After hearing Fulun's words, Amov and the other two no longer feared the ghost-like entities outside. They grew deeply respectful of old man Fulun. Indeed, Qin Jun was right to assign them to him.

The only downside? It was still incredibly noisy. Even leaning against a pillar for a nap was impossible.

Fulun showed no sign of tiredness. He stood straight-backed outside, which only deepened their admiration.

When Qin Jun woke up, he saw Amov and the others fast asleep. Fulun stood rigidly nearby. Qin Jun silently praised Fulun—truly a noble family’s steward, executing orders precisely.

As for these three? Utterly useless.

He kicked each one awake. "You three—go buy breakfast."

Fulun interjected, "Master, let me go. These boys are too impulsive for such tasks. Spare them, please."

"Pity it’s too late to cook fresh meals now. Otherwise, I’d never let you eat street food."

Qin Jun chuckled. "I’m not picky. I’ll try your cooking another time. Do as you say—but they still need punishment."

"Run laps around this mansion until Fulun returns. Understood?"

He barked the order. Amov and the others shrugged. Running? Child’s play.

Truthfully, Qin Jun hadn’t meant real punishment. Keeping them outside all day, listening to ghostly wails, had been torment enough. Still, he was impressed—they’d stopped fearing spirits entirely.

If he knew Fulun had ruined his plan, what then?

Fulun left for breakfast. Amov, Koxi, and Kedong began running.

Qin Jun lounged in a chair, basking in the morning sun. Later, he’d visit Fili to retrieve Phoenixbird. He’d stay a few more days before leaving. As for Esif? Unnecessary—his men would update him on the nation’s state.

Ah, right. He hadn’t finished that little drama. Had Denny, the courtesan, used his money to buy her freedom? The ending promised to be thrilling.

When Fulun returned with breakfast, Qin Jun glanced over. It resembled his world’s morning meals—steamed buns, eggs, nothing fancy. He took a bite. Tasty. He called the runners over. "Enough running. Eat."

At first, the three ate stiffly at the table. Qin Jun smiled. "Relax around me. Act as you normally would. I’m no monster—just obey my orders completely."

The moment he finished, they devoured their food like starved wolves. Qin Jun wondered if he’d been too lenient.

Fulun remained calm, eating in small, elegant bites. True nobility.

After breakfast, Qin Jun took only Amov to Fili’s home. Fulun needed help tidying the mansion, so Koxi and Kedong stayed behind.

Guided by Amov, Qin Jun reached the city lord’s manor. Two guards stood watch—both around level 30. Decent.

Qin Jun approached. "Is Fili home? I’ve come for my pet."

One guard nodded. "Wait here. I’ll announce you." He hurried inside.

Qin Jun was surprised. He’d expected drama, a chance to unleash his aura. Instead, the guard was reasonable. If even guards were like this, Falcon City’s lord must be remarkable.

Soon, the guard returned with Fili. Renault and Phoenixbird perched on her shoulders, coexisting peacefully.

Spotting Qin Jun, Fili cried happily, "Big Brother Dante! You finally came! I thought you’d abandoned your pets." She didn’t mention herself.

Qin Jun grinned. "Never. Even without this bird, I’d visit my little sister."

Fili blushed. "Big Brother Dante always says sweet things. Come, see my home!" She grabbed his hand and pulled him inside. Qin Jun left Amov outside to chat with the guards.

Amov grumbled inwardly: *If I can’t follow, why bring me at all?*

Truthfully, Qin Jun just wanted to feel like a young master. His past life hadn’t been kind.

The manor was stunning—artificial hills, ponds, sprawling grounds. It took ages to reach Fili’s room.

Qin Jun took Phoenixbird from her shoulder, patting its head. "Is your father home? I’d love to see the city lord’s might."

Fili sighed. "Bad timing. He left to handle a Monstrous Beast attack outside the city. He’ll be back in three or four days."

"Regrettable," Qin Jun said.

Fili smiled eagerly. "Stay here, Big Brother Dante! Join my father’s retinue. You’ll meet him—and I’ll see you every day."

Qin Jun stroked her hair gently. "You just want me to stay, don’t you? But I have duties elsewhere."

What duties? Beyond Fulun’s request, he simply hated staying put. Traveling was better—scenery, beautiful women.

Fili’s face fell.

Qin Jun quickly soothed her. "Let’s make a pact. When you reach level 99, I’ll return. I’ll stay here forever. Deal?"

It was a stalling tactic. Fili would never hit level 99. Along her journey, she’d cherish this as a sweet childhood memory, laughing about it with her future husband.

Stubborn as she was, she agreed instantly. "Promise! Pinky swear—no take-backs for a hundred years!"

Qin Jun sealed the deal with a smile.

He played with her awhile longer. Leaving was hard, but he promised to visit before departing. Her smile returned instantly.

On the way back, Amov eyed the one-legged bird on Qin Jun’s shoulder. "Master, why keep this crippled bird?"

Phoenixbird instantly retaliated, pecking Amov fiercely. He dodged wildly—but couldn’t escape.

Qin Jun stopped it. "Amov, don’t mock this bird. When angry, it could kill you in a heartbeat."

Phoenixbird strutted back to Qin Jun’s shoulder, puffing up proudly. *I’m awesome.*

Qin Jun flicked its forehead. "You *are* crippled. No mocking others. Get along—or I’ll punish you both."

Phoenixbird huffed but stayed quiet, shooting Amov a sideways glare. Amov glared back. *This broken bird? Powerful? Maybe a level 99 Ice Phoenix Monstrous Beast? Yeah, right.*

Back at the mansion, Fulun, Koxi, and Kedong had nearly finished tidying. It wasn’t spotless, but refreshingly clean. Qin Jun was satisfied.

He sent Fulun to prepare lunch. Qin Jun planned to rest—and plot how to kill the slave shop owner tonight.

Meanwhile, Denny hadn’t rushed to buy her freedom after Qin Jun gave her the money. She daydreamed: *Will that man return? He gave so much so easily. He must adore me. He’s not ugly... Could he marry me?*

Just then, Josiah entered, his expression lecherous.

Denny suddenly felt disgusted. He’d helped her before, even offered to free her. But now? Was he worthy? She knew he’d never earn enough to buy her freedom.

Josiah avoided her eyes, fidgeting. *A cowardly, creepy man. Unfit for me,* Denny thought.

She didn’t notice the new hardness in Josiah’s gaze.

His voice raspy, he asked, "Did that man hurt you yesterday?"

Denny turned cold. "No. And even if he did, it’s none of your business. Leave."

Josiah panicked. "Denny, you’ve never spoken to me like this!"

She sneered. "Times change. Get out, or I’ll call the guards to throw you out."

Josiah yelped, "No need! I’ll go myself!" He fled, leaving Denny alone with thoughts of the man who’d wanted to watch her "drama."

After leaving Denny, Josiah rushed home, grabbed all his savings, and headed to Arad’s weapon shop.