After dinner, Qin Jun stayed indoors all afternoon, questioning Amov and the others about this world’s layout.

For instance, four great empires dominated the land, alongside countless smaller nations.

To the far north lay the Frost Empire, perpetually blanketed in ice and snow. Its people were incredibly robust, making it a breeding ground for warriors. High-level fighters were everywhere. The king himself was a level-90 warrior—brave and battle-hardened—having swallowed many neighboring states.

To the east stood the Blue Sea Empire. It controlled vast lands and oceans, holding most of the world’s marine resources. Rich and free-spirited, it drew powerful talents to serve it. Its ruler was a queen, rumored stunningly beautiful with unfathomable strength.

Westward was the Buried Sands Empire. The name didn’t mean barren soil; reaching it required crossing a long desert. Qin Jun’s current location sat near that very desert—he’d arrived here after traversing it, originally bordering the Buried Sands Empire.

This empire was the most mysterious. No records existed of it attacking others, nor of any nation holding grudges against it.

The last empire was Qin Jun’s own: the Unfallen Empire. It had bits of all three neighbors’ terrains but was the weakest. Still, warring with it brought no easy victories.

As for the Ailun Empire Fulun mentioned—it was just a big name. A small nation south of the Frost Empire, it fell a year ago. Its princess now wandered homeless.

Hearing this, Qin Jun glanced at Fulun. Could he be more than a noble family’s butler? Royal blood, perhaps? But Fulun remained unmoved, revealing nothing.

Amov and the others also described each empire’s academies. They recruited talented youths to level up and serve the nation. Yearly, disciples from rival academies dueled—ostensibly for exchange, but each hid deadly intent, scouting for future threats.

At the word "academy," Qin Jun perked up. Everyone knew beautiful women swarmed such places. Would he find his preferred cold, aloof type?

*Ah, the world truly holds endless fun,* Qin Jun thought. *Once I wrap things up here, I’ll explore its wonders.*

Finally, dusk deepened into night. The evening remained enchanting—but tonight promised bloodshed. The prey had become the hunter. Qin Jun sensed the slave merchant instantly: sipping tea leisurely in his room, utterly relaxed.

Qin Jun smirked. "This boss lives comfortably. Not a worry about his assassins failing to return. What did he expect?"

He left Amov’s trio behind—they’d only slow him down. Suddenly, he wondered why he’d enslaved them. Useless and troublesome. When he left, he’d ditch them to guard Fili. Simpler that way.

Decision made, he zipped to the merchant’s door. A loud *bang* shattered it open. Inside, the merchant dropped his teacup. It hit the floor with a sharp *crack*.

The slave merchant fumed. "Who dares break into my home at night?"

Qin Jun smiled calmly. "Boss, forgotten me already? I’m the man you tried to kill yesterday. I’ve come to return the favor."

Recognition flashed. The merchant stayed cool, chuckling. "Ah, it’s you. Those three were useless—couldn’t even handle a level-20-something mage."

"But since you’ve delivered yourself," he added, "I’ll kill you personally."

Qin Jun grinned. "Oh? What makes you think you can?"

The merchant sneered. "You’re just a low-level mage. Beating those three was luck. Meeting me? Heaven’s door was open—you chose hell’s instead."

He unleashed level-50 power, a magic staff materializing in his grip.

Qin Jun stepped back dramatically. "Yikes! Level 50? Way out of my league."

The merchant frowned. "Still joking? Your strength couldn’t have beaten them alone. Show yourself, hidden ally—or I’ll end you both!"

Qin Jun looked utterly innocent. "Alone? It’s just me."

"Hmph. If they won’t come out," the merchant spat, "this spell will kill you regardless."

He chanted. A massive fireball formed overhead, hurtling toward Qin Jun. Qin Jun didn’t dodge—it fizzled harmlessly against him. Smoke billowed, then cleared. Qin Jun had vanished. The merchant assumed him dead.

"Tch. An arrogant fool," he muttered. "I overestimated his backup."

Turning to retreat, an ice spike impaled the floor before his feet. He tripped, landing hard on his backside.

Looking up, he saw Qin Jun grinning down, eyes mocking.

"See?" Qin Jun said, hovering. "No hidden masters. I am the master."

He descended slowly. The merchant tried to rise—but Qin Jun’s immobilization spell froze him solid.

Qin Jun conjured a sword, tracing its edge around the merchant’s throat. "How do you want to die? Share your thoughts."

The merchant sobbed, trousers soaking wet. "Spare me, sir! I didn’t recognize your greatness. Release me—I’ll give you everything!"

Qin Jun chuckled. "Oh? What exactly can you offer?"

The merchant listed frantically: "All my slaves! All my gold! Even my wife and son—if you want them!"

Qin Jun was stunned. This man would sacrifice his own family for survival.

"I want none of that," Qin Jun said lightly. "Only your life. Choose your death."

The merchant wailed, snot and tears streaming. "I don’t want to die! Let me show you my most valuable slave. One look, and you’ll change your mind!"

Qin Jun raised a brow. "What slave could tempt me so?"

"A peerless beauty," the merchant gasped. "Meant for royal heirs."

*This must be the girl Esif mentioned,* Qin Jun thought. *Worth a look. I’ll kill him after.*

"Fine," he said. "Satisfy me, and I spare you."

Hope flared. "Undo the spell, sir! I’ll take you now!"

Qin Jun flicked his wrist. The magic lifted. The merchant dared not flee—he knew Qin Jun’s power now.

He led Qin Jun to the slave quarters. The room was surprisingly well-furnished.

"I pampered her," the merchant explained. "She’s for nobles. Now… she’s yours."

He opened the door. A naked girl crouched inside, bare and trembling, eyes squeezed shut in fear.

Qin Jun frowned. "Why no clothes?"

The merchant leered. "I don’t touch her. But a man can enjoy the view."

Qin Jun nodded. "Fair. I’m intrigued. I’ll spare your life."

Relief flooded the merchant’s face. "Thank you, sir! Thank you! If you ever need—"

His words cut off in screams. All four limbs lay severed, blood pooling.

"You beast!" he roared. "You promised mercy!"

Qin Jun glanced down. "Mercy? I didn’t kill you. I’m just torturing you."

Pain stole the merchant’s voice. He could only howl.

Qin Jun reached for the girl. She flinched away. He paused, then smiled.

"Here’s your chance," he said, offering a sharp sword. "Kill your enslaver. Do you dare?"

Slowly, the girl opened her eyes. Qin Jun beamed at her, warm and bright.