The northern district of Zhenhai City differed from other areas densely packed with structures. Here, the landscape was predominantly mountainous and forested. Yet, these were far from barren wilderness. Countless cave dwellings had been carved into these mountains, available for rent to cultivators.
To draw an analogy, this region was akin to an upscale villa district back on Earth. These cave dwellings commanded varying rents based on their size and surrounding environment. Even the lowest-tier cave dwelling carried a price tag far beyond the reach of the average cultivator. Those residing here were mostly cultivators of considerable means.
Lin Feng had wandered the city streets for a good portion of the day, purchasing a detailed map of Zhenhai City along the way. Following the map's directions, he arrived before a tall building in the city's north, intending to rent a cave dwelling for temporary residence.
Staying at an inn within the city proper was certainly an option, but inns naturally lacked the convenience and privacy of a dedicated cave dwelling. Since Lin Feng wasn't short on spirit stones, he decided to follow Wang Chen's suggestion and rent a cave dwelling after all.
Stepping into a spacious hall reminiscent of a real estate sales office back on Earth, Lin Feng had barely taken in the surroundings when a fair-skinned female cultivator approached him. She offered a charming smile and inquired, "Xiao Fu greets you, young master. How may I assist you today?"
Lin Feng gave a slight nod. "Yes, I wish to rent a cave dwelling."
"Of course, please come with me." Xiao Fu gestured politely to the side, guiding Lin Feng to a large rectangular table roughly the size of a ping pong table. As Lin Feng settled into a chair beside it, someone promptly served him a fragrant cup of tea. Xiao Fu then continued her explanation, "Our cave dwellings are categorized into four grades, from one to four. Naturally, the higher the grade, the superior the dwelling, and consequently, the higher the rent required in spirit stones. May I inquire which grade of cave dwelling you are interested in, young master?"
Lin Feng asked, "What are the respective prices?"
Xiao Fu answered smoothly, "Grade One cave dwellings cost one hundred mid-grade spirit stones per month. Grade Two cost five hundred mid-grade spirit stones. Grade Three cost one thousand mid-grade spirit stones. And Grade Four cost ten thousand mid-grade spirit stones... Even the lowest Grade One dwelling includes a Level Two spirit gathering array. Grade Two and Three dwellings feature Level Three spirit gathering arrays, while Grade Four boasts a Level Four spirit gathering array. Additionally, all cave dwellings come equipped with dedicated rooms for spirit pets, a spirit herb garden, a forging chamber, and an alchemy room."
Lin Feng was inwardly astonished. He hadn't expected the facilities to be so comprehensive. However, the rent was indeed steep. The cheapest option was still one hundred mid-grade stones per month – equivalent to ten thousand low-grade stones! This was no small sum for an ordinary Golden Core cultivator. He recalled the two troublemakers back at the Sea Treasure Pavilion; even they had looked pained after Wang Chen had 'extorted' one hundred mid-grade stones from each. The best Grade Four dwelling demanded a staggering ten thousand mid-grade stones monthly! Under normal circumstances, only Nascent Soul cultivators could likely afford such luxury. Of course, Lin Feng could pay it, but he saw no need to be so extravagant.
After a moment's consideration, Lin Feng stated, "Hmm, then I'll take a Grade One cave dwelling."
Although a Grade One dwelling only came with a Level Two spirit gathering array, Lin Feng was perfectly capable of setting up his own Level Three array. This effectively negated the primary difference between Grade One and the higher grades. Aspects like slightly less advantageous terrain mattered little to him.
Xiao Fu seemed to have anticipated Lin Feng's choice. Her smile remained unchanged as she nodded slightly. She then swept her hand gracefully over the table surface before Lin Feng, apparently activating some mechanism. A soft glow emanated, and a detailed illusionary projection of a mountain materialized onto the table. The illusion was incredibly intricate, allowing one to discern individual rocks and trees. Dozens of marked spots dotted the projection, indicating the locations of available cave dwellings.
Xiao Fu explained, "These represent the vacant Grade One cave dwellings. You may select one based on your personal habits and preferences, young master."
Lin Feng examined the projection. Thinking ahead to his planned use of a Level Three spirit gathering array, he decided a more secluded spot would be preferable. He pointed to a marked location on the mountain's northern flank. "Then I'll take this one."
"Very well. Please accompany me, young master, and I will guide you through the rental procedure." Xiao Fu led Lin Feng towards a long counter on one side of the hall. As they walked, she inquired, "Might I ask how long you intend to rent for?"
Lin Feng replied, "I'll prepay for half a year."
"Understood. One moment, please."
Xiao Fu brought Lin Feng to the counter and spoke briefly to another female cultivator stationed behind it. Shortly after, following the payment of six hundred mid-grade spirit stones, a milky-white jade token was handed to Lin Feng. Xiao Fu clarified, "This is the access token for the barrier protecting your cave dwelling's entrance. Please keep it safe."
"My thanks." Lin Feng thought to himself that the process was refreshingly straightforward. He took the token and glanced at it. The number '168' was engraved upon it – likely the dwelling's 'address'. Quite auspicious, he noted. Probing it with his spiritual sense, he found a simple map indicating the precise location of dwelling number 168.
"Why won't this damn access token open the barrier?!"
Just as Lin Feng was examining the jade token, a rough, dissatisfied shout erupted nearby. Instinctively, Lin Feng turned towards the source. To his left, a short distance down the counter, a burly middle-aged male cultivator was slamming a similar-looking jade token onto the counter surface. The young woman behind the counter addressed him calmly, "Please hold for a moment, sir. I will check."
She took the token the man had presented, gave it a cursory glance – seemingly without any deeper inspection – and responded, "I apologize, sir. This access token has expired. Since your previous rental period has concluded, we have reclaimed the cave dwelling and modified the barrier at its entrance. That is why it no longer functions."
"What? Expired?" The burly cultivator froze momentarily, a flicker of urgency flashing in his eyes. He hurriedly demanded, "Fine! Then I want to renew the lease! Process the renewal immediately!"
"This…" The young woman looked slightly troubled, her gaze involuntarily darting towards Lin Feng before she offered an apologetic expression. "I'm sorry, sir. Cave dwelling number 168 has already been rented to another guest…"
"What?!" The burly cultivator's expression darkened instantly. Following the woman's glance, his eyes locked onto Lin Feng and the token in his hand – identical in appearance and clearly bearing the engraved number '168'.
A gleam of covetousness sparked in the man's eyes. He took two swift strides towards Lin Feng and blurted out impatiently, "I'm taking that cave dwelling! You rent another one!"
He actually reached out impatiently to snatch the token from Lin Feng's grasp! Lin Feng's right hand flickered, easily evading the grasping fingers. He simultaneously stored the token safely within his storage ring, his brow furrowing sharply. "What is the meaning of this?"
The burly cultivator's movement halted abruptly. He realized belatedly that his actions had been overly rash. Yet, the thought of politely requesting it now went against his very nature. Moreover, he had clearly perceived Lin Feng's cultivation level – a mere first layer of the Golden Core stage. This bolstered his confidence significantly. A menacing glint hardened in his eyes as he fixed Lin Feng with a threatening glare and growled, "Listen here, punk! Hand over that token! That cave dwelling is mine! I'll compensate you with spirit stones – just go rent yourself another one!"
Had the man approached him politely from the start, Lin Feng might have considered the request. But threats? That was a tactic Lin Feng categorically refused to entertain. The other man was at the seventh layer of Golden Core. While that might intimidate other first-layer cultivators, it wasn't nearly enough to frighten Lin Feng. He gave a dismissive shrug. "Apologies. I'm quite satisfied with this particular dwelling number. I have no intention of changing."
"You!!" The burly cultivator erupted in fury. He hadn't expected a mere first-layer Golden Core cultivator to be so insolent! His true essence surged visibly within him, as if he were on the verge of attacking Lin Feng right then and there.
"Gentlemen! Private conflict is strictly prohibited on these premises. Kindly control your conduct."
A cold, authoritative voice cut through the tension from nearby. The burly cultivator's face stiffened, and he immediately reined in his power. He turned to see a middle-aged man with cultivation at the eighth layer of Golden Core standing there – clearly a manager of the establishment who had noticed the disturbance and intervened.
The burly cultivator realized he had acted impulsively. Even if he intended to deal with Lin Feng, this was absolutely not the place. His eyes flickered with dark calculation for a few moments. He then clasped his fist towards the eighth-layer cultivator and said stiffly, "My apologies for the rudeness. Farewell!"
Without so much as another glance at Lin Feng, he turned on his heel and strode swiftly out of the hall.
"Young master," Xiao Fu offered helpfully, noticing Lin Feng watching the departing figure thoughtfully, "while the Grade One cave dwelling zone doesn't have dedicated guards stationed throughout, if anyone causes harassment at your dwelling entrance, you can report it to the management office. We will dispatch personnel to handle the situation."
"Hmm, I understand. Thank you." Lin Feng offered Xiao Fu and the manager who had intervened a brief, composed smile and a nod of acknowledgment. He then took his leave.
Outside the building, the figure of the burly cultivator was nowhere to be seen. Lin Feng gave a noncommittal twitch of his lips and set off, following the route indicated in the jade token towards the location of his newly rented cave dwelling.
Unbeknownst to Lin Feng, from within the shadow of a building not far away, a pair of sinister eyes smoldered with malice, watching him intently until his figure vanished into the distance at the far end of the path…