73. Wutan City

Rain stood on the ship's deck, luggage in hand, with his group gathered around him. He took in the striking landscape before him: five majestic mountains encircle by the winding river, with Wutan City cradled within the valley at their heart. The ship's harbor awaited on the western side of the valley, where a narrow rift between two of the mountains formed an elevated landing platform, just two meters above the river's glistening surface

.

Zhou An's father spoke up, "Sir, where will you be staying once we reach the city?" The group leaned in, hoping Rain might stay with them, giving them a chance to strengthen their bond with the Grandmaster. They knew that forging a relationship with someone of his status could change their fortunes; in any city, a Grandmaster's influence surpassed even that of the mayor or officials, and a single word from him could alter lives.

Rain understood their unspoken wishes but had no intention of cultivating a closer connection. "I haven't decided yet. I plan to explore the city first, then choose a place to stay," he replied.

Zhou An ventured, "Brother Rain, you won't stay with us?"

"No," Rain said simply. "I have matters to tend to in the city." Just then, Gou Fan approached.

"Sir, your horse is ready below. Once we dock, you're free to take it," Gou Fan informed him.

"Thank you," Rain replied. "I'll make my decision soon."

As the ship docked at the harbor, Rain turned to his group. "Farewell. If fate wills it, we shall meet again." With that, he leaped down onto the platform below, bypassing the crowded staircase filled with other passengers. He took in the sight of the bustling harbor, alive with activity and people moving in every direction. Just then, a side door beneath the ship swung open, and the young boy he'd first encountered emerged—what was his name again? The chip embedded in Rain's soul reminded him: Feng.

Feng approached and handed him the reins of his horse. "Thank you, Feng," Rain said, slipping a bronze coin into the boy's hand without waiting for a reaction. With the reins in hand, Rain stepped into the crowded harbor. He let a subtle trace of his aura seep out, and, as expected, people unconsciously moved aside, forming a path before him.

Rain had first discovered this technique in White Stone Town, where maneuvering through congested streets had been a challenge. One particularly exasperating moment, his aura had unintentionally leaked, causing those around him to instinctively step away, creating an unexpected space. Since then, he had learned to control this subtle power to his advantage, especially in crowded areas like the harbor.

As Rain exited the harbor, he stepped onto a white stone road carved between the mountains. The path was narrow, only about five meters wide, bordered on both sides by steep, rugged slopes. The road connected the harbor to Wutan City, and Rain walked steadily, holding his horse's reins.Ahead, he could see city guards patrolling the road. The mountains flanking him were alive with movement; squirrels and rabbits darted among the rocks and trees, and travelers passed by, adding to the lively scene.

After about ten minutes, Rain reached the city gate and entered without issue. Standing at the side of the busy road, he contemplated his next move. Finding suitable accommodation was a priority. Since he planned to stay for two weeks, an inn wouldn't be ideal—he needed ample space to practice the Blood Flame Palm. Renting a house would be more appropriate, but he needed someone to help him find one.

Just then, he heard a small voice say, "Sir, do you need help?"

Rain looked down to see a young girl in ragged clothes. Judging by her vitality, he guessed she was about 10 to 12 years old. "How can you help me?" Rain asked.

The girl's eyes lit up. "Are you new to the city? I can guide you to where you need to go."

"I'm looking to rent a house. Do you know anyone who rents houses?"

"I do! Big brother Bai rents houses," the girl said excitedly.

"Alright, lead the way."

"Sir, wait a moment," the girl said before running across the road to a group of similarly dressed children. She spoke to them briefly, pointing in Rain's direction, then returned.

"Sir, follow me," she said.

Rain followed behind her, holding the reins of his horse. "What's your name?" he asked.

"Lian. I don't have a family name, as you can see—I don't have a family," she replied.

Rain raised an eyebrow. "I only asked for your name, not your family name."

"People always ask that after asking my name," Lian said with a shrug.

"How long will it take to reach this big brother Bai?" Rain asked.

"About half an hour."

Rain climbed onto his horse and moved to her side. Seeing him on the horse, Lian hesitated.

Rain extended his hand toward her. "Come up."

"No, I'm dirty," Lian said, lowering her eyes.

"No problem. I don't want to waste time walking. Come up," Rain insisted. Hesitantly, Lian took his hand, and he pulled her up onto the horse.

"Tell me the directions," Rain said as he began riding at a slow pace, careful not to go faster than allowed in the city. Within ten minutes, following her instructions, they stopped in front of an old shop. The shops nearby were also worn and aged, but the street itself was bustling with activity.

Rain dismounted his horse and gently lifted Lian down. 

"Sir, please wait outside. I'll call Big Brother Bai," Lian said.

"Okay," Rain replied, standing by the side of the road near the store. Within a minute, a boy around the same age as Rain's current body approached, following Lian.

"Sir, this is Big Brother Bai," Lian introduced.

"I am Bai Wu. What kind of place are you looking to rent?" Bai Wu asked.

"I need a house with an open space where I can practice martial arts," Rain replied.

Bai Wu nodded. "A house with that kind of space will start at 20 gold coins per month."

"That's fine," Rain said. He followed them as they toured the city, inspecting potential houses. However, each property's open space was too small for his needs.

At the fourth house, Rain stepped through the gate, and Bai Wu unlocked the door with a key. As they entered, they were met with an unexpected sight.

A girl's voice called out, "Brother Bai Wu, why are you here?"

"I brought a customer to see the house for rent," Bai Wu explained.

The girl, Lan, hesitated. "The house can't be rented."

"Why not? Didn't Master Xie and his family move to their newly built house?" Bai Wu asked, confusion on his face. Rain realized that the girl must be a servant of the house's owner.

Lan sighed. "I'll let the master explain it to you. Come inside and wait." She cast a disapproving glance at Lian, her brows furrowing.

Understanding the silent cue, Bai Wu said, "Lian, wait outside." Rain watched as the girl obediently stepped out without protest. He noted the servant's frown—likely due to Lian's dirty clothes—and glanced around the immaculate house. Everything was spotless, and the furnishings looked expensive, hinting at wealth and status.

They were seated in the sitting room, and Lan left to call the owner. To Rain's left, a sliding door stood open, revealing a spacious area perfect for martial arts practice. Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed, drawing Rain's attention. A man with long hair tied into a bun and dressed in a fine robe entered and sat opposite them. 

Bai Wu rose from his seat and bowed his head. "Master Xia," he said respectfully. 

Rain observed the man, noting that he was a Strength Realm master warrior. The man's eyes swept over Rain, and he muttered under his breath, "Youngsters these days have no respect." His voice was low enough that only Rain caught it, but Rain remained expressionless, giving nothing away.

"Bai Wu, sit," Master Xia said, his voice firm. 

Bai Wu sat down again. "Master Xia, why are you still in this house? Didn't you move to your newly built home at Iron Mountain?"

The man sighed. "Bai Wu, there's an issue with my new home, so my family and I had to return here. I won't be able to rent this house out."

Rain, observing the conversation, guessed that renting this house was no longer an option. He noted the spacious practice area and felt a pang of disappointment. Still, what could he do?

"What kind of problem?" Bai Wu pressed.

"It's not something you need to concern yourself with," Master Xia said curtly. "But I need you to find a buyer for that new home."

Bai Wu's eyes widened before he quickly composed himself. "A buyer? How much do you want for it?"

Master Xia paused for a moment, then said, "300 gold coins. No, sell it for 100 gold coins."

Bai Wu's shock was evident. "Are you sure? That land alone is worth 500 gold coins, and with your newly built house, it could easily sell for over 700 gold coins."

Rain's interest piqued at the mention of 100 gold coins for a property valued much higher. He knew such an opportunity was rare, and the space sounded perfect for his needs.

While Bai Wu continued to question the low price and Master Xia dodged his inquiries, Rain opened his money pouch. Neither man noticed as he counted out 100 gold coins and placed them into a fresh pouch. The sound of the pouch hitting the table interrupted their conversation, drawing their attention.

Rain met Master Xia's eyes. "There are 100 gold coins here. I'm interested in buying your house, but I'd like to see it first."

Master Xia's eyes widened in surprise, and Bai Wu stared at the pouch, still processing what had just happened.

"Are you certain? There's a situation with the property," Master Xia said, his tone shifting.

"Yes," Rain replied without hesitation.

Master Xia nodded slowly. "Wait here. I'll get the land deed and the contract, then we can go see the house." He stood and left the room.

Bai Wu leaned in, concern etched on his face. "Brother, there's a problem with that house."

Rain's expression remained steady. "I know. I'll decide after seeing it. A property like this, at such a price, isn't easy to find."

Before Bai Wu could respond, Master Xia returned, holding a bundle of papers. "Let's go. I'll show you the house."

Rain and Bai Wu stood and followed him outside. Waiting at the gate was a carriage, and just beyond it, Lian stood beside Rain's horse.

"Let's take the carriage," Master Xia suggested.

"I'll ride my horse," Rain said, mounting swiftly and lifting Lian onto the saddle in front of him. Bai Wu and Master Xia climbed into the carriage, and with a gentle pull of the reins, Rain urged his horse forward, trailing the carriage as it set off down the road.