Yao Ziyan silently attributed everything to the hidden formations within Origin Mall.
Judging by the expressions on Old Bai and Bu Lige's faces, it seemed they had come to the same conclusion.
This place was always full of mysteries.
---
After a dozen breaths, Ji Wuhui exhaled deeply.
His aura withdrew completely, leaving no trace for ordinary cultivators to detect.
Yet, Yao Ziyan noticed it immediately—
A subtle but undeniable change.
It was clear that Ji Wuhui had benefited greatly from the mineral water.
---
Ji Wuhui turned to Yao Ziyan, his expression calm yet respectful.
"Demon girl, I lost control for a moment. My apologies."
He knew full well the disturbance he had caused earlier.
Yao Ziyan smiled lightly.
"It's nothing serious. As long as you're not intentionally causing trouble, there's no issue."
Ji Wuhui chuckled, a hint of relief in his demeanor.
---
"Your Majesty, it seems this trip has been especially rewarding for you," Old Bai remarked with a knowing smile.
Ji Wuhui laughed heartily.
"Hahaha! The Boss's shop never ceases to surprise me!"
His excitement was unmistakable.
"I've already touched the threshold… Within a few years, I have at least a fifty percent chance of breaking through!"
---
Old Bai's expression flickered with shock.
"Your Majesty, are you certain?"
Breaking through to Eminence was no easy feat.
It wasn't just about talent—it required fortune, opportunities, and sometimes, sheer luck.
Throughout Azure Continent's history, countless prodigies had been trapped at this bottleneck, unable to take that final step.
But now—
Ji Wuhui was on the verge of surpassing it!
Old Bai couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy.
---
"Haha! Have I ever lied to you?" Ji Wuhui grinned.
Old Bai quickly regained his composure and smiled.
"Then let me be the first to congratulate Your Majesty."
As an old friend, he was genuinely happy for Ji Wuhui.
But as Ji Wuhui basked in his excitement, something caught his attention.
He suddenly turned to Old Bai—his expression stiffened.
It finally dawned on him—
He had been too focused on himself and completely overlooked Bai Lao.
Old Bai had also drunk the mineral water, yet…
There was no visible change.
No aura fluctuations, no signs of breakthrough.
Had his qualifications remained the same?
---
Sensing Ji Wuhui's gaze, Old Bai spoke first.
"Didn't the Boss say everything depends on luck?"
His tone was lighthearted, almost indifferent.
"Maybe I was just unlucky this time."
In this short moment, Old Bai had already come to terms with it.
If not for Origin Mall, he would still be stuck at the same bottleneck.
The fact that he even had the opportunity to change his fate was already a blessing.
He wouldn't ask for more.
Ji Wuhui opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but—
Seeing Old Bai's calm expression, he chose to remain silent.
---
With nothing more to discuss, the two settled into their seats and entered the virtual world.
As for instant noodles and Coke—
They decided to wait.
After all—
They were still full from the mineral water.
---
Bu Lige, watching from the side, could only sigh in envy.
From time to time, he turned his gaze toward the store entrance.
His impatience was obvious.
It's been so long… why aren't they here yet?
---
A familiar voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Bu Lige? Why are you just standing there?"
Bu Lige blinked, snapping out of his daze.
Only then did he notice—
Two exceptionally beautiful women had entered Origin Mall.
Their features were strikingly similar, making them even more eye-catching.
It was none other than Liu Ruyu and her sister, Liu Rumei.
Bu Lige sighed.
"I'm waiting for someone."
Liu Ruyu raised an eyebrow.
"Waiting for someone?"
She muttered softly, puzzled.
"If they're not here yet, why not play Tower of Trials or have some instant noodles first?"
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