Chapter 23: Li Chengfeng


    The Rikil Auction House was the sole monopoly auction house in Wildland City. Its owner, Rikil, was once a renowned grand warrior who had retired to Wildland City after being injured in battle. The city was the closest major settlement to the Wildland Forest, making it a hub for the trade of medicinal herbs, equipment, and crystals. Additionally, Rikil’s life-and-death comrade from his military days, Kelt, was the deputy commander of Wildland City’s garrison—essentially the second-in-command of the local military.


    At the moment, Rikil was personally overseeing preparations for the annual year-end auction, which was set to take place in three days. To ensure security, his friend Kelt had even dispatched a squad of twenty second-tier warriors to guard the auction house, deterring any would-be troublemakers.


    Seated in a massive wooden chair, Rikil sipped tea leisurely, his eyes half-closed as he listened to his subordinates report on the progress. The middle-aged, extremely obese man was quite pleased with himself. Having been in Wildland City for over two decades, he had used his military connections and underhanded tactics to drive out all smaller auction houses, establishing a monopoly. His success had catapulted him into the ranks of the elite, and he was now riding high on his achievements.


    Just then, a subordinate hurried over and whispered something into Rikil’s ear. Rikil’s eyes slowly opened in surprise. “Is this true?”


    The subordinate nodded eagerly.


    “Lead the way,” Rikil said, waving his hand and setting down his teacup. Despite his bulky frame, years of military training kept him agile.


    Following the subordinate, Rikil entered a hidden door next to the auction house’s reception hall. The secret room had a cleverly concealed peephole in the wall, allowing a clear view and sound from the reception hall.


    At that moment, Han Ming was sitting in the reception hall, a hundred small green magic crystals neatly arranged on the wooden table in front of him. The auction house’s appraiser, Elder Mo, sat beside him with a polite smile, occasionally glancing toward the door where a servant discreetly signaled that the boss was listening. Elder Mo then turned to Han Ming and asked, “You seem unfamiliar, young man. May I ask which family you belong to?”


    Han Ming frowned slightly. Ever since he had produced the hundred wood-element crystals, Elder Mo had brought him here but avoided discussing the consignment. Instead, the old man kept probing for his background.


    “I’m from out of town,” Han Ming replied, adjusting his posture. Seeing that Elder Mo was about to speak again, Han Ming raised his hand and said, “Elder, we’ve been talking for a while. Shouldn’t we get to the point?”


    Elder Mo smiled apologetically and gestured for a servant to bring Han Ming a cup of tea. Without looking at the crystals on the table, he asked, “Do you intend to sell these crystals directly to us for gold coins, or would you like us to auction them for you?”


    Han Ming asked, “Do you have any water-element magic crystals? If so, I’d like to exchange these for them.”


    Elder Mo was taken aback, his expression growing more respectful. “Water-element crystals? As far as I know, water-element crystals aren’t very popular. Are you perhaps a water mage?” Elder Mo had seen many people come to auction magic crystals, but most exchanged them directly for gold coins. Few wanted to trade for other elemental crystals, and even fewer brought a hundred at once. There were only two possibilities: either Han Ming was a weapon merchant in need of water crystals for crafting staffs, or he was a mage himself. Given Han Ming’s youthful appearance and delicate features, Elder Mo quickly dismissed the first possibility. If Han Ming was indeed a mage, they would need to tread carefully. What exactly they needed to consider, only Elder Mo and Rikil in the hidden room knew.


    Han Ming had no intention of revealing his status as a mage, especially since he wasn’t even at the beginner level yet. He shook his head and said, “I wish I were a mage, but unfortunately, I’m not. You still haven’t answered my question.”


    Elder Mo relaxed slightly, thinking that Han Ming’s claim might be genuine. His ordinary attire didn’t suggest he was a mage. Smiling warmly, Elder Mo said, “We do have water-element crystals, but are you sure you don’t want to auction these? Our year-end auction is in three days, and many rare treasures will be up for bidding.” He paused, then added casually, “If you have medium or large magic crystals, you might be able to exchange them for something truly extraordinary.”


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    Han Ming pondered for a moment. He did have a large water-element crystal in his storage bag, but he knew such items were rare and best kept hidden to avoid unnecessary trouble. Besides, he didn’t have any urgent needs at the moment, and the auction didn’t particularly interest him. He shook his head and declined. Unbeknownst to him, his brief moment of hesitation had been carefully noted by both Elder Mo and Rikil.


    *This kid definitely has medium-sized crystals!*


    Having gotten the answer he wanted, Elder Mo stopped pressing. He ordered a servant to bring a hundred water-element crystals. Since water crystals were slightly cheaper than other elements, the excess value was converted into gold coins and handed to Han Ming.


    Han Ming counted the water crystals and gold coins before storing them in his spatial bag. He then stood up to leave.


    Elder Mo escorted Han Ming to the door, watching him walk away before turning to Rikil, who had emerged from the hidden room. “What do you think?”


    Rikil narrowed his eyes, staring at Han Ming’s retreating figure. “It’s rare to see someone casually produce a hundred magic crystals. He doesn’t seem to be from this city, nor is he a mage. If he were from a prominent family in another city, there’d be no reason for him to come here. Send Ferri to follow him. Find the right moment to act.”


    Elder Mo nodded and went back inside.


    Meanwhile, Han Ming, unaware that he was being watched, strolled through the streets in high spirits. A hundred wood-element crystals had netted him a hundred water-element crystals and two hundred gold coins. In an instant, he had gone from penniless to a minor tycoon. Back on Earth, he had never carried more than a few thousand dollars at a time. Now, he had wealth equivalent to what an ordinary person might earn in twenty years. Real, tangible gold coins! When had he ever seen so much shiny gold?


    *Damn it! I’m practically a rich kid now!*


    Han Ming was the type to spend money as soon as he got it. He immediately walked into a fancy-looking clothing store.


    Before long, he emerged dressed to the nines, the shopkeeper bowing and smiling obsequiously. Indeed, clothes make the man. Dressed like this, Han Ming looked every bit the dashing young nobleman. As he walked, he attracted admiring glances from women of all ages. His steps grew lighter, and his mood soared. Unbeknownst to him, a shifty-eyed man was watching his every move from a distance.


    Returning to the mercenary inn, Han Ming approached the beautiful Miss Lifu once more. This time, his new attire drew even more attention. However, most of those who had witnessed his earlier display of strength had already left. Now, people noticed him for his slim build and flashy clothes.


    “Ten days’ stay, and prepare a table of your finest dishes,” Han Ming said with a smile.


    After collecting the deposit, Lifu watched Han Ming follow a servant to his room, her curiosity about this mysterious young man growing. He possessed terrifying strength that belied his frail appearance, and now he had returned dressed like a nouveau riche. He didn’t seem like an ordinary person. Han Ming, however, was oblivious to how conspicuous his new clothes were, basking in his newfound wealth.


    Han Ming was like a country bumpkin, fascinated by everything he saw. Having spent three years in this world, he had rarely had the chance to truly experience it. Everything before him was fresh and exciting. Even the most mundane objects filled him with wonder.


    After a short rest, a servant informed him that his meal was ready. Han Ming decided to dine in the main hall rather than his room.


    Sitting alone at a table, Han Ming surveyed the spread of food before him, his appetite whetted. All sorts of dishes, some familiar, some not, tempted him. He grabbed the leg of some unknown animal and began devouring it.


    “Mind if I join you?” a young man’s voice asked.


    Han Ming looked up to see a giant of a man, nearly three meters tall, standing beside him. He nodded indifferently and continued eating.


    The man smiled in thanks, unfazed by Han Ming’s lack of attention. He called for a small barrel of strong liquor and began drinking.


    “Oh, I ordered too much. The table’s full, but feel free to help yourself. I can’t finish all this,” Han Ming said, noticing that the man was only drinking while the table was crowded with dishes. The rest of the hall was packed, leaving no other seats.


    The man grinned. “Thanks.” Without hesitation, he grabbed a large piece of meat and began eating. Between bites, he said, “By the way, I’m Li Chengfeng. Just arrived in Wildland City. What’s your name? With that flashy outfit, pretty-boy face, and weakling build, you don’t look like a mercenary.”


    Han Ming nearly choked on his food. He stared at Li Chengfeng for a moment before replying, “I’m Han Ming. And yeah, I’m basically a pretty boy.” He burst out laughing. Under normal circumstances, Han Ming would have thrown a punch, but there was something oddly endearing about Li Chengfeng’s bluntness. He reminded Han Ming of his friend Dar. He wondered how Dar was doing and if he had survived. And, truth be told, Han Ming didn’t mind being called a pretty boy. It meant he was handsome, after all.


    His response caught the attention of a pair of passing mercenaries. A tall woman sneered, “The world’s full of shameless people.”


    Han Ming ignored her. He had no reason to engage with strangers. After a year in the dark cave, he had changed. Happiness, anger, sarcasm, praise—they were all part of life’s experiences. As long as no one crossed his line, he chose to enjoy the moment.


    Han Ming remained silent, but Li Chengfeng spoke up. He looked at the tall woman and said, “Hey, beautiful, mind giving me your underwear? I’ve got some unspeakably dirty plans for tonight.”


    *Pfft!*


    Han Ming spat out his food. *Damn! This guy’s got no filter! Underwear? And he just said it outright! This guy’s a riot!*


    Li Chengfeng dodged the spray of food, still smiling at the woman, though his eyes held no warmth.