The shop owner nodded at his words and slid the pendant toward Jack.
Jack smiled, and picking up the pendant, he placed it around his neck. As soon as he did, a wave washed over his body, and suddenly he felt all his Qi lock inside him.
He felt like a mortal again.
A smile formed on his face. "This pendant is quite effective," he murmured as he glanced at the fat shopkeeper.
"Yes, brother, only someone at the Gold Core stage can see through you now," the shopkeeper replied.
Jack stayed silent at his words. He reached into his bag, secretly adding fifty more spirit stones, then pulled out one hundred and forty spirit stones.
He placed them on the table.
The fat shopkeeper's eyes gleamed at the shining stones, and a wide smile spread across his face. "Thank you, brother, for doing business with us. If you need anything else, don't hesitate to ask," he said.
Jack smiled back and shook his head. "I don't need anything else right now, but I'll be sure to return. You're pretty kind," he said.
The shopkeeper beamed at the compliment. It was the first time someone had called him kind, and he felt a surge of happiness.
"Thank you, brother," the fat man replied.
Jack nodded and strolled out of the shop. Thanks to his new clothes, many people turned their heads to look at him.
Though his attire was simple, it exuded luxury, so it was natural that he drew attention.
"Brother… wait…"
Just as Jack stepped onto the road, a sweet voice called from behind. He turned around, and upon seeing the speaker, a smile crept onto his face.
It was the same lady who had sold him the robe.
"How can I help you, beautiful sister?" he asked.
The lady blushed at his words but regained her composure quickly. "Can we connect on a Spirit Communication Device? I'll let you know if something good comes into the shop," she said, pulling out a metallic device covered in strange glyphs.
Jack recognized it instantly—it was akin to cell phones from his previous world, allowing users to contact anyone connected to their device. He had one too.
It was a common tool in this world.
Jack paused for a moment, considering whether it was appropriate to connect with her. After all, she was married, and he could sense her request wasn't just about informing him of new items—her intentions seemed more personal.
After some thought, he sighed and took out his own device.
When the lady saw it, a bright smile bloomed on her face. "Thank you, brother. You've helped me so much today. That tip will go a long way. I'm indebted to you," she said as she connected with Jack on her Spirit Communication Device.
"May I know your name, brother?" she asked.
"Jack Cross," Jack replied honestly.
"Jack, that's a nice name," she said. "I'm Viren. You can save my name," she added, pointing at Jack's device.
Jack nodded and entered her name.
Afterward, Viren smiled coyly and stepped back toward the shop. "Brother, make sure to come back. You're the best customer I've ever had," she said in a genuine tone before disappearing inside.
Jack smiled at her words and, without responding, moved on to the next shop.
Right now, he was hungry and eager to eat. He walked on and soon found himself in front of the largest restaurant in Red Iron City.
It was the Spring Blossom Pavilion, one of the most prominent establishments in the city and the only one that served the meat of spirit animals.
Spirit animals were unlike normal beasts—they could cultivate, making them difficult to cook.
But once prepared, they were said to taste extraordinary and even boost one's cultivation prowess.
Jack had never eaten one, though he'd heard much about them.
Outside the restaurant, several waiters stood ready to assist customers. Most were young women, and the one who approached Jack was no exception.
Unlike Viren, this was a youthful girl, barely over eighteen, with a fresh charm about her.
"Hello, big brother. I'm Renna, and I'll be serving you today. Please follow me," she said with a warm smile.
Jack looked at her and returned the smile. She was a young girl with blonde hair. Though a bit skinny, her curves were still appealing.
In his opinion, she was the most beautiful waiter there.
Pleased to be served by her, Jack followed her. Soon, they reached a private room where the faint sound of live music drifted in. Inside was a large table surrounded by soft cushions to sit on.
The atmosphere was cozy and inviting.
With a smile, Jack settled onto a cushion and looked at the menu.
'Rhino Bear Meat – 30 Low-Grade Spirit Stones.'
'Halo Butterfly Soup – 65 Low-Grade Spirit Stones.'
Jack read through the items, surprised by the prices. They were steep.
In the past, he would've left immediately, but now, with infinite money at his disposal, he decided to indulge.
'Blue Scorpio Wine – 110 Spirit Stones.'
Jack scanned the wine options and then the food, ultimately deciding to order the most expensive items.
"One Halo Butterfly Soup, Red Komodo Meat, and Blue Scorpio Wine," Jack said, looking at Renna.
When she heard his order, her heart skipped a beat. She'd been working at the restaurant for about a year, and this was the first time she'd encountered such an extravagant customer.
'He's only ordered the priciest items,' she thought, glancing at him again.
"What's wrong?" Jack's voice snapped her out of her daze.
Her face flushed red, and she bowed in embarrassment. "I'm sorry, brother. I'll place your order right now," she said, hurrying toward the kitchen.
'I'm so stupid! I was staring at him like a creep!' The more she thought about it, the more embarrassed she became.
While she was gone, Jack discreetly added three hundred spirit stones to his bag from his system.
Soon, Renna returned with a wine bottle and a glass in hand.
Jack looked at her, and his eyes narrowed.
'Her dress? She changed?' Earlier, she'd worn a long pleated skirt and a buttoned-up shirt.
Now, her skirt was shortened to her thighs, revealing smooth, pale skin.
Even her shirt had its top buttons undone, exposing a glimpse of her black bra.
Though her chest wasn't large enough to form cleavage, the sight sent a warm flush through Jack's body.
He was a virgin, after all.
He quickly realized why she'd changed. 'Her manager must have told her to seduce me so I'd spend more,' he thought, a smile tugging at his lips as he met her eyes.
When Renna felt his gaze, she looked away in shame, her face turning crimson. She'd been told to do this for wealthy customers, but this was her first time since joining the restaurant.
'This is nice,' Jack thought, pleased with the service, though he kept silent.
After a brief pause, Renna stepped into the small private room, drew the curtains shut, and sat beside Jack.
"Here, let me serve you the wine, brother," she said, pouring a glass and sliding it toward him.
Jack smiled, picked up the glass, and took a sip. His eyes widened in surprise. 'Worth every stone.' With just one taste, he felt his dantian stir as pure Qi flowed through his body.
He could tell that drinking the whole bottle would yield significant benefits.
"Brother, do you like it?" Renna asked suddenly, leaning closer until her face nearly touched his.
Jack glanced at her and caught sight of her pale chest. His ears turned red.
Renna wasn't faring much better—her first time doing this left her blushing furiously, her ears and face aflame.
"It's good," Jack said simply, his heartbeat quickening as Renna pressed even closer.
Her body leaned against his.
Just as he finished the glass, a knock sounded at the room's entrance. Renna quickly stood up.
Jack frowned at her.
"Don't worry, brother. It's just your food—it's here," she said, moving to the curtain. She parted it slightly and bent down to take the tray from a waiter outside.
As she did, Jack caught a glimpse of her black lace underwear beneath her miniskirt.
'Having money really does elevate everything,' he thought, nodding in satisfaction.
Renna turned around, and when she noticed where Jack's gaze was fixed, her vision blurred, and her heart began pounding in her chest. She had never felt anything like this before. Quietly, she set the tray of food down on the table and sat beside him once more.
Jack glanced at her, a little embarrassed, then turned his attention to the food. It was beautifully presented, and the aroma alone was enough to further whet his appetite. Swallowing hard, he was about to start eating when a thought struck him, and he looked at Renna again.
Sensing his stare, Renna frowned, a worried expression crossing her face. "What's wrong, brother? Is the food not to your liking?" she asked timidly.
Jack smiled at her. "No, it's fine, but could you bring one more of everything?" he requested.
At his words, Renna froze. 'One more?! He must be so wealthy!' she thought, flabbergasted. But she concealed her surprise, quickly standing up with a smile and nodding. "Let me order it," she said.
Jack nodded and began sipping his wine.
Soon, the additional order arrived. Renna placed it in front of Jack. "I hope you enjoy it, brother," she said with a warm smile.
Jack looked at her and chuckled. "How about you join me?" he suggested. The moment he did, Renna's heart skipped a beat.
"No, no, Brother Jack, it's too expensive," she protested, waving her hands.