The mercantile district was located on the northern quadrant of the metropolis, approximately three kilometers from the Academy. The thoroughfare was lined with hotels, private residences, cafes, and establishments where companionship could be procured for a price. The architecture was a bizarre, eclectic amalgamation that suggested a collaboration between Roman, Chinese, and Hungarian architects, resulting in a skyline that defied singular categorization. Upon arriving at the entrance of the market square, Mulo gestured forward. "Master Wang, the culinary establishment to which I alluded is located at the absolute terminus of the market." "What precipitates our delay?" Xan inquired, eager to proceed. "The complication is that I am persona non grata within that restaurant... and I..." Mulo trailed off, his countenance tightening with humiliation. Xan partially comprehended the situation but lacked the full contextual tapestry. "Why?" Although Mulo appeared respectable, the earlier dialogue with Marta had hinted at hidden depths. "Do not concern yourself; should complications arise, I shall resolve them personally." "Are you certain, Master Wang?" "Affirmative; let us proceed."
They navigate the congested market, passing stalls vending exotic fruits, agrarian produce, meats, dairy, and eggs, before traversing the district dedicated to weaponry, magical artifacts, and grimoires, finally reaching the restaurant sector. After observing the vibrant chaos of the market for thirty minutes, they entered the establishment. It was colossal. "This design evokes the architectural grandeur of the Louvre Museum," Xan mused internally. They were greeted immediately by an attendant. "Welcome, esteemed guests; please follow me." The establishment certainly justified its reputation for exemplary service, boasting a unique interior capable of accommodating roughly three hundred patrons. As the primary and secondary levels were occupied, Xan and Mulo were escorted to the third tier. "Gentlemen, dining on the third floor necessitates a surcharge of eighteen silver coins per seat, or two mana stones will suffice." "What? A fee merely for seating? During my previous visit, only the fourth tier imposed such a levy!" Mulo exclaimed in genuine shock. "I offer my apologies, sir, but those are the current regulations." Having traversed such a distance, retreating was unacceptable; Mulo hesitated briefly before remitting the fee, and they ordered their sustenance.
Once seated, Xan initiated the interrogation. "What is the nature of your relationship with that woman?" he asked, eschewing subtlety. "Marta? Ah, she is the beloved of my youth." "A jest? How is that plausible?" "It is an exceedingly protracted narrative." This revelation piqued Xan's interest, prompting him to encourage Mulo's confession. "Well, did you consummate the relationship?" Xan asked bluntly. "You disdain circumlocution, do you not?" Mulo replied, visibly started. "I detest inefficiency." "The reality is, I could have occupied a station similar to yours," Mulo sighed, the jovial mask dissolving completely. "Elaborate." "Fifteen years prior, I participated in this very competition and reached the final, but the powers that were opposed my victory. On the day of the decisive bout, I was poisoned; subsequently, I succumbed to madness and slaughtered ten individuals. I was branded a demon sympathizer and exiled with my clan to the north, causing my cultivation to regress to the Mortal State Ninth Stage, where it has remained stagnant ever since. That is the entirety of the tragic."
Xan listened intently, finally comprehending the abyssal depth of Mulo's sorrow and concluding that aiding him was a moral imperative. "I suspect Marta has not expunged you from her memory," Xan mused. "Even if that were accurate, I am indistinguishable from a common mortal, whereas she is a Quasi-Saint Lord; the disparity is insurmountable. The past is immutable." "I apologize if I have distressed you." "It is of no consequence. Now, what is your assessment of the cuisine?" Their meal had arrived during the narrative, and they dined until the conversation concluded. "The flavor profile is truly astounding," Xan stated, emptying his bowl. In reality, Xan found the food repulsive, tasting like a grotesque hybrid of Kazakh Beshbarmak and Italian Pizza from his previous existence. They departed the restaurant slowly, preparing to return to the Academy, unaware that their tranquility was about to be shattered.
Just as they reached the periphery of the bookshop district, a cadre of armed men in obsidian robes emerged from the throng, encircling them. "Observe who we have encountered..." a voice sneered from the center of the formation. Mulo paled. "Jinjao, do not misconstrue the situation; we are merely perusing the market and did not enter your establishment." "Do you perceive me as an imbecile?" The man named Jinjao advanced, his eyes radiating menace. "The time has arrived to settle your debt of ten million mana stones... and that time is today." Xan leaned in, obscuring his lips to whisper into Mulo's ear. "Hey, Mulo, why did you omit the detail regarding your indebtedness to the restaurant?" "Hey," Mulo whispered back frantically, "I was unaware my associate held a debt with them! The bill was my responsibility! Wherein lies the problem?" "Where is my currency?" one of the black-robed enforcers demanded, brandishing a weapon.
Xan stepped forward, shielding Mulo. "I suspect you are not native to Lindao; perhaps you are mere brigands attempting to intimidate and rob Mulo?" "What?" The leader laughed in disbelief. "Open your eyes! I am the Eldest Son of the Ji Family! I do not speak in idle jests!" With that, he tore off his mask, revealing a haughty, aristocratic visage recognized by many. Xan calculated rapidly; engaging in combat here would attract undue attention from the Academy and Master Jin Sumo, necessitating an alternative weapon. Taking a profound breath, Xan screamed at maximum volume, his voice amplified by his cultivation. "ATTENTION CITIZENS! THE JI FAMILY IS COMMITTING HIGHWAY ROBBERY IN BROAD DAYLIGHT! THEY ARE MURDERING INNOCENTS FOR MONETARY GAIN! ASSISTANCE REQUIRED!" The effect was instantaneous; the market ground to a halt as hundreds of shoppers, merchants, and itinerant cultivators gathered, pointing fingers and whispering. "The Ji Family? Robbery?" "Is that the Eldest Son? How shameless!" Even the Market Patrol Guards, clad in heavy silver armor, rushed to the scene.
The Ji Family heir panicked as his reputation crumbled. "You imbecile! You shall pay for this!" he hissed at Xan. "Retreat!" Realizing the impossibility of committing a crime before such a crowd, he signaled his men, who melted into the crowd and fled before the guards could secure the perimeter. "What transpired here?" the Captain of the Guards inquired, pushing through the onlookers. Xan adopted a terrified expression. "The Ji Family heir attempted to rob us but fled upon your arrival! We... we merely wish to return to the Academy. Farewell!" Before the guards could statements solicit, Xan seized Mulo's arm and walked briskly toward the Academy gates. Once safely inside the grounds, Mulo looked at Xan with wide, admiring eyes. "That was magnificent!" "Do you believe so?" Xan smiled, adjusting his jacket. "Affirmative! You vanquished them without raising a finger!" They resumed their conversation and quickly entered the sanctuary of the Academy dormitory.