“I am deeply disappointed in you, Lord Zhen. Your little trick might cost me my entire investment.”

On the second floor of the shop that was to open in a few minutes, Ikasa expressed his displeasure to the foolhardy City Lord.

“Hahaha! You shouldn’t worry about that, Brother Ikasa. You should focus on how much more you will earn now that the shops of Monstrous Flame Sect are closed for business.”

Even though the City Lord laughed, the smile did not reach his eyes. The dark patches under his eyes showed that the battle was not proceeding as he planned.

Ikasa wanted to talk some sense into the dull brain of this City Lord but he had to hold his tongue. The glaring figure of the Chakra Sensing Realm beauty provided him plenty of incentive to do so.

And thus the room devolved into awkward silence as the occupants waited for the preparations for the opening to be finished.

Though the room was quiet, the City was not.

——

In the vegetable market, two women were gossiping about the happenings in the City.

“Did you hear? A new Martial Arts store is opening today.”

“Really? Who does it belong to? The Hu Clan or the Monstrous Flame Sect?”

“Neither. I heard the owner is someone new who is close to City Lord. In fact, the City Lord himself is going to inaugurate the store this noon.”

“What? City Lord is coming to inaugurate? What an honor! Since the new  City Lord took position, he has never attended the inauguration ceremony of any business in person.”

“Should we go and take a look?”

“Of Course, we have to go!”

——-

The news about Ikasa’s store had also spread within the Adventurer Parties and Mercenary groups.  At the Adventurer’s Gathering Point near the west gate of the City, a verbal spat attracted the attention of on-lookers.

“Sheesh, those two husband and wife are at it again. They are one family but both lead their own Adventure party.”

“Why not merge their adventure parties?”

“Pay attention and you’ll see soon.”

Soon the voices became so loud that every person in the surroundings could clearly hear what they were saying.

“You lowly trash! The cultivation techniques that you brought from Monstrous Flame Sect are lowest of Low grade. How dare you say they are superior to the Mid Grade Cultivation Manuals sold in the new store?”

“The Store is not even open yet, you nincompoop! How can you know they are Mid grade? No, let me rephrase… Which idiot in his right mind would sell you Mid Grade Cultivation manuals for 20 Gold?”

“Why are you fighting? The best techniques are from the Hu Clan’s store.”

A member of Hu Clan tried to promote his Clan’s store only to be glared at by both the parties. He raised his hands and backed off.

“The store opens at noon today. I bet you 100 silver that their techniques are genuine!”

“Hmph! Be ready, to lose you blind fool. Those 100 silver will be mine soon.”

The members of the two parties shook their heads and followed after their leaders. Even some other spectators who did not receive a commission joined their group to see the fun.

——

“Darling, do we have to go to some low-born’s shop inauguration ceremony?”

Slap!

“How many times have I told you to not use that word? And this is not just anyone; This person is close to Lord Zhen. Mr. Mo Fan, the personal aide of City Lord, personally invited me to attend the ceremony.”

Due to City Lord’s influence, even the other proud business owners and merchants were aware of Ikasa’s new shop. As the time approached noon, they rushed to the venue to please the City Lord.

——-

The time for opening the doors had arrived. As the Sun shone brightly in the sky, a crowd gathered near the Shop.

All sorts of people were mixed in the crowd. There were women with baskets woven with bamboo in their hands. It was evident they had arrived from the Vegetable Market.

Behind them, carriages with numerous wealthy elites blocked the street further away. The people made space for their occupants to pass.

At this moment the adventurers arrived. The quarreling couple and their party members turned eerily quiet when they realized they were in the presence of their employers.

Seeing the people gathered for the opening, Chu Kuang smiled. It was his men who had worked hard to spread rumors through the City. Seeing the preparations complete, he nodded to Xin Ruo.

“Lord Zhen, Ikasa it is time. Please come downstairs.”

As soon as City Lord arrived from the side entrance the commoners gasped. They rarely get a glimpse of the Lord of the City. In this world, his status was equivalent to that of a celebrity.

Everyone knew of him but few had the chance to meet him.

Basking in attention, City Lord waved to the crowd with a wide smile on his face. Many of the people gathered may resent the City Lord for his failure to provide them protection, but one smile from him made them put aside their grievances.

“Lord Zhen, please hang our signboard and open the door!”

Ikasa requested, handing City Lord the prepared wooden board. City Lord received the intricately carved figurine of a man practicing Martial Arts and jumped up, showing off his martial prowess.

With one swift motion, the chains attached to the sign were hooked into a long pole jutting out of the second floor. City Lord returned to his position on the ground amidst the cheers and applause of the crowd.

Not every cultivator could do this and even those who could, would not be so smooth with their movements. Hence, the claps were loudest from the adventurers and other people who understood this fact.

It also solidified the Nobles’ faith in his capabilities in the face of an ongoing battle.

Having achieved his goal, City Lord nonchalantly straightened the crinkles in his robes. Smiling gently, he pushed open the doors to the new shop.

As soon as the doors opened, the sweet fragrance of the Sandalwood burst out, tantalizing the noses of those gathered. They searched for the source of this wonderful smell, when they heard a calm voice announce,

“Thank you everyone for gathering at this happy occasion. As the owner of this store, I welcome you all to the Ikasa’s Manuals!”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep