The fresh air of Heavenly Jade City caressed Yu Liang’s face, carrying faint traces of spiritual energy. In comparison with the suffocating dormitory, this air felt refreshing, almost alive. Wei Feng and Xiao Fei had already gone ahead in their worn handyman uniforms, blending into the morning crowd, but Yu Liang had chosen differently.
He stood before a bronze mirror in a quiet corner of the dormitory. His robe was dark blue silk, plain but with a faint sheen that caught the light. Beneath it, a light grey tunic, paired with polished leather shoes, replaced the rough boots he usually wore. His hair, usually messy, was tied back neatly. His face wasn’t striking, but the sharp eyes and calm expression gave him a scholarly air. To anyone passing by, he looked more like the son of a small noble family than a handyman disciple.
That was the point, he needed a cover from his current identity.
Satisfied, Yu Liang left the dormitory and entered the lively city streets. Vendors called out their wares, cultivators passed by on spirit beasts. He ignored the bustle until he reached a shop tucked between a teahouse and an artifact shop. The store’s wooden facade was polished and refined without being flashy.
An attendant greeted him. Her quick glance scanned Yu Liang from head to toe, but Yu Liang’s composed bearing kept her polite.
"I require a complete set of attire," he said with a calm tone. "Not a ceremonial type, but something suitable for a man of good taste."
The attendant’s eyebrows rose slightly. She gestured towards a display of robes, silks, and fine leather accessories. "We have many fine options, young master. Our Mountain Cloud Silk robes are highly favored by traveling scholars, known for their durability and comfort in all spiritual climates. Or perhaps our Sky Feathered linen for something lighter?"
Yu Liang examined them, his finger tracing the intricate embroidery on a deep emerald green robe.
It was exquisite.
The fabric felt cool and smooth under his touch, imbued with a faint spiritual pattern of runes meaning it has protection against the elements such as cold and warm. "This one," he said, pointing to the emerald robe. "And a matching tunic, trousers, and a pair of your finest boots. Perhaps got a fan of dark sandalwood?"
The attendant nodded, her skepticism slowly melting away, replaced by a more attentive eagerness. She led him to a fitting room, where he quickly changed. The emerald robe fit him perfectly, its rich color enhancing his complexion. He felt a surge of unfamiliar confidence, a sense of belonging he hadn’t experienced.
"That will be 500 low grade spiritual stones," the attendant said.
Yu Liang paid without hesitation, The moment stones left his hand.
[ Ding! Host has spent 500 low grade spiritual stones ]
[ Multiplier Triggered: 500x ]
[ Host Receives 250,000 low grade spiritual stones ]
Yu Liang’s breath hitched. A wave of pure, unadulterated euphoria washed over him, a thrill so intense it almost made him laugh aloud. ’Two hundred and fifty thousand spiritual stones! Just from buying clothes!’ His heart pounded a joyful rhythm against his ribs. This was beyond his wildest dreams.
The shop attendant, observing Yu Liang’s sudden, wide eyed excitement, misinterpreted it entirely. She saw his radiant smile and thought, ’Ah, so he’s truly pleased with his new appearance’. She let out a soft sigh of relief. After all he seemed like a decent young man, and it was always good to have a high paying customer.
Leaving the shop, dressed neatly and fanning himself with sandalwood, Yu Liang felt the weight of possibilities. ’Two hundred and fifty thousand low grade spiritual stones... that’s a fortune for a handyman, or even a minor inner sect disciple. But for truly high grade pills, advanced cultivation techniques, or powerful spiritual artifacts, it’s still not enough’. His brow furrowed in thought as he navigated the increasingly crowded streets. ’The clothing shop only gave me 500x. If I want to buy those truly high tier items, I’ll need tens of millions, maybe even hundreds of millions of low grade spiritual stones. How could I get such a huge amount of spiritual stones in such a short time?’ After thinking about it, he smiled and said, "All I have to do is spend more."
As he walked through the city, suddenly, his eyes shone. "Got an idea!" he murmured, a sly grin spreading across his face. He then headed towards one of the grander streets, where a three storied building stood made from jade and spiritual wood. The building was decorated with carvings of beasts and the glowing sign showing its name ’Food Heaven.’
Many cultivators and well dressed merchants were entering and exiting the establishment. Several pairs of eyes, observing Yu Liang’s elegant robe and the casual flick of his sandalwood fan, registered him as a "wealthy second generation young master" precisely the impression he wished to cultivate.
As he stepped inside, a wave of enticing aromas of roasted spiritual beast meat, exotic spices, sweet fermented fruits washed over him. The interior was even more luxurious than the exterior. Soft spiritual lanterns cast a warm glow over the intricately carved tables and plush silk cushions. The server, a plump man with an unconscious flattering smile, immediately approached him.
"Welcome, esteemed young master, to Food Heaven! A table for one, or are you awaiting your esteemed companions?" the server bowed deeply.
Yu Liang returned his fan to his belt. "I require the most exquisite and private location you possess," he stated directly, his voice resonating with an uncharacteristic authority. "Money is of no concern today. I am in a celebratory mood and wish for an experience befitting it."
The server’s smile widened to an almost painful degree. "Ah, a discerning patron! Please, this way, young master! We have the perfect spot. The Celestial Cloud Pavilion on the third floor, overlooking the Grand Plaza. It also provides utmost privacy, and the finest views in the city!"
Yu Liang followed, ascending a grand staircase carved from shimmering moonstone. The third floor was indeed more exclusive, with private dining rooms separated by delicate spiritual screens that flickered with protective enchantments. The server led him to a circular room, its walls adorned with paintings of celestial landscapes, and a single large window offering a panoramic view of the city. The air here was subtly mixed with incense, making every breath feel lighter, and the cushions scattered around the low table were impossibly soft.
"Here we are, young master. May I present our menu of rare and exquisite spiritual delicacies?"
Yu Liang barely glanced at the given menu. "Bring me your finest, most expensive dishes. Every specialty, every rare ingredient. Do not hold back. And a bottle of your most potent spiritual wine."
The server’s eyes practically popped out of his head. "A truly generous patron indeed! Allow me to recommend... the Dragon’s Breath Phoenix Egg Soup, the Golden Carp prepared with Starlight Herbs, and perhaps the Heavenly Ginseng Root dessert, revered for its cultivation enhancing properties..."
"Excellent," Yu Liang interrupted, pulling out his remaining spiritual stones. "I shall pay now." He counted out 188,000 low-grade spiritual stones and handed it to the servant.
The system activated instantly.
[ Ding! Host has spent 188,000 low grade spiritual stones ]
[ Multiplier Triggered: 1000x ]
[ Host Receives 188,000,000 low grade spiritual stones ]
The server, seeing the payment and blinded by the prospect of a larger bill, didn’t even question the payment method. "As you wish, young master! It will be my honor to serve you!" He bowed again, practically tripping over himself as he hurried away to place the monumental order.
Yu Liang almost choked on his own breath seeing so many low grade spiritual stones. His eyes widened a second time on the same day, and a genuine, uncontrolled grin split his face.’This was it. This was the breakthrough’. He tried to calm down, but honestly, his heart wouldn’t listen, it was still pounding like crazy.