Early the next morning.

Radiating energy, Qin Lu stepped out of his manor and headed toward the center of the White Jade Market.

Every market district operated under the oversight of a main governing sect. A central government office was always established to provide living quarters, administrative space, and cultivation chambers for the stationed disciples.

In the White Jade Market, this office belonged to the Demon Slaying Sect.

It was located dead center of the district, serving as both the administrative heart and the private residence of Market Master Jiang Ge.

Today, Qin Lu intended to meet Jiang Ge to discuss the acquisition of two new properties—one in the West District and one in the East—to expand his beast meat business.

Prepared for the way the world worked, Qin Lu carried a substantial number of Spirit Stones. Just in case.

Knowing the route by heart, Qin Lu arrived at the government office in no time. His appearance immediately drew the attention of the Demon Slaying Sect disciples loitering in the main hall.

One of them quickly stepped forward, bowing respectfully.

“Greetings, Senior Qin. May I ask what brings you here today?”

“I am here to visit Market Master Jiang. Is he in?”

“He is. Please allow me a moment to announce your arrival, Senior.”

“Go ahead.”

Receiving the command, the disciple turned and sprinted briskly toward the inner courtyard.

Qin Lu clasped his hands behind his back, idling the time away by studying the intricate murals carved into the hall’s walls.

Throughout the main hall, other disciples stole glances at him, whispering in hushed tones.

They were insatiably curious about this Foundation Establishment Senior. In the cultivation world, anyone capable of fighting above their cultivation realm was a figure of awe and speculation.

Qin Lu had grown accustomed to such scrutiny recently. He ignored the stares, his expression calm as he admired the artwork.

Before long, the disciple returned, slightly out of breath.

“Senior Qin, Martial Uncle invites you inside.”

Qin Lu nodded. “Lead the way.”

The interior of the government office was a labyrinth of winding corridors and administrative wings. They passed through bustling clerk halls, twisted down narrow paths, and crossed under arched walkways before finally arriving at a secluded room deep within the complex.

The disciple stepped up and knocked respectfully. “Martial Uncle, Senior Qin has arrived.”

“Enter,” Jiang Ge’s voice drifted from inside.

The disciple gently pushed the door open and extended a hand, signaling for Qin Lu to enter alone.

Qin Lu stepped across the threshold.

The room was dimly lit. Jiang Ge, looking every bit the weary administrator with his white beard and gentle features, sat behind a large desk. His brush danced across a scroll, his brow furrowed as if he were wrestling with a difficult problem.

Qin Lu stepped forward and cupped his hands. “Market Master Jiang.”

Jiang Ge set down his brush and looked up. A welcoming smile broke through his troubled expression as he waved a hand toward a chair.

“Brother Qin, please sit. What wind blows you to my humble abode today?”

Ever since Qin Lu had visited with an apology gift some time ago, his relationship with Jiang Ge had been cordial. They maintained a polite, mutually beneficial rapport.

Hearing the question, Qin Lu didn’t stand on ceremony.

“Market Master Jiang, you are burdened with myriad affairs, so I won’t beat around the bush,” Qin Lu said, getting straight to the point. “I’ll speak frankly. I wish to purchase a shop storefront in both the East and West Districts. I hope you can grant this request.”

“Purchase shops?”

Jiang Ge paused, clearly surprised by the request. He hesitated for a moment before shaking his head.

“The commercial spaces in the districts are allocated according to strict needs. Most are already under long-term contract. I’m afraid it is impossible to find suitable vacancies right now.”

Qin Lu had expected this bureaucratic stonewalling. He had done his homework.

“There is no need for the Market Master to search,” Qin Lu interjected smoothly. “I have already concluded negotiations with the current owners. The locations are the Linglong Hall on Caixia Street in the East District, and a medicinal herb shop in Shuanggui Alley in the West District. Both owners are willing to transfer the deeds to me.”

“Oh? Is that so?” Jiang Ge’s eyebrows raised. “I didn’t expect Brother Qin to be so… efficient.”

Jiang Ge gave Qin Lu a meaningful look, his voice slowing down. “So, you came today merely to obtain the official operating permit?”

“Exactly.” Qin Lu nodded.

In the market, a private deal between cultivators meant nothing without the official stamp. Transfers had to undergo strict review by the Demon Slaying Sect. Without the permit, the shop couldn’t open its doors.

“According to the rules, permits cannot be issued arbitrarily without proper justification…” Jiang Ge drawled, his tone heavy with implication.

Qin Lu understood the game perfectly. He reached into his robe and slid a [Storage Bag] across the desk.

“I hope Market Master Jiang can help facilitate this…”

The bag contained over a thousand Spirit Stones.

From their previous dealings, Qin Lu had a good read on Jiang Ge. The man was aging, with zero hope of reaching the Golden Core realm. He was generally mild-mannered but had a voracious appetite for wealth.

Usually, as long as the bribe was heavy enough, the problem disappeared.

But this time, Qin Lu was caught off guard.

Jiang Ge waved his hand dismissively and slid the [Storage Bag] back across the desk. He shook his head, a strange smile playing on his lips.

Qin Lu stared at him, genuine astonishment on his face.

“Brother Qin, there is no need to be so formal,” Jiang Ge laughed softly. “This matter is not difficult. You don’t need to give me anything. I can easily settle it for you.”

Qin Lu didn’t feel relieved. Instead, his guard went up. “Then… what is the condition?”

Jiang Ge chuckled. “As long as Brother Qin helps me with a small favor, the permits will be issued without delay.”

“What favor?”

“It’s very simple. Our sect has received intelligence regarding a demonic cultivator operating in the Great Lie Imperial Dynasty, 2,000 li to the north. My sect’s disciples are currently stretched thin with other duties. I would like to ask Brother Qin to investigate on my behalf. If there really is a demonic cultivator… eliminate him.”

Jiang Ge leaned back, his eyes gleaming. “Brother Qin, as long as you handle this matter, I guarantee the permits will be placed in your hands the moment you return.”

Qin Lu fell silent.

He wanted the shops, certainly. But risking his life for real estate was not a wise move.

“Market Master, hunting demonic cultivators is a dangerous business…” Qin Lu said, offering a tactful refusal.

“Not dangerous at all!” Jiang Ge waved his hand grandly, his smile reassuring. “According to our intelligence analysis, the target is at most at the Qi Condensation Perfection stage. With your strength, Brother Qin, it will be effortless.”

“Only Qi Condensation Perfection…”

Qin Lu paused. That changed things.

With his current combat power, a cultivator at Qi Condensation Perfection wouldn’t even last a single round against him. If the intelligence was accurate, this mission would be a walk in the park.

“It depends on whether Brother Qin is willing,” Jiang Ge said indifferently, playing with his brush. “If not, it’s fine. I can arrange for another Foundation Establishment cultivator to go eventually. It’s just that the administrative procedure for your shops might become… complicated and lengthy.”

Finally, he nodded.

“Market Master, rest assured. Leave this matter to me!”