Chapter 25: Chapter 25: Shopping In the Market
But in response to the tempting offer, Vahn said:
"I am sorry, seniors. I would like to remain here for the time being. But don’t misunderstand—I will never dare to be disrespectful towards the Saintess of Fire. It’s simply because she doesn’t like me right now. Maybe in the future, when I am worthy of her, I will stand before her. Until then, maintaining distance would be far better."
Vahn rejected the offer politely. He had no intention of angering the other party either. The other party was a Saintess, while he was nothing more than a bum. Rejecting their offer too bluntly in person would only sour the relationship.
As expected, Xion and Melina didn’t look happy, but they weren’t too angry either.
Xion sighed helplessly.
"Fine, boy. Since you insist, you may stay here for the time being. But I must remind you, you cannot remain in White Lotus forever. Your destiny doesn’t end here."
With that, the couple turned around and left.
Vahn’s main reason for refusing their proposal was the possible retaliation from White Lotus. He didn’t want to become a target at a time when he was at his weakest.
Next, he went on with his chore at the market, which was approximately five miles away from the Outer Court.
The market itself was also part of the Holy Land, maintained by strict law enforcers. Even white-robed Inner Court disciples could be seen there.
The place was huge. Wherever his eyes went, he saw shops of vendors and merchants. They sold groceries, magical treasures, weapons, and even cultivation resources.
Vahn observed everything with wonder. He couldn’t help but be amazed by the dazzling magical items displayed around him.
Shopkeepers and vendors shouted over one another, advertising their goods. Magical artifacts, Spirit Weapons, Enchanted Weapons, even cultivation arrays said to multiply one’s cultivation speed many times were on display.
But unfortunately, Vahn only had six Spirit Stones. That was just enough to buy a wooden bathtub. After the purchase, only two stones remained in his pouch.
Vahn had planned not to use them yet, but the aroma of foreign delicacies drifting from the food stalls was too tempting. In the end, he gave in and ate some with relish.
Obviously he became completely broke after that.
With no other choice, he decided to return to the Outer Court, the bathtub balanced awkwardly on his shoulder.
But on the way, due to his narrowed vision, he unexpectedly bumped onto someone.
"Hey! Watch where you’re going, trash!"
The voice was sharp, filled with arrogance.
Vahn steadied the bathtub on his shoulder and looked up. Standing before him was a tall youth, broad-shouldered and smug. His silk robes were decorated with crimson patterns, clearly not something an ordinary Outer Court disciple could afford.
The young man’s expression darkened as he studied Vahn. "Who do you think you are, daring to bump into me? Do you even know who I am?"
Vahn frowned slightly. "It was an accident. I meant no harm."
The youth sneered. "Accident? You dare to speak so casually after offending me? Hah, you must be new here."
Before Vahn could respond, murmurs spread among the nearby disciples and vendors who had paused their business to watch.
"That’s Gareth."
"Be careful, boy. He’s Elder Roland’s nephew."
"Elder Roland of the Outer Court? Then this kid is done for."
Vahn’s grip on the bathtub strengthened.
’So I had stumbled into a bully, and not just any bully—but the nephew of an influential Outer Court Elder. F*ck, how can I be so unfortunate? He’s surely going to be a great pain in the ass.’ Vahn cursed his bad luck.
On the other hand, Gareth folded his arms and smirked with condescension.
"Since you’re so ignorant, I’ll educate you. I am Gareth Roland, and this market, this Holy Land, is not a place for nobodies like you to strut around. If you want to survive here, you’ll need to learn how to bow."
He stepped closer, and spoke in a low threatening growl, "So, will you kneel now, or shall I make you?"
Vahn sighed helplessly as he laid the bathtub down on the road. Then he raised his fists in preparation for a fight.
Everyone thought he waa going to fight like a man, even though it was nothing but a hopeless struggle. The skinny boy was just waiting to be humiliated.
But the next scene shocked everyone.
The boy suddenly turned around and bolted off like a madman.
Even Gareth stood frozen in disbelief for a moment.
Everyone thought Vahn would face him head-on, but instead, he shamelessly turned his back on the fight. It was such a disgrace, such humiliation.
"Coward! You think you can outrun me?" Gareth roared and charged after him.
But Vahn had already vanished into the maze of alleys. Catching him now would be no easy task.
After chasing for a while, Gareth finally stopped, gasping for breath, his face red with anger. Vahn was nowhere in sight.
"Boss, did you find that coward?" one of his underlings came up from behind.
Gareth glared at him as though looking at an idiot. "What do you think?"
The underling’s face flushed with shame.
Another quickly added, "Boss, don’t worry. We’ll find him no matter what. He’s just a beginner Outer Court disciple. Tracking him down won’t be hard."
Gareth growled, "Then what are you waiting for? Go find that coward at once!"
"Y-Yes, Boss!"
The underlings scattered away in a hurry, leaving Gareth fuming alone.
—
Meanwhile, Vahn reappeared at the very place where the scuffle had started.
He had come back for his bathtub. He had spent spirit stones on it, and there was no way he would just leave it behind.
And he was certain Gareth and his lackeys wouldn’t be foolish enough to return here right away.
But a few bystanders noticed.
"Damn, that cunning brat actually dares to come back."
"I’m impressed. It’s such a clever move."
"But sadly, he won’t be able to escape that bully for long. When Gareth finds him, he’ll be done for. I heard Gareth even crippled some disciples forever, and not even the law enforcers couldn’t stop him."
"Sigh, that boy’s future is ruined for sure."
Vahn ignored their whispers. He didn’t waste a second.
As for why he ran like a coward? It was simple. He was smart enough to know that facing Gareth head-on was suicide. He had no intention of being pummeled or humiliated.
To him, running was not cowardice. It was the most logical choice.