Chapter Twenty: The Market District

Lan'er was startled and quickly lowered her head. "Yes... um, what would you like me to do?"

"It's nothing major," Old Yang replied with a somewhat cold tone. "It's just that I left something at Old Zhang's market. You two help me retrieve it, that's all."

Old Zhang's market?

Su Yi understood. At present, the main commercial districts in Changling City with prime locations had already been divided up by the major powers. The one with the most markets was, of course, the Lie family—the undisputed leader. One of the Lie family's primary sources of profit was these thriving markets.

Although the main districts were more or less carved up, a few markets owned by other factions still held their ground. Yet, in terms of location, traffic, and goods, they lagged behind the top markets.

Old Zhang's market belonged to the Qina family, known for running gambling houses. The family had many businesses and made substantial profits every year. After opening several new gambling dens recently, their earnings skyrocketed. At yesterday's auction, Master Qina made a scene, suppressing the city's top arms dealer and winning the Third-Tier Demon Core Broadsword.

Master Qina was already at the peak of Level Eighteen Combat Master. With that broadsword, his fighting power likely equaled stepping halfway into the Dragon Combat realm. Su Yi recalled the events of the previous day, pondering this quietly.

When Lan'er heard Old Yang's instructions, she glanced secretly at Su Yi, hesitation flickering across her face. She nodded and quickly left the appraisal room. Seeing this, Su Yi followed her out.

Walking down the corridor, Lan'er felt uneasy. She couldn't help but worry about walking together with Su Yi, who was considered useless by everyone. The maids usually despised and mocked anyone who associated with the weak or the outcast, creating clear boundaries and isolating them.

Now, anyone seen close to Su Yi became the butt of ridicule. When Su Yi's Qi Cyclone was destroyed, Lan'er still kept in touch with him. But, unable to endure the others' mockery, and finding it hard enough just to survive as a maid in a great family, she eventually distanced herself from Su Yi.

Now Old Yang had sent them out together. Walking down the street with him would surely draw strange looks. If word reached the other maids, she would have a lot to explain...

Troubled, Lan'er glanced at Su Yi beside her. She wanted to suggest going alone but couldn't find the words.

Soon, they reached the auction house's exit. Realizing she could delay no longer, Lan'er hurried forward and stopped Su Yi. "Su Yi... wait!"

He halted, turning to look at the maid, who wore an odd expression. "What is it?" he asked, a little puzzled.

"Um..." Lan'er, unable to meet his gaze, lowered her head and stammered, "Could... could you let me go by myself?"

Su Yi was momentarily taken aback, then smiled faintly. "Let's go together." With that, he stepped out of the auction house.

Ordinarily, if Su Yi had no reason to go out, he might have agreed to Lan'er's request. But today, he had his own plans. After all, that pile of medicinal herbs was still sitting in his room.

He'd already considered secretly selling the herbs, which were extremely valuable. But with the Lie family's far-reaching influence and numerous spies, a single slip could bring disaster. Yet, he was reluctant to simply destroy the herbs, especially since some couldn't be so easily burned.

He decided he needed more information before making up his mind. That's why he wanted to go out today—to see what news he could gather.

Lan'er, seeing his determination, gritted her teeth and followed.

The moment they stepped onto the street, an oppressive atmosphere engulfed them. Lie family guards patrolled everywhere, questioning everyone they stopped. Even the bustling market was subdued; the usual cries and commotion were gone, replaced by anxiety and fear.

Everyone knew the Lie family's power. Witnessing this scene, it was clear that the family was furious. Who would dare cross them now?

Those questioned answered meekly, trembling with fear. The market owners had all received instructions from their respective families: If the Lie family wants to search, let them. Wait until this sensitive moment passes, then decide what to do next.

Su Yi felt uneasy at the sight. Though the search was for the high-grade Xuan-level combat skill, Heaven and Earth Shift, who knew if the search would uncover his herbs? If only he had already reached Earth-level strength, would he still feel so afraid?

Lan'er, too, was clearly unaccustomed to such scenes. She paled at the sight of the grim-faced Lie family guards, worried sick that she might be searched. As the saying goes, what you fear is what you attract. They hadn't gone far when a low, stern voice called out behind them—

"You two, stop!"

Lan'er jumped in fright and instinctively edged closer to Su Yi. He was startled but kept his face calm and turned to see three Lie family guards striding toward them, faces cold.

Su Yi waited until they approached, then asked evenly, "Is there something you need?"

"Heh. What do you think? Search them!" one of the guards leered, his eyes sweeping lasciviously over Lan'er. The other two burst into raucous laughter.

To be fair, Lan'er was indeed attractive—her figure and features drew plenty of attention even at the auction house.

Seeing Lan'er tremble under their predatory stares, Su Yi sighed softly, stepped forward, and shielded her behind him. "We're from the Yousiman Auction House," he said. "There won't be any problem."

"Auction House, is it?" The guard was briefly taken aback but, noticing Su Yi's protective gesture, his face darkened. "So what? I think that girl is suspicious. Hand her over!"

Su Yi frowned. The Lie family was powerful, but surely they wouldn't risk open conflict with the auction house, whose backing was formidable.

Especially now, the Lie family should know better than to make unnecessary enemies. These guards were simply acting on their own.

Su Yi's expression turned colder, his tone frosty: "So, you're not giving face to the auction house?"

The guard was momentarily taken aback, then remembered something, and his expression changed. He sized up Su Yi, then sneered, "We are under orders from the patriarch to apprehend a criminal. We have justification. Even if you're from the auction house, so what? If you're innocent, why fear a search?"

"Since the girl refuses, you come with us!" the guard snarled, lunging for Su Yi.

Su Yi was prepared. As the guard reached out, Su Yi tensed, his energy surging. He gripped the guard's hand and flung it aside.

A crisp sound rang out as the guard's hand was knocked away. Shock and anger flashed across his face. He was a fifth-level combatant—yet this ordinary boy with no visible aura had casually deflected him.

He hadn't used much force, assuming it would suffice. Unexpectedly, he was repelled as if swatting a fly.

Su Yi himself felt fine. Though his combat energy was weak, his body was as strong as a third-tier combatant. Aside from a slight soreness, he was unharmed, and a cool current soothed the area.

The guard sneered, waving his hand. "Seize him!"

The other two guards closed in, surrounding Su Yi with menacing expressions. Su Yi sighed inwardly; clearly, this wouldn't end easily.

Off to the side, Lan'er was terrified, fearing she might be implicated. She shot Su Yi a worried look, inwardly blaming him—what was the point of showing off? Did he still think he was the person he used to be?

Indeed, if Su Yi still had his former strength, he'd have no trouble with these three fifth-level fighters. But now, he could barely handle a single one.

As the guards prepared to seize him, a cold voice suddenly echoed around them.

"What are you doing here?"