I sorted through my suitcase—it wasn’t packed by me, but by Yejia Yin’s orders. Inside lay a brand-new toiletry set. For just one night? Seriously lavish.

Plus, the toothbrush had a rotating electric head. Did they really think I was a kid? Frustrated, I tossed the toothpaste and brush aside. I grabbed the towel, filled a basin with hot water in the washroom, and washed my face. Ah, that refreshed me.

I’d planned to nap, but sleep wouldn’t come. So I combed my hair lightly, tucked the cash securely into my pocket, and headed out. Almost noon—time to explore Provincial City’s food scene.

The lodging wasn’t far from the train station. Station areas always buzzed with eateries. After wandering, I settled on a mid-priced ramen shop. I had a few hundred bucks, but I couldn’t bring myself to spend it. I didn’t want Yejia Yin thinking I was wasteful.

Speaking of her—after giving instructions, Yejia Yin and the others vanished without a trace. Where’d they go? Probably very far. Holding a wedding near the station? Way too obvious. The venue must be distant; they were likely setting it up now. Why leave me here alone? Probably for the reason I suspected.

I knew my identity was special—and now, even more so. I’d heard whispers of human faction wars in the inner world. To rival groups, I was pure trouble: fresh troops for their enemy, the Yeh Family. They’d see me as a thorn in their side, like those splinter Yao Race factions, desperate to eliminate me.

I recalled how that snake monster found me—right after I turned into a girl, training shapeshifting and magic with Qingli. Maybe my aura gave me away then. Today, back as a boy, I shouldn’t be detectable. Did Yejia Yin plan for that too?

But she’d personally escorted me here after the train. If spies watched, they’d spot me. She wouldn’t overlook that risk. She must’ve left bodyguards hidden nearby.

My ears perked up. I scanned the area stealthily—no one. After reverting to male, my sharp senses had faded. Well, not spotting them was normal. It just meant the guards were skilled. Yeah, keep hiding and protecting me.

After lunch, I strolled the streets, eventually drifting to every otaku’s ultimate hangout: the internet cafe. Blame Yejia Yin—no laptop, no tablet, no phone access. Total Wi-Fi waste.

I barely played before leaving. Too preoccupied to focus. My feet carried me back to the station.

Around one or two PM, the autumn sun blazed unusually warm, wrapping the world in coziness. Then a group emerged from the station. Tch. So jarring—they shattered the mood.

This crowd wore mismatched but similarly toned suits and leather shoes. They marched in sync, same direction—obviously one faction. Amateurs. Our train group split into three batches, exiting different ways. Only Yejia Yin escorted me, leaving zero clues.

I relaxed instantly. These guys were leagues below the Yeh Family. No match for Yejia Yin.

But what enemy actually troubled her? And her words—"You’ll know when the time comes." What would tomorrow reveal?

The group stood in a horizontal triangular formation, hierarchy clear. Their leader looked young—early twenties, neat short hair. Too far to see details, but his lips held a faint, confident smile. Who gave him that arrogance? His obedient followers? Hmph. The Yeh Family guards watching me? Light-years better.

Lingering here risked suspicion. I ducked my head and walked left, just another ordinary guy popping into the station restroom.