As always, keep in mind that you are reading this from the biased viewpoint of the Main Character! Not everything is the absolute truth!

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Chapter 4:

"Everything alright, Young Master?"

Hua Hong asked with a worried look in her dark brown eyes as she had latched onto my sleeve again and noticed the increased pace I was walking in.

I couldn't be bothered to tell her to stop doing that as a tiny part of me enjoyed the feeling of her body being pressed against my arm, but what really filled my heart with warmth was the concern that I saw in her eyes and expression.

Her sudden feelings still felt forced and fake to me but the way she was looking at me now was proof enough that she at least somewhat cared about my person.

"I am fine, thank you Hua Hong."

I said with an honest smile, not a smirk or grin, but a real smile.

It was amusing to me how her eyes grew wide at the sight of me smiling at her that way and it got me curious as to how my new handsome face looked when I actually genuinely smiled, but that was something for later.

While feeling her arm coil itself around my own without another word, I was lead through the mansion by both girls and we encountered more and more clan members on the way.

Most of them greeted me with a smile as we passed them but I noticed that the further we walked, the vast majority of them started to look at me with eyes of contempt and some even hatred.

This naturally puzzled me.

I mean I could understand an intrigue in the clan or two powers fighting for dominance but why then look at me with hatred?

I was the Young Master of the clan and not that talented to begin with so there was no real reason as to why they would hold any hatred for me in their hearts, or so it should have been at least but reality was apparently different.

This mystery would have to be solved at a later date as sticking my nose into the past or digging at old wounds would only create trouble for myself and judging by the fact that there had been no assassination attempts or a public shaming from the other clan members, I was still in the green.

No need to destroy that little bit of reprieve that I have at the moment, right?

The surrounding hallways seemed to only grow in height and width the more we traveled towards the center of the Mansion (its actual size probably doubling even a moderately big castle’s).

I saw countless young boys and girls running around in their individual groups and for the first time realized that until now, children had been completely absent from my environment.

Could it be that all of them lived at the center of the mansion?

Keep the youngest close and safe, that kind of thinking?

So why then was the back of the entire complex so abandoned?

I mean leaving an entire part of where the clan lives completely open and unprotected couldn’t be a good idea so the only other reason…

Stopping in my steps I felt the tug on my arm as Hua Hong unknowingly had walked forward while I was already standing still and she was thus held back rather suddenly.

Completely ignoring the quizzing look she was giving me I once again scanned my surroundings and reminded myself of everything that I had seen in my short stay.

Considering how gigantic this mansion is and how unused and decayed a big part of the back was, only one conclusion as to why that was came to mind.

Only someone very stupid would throw out money to buy a place too big for him and his family, especially a clan with already very heavy expenses couldn’t afford that.

So why then was this mansion probably 3 times as big and had that many more rooms compared to its inhabitants?

Decline.

Simple as that.

The entire clan was in decline, probably since a long time already and considering the rule of this world, which was the stronger one was the more right someone had to rule over others, the clearer the picture got.

It didn’t explain why some hated me but it did show the reason for the disdain and other negative feelings many showed me.

I have to admit that I underestimated the cruel reality of this world and have been taking things too lightly.

Me being the Young Master of the clan meant that the future and hope of a lot of people rested on my shoulders.

And because my talent and cultivation was so far beneath that of those other geniuses, it in turn spelled an even more miserable future for the clan.

Could this be the reason they tried to get rid of the previous owner?

Was there a spark of hope in the form of a talented individual in the clan at this moment or was I overthinking things?

And really, I think I should stop asking myself so many questions.

I can guess that it is somewhat annoying for the read- I mean it doesn’t help me to just ask myself constantly, instead I should just act.

Yeah that is probably a lot better.

Definitely.

In the end, not much has changed over this realization, but I was now even firmer in my decision to start sooner, rather than later with finding a way to strengthen myself with all kinds of means, be it weapon or trickery, cultivation or strategy.

Everything I could get my hands on right now would only be a positive for the current me.

Once Hua Ping guided me away from the center of the mansion towards the front, the amount of people around us once again grew smaller and a few more guards seemed to be present.

Other than it taking an entire 20 minutes of walking until we arrived at the gate and main entrance of the Flamedragon clan.

Just from that and some rough calculations it was clear that this mansion really was monstrous.

I mean have you ever heard of a single building being possibly multiple miles in size?

That is just ridiculous!

If I remember the amount of money just a single small house or even flat cost back in my world it makes the hairs on my body stand on end.

Every single inch inside a city and especially in a big one can be equivalent to pure gold and you are telling me that the clan owns a couple of miles as well as guards and a fully furnished jumbo sized mansion on top of that?

I know it is annoying, but comparing the rich from my past life to the Flamedragon clan is like ‘the difference between heaven and earth’.

The figure alone is probably astronomical; it makes me wonder just how big Dragon City in turn really is.

I mean I was told 100 miles but was that really it? Did they count the buildings of commoners with that or only the mansions of the rich?

Only with this do I now finally feel a slight excitement inside of me as we approached the massive iron gate.

Before, it had been because the girls came up empty but now it was curiosity that drove me forward.

I already knew (well assumed) that this was just like the Xianxia novels I read so the world would naturally be somewhat similar, it was basically all about getting stronger and cultivating like a lunatic or recluse.

That was one side of it.

The other was about keeping face and possible sexism that could only offend any feminist to death.

I mean seriously, I know it is the ancient times setting and all but it’s either girls getting taking advantage of and nearly being raped or… well them getting raped.

Maybe a few schools and factions who only had girls in them (why exactly again? Because they are purer and more ‘suitable’ for a few special arts?

Seems like a load of bull and more like a supreme Playboy amassing a harem to me to be honest) existed but it was always a small portion as women were mostly portrayed as the weak and feeble kind.

Can a cultural difference really make such a… well, difference?

I mean, just thinking back at the fire as well as character some of the women back in my world had makes me want to run for the hills.

Honestly, they can be a lot more terrifying than males if you ask me, but enough of that.

Other than that, concerning the settings of the Xianxia stories, it was all about getting revenge, taking things way too seriously and temper tantrums of the MC.

Kill or be killed, give face or don’t, pretty much search for as much trouble as you can and get out of it in a violent way or die trying.

That is what this world was (supposedly).

Bit primitive don’t you think?

Yeah, I had the same thoughts.

Anyways, back to matters at hand.

We reached the nearly 20-foot-tall metal gate with engraved dragons and a few strange looking symbols that seemed to only serve a decorative purpose but were still rather impressive and sure as hell expensive.

To both sides of the gate, guards wearing the same blood red scaly armor that seemed to be typical for the Flamedragon clan had lined up in neat rows, giving off a rather imposing and intimidating picture.

I could feel more than a few gazes land on my person as well as the girls as we passed between the unmoving men that stood there like eternal guardians.

Just from this it was clear to me that they had a pretty high degree of training.

The gate itself was currently closed and even for me the Young Master of the clan, it would not be opened.

Instead we would go through a normal metal door that was to the side of the gate which was also heavily protected but used more casually by the clansmen.

The gigantic gate was supposedly only opened for big festivities or when people from other clans or even more important guests came to visit.

That was at least what Hua Ping told me as we approached the door and I had no reason to doubt her words in that regard.

Finally stepping outside of the clan and leaving the gate as well as wall that had been my home behind I was able to get a good first look at Dragon City.

Just from the polished stone beneath my wooden sandals that shimmered like a mirror as well as the highly dressed up women and men that passed us in the street it was obvious that this was a rather wealthy and luxurious area, which was only natural considering the clan’s mansion behind us.

The surrounding buildings were all mansions in different sizes and forms but just from a quick glance it was clear that this was a residential area and one for the rich and influential on top of that.

Temples, highly decorated Palaces and incredible Mansions that spanned for miles were all around us as we walked through the wide marble streets.

Jade lamp posts that were lit during the night for ample lighting even at a late hour sprinkled the different roads between each home and countless carriages pulled by horses and other strange creatures passed the girls and me.

“Would the Young Master want to hire one of the carriages for a quicker journey?”

Hua Hong asked me at my side while pointing to a congregation of different carriages that reminded me of the taxis of my previous world.

Shacking my head with a smile I replied with a “no need” before passing those expensive looking horses as well as carriages that would only draw unwanted attention.

“How much money do we currently have?”

I asked out loud without looking at any of the girls in particular.

Considering that they were my personal maids and therefore responsible for all my needs they naturally also took inventory of my financial situation.

“Young Master, your father has given us an entire 15 Gold coins for this month in celebration of your recovery so you currently have nearly 37 Gold coins to spend on whatever you want.”

Nodding my head, we continued in silence.

I half listened to the noise and chatter around us while deep in thought and soon enough had a pretty good idea of what to do first.

Turning to the ever so charming Hua Hong that was still taking my arm as her own possession I asked the first real question of importance.

“Where do you normally buy your Makeup?”

This simple inquiry soon enough turned out to be quite troublesome.

“This one has no idea what ‘Makeup’ is Young Master, is it some kind of special ingredient or weapon?”

Nearly tripping and falling to the ground after this ridiculous question of hers I steadied myself and was about to open my mouth and ask her if she was joking but quickly shut it again after I noticed the look in her eyes.

Now that I think about, neither Hua Hong nor Hua Ping were wearing any Makeup…

This could be a problem.

Not only were they absolutely gorgeous without it (you wouldn’t believe how happy that made me on a fundamental level to not see their face being caked to hell with cosmetics) but it seems that the idea of Makeup had either not made itself apparent in this world yet or it was simply known under another term.

Hoping for the later I once again posed my question, this time a bit differently.

“The young princesses and rich girls normally dress themselves in fine clothes and use various things to make their faces look even more vibrant and prettier than they already are, do you maybe know where I could possibly buy those ‘various things’?”

This was the last straw, if even this didn’t make a click in her memory then I was a bit screwed.

Seeing the sudden light in her eyes as well as face during my more detailed question I could only thank the gods that this everyday product I knew well and hated more than a little seemed to at least somewhat exist.

“Ah, please forgive this one’s little comprehension for not being able to understand the question. Young Master wants to buy face powder and lip balm from one of the Alchemist shops?”

“Yes that is right, maybe a few other things too but that is what I meant. Do you think you could show me the nearest, what was it, ‘Alchemist shop’ in the vicinity so that I could ask the shop owner a few things?”

Judging by the fact that Hua Hong only listed two basic products I could tell that the idea of Makeup in this world was very limited and I immediately had an idea how I not only would be able to fix the little problem I seemed to have run into but also how to make some quick money as well as advance the cosmetic industry.

“Hua Hong knows of an Alchemist shop not far from here as well as a market place where the Young Master can look at a lot of different things, it is not far.”

The girl responded with a bright smile and hastened her steps slightly while pulling me to a different direction.

It took only a few minutes for our surroundings to change once we walked this particular way as the marble road visibly deteriorated slightly and the residential area around us changed into a business driven one.

The people around were still dressed in expensive clothing but the buildings were no longer as extravagant and instead focused more on the products that were on various displays.

Weapons, exotic food, cultivation techniques, nearly everything could be found in this market area.

I was shocked to see strange creatures that turned out to be low level ‘Magical beasts’ that could be bought as well as slaves of all ages which could also be purchased.

The first I could understand but the idea of slavery made me feel sick to my stomach and I could only avoid my eyes in guilt.

The despair and emptiness I saw in these people made me once again remember that this was not my previous world and that there were different rules in place.

It was the kind that someone who had grown up in a safe and more civilized environment could only despise and look down at but in the end would not be able to change.

Even though it was cruel I could only ignore this kind of dark business for now.

I am not naïve enough to think that everything would be good and fine if I just bought all the slaves present and gave them a good life.

The horrors they went through would never disappear and just because some would be able to maybe get a bit of human dignity back, the core of the problem, that slavery was an accepted idea of business here was still there.

Even if I tried my hardest to appeal to people, my current position was too weak to make any impact.

It might be a bit heartless to say this but humans are in essence not kind creatures.

If there is profit to be made by enslaving a few others of our kind, we would do it without batting an eye and those that protest would be taken care of as money made the world go round.

To those that I passed today, the ones who suffered under this dog eat dog world I was now in I could only silently vow to make a difference once I had acquired enough power, but this day was not now.

As sad and cruel as it was, I needed to keep a low profile and buying a ton of slaves or making a ruckus would probably get me killed.

Even though it disgusted and saddened me, for the moment I could do very little to change the mindset of the people living in this world.

One thing was sure though, should I ever need people to work for me, now that I was aware that there were so many suffering under the thing called slavery, I naturally knew who I would hire in the future.

Hua Hong and Hua Ping on the other hand only showed a quick glance towards those half naked and despairing figures before letting their eyes wander to other things which somewhat appalled me but I could on the other hand understand it.

They grew up with the idea of it all so they were naturally used to it and knew that if worse comes to worst they would end up in the same situation.

A cruel but very motivating reality, call it a horror that would make you run for your money and never disobey your superior.

In a way I could only admire those that had established these inhuman rules as fear had always been the best if not most useful way to keep the masses malleable and obedient.

The girls and I made our way through the now packed groups of people as the market area was a lot more crowded than the previous wide streets of the rich residential area. It took me a good bit of evading and elbow bumping to finally stand before a small but expensive looking shop.

A sign above the door showed a sickle as well as tea-leaf, after asking Hua Hong I found out that this was the acknowledged sign of an Alchemist as well as Alchemist shops in general that sold all kinds of strange ingredients and potions for cultivators as well as non-cultivators alike.

One only needed the right amount of coin with an Alchemist and that was all that mattered.

Inside, a hodgepodge of items filled the shelves and small tables that made up the middle of the entrance room.

Just glancing around gave me the feeling that this was the right place as I saw countless herbs and potions together with strange minerals as well as random objects piled up next to each other with price tags on top of them.

“Welcome to my humble shop esteemed customers, what may this lowly one do for you?”

Said a middle aged man with a goatee as he walked towards us from behind the counter.

“Well, let’s say I have a business proposition that will increase your income by a good amount.”

I said with a smirk, ignoring the surprised looks of both girls as they had expected something completely different, not this.

Seeing a glimmer in the man’s eyes as he looked me up and down in my rather bland looking and simple outfit, I could see a scowl make its way to his face.

It was easy to guess what he was currently thinking, I looked rather shabby compared to the other people in this area and was a teenager so why believe my words or take me serious?

Letting out a small sigh I held up my hand and stopped him from even saying anything as I knew it was only going to be trouble anyways to argue.

“Alright, forget that. It is obvious from your look that you do not believe my words so just ignore it.

I would like to buy a good amount of face powder as well as lip balm, all kinds of colors or materials from which said colors can be extracted, animal fat and beeswax if you have that in stock. Next I would like to buy a good bit of smooth fur from a small animal, an ounce of horse hair and that should be all I think.”

Rattling off this rather strange list I could see a hint of doubt on the man’s face as he once again looked me up and down.

“Alright, just let me get said items and please wait here, I will be right back.”

Nodding and already turning my head, I no longer paid attention to the man.

If he didn’t want to make an enormous profit, then I was not going to argue with or force him.

Your loss, not mine.

Looking at all the different items around I couldn’t help but get a bit curious.

Was there a chance of a treasure being hidden here that only someone like me who knew the rules of Xianxia stories would be able to find?

Although I would like to say that I found some kind of incredible weapon or rare mineral, maybe even a strange object that isn’t from this world, but that sadly wasn’t the case.

Everything that I touched and looked at seemed more than ordinary, some things like parts of Magical beasts were interesting but far from anything useful so I just moved on.

I also couldn’t just slit my hand and spray each item here with blood as that would have given rise to a whole bunch of questions from the shop keeper as well as the girls so all I could rely on was my sight and touch.

In the end I only found two interesting items, the skull of a human that had been dipped in some kind of molten ore and shimmered with a dark sheen together with an uncut ore that even the shopkeeper had stated as an unknown.

Both were rather cheap as their uses were more than a little limited and unknown so I decided to add them to my list of things that I would buy.

Any kind of weapon displayed here was of no use and not needed in the first place, I had the ones hidden close to my body as well as the visible short sword but one could dream right?

Damn, I really have to get a better grip on my greed, after seeing that treasury things have been getting a bit out of hand.

Shaking my head to dissipate thoughts about bagging the entire store with the authority of the Flamedragon clan, I instead waited for the shop owner to hand me a bag.

After scanning it once I found everything that I had asked for and added the ore encased skull as well as unidentified chunk of metal.

“Pay the man.”

I said with a nod towards Hua Ping as she had been the one to answer the previous question about my monetary situation.

Just like expected she pulled out one gold coin seemingly out of nowhere and handed it towards the now stunned shop owner.

From his expression alone I could tell that it only now dawned on him that I was probably a rather rich young man, despite my plain clothing.

“This one asks for forgiveness for any rude comments from before, I was not aware that my shop has been graced with a visit from one of the clans.”

The man said while clasping his hands before handing Hua Ping the change.

Considering that the various mansions where not too far away from this little shop and my payment in pure gold coins that basically no one paid with I could understand the connection this shop owner had swiftly made.

Still, color me surprised that I finally found a quick witted person.

Now I know that was a bit mean but it sadly was true in case of the Flamedragon clan.

As much as I like my new father, sister and maids, not one of them gives me the feeling of being able to converse about deeper matters or meanings, but neither does this shop owner to be honest so there goes that.

Maybe one day I shall meet my fated one with whom I can talk about the meaning of life and how big the average Johnson of a male in this country should be.

One day.

Concentrating once again on the here and now after tuning out without a warning, I motioned for Hua Hong and Hua Ping to follow me and we exited the Alchemist shop.

Next up on my list of things that we would need we visited a store that sold various clothing and I picked out different colored outfits and made sure they were baggy so they would hide the form of the body while still retaining a proper fit.

I also purchased 3 bamboo hats for me and the girls before renting a room in a nearby tavern.

I could feel the confused looks of both Hua Hong and Hua Ping as we entered the room, arms full with various items that made little rhyme or reason at first glance.

The first thing I did was tell both girls to change their clothes into what I bought.

I naturally left the room during that time as it was true that I had seen them naked before but this was the least bit of human decency I could give them, right?

Next up I told the girls to leave the room so I could change and I swear to god I saw Hua Hong look a little sad at that.

Seriously girl, you are not missing much.

After that I put the items that we had bought from the Alchemist shop on the table and asked for a big bowl of hot water.

Taking my short-sword as a tool, I shaved away as much hair as I could from the pelt that I had bought and threw the now patchy leather in the bowl.

It didn’t matter much if I missed a bit but considering that the hair on the pelt was of a different color compared to the horse hair, I naturally had to get rid of most of it.

While I waited for the leather to heat up so it was at least a bit easier to cut I started working on extracting color from a few plants and mixed them together.

Next I added some animal fat to get a soft and skin colored paste that I left inside a spare bowl for now.

Both Hua Hong and Hua Ping watched me work with big eyes and it was clear that they had never seen something like this.

I have to admit that I did mess up a few times as it was also my first time doing this, but thanks to random internet searches I had a general idea.

Finished with the animal hide and paste for now, I went to work on the trickiest part of it all.

“Alright, both of you stay here for now.”

I said to the girls as I had no intention of showing them what I did next.

It would be very embarrassing alone but if people I knew watched me I would only feel like an idiot.

You are wondering what I am talking about dear reader? Well pine trees of course, duh.

Now I know this doesn’t answer your question just yet but bear with me as I am currently busy in climbing one of these suckers while various people all around me are pointing and calling for me.

As this was the richer part of town, various streets had trees growing in the middle or to the side of a house, giving everything a more natural feel.

One of these mentioned trees was a pine tree, the only one of its kind I have seen and probably rare around these parts as I had not expected it either.

Nevertheless, essential for the plan I had in mind.

After slowly making my way up the thick stump with both of my arms straining for any little bit of grip that I could get, I finally saw my goal.

Sticking to the outside of the bark, just inches away from my head was a tiny opening out of which pine resin had previously spilled out of.

I still tried to ignore the crowd that had started to gather around the pine tree, intently watching my every move while calling out and asking what I was doing from time to time.

After hacking away at the rather sturdy bark for a good minute or so with my short sword, I finally saw the first drops of the precious liquid that I was looking for running down the tree.

Once again sheathing my sword I coiled my legs around the tree (I can only thank the gods that now that my body has recovered, it is a lot stronger than my previous one) while letting go of the bark with both hands.

The only thing that held me in the air were my legs that were shakily clinging around the tree as well as my stomach muscles but I could feel the pull of gravity all too well and knew I had little time.

Pulling out a small bag that I had bought just for this occasion, I was able to gather enough liquid resin as well as the solid form of it called rosin.

My legs had cramped some time ago so the way down was more than a little uncomfortable but I managed.

Questions from the various people around me were ignored and avoided as everyone wanted to know what I had been doing up there exactly.

Only after 2 sharp turns while sprinting a bit was I able to leave everyone who had seen me work behind.

My leg muscles and stomach were killing me but I ignored the pain for now and made my way back to the tavern the girls were in.

I had only been away for half an hour but they still looked glad to see me again, which I could understand.

Should anything happen to me while they were not with me it would in turn cast a very bad shadow on them.

For the next part I ordered for Hua Ping to get the owner of the tavern and paid him an entire gold so that I could use his kitchen for a few hours, undisturbed naturally.

I was aware that I probably paid the man way too much but it didn’t really matter to me at the moment.

Heating both rosin and resin in a pot I waited for the rosin to dissolve as that was essential, but smoky step.

Using a piece of cloth as a makeshift filter I was able to extract nearly all impurities and was left with a yellowy liquid.

Adding the beeswax that I had grated down before soon enough created a mix that was both sticky and hard when it cooled down.

I essentially just created the first glue in the history of this world and yes I had asked both girls before if something like that existed but they could only deny it.

This naturally begged the question how a lot of things were held together here but that was something for later.

Having moved everything I had been working on from the room to the kitchen, I next up cut the hide into 3 oddly shaped pieces with a big hole in the middle of each of them and smeared the outer part with my glue mix.

The horse hair was added soon enough and I was left with 3 rather hairy pieces of hide.

Handing the fake beards I had just created to Hua Hong I explained to both of them that I had been working on disguises for all of us and told them to apply the paste and put on the fake beards.

Their obvious question as to why this was needed in the first place I skillfully dodged by telling them that one could never be too safe.

The real reason being that I knew the laws of Xianxia stories and wished to search for a blacksmith in peace.

One thing I should mention is that both girls could also be the trigger in inviting trouble and not me, which was why I made 3 disguises.

This was also the first time I was contemplating if having natural beauties as maids would bring more trouble than it was worth, but in the end it wasn’t their fault so I couldn’t really hold it against them.

What I could do was reduce possible danger by using these disguises though.

Anyways, enough contemplating for now.

We returned to our room and I told the tavern owner that I was done.

He actually asked me somewhat afraid if I wanted my gold coin back, as I had only used a little over 20 minutes to finish my work but I decided to decline, more to keep him quiet about this rather strange request than anything else.

The final result after caking our faces in make-up as well as gluing the fake beards on and donning the outfit together with the bamboo hats made us look like 3 elder men that were new in town.

Perfect.

“I don’t like this.”

Hua Ping soon enough said after being in full disguise and her high pitched voice was a weird contrast compared to how she looked right now.

“You don’t have to like it but wear it for today and make sure to talk only when I tell you to, both of you actually. Your voices do not match your appearance anymore and that could prove as dangerous, should we attract the wrong attention.”

I told her with a stern look and she thankfully did as she was told.

Hua Hong on the other hand didn’t voice any complaints whatsoever and instead stared at me with big shining eyes which were starting to creep me out a bit.

Clearing my throat and trying out different voices, I soon enough settled for a raspier version of my own god given one which fit my current appearance pretty well.

“Alright, time to find ourselves a blacksmith.”

Hot damn, I was starting to like raspy me.

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Hope you liked the chapter, next one will be a bit after the weekend as I am away but stay tuned as I will try my best to deliver as soon as possible! :GG: