If a person is unlucky... then he definitely hopes his companions will be unlucky too.

Lin Yuan's face shifted through several shades of color.

He stared at Su Ji's utterly unapologetic expression, and felt a tight knot of frustration in his chest.

This guy really didn't see himself as an outsider, did he?

He'd just robbed him of his storage ring, and now he wanted to stay at their sect?

And the thing was...

Lin Yuan stole a glance at Su Ji.

He really didn't dare refuse.

"Well..." Lin Yuan forced a dry laugh, cold sweat beads forming on his forehead again. "Friend, it's not that I'm unwilling to host you..."

"It's just... our sect has a leader and several other elders..."

"If they found out..."

He couldn't finish the sentence.

Because Su Ji was looking at him like he was an idiot.

"So what?"

Su Ji tilted his head, his tone carrying a hint of amusement.

"Are you suggesting I go say hello to your sect leader?"

"Or..."

He paused.

"Are you planning to go tell your sect leader that someone robbed your storage ring, and now wants to stay at your sect?"

Lin Yuan's face turned deathly pale.

Absolutely not!

If he said that, the sect leader would come after him first!

Here he was, an elder of Xiaohai Sect, robbed of his belongings and bullied right at his own doorstep.

If word got out, where would the sect's face go?

What's more...

Lin Yuan thought of the shady dealings he'd been involved in over the years.

The sect had mostly turned a blind eye, but if this blew up...

He didn't have that many people backing him.

"N-no... I wouldn't dare..." Lin Yuan gritted his teeth and forced out a few words.

"Then we're settled."

Su Ji patted him on the shoulder.

"Don't worry, I'll only stay a few days."

"Once the Star Sea Wonder appears, I'll leave."

"I won't cause you any trouble."

Lin Yuan listened to this, his heart sinking.

No trouble?

You're already the biggest trouble I've ever seen!

But he could only nod reluctantly.

"Y-yes... I'll go make arrangements..."

"By the way."

Su Ji suddenly spoke up again.

"That old man at the night market—when do you split the profits with him?"

When he'd heard Su Jiu give the figure of a thousand spirit stones, the old man had taken the initiative to raise it to twelve hundred.

Playing that little game, trying to curry favor, was he?

Lin Yuan was stunned for a moment.

"Well... it's usually after each Star Sea Wonder concludes..."

"Good then."

Su Ji nodded.

"Count me in when the time comes."

"I'd like to properly thank that 'kind' old gentleman."

Lin Yuan's back was instantly drenched in cold sweat.

This... was he planning to deal with that old man too?

"Friend..."

"What?"

Su Ji looked at him.

"Is there a problem?"

"N-no... no problem..."

Lin Yuan didn't dare say there was.

He could only swallow his fear and agree.

"Then I'll go arrange the lodging..."

"Mm."

Su Ji waved a hand.

"Go ahead."

"Oh, and make sure it's a quiet spot."

"I don't like noise."

Lin Yuan nodded like a jackhammer and turned to leave.

Just as he reached the door, Su Ji called out again.

"Wait."

Lin Yuan's body stiffened.

"Does my friend have any other instructions?"

"Those ones."

Su Ji pointed at the few cultivators trembling in the corner.

"Take them with you."

"They're in the way standing there."

Those cultivators heard this and felt as if they'd been granted a pardon.

They scrambled after Lin Yuan, nearly tripping over each other as they ran out.

When everyone was gone.

The side hall was left with only Su Ji and Su Jiu.

Su Jiu walked over to Su Ji's side and asked quietly.

"Brother, are we really staying here?"

"Why not?"

Su Ji pulled up a chair and sat down.

"The inns outside are too expensive. This place is free."

"No reason not to stay."

Su Jiu: "..."

"But brother..."

Su Jiu was still worried.

"What if they try to surround and attack us?"

"Relax."

Su Ji waved a hand.

"They wouldn't dare."

"And besides..."

He glanced toward the door.

"Even if they did, they'd need to consider whether they have what it takes."

Su Jiu finally felt at ease.

Soon enough.

Lin Yuan came back.

This time, his expression had settled somewhat.

He had apparently managed to compose himself.

"Friend, the lodging has been arranged."

"It's at Clear Wind Court, on the back mountain."

"The place is peaceful and secluded, and usually no one goes there."

"It should meet your requirements."

Su Ji nodded.

"Fine, let's go."

Lin Yuan led the way.

They passed through several corridors and arrived at the back mountain.

Clear Wind Court was indeed quiet and secluded, as he'd said.

The courtyard wasn't large, but it was tastefully arranged.

"Friend, is this to your liking?"

Lin Yuan asked cautiously.

"It'll do."

Su Ji gave it a brief glance.

"Say, is there any food?"

"I rushed all night to get here and haven't eaten. I'm feeling a bit hungry."

Lin Yuan froze.

Wasn't 'hungry' a word only those newly initiated disciples used?

But he didn't dare question it.

"W-well... I'll have something prepared right away..."

"Quickly."

Su Ji waved a hand.

"Don't go all fancy on me."

"Keep it simple."

"Yes, yes..."

Lin Yuan nodded repeatedly and hurried out.

Not long after.

Lin Yuan returned with a few disciples, carrying a table full of dishes.

"Friend, I had the kitchen prepare this specially."

"All made from spirit beast meat, very beneficial for cultivation."

Su Ji glanced at the spread on the table.

It was indeed quite lavish.

"Alright, you can leave now."

He picked up his chopsticks and started eating.

Lin Yuan stood to the side, opening his mouth as if to speak.

"Something else?"

Su Ji looked up.

"N-no... nothing..."

Lin Yuan shook his head quickly.

"Then go."

"Don't just stand there distracting me while I eat."

Lin Yuan finally left with his people.

Once they were gone.

Su Jiu sat down too and picked up her chopsticks.

The two finished their meal.

Su Ji took a walk around the courtyard.

"This place isn't bad."

He walked to the center of the yard and looked up at the sky.

The moonlight tonight was beautiful.

"Brother."

Su Jiu suddenly spoke.

"You think that old man from the night market..."

"Will he run?"

"No."

Su Ji was certain.

"Why?"

"Because he doesn't know that I know."

"When a person is down on their luck... they always want their companions to share the misery."

"So Lin Yuan won't warn him."

Su Ji smiled.

"In his eyes, I'm probably still feeling all grateful, thinking about how to repay him."

"Why would he run?"

Su Jiu mulled it over and figured it made sense.

He turned and walked toward his room.

"Get some rest early."

"There's something to do tomorrow."

"What is it?"

Su Jiu followed behind him.

"Go meet the sect leader of Xiaohai Sect."

Su Ji said without looking back.

"Might as well say hello."

"It'd be rude to stay on someone's territory without acknowledging them."

Su Jiu: "..."

She seriously suspected her brother was just looking for an excuse to extort the sect leader as well.