Trouble

Otherwise? Yang Lin squinted and pondered, seemingly lost in thought.

"Can you not make money on those fifty floors?" Asked Yang Lin.

Judging by the former structures…

Yang Lin's mind buzzed for a second. Quickly, he said, "never mind. How many fights can I partake in per day?" If those fifty floors were anywhere close to what he thinks, it may be a better option to leave it be for now. His priority is to accumulate money, not explore the underground network and its secrets.

Whilst Xi Jao sighed in relief that Yang Lin held his curiosity, the middle-aged man actually had his eyebrows shoot upwards. Seems like this youth is pretty mature indeed. With a smile, he answered, "Regular fights, no limitations. Death battles, ten per day. Of course, if you lost one, you may no longer continue…" Chuckled the man. However, recalling the situation this household was in, he coughed awkwardly and cleared his throat.

"If there were no limitations to the number of death battles one can partake in, any monstrous genius will slaughter everyone present. Thus, these rules were established. Of course, fighters can bet their personal balance as a wager on matches, that's an extra form of gaining money through fighting. After all, some fighters think we don't pay them enough. So, the balance of the dead goes to the winner, and the contenders in a formal match can place bets."

Yang Lin's eyes flashed. If that was so, then collecting a hundred silver coins may prove easier than anticipated. At most, he would need a little over two weeks. Thinking down that line, he didn't know if he should rejoice or not.

"Instead of all these questions, why don't we head downtown in person, young master Xi?" The man said, lightly closing the laptop with a smile. All these questions were matters that are self-explanatory at the right time, at the right place. Nonetheless, being too careful is never a weakness, especially in such a world. He added, "The carriage is waiting outside on us, shall we?"

"Wait!" Xi Jao said, looking very unsettled. Evidently, he was very worried for Yang Lin. He knew he can't stop him from going about with his life, so he had to compromise by saying, "Just don't get involved with many deathmatches, even if you had to give up on helping us."

Seeing his clear eyes behind the cruises of his injuries, Yang Lin felt a little warm inside. Was this how it felt to have a father? He wondered. Then again, not all fathers would be good. Poor people tend to value their kin because who else can they rely on in need? Likewise, rich people with power, who are more independent, usually would place pleasing the public eye as a priority over their kin. Over their own selves even.

"Mhm." Yang Lin nodded, then got up to follow after the mister. In this era of cultivation, the world would take extreme measures in conserving the environment. Thus, the transport was governed by animals, beasts, and craft of mystical items. Anything that ran on engines, save for planes and ships, was discarded. More like, it was replaced with machines that utilize worldly energy that is a harmonious implement in everyday lives. This way, the world can provide a comfortable environment for the prosperity of medicine and flora, which in turn would help with the growth of cultivators.

Outside was a carriage hooked unto two magnificent-looking snow-white horses. Their muscular frames spoke volumes of their monstrous bloodlines and extravagant upbringing. Looking into their aquatic blue eyes, Yang Lin could sense a shred of wisdom, these must be mutated ones, half a demonic beast at best. The carriage was adequately lavish to complement the horses. Embroided in silver, lustrous ornaments dipped in gold, overshadowed only by its interior of soft, blood-red fabric clothing the seats. If Yang Lin said he wasn't looking forward to the ride, he'd be lying. Though, as always, his expression hadn't betrayed him; calm and indifferent.

Through the whole trip which spanned from the morning till late afternoon, the middle-aged man busied himself with the laptop, and Yang Lin was silently absorbing the world's Qi. Along the way, he came to notice that the potency and density of Qi through different locations varied, he guessed it either had to do with the leylines or perhaps another factor he was oblivious to.

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"Greetings, Mr. Gray," As the two climbed off the carriage in the bustling, jammed streets of the city. Other than the indiscriminate chatter, towering shadows, and lively atmosphere, only a group of dignified men with uneven ages caught Yang Lin's attention. Of course, the one who just spoke drew the most attention.

Perhaps because the remaining four kept two paces behind him. Perhaps because he looked the least mind-occupied among them. Perhaps because of his mysterious temperament that centered the limelight over his brown, deviant eyes. Yang Lin didn't know, but he felt this man was trouble incarnate.

"Chairman Hou, greetings!" The middle-aged man, referred to as Mr.Grey, bowed hurriedly. This sight mused Yang Lin, who saw the world flip as Mr.Gray's hand cupped his nape and forced him to bow involuntarily. This act, displeased Yang Lin, but he swallowed his pride and didn't act up unruly.

After a brief bow, Mr.Gray helped himself up to see the man smiling at him, though not smiling.

"I dropped by to see how well this faction is holding. I was told you were out scouting for talent, was this the one?" Chairman Hou glanced briefly at Yang Lin, who apparently maintained his bowing posture. Moreover, he actually went all the way down, kneeled, and started tending to his shoe.

Witnessing this, Mr.Gray's face went dark. This…

The youth played it off as that he did not bow but actually diverted his attention from Chairman Hou to his own shoe-laces.