“Master, you need to go through that alley, then take the next street to your left into the market. After that, walk three streets past the market, and we’ll be close,” Chubby Theo advised cheerfully, perched on Han Rui’s shoulder.

“You’re sure you’re not leading me astray, right? You know what’s going to happen if you are, don’t you?” Han Rui asked, smacking the fly swatter on his palm for emphasis.

Chubby Theo’s plump body trembled slightly, but he forced a confident smile. “I wouldn’t dare, Master! I also have my pride as a tracker to uphold.”

Han Rui nodded, heading into the alley the hamster had pointed out. Despite Chubby Theo’s unusual presence, no one on the bustling streets seemed to notice or react.

In moments, Han Rui stepped out of the alley and onto a grand highbrow street. The lavish surroundings left little doubt: this was a district of wealth and prestige. Cultivators and mortals dressed in luxurious robes strolled past ornate shops that lined the street on either side.

This must be the place the elders mentioned in their reports, Han Rui thought, his eyes scanning the wares proudly displayed in crystal-clear windows. I wonder how many of these shops belong to us?

He also noted the tight security. Men and women in black robes patrolled the street, their sharp eyes and heightened senses sweeping over the crowd with practiced precision. No room for trouble here, that’s for sure.

“Oi, Fatso,” Han Rui said, keeping his voice low. “I’m taking the next street to the left, yeah?”

“That’s right, Master. It’s just a couple of paces away,” Chubby Theo confirmed.

As Han Rui approached the turn, a group of young men in fine robes suddenly crossed his path. Before he could react, he bumped into one of them, his shoes grazing the man’s boot.

“Are your eyes just for decoration?” a man with a golden leather eyepatch barked, glaring at Han Rui.

What the hell? Han Rui thought. You bumped into me, and you’re the one yelling? Taking a deep breath, he forced a polite smile and prepared to speak.

Before he could, the man cut him off, his voice rising. “How are you going to compensate me, you cheap bastard?”

A small crowd began to gather, drawn by the commotion.

Han Rui’s smile vanished. Does this one-eyed fucker think I’m a pushover? He was willing to apologize and move on, but the man’s tone left a bad taste in his mouth.

“Are you mute or just stupid?” another young man chimed in, striding forward. Towering over Han Rui, his refined features bore the mark of a major clan. He stopped inches away, a smug grin curling his lips as he placed a hand on Han Rui’s shoulder.

“Do you have any idea how expensive those shoes are?” he said.

“How would a bum like him know?” another member of the group chimed in, his tone dripping with practiced disdain. “Those are limited-edition Jimmy Chu Chus!”

Gasps rippled through the gathering spectators.

Han Rui’s lips twitched as he struggled to suppress his laughter. Jimmy Chu Chus? Isn’t that the name I suggested to Elder Qianyu as a joke?

He opened his mouth to respond, but Chubby Theo’s voice suddenly rang in his ears.

“Master, if you’d permit me, I’ll bite off all their meat off right now!”

Han Rui couldn’t help himself. He burst into laughter, quickly covering his mouth, but it was too late. The young masters’ faces darkened with irritation.

“You think this is funny?” the eyepatch-wearing man snarled, while his companion’s hand tightening on Han Rui’s shoulder.

“I wasn’t laughing at you,” Han Rui said, still fighting the urge to chuckle. “And to be honest, I don’t think I owe you much of an apology. It was your brother who bumped into me. If anything, I should be demanding an apology. But since I’m a simple man—and your shoes were clearly the victim here—I’ll apologize.” He bowed slightly, a courteous smile on his face. “I’m sorry. That should settle this, right?”

He straightened, ready to move on.

“Cut the crap!” the man barked, stepping forward. “You think an apology is enough? Is an apology going to restore my shoes?” He jabbed a finger at Han Rui. “I demand compensation!”

The crowd murmured, their attention fully on Han Rui now.

“Master,” Chubby Theo whispered urgently. “Please let me eat their meat. Just one nibble, and I promise they’ll regret being born as men!”

“Shut it, Fatso,” Han Rui muttered. “It’s because of you I laughed in the first place. Not another word, got it?”

He turned back to the man with the eyepatch, his smile still polite. “Alright, how much are we talking about here?”

A glint flashed in the young man’s eyes as he raised four fingers. “They were originally purchased for forty thousand gold coins. However, since you were so quick to apologize, I’m willing to settle for just four thousand. Refuse, and I’ll have no choice but to escalate this matter. Just so you’d know, I’ll be starting with the disciples of the Sky Sword Sect patrolling these streets.”

Gasps rippled through the gathered crowd, some passersby casting wary glances at the black-clad guards standing nearby. Despite the commotion, the guards remained impassive, as though entirely unconcerned by the disruption, since it hadn’t affected any of the local businesses yet.

Strange… shouldn’t they be more worried about maintaining order? Han Rui wondered, his gaze darting between the guards and the smug young masters before him.

“Young masters,” a slender man with a goatee and twirling mustache suddenly interjected, drawing the crowd’s attention. His smile was warm—too warm. “I run a reputable lending service. I’d be happy to help this friend over here secure a substantial loan if he doesn’t have enough on hand.”

Han Rui’s eyes narrowed as he focused on the smiling man. The corners of his lips began to curl upward. Look at these fuckers. Now I see what’s going on… he mused, folding his arms across his chest.

The young man with the eye patch smirked and shrugged. “Tell him that; it has nothing to do with me,” he said lazily, gesturing toward the moneylender. “It’s up to him whether he wants to use your services or not. But let me be clear—I’m not leaving here without my compensation.” His glare shifted back to Han Rui, sharp and demanding.

The moneylender turned toward Han Rui, preparing to make his pitch. But before he could speak, Han Rui cut him off.

“So, you bought those Jimmy Chu Chus for forty thousand gold coins, right?” Han Rui asked casually, his tone almost conversational.

“Of course,” the eye-patch wearer replied smugly. “Are you doubting their worth? I don’t blame you. They’re way out of your league.” He sneered, giving Han Rui a disdainful once-over.

Han Rui, unfazed, smiled warmly. “That’s wonderful. Like I said earlier, I admit my fault.” He turned to the moneylender. “Kind sir, I don’t mind borrowing from your establishment. It’s only fair that I take responsibility for my actions.”

The young masters exchanged triumphant looks, their suppressed excitement nearly visible. The one holding Han Rui’s shoulder laughed heartily, tapping him repeatedly. “Good, good! Now you’re talking. You should’ve done this from the—”

“However,” Han Rui interrupted, his tone calm but firm, “before we proceed, would you mind getting them authenticated?”

The atmosphere shifted instantly. The smug grins of the young masters twisted into sour scowls, their rage evident.

“What do you mean by that?” one of them growled, stepping forward. “Are you insinuating they’re fake?”

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“Do we look like the type to wear counterfeits?” another spat, his narrowed eyes blazing with indignation.

“You dare question the authenticity of our items, you bum?” a third hissed.

The eye-patch wearer sneered. “You want authentication? Fine. But forget the four thousand—I’ll demand the full forty thousand instead. Refuse, and I’ll take your hand as payment and report you to the guards.”

Han Rui sighed, shaking his head. “If that’s the case, I guess I’ll have to part with my hand and my money.”

Stunned silence fell over the crowd, the disbelief palpable. Even the black-clad guards shifted slightly, their impassive expressions betraying faint curiosity.

Han Rui cupped his fists toward the onlookers, bowing respectfully. “Could someone kindly direct us to the nearest Jimmy Chu Chu dealers? I wouldn’t want these young masters’ reputations tarnished.”

“The Azure Moon Hall sells them,” a man chimed in.

“The Imperial Lotus Pavilion is a major retailer,” another offered.

“The Golden Crane Pavilion might be worth checking too,” someone else added.

“I recommend the Celestial Treasure Hall,” an elderly man said confidently. “They’re the best appraisers in the Celestial Ridge. They’re even affiliated with the Appraisers Guild.”

Han Rui bowed again. “Thank you, senior. Celestial Treasure Hall it is.” He turned back to the young masters, his smile radiating warmth. “Shall we?”

But the young masters said nothing. Their faces betrayed a mix of anger and reluctance, their silence deafening. Han Rui’s gaze wandered briefly through the crowd. Where the hell did that loan shark go? He realized belatedly that the smiling moneylender had vanished entirely.

The system’s voice rang in Han Rui’s mind. [When did you figure out it was a scam?]

“To be honest,” Han Rui replied mentally, “I wasn’t entirely sure. But I was suspicious the moment they demanded monetary compensation. Most arrogant bastards like them would rather humiliate their victims than take money. The loan shark showing up so conveniently sealed the deal. What are the odds of that?”

His gaze returned to the young masters; his expression unreadable but his eyes gleaming with quiet amusement.

“Young masters, what seems to be the matter?” Han Rui asked, his voice brimming with concern. “Could it be that you no longer wish to pursue this matter? Truly, how magnanimous of you!”

Cupping his fists, he bowed deeply, his movements almost theatrical. “I’m overwhelmed by your generosity! May the heavens reward your benevolence with a thousand years of blessings!” He bowed again, this time even lower, as though his gratitude knew no bounds.

The young masters’ bloodshot eyes burned holes into Han Rui, but their lips remained sealed, their bodies frozen in place.

“Oh? They’re letting him go?” a voice from the crowd chimed in, the tone tinged with admiration.

“How noble. Such rare compassion from young masters these days,” another added.

Murmurs of approval spread through the crowd. A few onlookers clapped, openly praising the young men for their supposed forgiveness.

Han Rui didn’t miss a beat, continuing to shower them with effusive praise. Bowing once more, he declared, “I will never forget the mercy you’ve shown me today. May your families flourish for generations! Your kindness will live on in my heart forever.”

Then, standing upright, he placed a hand on his chest and smiled warmly. “Young masters, I promise to honor this moment. I will name my five children after you. Their father, who nearly lost an arm and their inheritance, owes you this debt of gratitude. Farewell! May the heavens continue to favor you.”

The young masters’ faces contorted in fury. They clenched their fists, trembling as they watched Han Rui turn on his heel and stride away. His parting words about naming his children after them—despite never learning their names—stabbed at their pride. The implication was unmistakable, yet they couldn’t muster a single retort.

Feigned smiles stretched across their faces as the gathered crowd began to disperse, leaving them with approving nods and glances.

“How merciful!” a passerby whispered as they walked by.

“Such restraint. Their families must be truly dignified,” another remarked.

The young masters maintained aloof expressions, their insides boiling as they returned the silent greetings with curt nods. By the time the last of the crowd had vanished, their carefully composed facades shattered.

They exchanged seething glances, their anger bubbling just beneath the surface. Han Rui, however, was long gone, blending effortlessly into the busy streets, leaving them to stew in their silent humiliation.

***

Han Rui strolled through the bustling fish market behind the highbrow street, the earlier incident still replaying in his mind. I can’t believe those guards just stood there, watching me almost get scammed. Were they in on it? Or is this one of those ‘don’t meddle in mortal affairs’ situations? His thoughts churned as he moved forward, the mingling scents of fresh fish and saltwater filling the air. The occasional haggling between fishermen and customers hummed in his ears, though he paid it no mind, weaving through the crowd with ease.

Those guys were lucky, though. If they’d tried that stunt somewhere quieter… Han Rui chuckled at the thought, a sly grin tugging at his lips. Then, another thought struck him. When the QiPhone goes public… Oof. I can already imagine the number of scammers it’ll attract.

He shook his head, banishing the image. While the QiPhone was bound to revolutionize life for mortals and cultivators alike, it was inevitable that some would exploit it for all manner of crimes. Well, that’s future Han Rui’s problem, not mine. For now, I just need to sell some stuff to Master Zixuan, he thought, his grin widening.

[You’re a total lunatic, you know that, right?] the system’s voice interjected dryly before fading.

Han Rui only smirked, following the directions given by Chubby Theo. He passed through three more streets, each quieter than the last. The lively market atmosphere gave way to a more rustic environment, with fewer people and a noticeable drop in noise.

I didn’t even know this place existed in the city, Han Rui mused, taking in the cooler, fresher air and the vegetation lining the streets. Old, sprawling inns dotted the area, though most showed no signs of decay and neglect. The few people he passed were foreign cultivators, their faces hidden behind masks or their bodies cloaked in unmarked robes.

As he ventured deeper, the inns became even sparser, and the thinning crowd almost vanished entirely. After half an hour, he finally reached his destination—a modest inn standing alone at the edge of the area.

Rebirth Lodge, read the sign above the entrance, its calligraphy intricate and elegant. Though not an art enthusiast, even Han Rui could appreciate the craftsmanship. His eyes scanned the building. It had two floors at most, with no more than ten rooms by his estimate. To the side, a small stable housed unseen animals, their occasional neighs and bleats mingling with the ambient sounds of the quiet street.

“You sure this is the place?” Han Rui muttered softly.

“Yes, master,” Chubby Theo replied, his voice tinged with exhaustion. “That human is inside right now.”

Han Rui glanced at the hamster. “Why do you sound so tired?”

Theo panted lightly. “Master, my body’s still adjusting to the qi in this realm. I don’t know how someone as great as you tolerates it.”

What the hell is he talking about? Han Rui wondered. Is the qi here amazing or complete trash? His instinct told him it was the latter rather than the former.

“Alright, go rest for now. I’ll call you if I need you.”

The chubby creature saluted. “I’ll come as soon as I hear you, master,” he declared before disappearing.

Turning his attention back to the lodge, Han Rui’s lips curled into a wicked grin. My prey is waiting. Hehehe…

[What’s the difference between you and those scammers, again?]

Han Rui’s face reddened for a brief moment before he ignored the jab, pushing the inn’s door open. A soft chime echoed, announcing his arrival.

It’s empty… but clean, Han Rui noted as he stepped inside, his gaze sweeping over the artistic interior. Paintings of vibrant flora, elegant women, serene landscapes, and rare creatures adorned the wooden walls. Freshly watered plants filled the air with a pleasant, flowery aroma.

Doesn’t seem like anyone’s been here recently, he thought before his eyes landed on a familiar figure sitting a few paces away, focused on a canvas.

“Welcome, customer,” Zixuan greeted without turning, his brush moving gracefully across the canvas. “I’ll be with you shortly. I just need to finish this piece.”

Han Rui smiled, his steps slow and deliberate as he approached. “Take your time,” he said, stopping a few paces behind the painter. He watched in silence, as Zixuan’s brush danced across the painting which had begun to take shape.

Han Rui wore a dry smile as he observed the painting taking shape. Isn’t that the same woman who dumped him earlier today? He shook his head, amused. Not my business. Whatever inspired Zixuan to paint her, it wasn’t Han Rui’s place to comment. He was here for entirely different reasons.

For twenty minutes, Han Rui quietly watched the painter work with meticulous precision. Zixuan’s brush danced across the canvas, layering colors and textures with a master’s touch. When the final stroke was laid, he leaned back, his gaze lingering on the artwork. Silence filled the room as he seemed to study his creation, then he let out a long sigh and shook his head.

Finally, Zixuan stood, smoothing his robes and bowing courteously with cupped fists. “Customer, please accept my sincerest apologies for the wait,” he said, his voice polite and measured. An amiable smile graced his face.

Han Rui waved it off with a casual grin. “It’s no problem at all. It’s not every day you get to see the famous Master Zixuan at work.”

The smile on Zixuan’s face faltered. “You… know me?”

“Of course,” Han Rui said with a nod. “I came all this way to see you. I’ve got something—”

“Enough!” Zixuan interrupted with an exasperated sigh, his friendly demeanor evaporating. “I’ve told you people countless times—I am not interested in accepting Lord Jaja as my lord and personal savior. Frankly, I’m tired of being harassed by your cult.”

Han Rui blinked. “What?”

Zixuan’s gaze narrowed. “Wait… Could it be you’re not from the Cult of Jaja?”

“I’ve never heard of such a cult in my life,” Han Rui replied, still processing the absurd accusation. “I saw you at the shopping district and thought—”

“Ah, I see now,” Zixuan interrupted again, his expression darkening further. “If you’re here on behalf of some shopping district, let me save you the trouble—I’m only interested in the Lazy Crane District. Tell your employers I won’t consider anywhere else.”

Han Rui massaged his temples, the man’s constant interruptions grinding at his patience. This guy just doesn’t let anyone finish, does he?

“I’m not representing any shopping district either,” Han Rui clarified, his tone strained but calm.

Zixuan blinked, his demeanor shifting once more. “Oh, so you’re an actual customer,” he said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “I apologize for my earlier assumptions. What can I—”

“Yeah, that’s not why I came here either,” Han Rui cut in, returning the favor with a raised eyebrow.

Zixuan froze, crossing his arms as his eyes narrowed suspiciously. He stepped back, glancing Han Rui up and down. A sudden thought struck him, and a horrified expression crossed his face. Could it be… he wants me to date him so he can find a suitable partner? Zixuan shuddered at the mental image.

Han Rui, blissfully unaware of the bizarre scenario playing out in Zixuan’s mind, smiled and said, “I’m here to make you an offer you can’t refuse.”