Li Rong quietly left his residence.
He first went to the market, purchased a suitable piece of wood and a wide-brimmed hat, and stored both in his spatial ring. Afterward, he asked a shop owner to prepare a wooden signboard. The writing on it was done personally by Li Rong—slow, careful strokes, ensuring every word was clear and unmistakable.
Only then did he stroll unhurriedly toward the trade plaza beside the arena.
Finding a conspicuous location, he paid the stall fee, took a slow breath, placed the wood on the ground, set up the signboard, pulled his hat low over his face, and… went completely still.
Like every vegetable vendor selling goods for the first time, Li Rong stood there without calling out, without advertising, without even lifting his head—playing dead as thoroughly as possible.
Pedestrians passing by cast curious glances at this strange stall. Selling wood? At the arena's trade plaza? What kind of wood would Spirit Masters be interested in?
Curiosity spread quickly.
Before long, several people gathered around the stall. They whispered to each other, pointing at the sign, their voices full of speculation. Yet despite the discussion, no one stepped forward to ask questions.
Until a young Spirit Master squeezed his way in.
Yuan Yujin was a student at a junior Spirit Master academy. Born to a commoner family, he was ten years old this year and had only recently obtained his first spirit ring. To secure that hundred-year ring, his family had practically spent all their savings. To reduce the burden at home—and to prepare for a yellow second ring in the future—Yuan Yujin seized every opportunity to earn money.
Today, he had been running errands for noble students at the academy. Once he finished this round of deliveries, he would earn a full silver coin.
After completing his business with familiar merchants, Yuan Yujin walked back in a good mood. When he passed Li Rong's stall, his curiosity immediately flared. He loved joining in on unusual scenes like this. If this merchant was selling something rare or bizarre, buying it for the noble students could earn him favor—and perhaps extra rewards.
Then he saw it.
A single piece of wood on the ground. A stall owner standing motionless like a carved statue.
And a signboard.
Temporary Bounty:
Move the wood to the Sacrificial Shop in front of the Sunset Gate, South City.
Requirement: One-ring Spirit Master
Reward: 1 gold coin
Yuan Yujin's eyes widened instantly.
One gold coin.
Used carefully, it would cover his family's expenses for several months. Even as a Spirit Master, the monthly subsidy from Spirit Hall was only one gold coin—and that had to be saved for future spirit ring acquisition. Now, a gold coin was right in front of him, and all he had to do was move a piece of wood.
He immediately understood why the requirements were written so clearly. Without them, the surrounding crowd would have already grabbed the wood and fled.
Yuan Yujin took a deep breath. Without hesitation, he activated spirit possession.
A yellow spirit ring spun around his body.
Exclamations rang out from the crowd. Li Rong finally lifted his head. After confirming the boy's strength, he gave a slight nod, signaling approval.
Yuan Yujin hoisted the wood onto his shoulder. Though only ten years old, his spirit was a strength-type ape. His physical strength easily surpassed that of ordinary adults. Carrying the wood, he jogged straight toward the Sunset Gate.
Li Rong followed at a measured pace, his gaze sweeping the surroundings. Only after noticing a crowd trailing behind out of curiosity did he fully relax.
At the entrance of the Sunset Gate, Li Rong pointed out the Sacrificial Shop. Under Yuan Yujin's expectant gaze, he handed over a gold coin.
Then Li Rong spoke loudly, ensuring everyone could hear.
"There will be tasks available in the coming days as well. Those interested should come early."
After that, he stored the wood, ignored the surrounding noise, and entered the shop, closing the door behind him.
The reputation wasn't sufficient yet.
It was not the time to officially open.
…
The next day, at the same time and the same place, the signboard was different.
Temporary Bounty:
Move the wood to the Sacrificial Shop in front of the Sunset Gate, South City.
Requirement: Two-ring Spirit Grandmaster
Reward: 10 gold coins
Yuan Yujin arrived early, only to feel disappointment. Then realization struck him. He immediately rushed to the arena and dragged over a teacher he knew who was spectating battles. Along the way, he explained everything in detail. Though the teacher was skeptical, he ultimately decided to believe him—and personally carried the wood to the shop.
Within two days, the Sacrificial Shop became well-known within Yuan Yujin's academy.
Yuan Yujin himself knew that such benefits wouldn't fall to him again. It was better to inform the noble students—earning tips was still earning money.
By the third day, before Li Rong even reached the plaza, a servant approached him to ask when the shop would open and what items would be sold.
Li Rong activated the Molten Red Golden Eyes he had exchanged beforehand—an item originating from the Dragon Race World. Though temporary, its power was undiminished.
With a single glance, ordinary people and Spirit Masters alike staggered backward. It felt as though their minds had been struck by a hammer. Muscles softened, bodies trembled. Spirit Masters collapsed to the ground, spirit power completely sealed, unable to rise.
After suppressing the onlookers, Li Rong calmly set up the new sign.
Temporary Bounty:
Requirement: Three-ring Spirit Elder
Reward: 100 gold coins
…
On the fourth day, the requirement rose to a four-ring Spirit Ancestor, and the reward reached 1,000 gold coins. Noble carriages began appearing nearby.
On the fifth day, it became a five-ring Spirit King with a reward of 10,000 gold coins—enough to tempt even low-ranking nobles.
On the sixth day, the requirement rose to a six-ring Spirit Emperor, with a reward of 100,000 gold coins. Even the imperial family and Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School sent observers.
On the seventh day, the requirement reached a seven-ring Spirit Saint, and the reward became one million gold coins. Competition nearly erupted into conflict. Li Rong reinforced his Molten Red Golden Eyes, suppressing all Spirit Masters present. Under the immense pressure, everyone bent at the waist, trembling in submission.
…
After distributing the reward, Li Rong did not leave.
Instead, he hung the Sacrificial Shop plaque at the entrance. Then he placed a couplet on each side:
Left: Tasks Are Free
Right: Equivalent Exchange
Facing the crowd, he said plainly, "This shop opens officially tomorrow. All are welcome."
Then he closed the door.
The crowd buzzed with anticipation.
In truth, Li Rong was simply overwhelmed—there were too many people, and his social anxiety was acting up.
_____________________
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