CP : 6 -Offer

After agreeing on the deal, I set off towards Chunlii City, one of the most notable centers in the Feng Region. Along the way, there were groups of people at every corner. The forest was more crowded than ever.

Strong cultivators were stationed at the bodies of every valuable monster carcass. It seemed like the continent was awaiting a major crisis. The balance of power would change once again. These powerful monster cores were a harbinger of a strong generation.

Finally, when I reached the city entrance, I saw soldiers on duty. They were patrolling in groups of eight.

With slow, deliberate steps, I headed for one of the gates designated for entry. There were four gates in total at this entrance, two for merchants. I locked eyes with one of the officers at the gate.

He had a stern and irritable expression. He looked quite old. His face and skin were wrinkled, and his hair had turned white. His movements had slowed down somewhat.

"I want to enter the city. Can you assist me?" It was already unpleasant to see someone like him. Since he didn't seem like the kind of person who would enjoy small talk, I skipped the pleasantries and went straight to the point.

"Your family name?" His sulking expression didn't change. All the officers around me seemed as old and irritable as he was.

They probably gave these kinds of jobs to the elderly who no longer served any useful purpose in the army.

I quickly answered. "I don't have a family name."

After taking a deep breath, he asked, "Are you here for asylum?"

"No, Elder Officer. I'm just a simple traveler. I've been journeying for a while. A 2-3 day permit would be enough for me."

The old officer seemed to relax a bit. After another deep breath, he began to speak again.

"I see... You will need to pay 5 silver for each day of your stay. A total of 15 silver. Also, you must report where you are staying to the officers at the red building in the square during the day. The soldiers ahead will search you and give you a white brooch. Lastly, what is your name?" The old man grabbed a simple pen in his hand. The paper in front of him was thick and of poor quality.

"Noah." I chose the name that felt closest to me. Jian was the name of this body...

After completing the process, I received a brooch and a small card. My name was written on it, along with the duration of my stay. I had three days before I had to make another decision.

Unfortunately, I didn't have that much money on me. I needed to take advantage of the opportunity and get some from those men.

For now, I decided to head to the city center and the heart of Feng Trading to see what I could do. The city around me was divided into several districts.

It resembled a developing metropolis. The buildings were disorganized but dense. In the capital, however, the situation was different. The buildings, shops, and clans were all arranged according to a specific plan and order.

This was, of course, a solution the emperor found to prevent possible invasions, uprisings, and assassination attempts. Even after living for thousands of years, death still terrified them. Just as he killed others, he feared being killed.

He wasn't wrong to be afraid. No cruel sinner could ever be loved deep in their heart. Already, factions were forming against the emperor. He knew deep down that his time was running out.

When I reached a wide avenue, an empty sight greeted me. Since I had been walking around the city, I hadn't seen anyone except ordinary people and soldiers. Thanks to my aura mastery, I could partially observe my surroundings.

Some powerful individuals hadn't left their homes in the city. However, the city seemed to be largely deserted. As I walked through the avenue, a particular shop caught my attention.

Inside, a crippled man and two Grand Master Realm cultivators were discussing. However, as I started to approach the shop, it seemed like they sensed me.

[Congratulations! Master's Mask has been upgraded.]

[Congratulations! Master's Mask has been upgraded.]

[Congratulations! Master's Mask has been upgraded.]

[Congratulations! Master's Mask has been upgraded.]

[Congratulations! Master's Mask has been upgraded.]

.

.

.

I quickly opened the system and started upgrading my own mask. I used all the low-level cores I had. Upgrading my mask was much more expensive than upgrading others'. I had used all the cores except for two Spirit Monster Cores.

[Item Name: Master's Mask]

[Power Level: Grand Master Realm, Plane 3]

I had still only reached Grand Master. This was extremely expensive. Later realms would definitely require even more, but it was totally worth it. Increasing power in seconds was incredible.

Moreover, every time I broke through a realm, the system awarded me a bonus.

[Clan Leader reached Master Core Realm, and a Pharmacy Building has been gifted.]

[You can access the Pharmacy Building in the Clan Capital.]

[Due to insufficient members and power, access to the Clan Capital is currently unavailable!]

[Clan Leader reached Grand Master Core Realm and received 50 Advanced Rank and 10 Master Rank techniques.]

[The gifted techniques can be found in the Clan Library in the Clan Capital.]

[Due to insufficient members and power, access to the Clan Capital is currently unavailable!]

[Ding! Clan Leader has made a breakthrough. Clan Leader, choose a bless!]

[Master Rank Sword Technique] [Master Rank Breathing Technique]

I quickly chose the Sword Technique. The reason was simple. Breathing techniques were important for endurance and inner balance.

[Clan Leader has been taught the "Rotten Curse" technique!]

["Rotten Curse" Technique: Your sword is coated with poison. The poison strengthens with each cut. Even if the victim escapes, they will eventually die. The poison makes no distinction between friend or foe.]

[Ding! Clan Leader has made a breakthrough. Clan Leader, choose a bless!]

[Master Rank Block Technique] [Master Rank Step Technique]

I chose the Step Technique because the Rotten Curse was a bit passive, and I needed a more mobile combat style.

[Clan Leader has been taught the "Single Step" technique!]

["Single Step" Technique: Takes you up to 20 steps in one move. However, it requires 4 seconds of focus before use.]

[Congratulations... Host reached Master Core Realm and acquired a random mastery: Writing Mastery...]

[With Writing Mastery, you write more beautifully.]

[Congratulations... Host reached Grand Master Core Realm and acquired a random mastery: Supervisor...]

[As a Supervisor, you can see the profile information of not just your clan members, but everyone.]

Receiving all this information from the system at once was exhausting. When I entered the shop, the men who had been watching me had already moved towards the exit.

The shop was quite large and majestic. Its architecture was pure and clean.

Most of the items for sale were clothing and jewelry. However, there were a few special pieces. Some items could increase the user's internal energy.

Clearly, this crippled man wasn't just a simple cashier. Managing such a valuable store in his crippled state seemed impossible, especially in the Feng Region.

The men slowly passed by and headed towards the exit. Now, only the crippled man and I were left alone.

"Welcome to my precious store. How can I assist you?"