Night was always enchanting, especially in a strange new place. Unfamiliar with local customs, everything felt fresh. Even the air carried a unique scent, bringing an unusual comfort.
Qin Jun was still unfamiliar with this world. He didn’t know its social structure—was it feudal, or a medieval kingdom with kings? So he decided to observe from the darkest corners to gather information.
Wherever you are, the fastest way to get information is always from hidden, shadowy places.
He walked around Falcon City for half a day and found an interesting spot. Smiling inwardly, he thought, “So this world is still in the era of slave trading.”
He had arrived at a store boldly displaying four large characters: “Slave Shop.”
He checked if it was closed, but found the store had just opened. Night always made such filthy trades less conspicuous.
He smiled and walked in. He planned to buy a slave for trivial tasks; doing everything himself was too troublesome.
Inside, a short, shifty-looking man with Western features approached him. Smiling broadly, he said, “Sir, are you here to buy a slave? I can introduce you.”
Qin Jun nodded. “I am. Are you the owner?”
The short man chuckled. “Sir, I’m not the owner. I just explain slaves’ origins and uses. The owner appears when you buy.”
Qin Jun didn’t care. “Then take me to select a slave who can handle tasks. Gender doesn’t matter.”
“Right away, sir. Follow me,” the short man said with a grin.
On the way, he asked, “Oh, by the way, sir, what price range?”
Qin Jun countered, “What’s your most expensive slave?”
The short man smiled. “Sir, our most expensive costs 50 Amethyst Coins. But he doesn’t fit your needs—he’s just a freeloader.”
Qin Jun smiled. “Then no need. What about my type?”
He only wanted what was useful; he didn’t want a slave who needed care.
The short man grinned. “The most expensive in your category is 1 Amethyst Coin.”
Qin Jun handed him 10 Amethyst Coins as a tip. The short man beamed. “Sir, we’re almost there.”
When led to the slave pens, Qin Jun spotted a middle-aged man with messy hair and tattered clothes.
The short man said, “Sir, this is him. His name is Fuluns. He was a butler for a noble family in the Allen Empire. Captured during war, he was sold here. He’s excellent at handling affairs.”
“Oh, and sir, when you buy him, his old name must be erased. You’ll give him a new name for the slave contract. Once signed, he’s your slave forever, unless you release him.”
Qin Jun thought it was fine. “Him. Call your boss.”
“Right away, sir. Wait here; I’ll be back soon,” the short man said.
“Sir, if it’s not trouble, remember my name. I’m Esiph, living in the east of Falcon City. If you need anything, find me.”
Esiph had worked here for years, selecting slaves for clients. Big sales meant big commissions, so he lived well. But he’d rarely seen a client tip 10 Amethyst Coins.
Qin Jun nodded. “Okay.”
He’d heard about wars and wanted details. Since Esiph offered, he’d ask later, maybe with another tip.
After Esiph left, Fuluns spoke from his cage. “Young man, are you to be my new master?”
Qin Jun smiled. “Unless something changes, yes.”
Fuluns sighed. “You must be from a noble family or a talented youth. Can I ask a favor?”
Qin Jun was curious. You’re about to be my slave; what right do you have to make demands?
He conjured a chair out of thin air and sat down, crossing his legs. “What if I refuse? But I’m interested. Speak, and I’ll decide.”
Fuluns was stunned. Creating a chair from nothing? Even the best blacksmith couldn’t do that without materials.
He asked in shock, “Who are you? How do you have such powerful forging skills?”
Qin Jun frowned. He made the chair to listen, not to show off.
“Certain questions are better left unasked,” he said coldly. “State your request now, or you’ll never get the chance.”
Fuluns trembled. Right, why focus on the young man’s power? Stronger was better if he agreed.
He hurriedly said, “I beg you to send someone to the Allen Empire to find a girl named Furn Lacey. We got separated while fleeing soldiers. I’m worried.”
Qin Jun smiled. “A tragic tale. But how long ago? Finding her now is like searching for a needle in a haystack.”
Fuluns sighed. “A year ago. But guilt keeps me awake every night.”
Qin Jun smiled. “You have heart. I’m idle anyway. I’ll visit the Allen Empire and help, but don’t expect much. My main goal is sightseeing.”
Fuluns thanked him. “Thank you. That’s more than enough.”
Soon, Esiph returned with the boss. Qin Jun signed the slave contract with Fuluns, renaming him Fulun—just dropping a character, because Qin Jun was lazy. (From now on, he was Fulun.)
Leaving the shop, Fulun received clean clothes and groomed himself. He was quite a handsome old man, and Qin Jun envied him. That was the charm of an older man. Qin Jun wasn’t ugly, but not handsome either—just average. So he felt envious.
Playfully malicious, he gave Fulun 50 Amethyst Coins. “Buy a place in Falcon City by tomorrow night,” he said, then went to sleep. He chose a random tree; he wasn’t picky. In his past life, he’d slept on streets.
Now, with better conditions, he rarely slept outside. But this time, he sensed something interesting approaching—a killing intent. His lavish spending at the slave shop had attracted some desperadoes. Ah, killing in such a remote place was truly satisfying.
