A couple of weeks slipped by in a swirl of wind and snow. Gentle bells jingled through Gemhill County’s north gate as a caravan arrived at Silver Creek—part of the Fortune Trading Company, which used to employ Qian Da.3

Qian Da’s cultivation talent was neither great nor poor; over the years, he had reached eighth rank and now led a steady life—working, earning money to buy ninth rank demonic beast meat, and continuing his practice. 0

Elder Li is still eighth rank. eighth rank is already amazing! his acquaintances would keep telling him. But Qian Da had his doubts. There was something about Li Yuan—whether you called him Brother Li, Young Master Li, or Elder Li, especially an elder who did practically nothing—that felt off. The more Qian Da learned, the less he understood. All that remained was a vague sense of awe.0

“Brother Qian, I’ve brought you something new this year,” announced the company’s steward with a jovial laugh. Jumping down from the cart, he fished out a small box and handed it to Qian Da, who was seated in the workshop’s martial practice area. Leaning in, the steward confided quietly, “This is the latest from the Jade Capital, a limited-edition product from Apparel Atelier. I saved one just for you.”0

Friends in high places, as they say. The steward was pleased to keep him supplied with rarities. Qian Da flipped open the box,...0