An Emperor’s Escape

Old Bai and Ji Wuhui entered the store, their expressions relaxed for the first time in days.

Inside, the space was quiet, with no other customers present. Behind the counter, Yao Ziyan perked up upon noticing their arrival, her professional demeanor immediately taking over.

"Miss Ziyan, my Emperor and I would like to purchase some products and rent virtual equipment," Old Bai said with a polite smile.

Yao Ziyan nodded, swiftly collecting the required payment in spirit crystals. Her movements were fluid and practiced, as if she could do it in her sleep.

Once equipped, the two settled down and prepared to indulge in the store's delights. Soon, they were savoring hot, fragrant instant noodles paired with spicy strips for a little extra kick. Occasionally, they reached for glasses of ice-cold "happy water" which seemed to wash away all fatigue.

For Ji Wuhui, the emperor of the Star Empire, moments like these were rare luxuries. His daily routine revolved around managing the empire's affairs, the most tedious of which involved reviewing endless memorials submitted by his ministers.

Lately, the overwhelming majority of those reports revolved around the influx of practitioners into Nine Stars City.

Every time Ji Wuhui read their complaints and suggestions, he had to suppress the urge to hurl the documents at their faces.

Do you think I enjoy watching Nine Stars City—governed so painstakingly—descend into chaos? he thought bitterly. If I had a solution, do you think I'd still be reading your nonsense?

For days, these matters had consumed Ji Wuhui's time and energy. Coming to Origin Mall today felt like escaping from the suffocating weight of his duties.

As the two continued enjoying their meal, a lively conversation drifted in from outside.

"I'm telling you, that golden-crowned snake on the second level is impossible! I've been stuck there for three days!"

"Haha! Pathetic! I'm already on the third floor!"

"Challenge mode? That's old news. Mirror Challenge is where it's at! I've won nine matches—just one more to hit ten!"

"Tch, you're all wrong. Challenge mode is the fastest way to improve your strength."

"No! It's the cooking tutorial..."

The noise grew louder as five burly men strolled into the store.

It was Zhou Hu and his team, their conversation continuing even as they entered. They didn't forget to pause and greet Luo Chuan respectfully as they passed him at the entrance.

Inside, Zhou Hu's attention quickly fell on Bai Lao and Ji Wuhui, his eyes narrowing with curiosity.

"Huh? Haven't seen you two before. New customers?" Zhou Hu asked, raising an eyebrow.

The distinct attire of the two suggested their identities weren't ordinary, and though Zhou Hu couldn't sense any spiritual energy from them, there was an undeniable aura of pressure emanating from their presence.

They must be cultivators, Zhou Hu thought, his mind racing. And strong ones at that. But who exactly are they?

Despite his observations, Zhou Hu couldn't discern their true identities. After all, not everyone was familiar with the faces of Old Bai and the Emperor of the Star Empire.

For mercenaries like Zhou Hu, the opportunity to meet cultivators of their level—let alone those in the Pathseeker realm—was almost nonexistent.

"We're not new here," Old Bai replied with a light smile, shaking his head.

At Origin Mall, distinctions of cultivation level and social status were blurred. Customers of all backgrounds treated one another as equals. After all, no matter how powerful you were, you couldn't possibly surpass the strength of the mysterious shopkeeper.

This unspoken understanding naturally encouraged even the most arrogant individuals to tone down their behavior while in the store.

"Well, that's unfortunate," Zhou Hu said with a shrug. "Guess I just haven't seen you around."

Ji Wuhui, who had been listening, finally spoke. "What was that 'mirror mode' you were discussing earlier?"

Zhou Hu blinked, confused. "You don't know about it?"

Old Bai offered a quick explanation. "We haven't visited Origin Mall in several days. I heard that some new features have been added recently."

Zhou Hu and his team exchanged knowing looks, their confusion replaced by understanding.

"Ah, that explains it," Zhou Hu said with a grin. "You're in for a treat."

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