The sun dipped below the western horizon, painting the sky in hues of burning gold. The Wuji Market below was bathed in this resplendent light, its streets alive with the hustle and bustle of the evening rush.

After parting ways with Gu Can, Qin Lu made his way alone to the market’s administrative manor. Deep within the inner courtyard, he found Jiang Ge buried under a mountain of paperwork.

Qin Lu didn’t waste time with pleasantries. He immediately debriefed the Market Master on the incident at the temple, detailing the ambush and the presence of the Blood Cultivators.

As Jiang Ge listened, his brow furrowed deeper and deeper. Finally, he let out a long, weary sigh.

“Blood Cultivators… and a Foundation Establishment one at that,” Jiang Ge muttered, rubbing his temples. “It never rains, it pours. Why has this filth been surfacing one after another lately?”

Qin Lu raised an eyebrow. “Market Master Jiang, is the situation that severe?”

” severe? It’s a plague,” Jiang Ge grumbled. “I don’t know what’s caused it, but the number of Evil Cultivators in the region has spiked recently. They’re causing chaos everywhere—raiding caravans, slaughtering mortals. My Sect is stretched thin just trying to put out the fires. If not for that, I wouldn’t have needed to trouble you, my young friend.”

“You are too polite, Market Master,” Qin Lu said, his expression solemn and righteous. “Exterminating evil is the duty of our generation. If similar issues arise in the future, do not hesitate to call on me.”

Qin Lu seized the opening to burnish his reputation, presenting himself as a dependable ally.

“Good, good! To have such awareness… it brings this old man great comfort! Hahaha!” Jiang Ge laughed heartily, his mood visibly lifting.

“Since the matter is settled…” Qin Lu lowered his voice slightly, offering a gentle reminder. “About our previous agreement…”

“Ah, right, right! The shops!” Jiang Ge slapped his forehead. He reached into his drawer and produced two sheets of parchment, each glowing with a faint spiritual aura. He slid them across the desk. “I’ve already prepared the deeds. They’re yours.”

Qin Lu took the documents, scanning the magical seals to verify their authenticity. A flicker of delight crossed his eyes.

He stood and cupped his fists. “Thank you, Market Master Jiang. I won’t take up any more of your time.”

Deeds in hand, Qin Lu wasted no time. He navigated the crowded streets to the southern district, arriving at the Red Light Shop.

In the backyard, the air was thick with the scent of raw meat. Cao Yunxi was busy overseeing a delivery of fresh demon beast carcasses, barking orders at the porters.

When the work was done, Qin Lu pulled him aside.

“Take these,” Qin Lu said, handing over the two glowing certificates. “One is for a storefront on Cai Xia Street in the East District. The other is for Shuang Gui Alley in the West District. Make time to inspect them immediately.”

“This… this fast?”

Cao Yunxi stared at the deeds, his hands trembling slightly as he accepted them. He knew Qin Lu was capable, but securing two prime locations in such a short time was beyond his expectations.

“Your main task for the next two days is renovation,” Qin Lu instructed, his tone business-like. “Convert both locations into beast meat butcheries. You watched the entire process when we set up the Red Light Shop. Can you handle replicating it?”

“Sect Master, rest assured!” Cao Yunxi’s shock was replaced by a surge of adrenaline. “I can do it!”

He clutched the deeds tighter, his eyes gleaming. “If we open branches in the East and West districts, we’ll have the entire market covered. Our revenue will skyrocket. We’re taking the business to a whole new level!”

“That’s the plan,” Qin Lu smiled. “But speed is of the essence. The beast meat business is booming, and others are watching. If we delay, other Foundation Establishment cultivators might renovate their own shops and jump into the market to compete. We need to secure our market share now.”

Qin Lu unclipped a small [Storage Bag] from his belt and tossed it to Cao.

“There are two thousand Spirit Stones in there. Use it for renovation costs and initial operating capital. Also, expand your supply network. Negotiate with more hunting teams. We need variety and volume.”

“Understood!”

Cao Yunxi clutched the [Storage Bag], his heart pounding against his ribs.

When they had established the Qin Sect, the agreement was clear: an eighty-twenty split on net profits.

Twenty percent might sound low, but given the volume of the Red Light Shop, it was already a small fortune—far more than Cao ever earned risking his life in the demon forests. Now, with two more shops opening, that income was about to triple.

He took a deep breath to steady himself. “Sect Master, regarding management… I can’t be in three places at once. Do you have candidates for the shopkeepers?”

“I do.”

Qin Lu clasped his hands behind his back. “Your wife, Qi Xiaofeng, has learned the ropes here. She is capable enough to manage one of the new branches.”

“As for the second one, I have someone in mind. His name is Nie Feng, a local of Wuji Market. I’ll send him over later to shadow you. Teach him the trade. Don’t hold back.”

“Yes, sir!” Cao Yunxi bowed deeply.

Qin Lu gave a few more specific directives regarding the layout and signage before leaving the shop.

Stepping out onto the street, he turned his gaze toward the outskirts of the market. The shantytown.

It had been several days since he used the [Vitality Pill] to save Ning Ning. He needed to check on her recovery.

Ignoring the awe-filled gazes of the Loose Cultivators he passed, Qin Lu navigated the maze of dilapidated shacks until he reached the small courtyard rented by Nie Feng.

Tap, tap, tap.

“Who is it?” Nie Feng’s voice came from inside, sharp and guarded.

“It’s me. Qin Lu.”

The door unlatched immediately. Nie Feng stood there, his usually cold expression softening into one of deep respect.

He stepped aside and bowed. “Greetings, Senior Qin!”

“No need for formalities,” Qin Lu said, stepping inside. “How is Ning Ning?”

“Much better,” Nie Feng said, closing the gate. “Ever since she took the pill you granted us, her recovery has been miraculous. Please, come in.”

Qin Lu followed him into the small, dimly lit room.

Ning Ning was lying on the bed. She was still pale and visibly frail, but the aura of death that had hung over her previously was gone. Her eyes were clear.

“Uncle Qin…”

Seeing him, she tried to push herself up, her voice weak.

“Save your strength,” Qin Lu said gently, gesturing for her to lie back down. “You’re still healing. Don’t worry about anything else.”

Ning Ning looked at him, her eyes welling with gratitude. “Thank you… Uncle Qin…”

Qin Lu nodded with a warm smile. Not wanting to drain her energy further, he stepped back out into the courtyard.

Nie Feng followed him, closing the door softly.

Qin Lu turned to him, his expression shifting from benevolent doctor to pragmatic leader.

“I am opening a new beast meat shop in the East District. You are at the ninth level of Qi Condensation—you have the strength to hold the ground. I want you to manage it for me.”

“A meat shop?”

Nie Feng blinked, caught off guard. He had expected a dangerous mission or a request for combat support.

“Yes. A shop specializing in demon beast meat. I already have one running in the South District. Go to the Red Light Shop later and find the manager, Cao Yunxi. He will train you on the operational details.”

Nie Feng didn’t hesitate for a second. He clasped his fists and bowed deeply, his voice firm. “I am honored by Senior Qin’s trust. I will not fail you!”

“And drop the ‘Senior’,” Qin Lu waved his hand. “It sounds distant. You know I’ve established the Qin Sect. From now on, call me Sect Master like the others.”

“Yes, Sect Master!”

“Good. The terms are simple: The shop’s net income is split eighty-twenty. As the manager, you take twenty percent. Staff wages and inventory costs come out of the gross revenue. Now, listen closely…”