As Jin Yu stepped out of the auction house, the cool air hit his face, cold and refreshing after the heat of the crowded hall. Min Li and Haozi were just behind him, their movements fluid, yet Jin Yu’s mind lingered over the day’s events. It had been a truly remarkable auction, one that would leave an impression for a long time.
At the entrance, a man dressed in formal attire with a respectful demeanor awaited. His appearance was unassuming, but there was an undeniable air of competence in his posture. As Jin Yu approached, he bowed deeply.
"Young Master Jin," the man said, producing a small, elegant jade slip from within his robes. “This is from your esteemed father, the Patriarch. He instructed me to deliver it to you directly.”
"Oh"
Jin Yu took the jade slip with a casual wave of his hand. His young master aura looked more refined after the auction scene.
His lips curved into a slight smile as he checked the content “Thank you. You may leave now.”
The man bowed again before retreating without another word, disappearing into the streets as quickly as he had arrived.
Jin Yu turned to Haozi and Min Li, his fingers gently stroking the jade slip before slipping it into his robes. He gave one last glance at the auction house before turning his attention to the horses waiting nearby.
Just as they were about to mount, a voice broke through the noon air.
"Young Master Jin, a moment?"
Jin Yu paused and turned back only to see none other than Lu Yucheng approaching, a pleasant smile on his face.
His calm, innocent demeanor hadn’t changed a bit since their first meeting in the Jin Family battle arena.
"I didn't expect to see you here," Jin Yu said, his tone casual, not giving much away but still recognizing the man.
Lu Yucheng’s smile widened slightly. “I could say the same to you, Young Master. It’s quite the event, isn’t it? The atmosphere inside was something else.”
Jin Yu nodded, a faint chuckle escaping him. “It certainly had its moments.”
Lu Yucheng’s eyes sparkled with amusement, and there was a lightness to his words. "I have to admit, I was curious how things would unfold. It was quite a spectacle, especially when you... well, when you decided to bid for almost everything in the house. Not many could pull that off."
Jin Yu smiled back, his voice light as he replied, "Sometimes, it’s about making an impression."
"I can see that," Lu Yucheng said with a slight bow, as if acknowledging Jin Yu's strategy. "Anyway, I just wanted to say it was an impressive show. I look forward to the next time our paths cross, Young Master."
There was no hidden agenda in his tone, no tension in the air—just a friendly, almost playful exchange. It was clear that Lu Yucheng wasn’t here to challenge him like the other day or cause trouble, merely to offer a few words of casual conversation.
Jin Yu gave a small nod, offering a friendly smile. “Of course. Take care, Lu Yucheng.”
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Lu Yucheng gave another polite bow before turning and walking away, his movements fluid and unhurried. Jin Yu watched him for a moment before turning back to his companions.
“He looked too innocent for my liking” Min Lei commented lightly as he swung himself onto his horse.
Haozi remained silent, but his expression was thoughtful. Jin Yu merely shook his head, his mind already shifting to the next matter at hand. "Let’s go. We’ve got more important things to focus on."
---
They galloped along the bustling road, weaving through carts, beasts, and passersby, their destination set.
"Where are we going next, Young Master?" Haozi called over the wind.
"The gambling den?" Min Lei guessed, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
A smile tugged at Jin Yu’s lips as he glanced at him. This boy is a real bad influence.
"Yes," Jin Yu confirmed.
Min Lei almost bounced off his horse in excitement. “Lead on, kid!” he urged Haozi, who laughed and urged his horse forward.
Jin Yu watched the two with mild amusement before asking, “How do you even know these places, Haozi? You were always in the manor.”
"I was sent on errands outside a few times, Young Master. These kinds of places are hard to forget,” Haozi answered with a grin.
Jin Yu nodded. “Fair enough.”
Then he glanced at Min Lei. “What about you? You left your family behind at my manor. Won’t you be punished?”
Min Lei chuckled. “Young Master, the path to ascension is long and unpredictable. This is the way I’ve chosen. Old Master Min will understand.”
Jin Yu gave a soft “Hmm,” and turned forward again.
“So, Master,” Min Lei leaned closer, “did I learn anything about cultivation in that auction house? You said you'd show me how you got strong so fast…”
Jin Yu paused. Did I really say that? He quickly straightened up and put on the face of a stern teacher.
“You mean to tell me you didn’t learn anything in there?” he snapped. “Where did you put your brain?!”
Min Lei froze on his horse and answered hesitantly, “Spending… money?”
“Fool! Anyone can spend money! How does that help you get stronger?!”
Min Lei flushed red with embarrassment. “I’m sorry, Master. Please enlighten me,” he bowed low in the saddle.
“Hmph. Haozi, you’re not off the hook. What about you? What did you learn?”
Haozi jerked upright, startled. “Uh… uh… insult people?”
He felt Jin Yu’s sharp gaze burn into the back of his head and quickly corrected himself. “I-I mean… uhm… absolute fearlessness! Defying all odds… and… and dominating everyone!”
Silence followed.
Min Lei’s mouth opened slightly, surprised by the words. Even Jin Yu blinked.
“Did I say something wrong, Young Master?” Haozi asked cautiously.
“Huh? Ahem.” Jin Yu coughed lightly, regaining his composure. “No… actually, you’re very correct. I didn’t expect such insight at your age. That’s really good of you.”
Haozi blushed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Thank you, Young Master.”
Min Lei looked a little deflated. Even the kid got something and I didn’t…
“So tell me,” Jin Yu asked with interest, “how did you come to that conclusion?”
“It was simple, Young Master,” Haozi replied eagerly. “You and Brother Min Lei were totally fearless! You insulted those powerful nobles without blinking. You bought almost everything at the auction, leaving scraps for others qpp. That… that was domination!”
Jin Yu raised a brow, impressed despite himself. “I see. That’s good of you, Haozi. Min Lei, you should learn from your brother. Understand?”
“Yes, Young Master,” Min Lei muttered. “But… he’s not my brother.”
“Shut it, fool. You’re both my disciples. That makes you brothers in arms. Got it?”
Min Lei straightened up. “Yes, Master.” He nodded thoughtfully, finally understanding the bond Jin Yu was offering.
Haozi’s heart stirred. He… he really thinks of me as a disciple? Even though I’m just a slave?
He didn’t know what to say.
“Good. Now move faster, Haozi.”
“Yes, Young Master!” Haozi whipped the reins, leading the way once more.
---
The city gradually faded behind them, replaced by quiet stretches of uneven path flanked by gnarled trees and tall grasses. Unlike the lively roads near the markets and manors, this one was noticeably deserted.
“Why is it so quiet here?” Min Lei asked, glancing around with narrowed eyes.
Haozi turned slightly in the saddle. “The gambling den’s not exactly welcomed in the center of the city, so it was pushed to a remote spot. This road’s the only way there.”
“Remote, isolated, quiet…” Jin Yu muttered, his tone growing sharp. “A perfect spot for trouble.”
As if summoned by his words, figures appeared ahead—first two, then several more, stepping out from the trees and roadside shadows. Men in worn armor, some holding crude weapons, others with enchanted blades that glinted faintly. Their auras were scattered and messy—but they outnumbered them.
Jin Yu’s gaze swept across them casually.
“Robbers?” Min Lei asked, already tugging at his sleeves with excitement.
Haozi’s eyes widened. “I count at least twelve. And two… maybe three at the Essence Core Realm,” he said quietly.
The bandits didn’t wait for greetings. One of the older men stepped forward, grinning with half a mouth of yellow teeth.
“Well, well. What do we have here? Noble brats on fancy horses, carrying fat wallets. Looks like today’s a good day, boys!”
Cheers erupted from behind him, steel ringing as weapons were unsheathed.
“Leave your storage rings, horses, and robes,” the leader said smugly. “Do that, and we might leave your limbs attached.”
Jin Yu dismounted slowly, brushing invisible dust off his sleeves.
Min Lei leaned toward Haozi. “Is this the part where Master pretends to be weak, or the part where he starts killing?”
“Definitely killing,” Haozi whispered, gripping his reins nervously.
Jin Yu raised his head and smiled—calm, cold, utterly confident.
“I was in a good mood,” he said lightly. “But you just ruined it.”