The Hidden Value of the Origin Mall

"Well, if you want to buy something, just give your spirit crystals to Ziyan. I'll go play games," Luo Chuan said nonchalantly.

Without waiting for a response, he found a seat, put on his helmet, and entered the Tower of Trials.

The trio stared after him, dumbfounded.

"This mysterious young boss... he's certainly got a unique personality," Wei Yi muttered, still trying to process Luo Chuan's nonchalance.

Before they could gather their thoughts, a curious voice interrupted, "Huh? Are you new here?"

Turning toward the entrance, they saw two familiar figures entering the store—Jiang Shengjun, accompanied by two siblings.

The two groups exchanged nods in acknowledgment. The presence of Jiang Shengjun's team, clearly regulars at the Origin Mall, hinted at their own unusual backgrounds.

With a grin, Jiang Shengjun said, "First time here? I'm guessing you've already been introduced to the boss's rules, right?"

His words were casual, but he shot a sly glance at Luo Chuan, who was engrossed in his game.

Wei Yi's face darkened. How does this guy know so much?

Seeing their expressions, Jiang Shengjun let out a hearty laugh. "Ah, I can tell you've learned the hard way!"

With a mischievous smirk, he walked over to Wu Ying and patted him on the shoulder. "Don't worry, we all went through the same thing on our first visit."

Wu Ying froze, his gaze locking onto Jiang Shengjun's hand. A subtle chill crept into his eyes, and a faint, dangerous aura began to emanate from him.

Noticing the shift in atmosphere, Jiang Shengjun immediately withdrew his hand with an awkward laugh. "Ah, my bad! I didn't realize my brother here doesn't like being touched. Sorry about that!"

Meanwhile, one of the siblings, Bu Shiyi, had gone over to a shelf and grabbed a bucket of instant noodles. She headed toward the hot water dispenser, seemingly familiar with the process.

Curious, Wei Yi asked, "What are you doing?"

"Getting hot water, of course," Bu Shiyi replied matter-of-factly. "You're new, so you probably don't know. The instant noodles here can accelerate your cultivation speed if soaked in the store's hot water."

Wei Yi's eyes widened slightly. "There's... a hidden effect like that?"

"Of course! But don't forget, the hot water here isn't free," Jiang Shengjun chimed in with a grin.

"Hot water costs spirit crystals?" Liu Ruyu raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"That's right," Jiang Shengjun replied.

"How much?"

"One hundred spirit crystals."

Liu Ruyu's expression shifted slightly. "One hundred spirit crystals? For hot water?"

"Not just any hot water," Jiang Shengjun said, leaning in as if sharing a secret. "One hundred and ten spirit crystals total for the noodles and water. That gets you ten times your cultivation speed for an hour. Considering the benefit, it's actually a bargain!"

Before Liu Ruyu could respond, Wei Yi suddenly froze, his expression one of disbelief.

He stared at the hot water dispenser as if seeing something unimaginable. Swallowing hard, he muttered, "Don't tell me... this so-called hot water isn't just ordinary water?"

His companions were puzzled by his reaction. It wasn't like Wei Yi, a direct disciple of an elder from Medicine Valley, to lose composure over something so simple.

Jiang Shengjun laughed, clearly enjoying their confusion. "Haha, you've got sharp eyes, my friend!"

The memory of his own first visit to the Origin Mall came flooding back. He vividly remembered his shock upon discovering the extraordinary properties of the seemingly ordinary items sold here. Watching new customers go through the same experience always brought him amusement.

"The hot water in the owner's shop," Jiang Shengjun said with a wide grin, "is vitality spring water infused with spirit energy!"

Wei Yi choked. "Cough, cough! What did you say?!"

His disbelief only deepened as Jiang Shengjun's words sank in. Even something as simple as hot water was far from ordinary in this place!