The Arrival of Compensation

Gu Yunxi and Jiang Wanshang, deeply engrossed in the Tower of Trial, quickly drew the attention of the newcomers.

"Are they students from Soaring Cloud Academy?" Jiang Shengjun asked, noticing the distinct cloud insignia on their robes.

"It looks like it," Bu Lige replied, though with some uncertainty.

While they had encountered the two in the shop the previous day, they hadn't interacted much—everyone had been too captivated by the Tower of Trial.

Still, it was unlikely anyone would dare impersonate a student of Lingyun Academy.

Luo Chuan confirmed their assumptions with a nod. "Yes, they're from Soaring Cloud Academy."

Bu Shiyi sighed softly. "With Soaring Cloud Academy's involvement, I doubt Nine Stars City's tranquility will last much longer."

The conversation shifted as the group turned their attention to instant noodles.

After savoring the meal and feeling the surge of spiritual energy coursing through their bodies, the three eagerly entered the Tower of Trial, ready for another intense round of battles.

---

Meanwhile, Luo Chuan remained seated behind the counter, seemingly lost in thought.

For cultivators, balance was essential—training required both exertion and relaxation, just as games required skill and reflection. After hours of gameplay the previous day and an early start that morning, Luo Chuan's mind felt fatigued.

Outwardly, he appeared absent, but in truth, he was digesting the insights gained from his battles. Without proper comprehension, even the most rigorous training could prove fruitless.

Time passed swiftly.

Suddenly, Luo Chuan's gaze shifted toward the entrance as he sensed movement outside the shop.

An elderly man with a flowing white beard and hair emerged from the alley. It was none other than Old Bai.

Upon spotting Luo Chuan, Old Bai hurried inside, bowing respectfully. "I greet you, Senior."

"I've told you before—just call me Boss," Luo Chuan replied calmly.

"Yes, Boss," Old Bai quickly corrected himself.

Stepping forward, he placed a spatial ring on the counter. "Here are the fifty thousand spirit crystals His Majesty instructed me to deliver to you."

Luo Chuan accepted the ring without hesitation, pocketing it without returning the spatial ring itself. Old Bai, understanding his place, remained silent on the matter.

"Additionally," Old Bai continued, "Ji Tianhao was crippled last night and has been exiled to Southern Border."

Luo Chuan nodded slightly, signaling he was already aware.

With his task completed, Old Bai turned his attention to the shop itself.

The Origin Mall had undergone a dramatic transformation since his last visit. It now housed several unfamiliar objects, none of which emitted any discernible aura of spiritual energy.

His brows furrowed as he examined the changes.

"Strange…"

As he observed further, Old Bai realized something unusual: the interior of the store seemed far larger than its external dimensions should allow.

"Did the Boss use a spatial formation to expand this place?" he murmured, his heart filled with astonishment.

Spatial formations were incredibly rare and valuable, and yet here they were, applied to a small shop. The thought left Old Bai inwardly distressed.

His eyes eventually landed on Bu Lige, Bu Shiyi, and Jiang Shengjun, who were seated with peculiar silver helmets on their heads, completely absorbed in the Tower of Trial.

Each of them had a screen before them, displaying their figures battling monsters.

"Are they experiencing what's shown on the screen?" Old Bai mused, curiosity brimming in his eyes.

Suddenly, he recognized the three players.

"Jiang Shengjun, the son of the Minister, and the siblings from the Southern Protector Marquis' household..."

His confusion deepened. Turning to Luo Chuan, he asked, "Boss, what exactly are they doing?"

"Playing games," Luo Chuan replied nonchalantly.

"Playing games?"

Old Bai was utterly bewildered. Could such a thing even be called a game? He stood there, dazed, struggling to comprehend this new concept.