Treasurer Meng had a nickname that everyone in High Heaven Pavilion called him—Bully Meng. Despite holding the treasurer position, he was notorious for extorting contribution points from disciples.
Take the blood clotting cream, for example. Normally, two bottles cost twenty contribution points, but Meng sold three bottles for the price of four—and worse, he split the contents of two bottles into three.
"His reasoning?
Simple:"Buy it or scram!"
Of course, Meng wasn't stupid enough to rob everyone blind. He only targeted the rich disciples, the ones who had no choice but to buy from him.
As for poor, struggling disciples like Yang Kai? Meng didn't even bother.
Still, contribution points were hard-earned, and many disciples had reported him to the sect council in frustration. But Meng was like a greasy loach, impossible to catch. The council needed him, and no one else could take over his role.
Thus, every disciple despised him—except one.
The One Exception: Yang Kai
Meng was ruthless to everyone, but he never dared to cross Yang Kai.
Why?
Because once, Meng had been caught red-handed peeking at female disciples bathing.
What a scandal!
Yang Kai had witnessed it all, and ever since then, Meng lowered his head whenever he saw him.
The lecherous old man, thick-skinned as ever quickly adjusted his attitude and said: "Same as always?"
Yang Kai shook his head. "No. How many contribution points do I have now?"
Meng rolled his eyes, already flipping through the records.
"Twelve. What, you want to exchange them for a bottle of blood clotting cream?"
Yang Kai tapped the counter thoughtfully. "Twelve points… that's 120 silver if I cash out, right?"
Meng froze for a moment, then narrowed his eyes.
"You're thinking of cashing out? You idiot, what can you even buy with that?"
Yang Kai leaned in slightly. "Oh? Afraid I might spend it on something better than your overpriced stock?"
Meng clicked his tongue, then suddenly lowered his voice.
"Little Yang Kai, don't tell me…weren't you're trying to save up for the Tempered Essence Pellet?"
Yang Kai's fingers tapped against the wooden counter rhythmically.
He had one thing in mind.
Gambling.
The Idea of Gambling
For the first time since arriving in this world, Yang Kai considered it.
With his Earthly knowledge, he knew how odds worked.
If there was a gambling den in Black Plum Village, he could turn 120 silver into 1,200.
If he was smart and cautious, he could multiply his money rapidly.
Of course, the risk was high.
Was it worth it?
Seeing Yang Kai lost in thought, Meng's brows furrowed.
"What are you scheming now?"
Yang Kai snapped out of his thoughts and shrugged."Nothing important."
Meng wasn't convinced.
His expression turned slightly serious.
"Brat, I heard you got beaten up yesterday."
Yang Kai froze for a split second, then turned around to leave.
Meng called after him, a smirk tugging at his lips.
"Oi, don't run away! I'm just asking!"
But inside, he was laughing.
Meng had seen many reckless disciples before. They got crushed, fell behind, or left the sect in disgrace.
Yang Kai? No different.
"Little Yang Kai!" Meng finally shouted. "You should hurry up and leave. High Heaven isn't a place for the weak. Sooner or later, you'll get yourself killed!"
Yang Kai paused for a moment, but didn't turn back.
Meng watched him go, gripping his teacup.
Yang Kai returned to his hut, then briskly walked out.
He was heading to Black Plum Village, like every month, to buy food with his silver.
But this time, something felt different.
His body felt lighter, stronger.
The Golden Skeleton's effects?
A smile crept onto his face.
This world's rules were becoming clearer to him.
..................
Black Plum Village – A Bustling Town
Black Plum Village was always lively.
It was located between High Heaven Pavilion and Windy Rain Sect, the two strongest sects in the area.
The relationship between the two sects wasn't hostile, but they were still rivals. The smaller sects in the region didn't even own land, making them insignificant in comparison.
Because of them, weapons, herbs, and rare materials filled the market, creating an environment like an ancient Han Dynasty capital.
Yang Kai walked through the streets, heading toward a familiar shop.
A rice shop owned by a man named He, a fair merchant who treated all customers equally.
Just as he was about to enter, he noticed something.
A group of people stood in an alleyway nearby.
Something about them felt off.
Their gazes locked onto him, filled with malice.
Yang Kai chuckled lightly.
'If they don't mess with me, I won't mess with them.'
He ignored them—
But he noticed something strange.
Among the three men, one wore robes similar to his.
A fellow disciple?
Yang Kai's eyes narrowed.
What was a High Heaven disciple doing with these people?
Was this a coincidence?
Or was it something more?
Well Not my concern.