A new day came up as the sun lifted itself over the horizon and with it, Jin could stop remaining on guard. Nothing happened and creating a commotion when the light was out was unlikely. No one would be that foolish.

So, the next problem was to decide on his next course of action. Should he go or should he not? There would be risks to his identity being exposed if he went there as it would delay his departure for the next continent. But then again, it might prove to be particularly useful too. Auctions... He remembered the previous one he attended. It was thanks to that one that he managed to secure his spear. Without the items and wealth that he accumulated from there... Well, generally, you expected to lose wealth when joining auctions. Last time was a rare exception to such a rule. But it remained a fact that interesting goods popped up there every single time.

What made him slightly dubious was why he received the invitation. If not for his identity as Jin, then why? It could not be his fashion sense, that was a certainty. And he hadn't flaunted his wealth around either since arriving, picking a cheap inn/tavern to stay at. He remained very low-key. So, why? Why did he get an invitation? Or was anyone granted one if they fit into certain criteriums?

He did not know.

And guessing right was likely impossible.

He might end up becoming paranoid if he kept thinking along those lines. He had to be careful but if he became too careful, it might instead become suspicious.

He had to consider what a random wanderer would do after receiving this kind of opportunity. Obviously, they would go. To be honest, he wanted to go as well. The previous one really did bring him that much benefits.

If his identity had been exposed, he would be fucked. If it hadn't though?

He decided to stay a bit longer and join this auction. Ultimately, good opportunities always came with risks. Cultivators had to go against the heavens, how could he cower from a mere auction?

Then again, he would make sure to be inconspicuous. He would disguise himself further...He began to formulate a plan and only after he completed it, did he leave the inn.

His first stop was a shop selling wigs and other accessories used to disguise oneself such as masks. Even cultivators enjoyed having costumed parties from time to time throughout their long lives. As he moved through the many rows of weird, freaky and colorful outfits, he wondered who would dare go out wearing such things... One of the outfits was a complete set of a dozen parts used to create a ten-meter-long dragon. Who the fuck bought such things?...

...He looked at the price tag. Then, he went on his way.

He bought seven wigs of different colors and seven masks. He left the shop and went to a different one that sold clothes. He bought dozens of robes, scarfs, gloves and bandanas in many different colors.

As he moved around the city, he kept sensing his surroundings, trying to figure out whether someone followed him. He found no one. Was he really overthinking it all? Still better than being caught.

His steps next led him into the red district. Many places here were catering to special needs of special customers. As long as you could pay the price, there was not a fantasy you could not experience here. There were even places where torture could be done... Slaves were a thing here and their treatments was crude. No, horrible.

In this world, every life had a different price.

Not that he cared about the darkness of this world. As long as he was not dragged down into it that is. He had no intentions to find trouble. He was not a hero, heck, he was a fugitive.

And as he walked through the streets, he searched for the shop he needed to find...He reached it not long later. It was a brothel. One for mortals. The invitation stated that he could bring someone with him and so, he should bring along a bait.

Morally, it was dubious, bordering evil. But for his safety, it was perfect. If anyone wanted to find him, it would lead them towards a completely wrong direction.

As he reached the front doors, he was stopped by the two bodyguards. They were cultivators at the 10th and 12th stages. Supposedly, they were stronger than him. That was nothing but the theory though. He had long gone beyond the simple might of a 9th stage. Of course, there were no reasons to fight and prove such a fact.

One of the guards said: "Sir, the shop is not open at this time of the day"

Jin bowed politely as he greeted the two guards and then stated his business: "I am not here as a customer today, Sirs. Would you be kind enough to tell your manager that an old friend with a good deal is waiting at the entrance, please?"

The two guards looked at each other before the stronger one motioned for the other to go. If that weirdo was truly an old friend with a good deal and they rebuked him at the entrance, they would be in for some painful times. If he was not, they could just mess him up badly later. He was just a measly peak 9th stage.

Soon, a middle-aged man got out of the building along with the guard. He glanced once at Jin and stated: "I don't recall having any old friend like you, Sir?"

Jin bowed and stated: "With golds on the line, isn't everyone a friend?"

The middle-aged man smirked as he said: "I think I remember. I am very sorry not to have recognized you previously...Come in, old friend, come in"

The two of them went in. The inside of the place smelled heavily of perfume. Many different taints of floral scents. Probably to hide the other kind of smell that would have otherwise been present here.

The middle-aged man took Jin to a big hall where they both sat in opposite sofas. The business talk could now begin.