddened as he scratched the back of his head. “Don’t worry—I won’t need reminding again,” he promised.

He paused, summoning a new system window with a thought.

[Item Shop]

* Pill Recipes {4,000 subcategories}

* Cultivation Manuals and Techniques {20,000 subcategories} – Note: some items are one-time use only.

* Pills and Elixirs {100,000 subcategories} – Note: all items are one-time use only.

* Cauldrons and Alchemy Tools {10,000 subcategories} – Note: some items are one-time use only.

* Weapons and Artifacts {20,000 subcategories} – Note: some items are one-time use only.

* Clothing and Armor {200,000 subcategories} – Note: some items are one-time use only.

* Formation Flags and Arrays {120,000 subcategories} – Note: some items are one-time use only.

* Scrolls and Jades {50,000 subcategories} – Note: some items are one-time use only.

* Spatial Items {44,000 subcategories} – Note: some items are one-time use only.

* Rings and Treasures {30,000 subcategories} – Note: some items are one-time use only.

* Spiritual Stones and Crystals {20 subcategories} – Note: some items are one-time use only.

* Beasts and Pets {40,000 subcategories}

[Host’s Fame Points Balance: 20,000!]

“Oh… the number of subcategories has exploded since the last update,” Han Rui muttered as he clicked into the Pills and Elixirs section. His eyes scanned the options until he found the category he was looking for.

[Cultivation Boosters]

* Body Refinement Pill – 1,000 Fame Points required

* Qi Condensation Pill – 2,000 Fame Points required

* Foundation Establishment Pill – 10,000 Fame Points required

* Core Formation Pill – 20,000 Fame Points required

* Nascent Soul Pill – 100,000 Fame Points required

[The host will need to upgrade the Item Shop to purchase higher-level Cultivation Boosters.]

“Ah, it’s here… but these prices are ridiculous!” Han Rui muttered. He shook his head, trying to imagine what an immortal-level cultivation booster might cost. Closing the system window, he continued down the street.

Suddenly, an oblong earring materialized on his right ear, jingling softly with a sound only he could hear. A familiar voice filled his ears.

“Rui’er, are you far from the clan?”

Han Rui stopped in his tracks. “Not really, Grandfather. Is something wrong?” He narrowed his gaze, knowing this item was meant for urgent situations.

“No, there’s no problem,” Han Xianlong reassured him. “But our ancestor just returned, and he’s requesting to see you.”

“Oh? Do you know why?” Han Rui asked, curiosity piqued.

Silence lingered on the line, then Han Xianlong replied, his hesitation evident. “Several sect patriarchs and grand elders have requested an audience with our clan. And… well…” His voice trailed off again.

“Grandfather, and?” Han Rui pressed.

“The Grand Librarian of the Eternal Spring Sect has specifically asked for you to join them as an honorary disciple.”

Han Rui froze, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. “They want to make me an honorary disciple? Why?”

“Although we’ve kept a low profile as you instructed, the clan’s rapid growth would’ve surely caught the eyes of neighboring sects. They’ve been trying to form connections with us for the last couple of years, but we’ve rebuffed all their advances. It’s likely they’re scheming something. Perhaps they intend to use you as a pawn in whatever plan they’ve devised.”

Han Rui furrowed his brow, his thoughts drifting. This could become troublesome. I knew it was only a matter of time before those greedy cultivators started plotting something against us.

“Rui’er, are you still there?”

“Yes, Grandfather. I’ll be home soon. Schedule a meeting with the elders and everyone else—I’ll join as soon as I arrive.”

“We’ll be waiting for you. Take your time.” The earring shimmered and vanished along with Han Xianlong’s voice.

I knew this day would come. Han Rui chuckled softly as he resumed walking at a leisurely pace. Thank heavens I already made all the necessary preparations. I’m looking forward to seeing how this plays out.

“System,” he murmured, “about my question from before. You still haven’t given me a straight answer.”

[The host should be more specific! I can’t be expected to remember all your useless… demands!]

Han Rui felt the corners of his eyes twitch. Clenching his fists, he continued walking, fighting back a surge of irritation. “I’m talking about whether it would violate our agreement if I made money through other ventures—not just by selling my own products.”

[Oh, that!]

[Why do you need more money anyway? Isn’t the Han Clan already doing well financially? You really are a greedy one, aren’t you?]

“You’re the last one I want to hear that from!”

[Oh? Did you just yell at me?]

Han Rui forced a smile and replied, “Of course not. I wouldn’t dare.”

[I see you still know your place. Very well—refresh my memory about this product. I’m feeling generous, so I might just allow it.]

Suppressing his urge to strangle the intangible system, Han Rui continued, “It’s about the construct I mentioned earlier. The one that would allow cultivators to—”

[Ah, I remember now!] the system interrupted before Han Rui could finish. [I refused at the time because you were still studying! But since then, you’ve been a decent host, so I should reward you!]

Han Rui stared at the system’s message, torn between laughter and vexation. Being treated like a puppy… and there’s nothing I can do about it.

[Your request has been approved, host!]

He sighed, feeling his frustration melt away at the sight of the notification.

[At least crack a smile!]

“What?” Han Rui blurted out.

[Request revoked!]

“Wait, wait—I’ll smile!” Han Rui flashed the widest, brightest grin he could muster, ignoring the strange looks from passersby.

[Now, dance!]

Without hesitation, Han Rui began to dance, still beaming absurdly as he stumbled through a series of clumsy, mismatched moves.

[Stop! Stop! Please—I can’t watch this anymore!]

[Request re-approved!]

[Congratulations—the system has gifted you an immortal-level formation array!]

Halting his strange dance which had now attracted a fair number of puzzled onlookers, Han Rui found a snow-white, jade tablet shaped like a smartphone appearing in his hand.

[Hydra Tablet!]

Description: A tablet crafted from the remains of an ancient monster known for its regenerative abilities. The Hydra Tablet can be duplicated into an infinite number of identical tablets, each connected to the original. The owner of the original has unrestricted access to all duplicates, regardless of location.

“System, have I told you how much I love you?” Han Rui said gleefully, gently caressing the Hydra Tablet as if it were a priceless treasure. His eyes practically turned heart-shaped as he gazed at the glowing tablet in his hand, a grin of pure elation spreading across his face.

[Um… I don’t like where this is going. You’re weirding me out!]

Han Rui’s grin widened mischievously. “System, are you saying you don’t want me?”

[It seems you’re itching for some punishment. If you don’t stop this weird charade immediately, you’re going to miss something important real soon. Here’s a hint: it starts with a D and rhymes with ick!]

A chill ran down Han Rui’s spine, and he instantly dropped the act. Straightening up, he cleared his throat and composed himself. Without a care for the curious glances from passersby, he slipped the Hydra Tablet into his robes and strode confidently into the night.