Mingyi had originally intended to purchase it herself, but since the man had already taken out the money, she didn't stand on ceremony. Following the "For Sale" sign, she located the owner and engaged in some vigorous bargaining, finally securing it for nineteen taels.

Her practiced manner left Qin Shangwu and the others dumbfounded, while Ji Bozhai watched with smiling eyes, looking rather proud.

"With this tael saved, we can sample the finest delicacies of Azure Snow City," Mingyi said cheerfully, twirling the gold between her fingers as she led them inside.

The courtyard was situated not far from the docks, ensuring they could make a quick escape if Sunspire City's pursuers arrived. Moreover, the price was reasonable, so buying it didn't feel too painful.

Qin Shangwu immediately sent a message via bluebird to Star Yearn City, requesting financial support. However, accounting for the round trip of the message and the time needed to deliver the funds, it would take at least half a month.

How were they to survive those two weeks? Qin Shangwu frowned in worry.

Mingyi, however, showed no trace of concern. First, she treated everyone to a fine meal, then accompanied them to the market to purchase clothes and bedding. Luo Jiaoyang trailed behind her, watching as she generously spent coin after coin, yet her bulging purse never seemed to diminish.

After she bought a large slab of soft iron, he finally couldn't hold back his question: "How much of this... mundane stuff—no, how much gold did you bring with you?"

Mingyi turned back with a raised eyebrow, swaying her head playfully. "Enough to keep me from starving wherever I go."

The Shell Coins she'd earned earlier had all been exchanged for easily portable gold, and her purse held only a small portion of it.

Fighters were typically lofty beings who disdained worldly matters. They might carry many Divine Tools or items of refined taste, but almost none would carry gold on their person. Luo Jiaoyang had once believed that Fighters who carried gold were unambitious, too preoccupied with wealth to achieve greatness.

But now, as they wandered the streets penniless, watching Mingyi and Ji Bozhai buy whatever they pleased, Luo Jiaoyang began to think that carrying gold might not be such a bad habit after all.

Though the pair wouldn't let them go hungry or cold, the discomfort of having to ask others for money was hard to bear. Even Qin Shangwu seemed at a loss, unsure what to do.

Ji Bozhai glanced back at them as they walked but said nothing.

Once their shopping was done and they returned to the courtyard, while Mingyi busied herself organizing their purchases, he gathered the others in a corner and said sternly, "To ensure none of you neglect your training in this freezing land, I'll provide a training schedule for Superior fighters. Those who fail to meet the requirements will only receive basic food and shelter within these walls. But for those who accomplish additional challenging tasks, the master will provide rewards."

He placed a pouch of gold in Qin Shangwu's hand and added, "The master may purchase anything else he lacks, but don't spoil them. Otherwise, a month of slacking here will undo all our previous efforts."

His expression was severe, his tone icy, but Luo Jiaoyang still detected the kindness beneath. Being straightforward by nature, Luo Jiaoyang immediately bowed to Ji Bozhai. "Thank you for your consideration, Lord Ji!"

Fan Yao and Chu He followed suit with bows of their own, making Ji Bozhai visibly uncomfortable. He turned away and muttered, "I'm only thinking of Star Yearn City's interests."The group exchanged glances and smiled. Luo Jiaoyang remarked, "I initially thought Lord Ji was the type to be arrogant about his Essence Power, but later I found him to be quite decent—just someone with a sharp tongue but a soft heart."

Ji Bozhai could handle anyone's skepticism, but he couldn't stand being praised like this to his face. He didn’t know where to look and could only flee, saying, "I’ll go help Mingyi with the bedding first."

With that, he swiftly disappeared beyond the corridor.

Qin Shangwu watched his retreating figure and smiled warmly.

He had been worried that Ji Bozhai’s temperament was too fierce, leading him down a dark path. But now, it seemed the boy still had hope.

Especially when he was with Mingyi.

Mingyi was tidying up the guest room when Ji Bozhai suddenly barged in, looking awkward, and poured himself a cup of tea to gulp down.

"What’s wrong?" She raised an eyebrow.

"Nothing." He composed himself, then glanced around the room and frowned. "This place is remote, the room is shabby, and the wind howls at night. Are you really okay sleeping here alone?"

Mingyi nodded matter-of-factly. "I’ve seen and lived in far worse conditions. Why wouldn’t I be okay?"

"But I wouldn’t be." He frowned, his dark eyes filled with unease.

Mingyi: ?

A Superior Fighter with profound Essence Power, afraid to sleep alone?

She gave him a tight-lipped smile. "Lord Ji, please behave."

"No, listen—I’m not trying to share a room with you. It’s just that this place is unfamiliar, and what if some thief sneaks in at night—"

Mingyi raised a hand to cut him off. "Alright, I understand."

Ji Bozhai’s eyes brightened hopefully.

—Then, when rooms were assigned that night, he ended up sharing a large room with Luo Jiaoyang and Fan Yao. There were two beds: Luo Jiaoyang and Fan Yao took one, while he slept alone on the other.

Luo Jiaoyang was moved. "You’re actually willing to stay with us. I thought you’d insist on squeezing in with Ming Guniang."

Ji Bozhai: "..."

After preparing the rooms for Qin Shangwu and Chu He, Mingyi stepped out and saw Ji Bozhai standing at the door, clutching his pillow and gazing at her with pursed lips.

"Does my lord prefer this room?" she asked with a smile.

"You don’t want to sleep with me," he pouted.

Did such an obvious fact really need to be stated again?

Taking a deep breath, Mingyi pulled him aside and said seriously, "My lord and I had a past, but that’s over now. I’m neither your concubine nor your maid—at most, I owe you a debt. We’re not that close."

"You and I are equals now," he nodded, then looked into her eyes. "But as equals, will you never feel anything for me again?"

"My lord." Mingyi patted his shoulder and sighed. "You’re wonderful. It’s just that I’m not worthy of you."

Ji Bozhai’s lips twitched violently.

Wasn’t this the exact line he often used to gently reject women he’d grown tired of? Where had she learned it?

Back then, he’d relished the pained expressions on their faces when he said those words. But hearing them from Mingyi now was... indescribably bitter.

So karma truly existed.

"You are worthy. You just don’t care anymore." After a long pause, he exhaled. "It’s fine. I was the one who wronged you first. I’ll find a way to make it up to you."With that, he picked up his pillow with both hands, glancing back every few steps as he returned to his own room. Before entering, he cast one last look at her, as if waiting for her to ask him to stay.

Mingyi turned and walked away without hesitation, muttering to herself as she went. That guy's tricks were so flashy—someone so powerful pretending to be pitiful in front of her. Was being good-looking supposed to be some kind of advantage? She wasn’t going to fall for it.