Wending knew that some unknown secrets must have happened in Su Family Village.
He could absolutely stay.
And observe the secrets unique to this world.
But Wending was a cautious person.
For him, whether it was a monster or the Suspended Mirror Division, both held mysterious powers belonging to this world.
This might be a fantastical spectacle he could only see in movies, comics, and novels in his previous life.
"How did the cat die?"
Curiosity.
He suppressed his curiosity.
Wending thought, "I have money now. When I get to the county town, I'll buy property, then start a business. When I get rich, I'll marry three wives and four concubines, and live a comfortable, easy life. That kind of life couldn't be more pleasant."
Anyway, there was no going back.
How to live better in this world, that was what Wending was going to do next.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
He had a very good mindset in this regard.
The donkey trotted non-stop.
Following his memory, he left the mountain forests and wilderness, entered the official road, and headed towards Yinchuan Ancient City.
Su Family Village was actually very remote.
But it was still within the border pass.
And Yinchuan Ancient City faced the border directly.
At dusk, Yinchuan Ancient City, South Gate.
The city wall was thirty feet high, and the bricks were mottled.
The traces of war remained permanently on this city wall.
That was an epic left behind about the frontier's resistance against foreign enemies.
Entering Yinchuan Ancient City through the South Gate, even though it was within the pass.
However, the city guard's inspections were extremely strict.
Fortunately, Wending had entered Yinchuan Ancient City to take the Boy Scholar examination, and thus had a travel permit to enter Yinchuan Ancient City.
Otherwise, he would have to be obediently interrogated by the city guards.
The city guards saw the luggage on his wooden cart and mistakenly thought he was a scholar coming for the imperial examination.
"...Forget about studying."
Wending, who was misunderstood, now had the capital to continue on this path.
Recalling his previous life, Wending immediately rejected this idea.
This life, he should live it even more wonderfully.
Otherwise, he would be letting down Heaven for sending him to this world.
Stepping into the bustling Yinchuan Ancient City, Wending's eyes never stopped, looking with great interest at every scene and object around him.
Commoners, merchants, beggars, scholars, Daoists, Jianghu figures, government runners, soldiers, and monks gathered in one city.
"Kunlun slaves?!"
A group of black people being driven passed by him.
There were also foreign merchants from the Western Regions with blue eyes and golden hair.
Tsk tsk, doesn't that mean there are also hairy maidens in this world?
Eh, are these stinky wild men Northern Barbarians?
This smell, even a bottle of cologne a day couldn't cover up this cured meat smell.
"If it weren't for the clothing and architectural style, I would have thought I had come to a film and television ancient city."
Wending muttered.
Compared to Su Family Village, Yinchuan Ancient City was his favorite.
This county town was incomparable to any city in his previous life; in terms of infrastructure, it was not even as good as a rural town.
But finding a few familiar shadows of ancient Chinese culture in this Otherworld era, Wending still felt relieved.
The dusk of July in Yinchuan Ancient City was beautiful.
The fiery clouds lingering over the horizon of Yinchuan Ancient City were like a general draped in a fiery red cloak.
Wending led the donkey pulling the wooden cart slowly along the street.
They all said this donkey was stubborn.
This donkey, until now, had been very docile, which also made Wending fond of this young donkey.
Unconsciously.
Wending, leading the donkey, arrived at the inn where he had stayed last time for the Boy Scholar examination.
Speaking of which, compared to other scholars who took the Boy Scholar examination, he was considered old.
At the age of coming of age, he took the exam three times before passing the Boy Scholar examination.
The academy in Qingshan Town indeed did not have very good teacher resources.
Standing outside the inn.
Wending frowned slightly. This inn was not only expensive, but the environment was also very poor.
Looking at the donkey he was leading, the inn had no pens for livestock.
Wending began to search his memory.
Did he know anyone in Yinchuan Ancient City?
A chubby boy appeared in his mind.
A scholar he had met in Yinchuan Ancient City when he took the Boy Scholar examination.
He was one year younger than him, but his mind was unusually mature.
Not from an aristocratic Family or clan, not truly noble, but quite wealthy.
He was a genuine local bigwig of Yinchuan Ancient City.
"Yaren."
What was a Yaren in ancient times?
A Yaren was a firm or middleman who mediated and introduced transactions between buyers and sellers in the market, and extracted commissions.
They were intermediaries, appraisal agencies, and even had the function of modern notary offices.
They were also known as official Yaren.
This industry was not something everyone could enter.
It required government approval.
"Su Dage, we hit it off at first sight. If I didn't know you needed to return to your hometown, brother would definitely take you to tour Yinchuan Ancient City. However, the green mountains remain, and the green waters flow. With Su Dage's abilities, when you come to Yinchuan Ancient City next year to take the Xiucai examination, you must find me."
Wending remembered Shiqing's words clearly.
Wending also learned that this guy actually had no interest in studying for the imperial examinations.
Shiqing had followed his father since childhood and had already developed a good set of skills.
He called himself the little general knowledge expert of Yinchuan Ancient City.
Taking the Boy Scholar examination was also forced by his father.
"Southern District, Changsheng Street, number six."
Wending led the donkey and went to Changsheng Street.
It was just one street away from this street.
It was the most prosperous street for merchant trade in the Southern District of Yinchuan Ancient City.
Fortunately, it was evening, so Wending was able to lead the donkey cart into Changsheng Street.
"This is it."
He saw the signboard on the shop read "Silver River Song Clan Teeth Firm," a simple and easy-to-remember name.
Inside the bright shop, several assistants were discussing with customers.
Wending took out the package from the wooden box and wrapped it around himself.
The donkey cart was tied to the stone lion in front of the door.
"Sir, you cannot park a carriage in front of the door."
An assistant from inside the shop saw him and quickly came out, speaking politely.
"This isn't a carriage, it's a donkey cart."
Wending smiled.
"Sir, a donkey cart is not allowed either."
The assistant in the shop was a little angry.
"I'll leave soon. May I ask if Shiqing is in the shop?"
Wending asked.
"Are you referring to the young master?"
The Yaren's assistant changed his attitude and quickly asked.
"Yes, if he is, please tell him his old friend Wending is looking for him."
Wending understood that whether he had a place to stay tonight depended on this young master of the Yaren.
"Please wait a moment."
The Yaren's man quickly walked into the shop and headed to the back of the shop.
Soon, the round-faced, slightly robust Shiqing rushed from the back of the shop.
"It really is you, Su Dage."
Shiqing laughed loudly.
"Shiqing, long time no see."
Wending also showed a happy smile and went to meet him.
"Su Dage, are you preparing to study at the academy in Yinchuan Ancient City?"
Shiqing asked curiously.
"Not at all, isn't my village just having trouble with monsters? I thought it wasn't safe in the village, so I prepared to come to the county town to make a living."
Wending explained truthfully.
Shiqing frowned slightly: "This monster trouble is not a small matter."
"People have been dying for two consecutive nights, and there's no clue. However, when I left Su Family Village, I happened to see the Suspended Mirror Division going to slay demons and eliminate evil."
Wending recalled that elite team riding black horses.
Shiqing's expression changed slightly.
"Fortunately, Su Dage left Su Family Village."
"The Suspended Mirror Division has already gone to deal with this matter, so this monster shouldn't be able to cause much trouble, right?"
Wending looked curiously at Shiqing.
Shiqing's expression was not right.
Who was Shiqing?
His father was the general knowledge expert of Yinchuan Ancient City, and he was the little general knowledge expert.
He knew many secret rumors.
"If it were the Suspended Mirror Division in other county towns within the pass, then there would be no problem at all. The Suspended Mirror Division in Yinchuan Ancient City is currently undergoing a storm, which has a profound impact. I'm worried that the Suspended Mirror Division, in order to re-establish its prestige..." Shiqing's expression was solemn, and he did not continue to speak, "In short, Su Dage, since you've come, don't mention Su Family Village again, and especially don't mention the matter of monsters."
"...Understood!!!"
Wending suddenly had a bad premonition.
Killing good people to claim credit?
No, the Suspended Mirror Division didn't need to kill good people to claim credit.
But if a small demon turned into a great demon, that would be another matter.
"Perhaps I'm overthinking it, Su Dage, have you found a place to stay?"
After three months, Shiqing's temperament had become more stable.
It was clear that after the Boy Scholar examination, he had already begun to get involved in the Family business.
A man who enters the workplace and comes into contact with real society will grow very quickly.
Wending said with a wry smile, "I have no relatives or friends in Yinchuan Ancient City. This time, I even sold the house in the village and came to Yinchuan Ancient City."
Shiqing looked at Wending, this friend who was one year older than him, his figure appearing even thinner.
His face was sallow and emaciated.
It was clear that he had suffered a lot during this period.
"That's even better, little brother will immediately arrange a place for you to stay."
Shiqing said with genuine enthusiasm.
Wending, however, said, "Shiqing misunderstood. The first thing I did when I entered Yinchuan Ancient City was to find you, indeed for a place to stay. I know Shiqing, you are the little general knowledge expert of Yinchuan, and I just need a courtyard to settle down. So, I wanted to ask if the Yaren has any houses that customers need to sell, I want to buy one."
Shiqing smiled, "Su Dage, you've come to the right place. I do have people who have entrusted us to sell their houses in Yinchuan Ancient City."
"What if I want to move in tonight?"
"That's also possible. There happens to be a courtyard house that the seller sold to our Yaren. I can make the decision to give it to Su Dage at the original price."
Shiqing said very calmly.
Wending directly asked, "What's the price?"
"One hundred and eighty taels."
As soon as Shiqing said this, Wending knew that his money was not enough.
Su Family Village and Yinchuan Ancient City were two completely different places, so housing prices were naturally different.
Su Wending hesitated slightly, looking at Song Shiqing: "I have about a hundred taels of silver, which is far from enough for this house. I'll need to trouble Shiqing to find me a cheaper room."
Song Shiqing was very surprised.
Actually, Song Shiqing didn't care about the hundred-odd taels of silver at all.
He wanted Su Wending to retreat in the face of difficulty.
Then, he would arrange a place for Su Wending to live and have him work at the Yaren.
This was a permanent solution to Su Wending's problem of living in Yinchuan Ancient City.
Evidently, he hadn't expected Su Wending to still have a hundred taels of silver.
"Actually, houses with courtyards and central patios in Yinchuan Ancient City all cost above one hundred and twenty taels."
Song Shiqing revealed the base price of houses with courtyards and central patios in Yinchuan Ancient City to Su Wending.
Su Wending seemed to understand something.
However, he directly ignored it.
Because he had thought of a solution.
As a modern person.
When buying a house, as long as the down payment issue is resolved, other issues are not major.
It's just paying a mortgage.
It's not like he hasn't paid one before.
"Shiqing, how about this? I'll directly pay one hundred and eighty taels to buy this courtyard house, but I don't have enough money. I'll give half the money to the Yaren first, and you help me with the other half. The house I buy from the Yaren will be mortgaged to you, and I'll pay you interest on the money I borrow. If the repayment deadline arrives and I don't have the money to give you, you can just take the house back."
Su Wending was certain Song Shiqing would agree.
Song Shiqing heard this and said: "Excellent, this method is truly excellent."
Su Wending directly took out ninety taels of silver from his package and paid Song Shiqing.
The two signed a contract.
Repayment within one year.
Annual interest of seven percent.
It was considered a friendship price.
Song Shiqing directly led Su Wending through the Southern District to the Eastern District.
This somewhat surprised Su Wending.
The Northern District and Western District were both close to the border.
Once foreign enemies invaded, the Northern and Western Districts would be the first to be impacted.
Moreover, the location of the house was good.
Right outside the door was the Mirror Lake within Yinchuan Ancient City, and Mirror Lake was connected to the Beichuan River.
The house occupied a considerable area, nearly two mu of land.
One hundred and eighty taels of silver for Su Wending, it seemed Song Shiqing valued his friend very much.
Su Wending said nothing.
He silently thought that he owed Song Shiqing a great favor.
The courtyard house had a central patio, and the backyard had an open space, set up with a horse stable, latrine, independent kitchen, and a spacious training ground.
There was a well in the central patio, and also a well in the backyard.
Just these two wells and the horse stable made Su Wending feel the money was well spent.
The entrance had a vestibule, and passing through the central patio, one could see a spacious main hall.
"The previous owner of this house was a Hundred Household of the Suspended Mirror Division. Unfortunately, something happened, and his Family returned to Jiangnan, so this property was sold at a low price to our Yaren."
Song Shiqing did not conceal information about the previous owner.
But Su Wending could tell from Song Shiqing's expression that there might be some lingering issues with this house.
The previous owner of the house was a Hundred Household of the Suspended Mirror Division, considered a powerful noble Family in Yinchuan Ancient City.
Those who knew he was dead wouldn't come looking for this house.
If those who didn't know he was dead, his enemies might come knocking, which would be a significant hidden danger.
But Su Wending understood that the value of this house was definitely more than one hundred and eighty taels.
Even doubling it wouldn't be enough.
Su Wending was still a little hesitant.
【As a Hundred Household of the Suspended Mirror Division in Yinchuan Ancient City, how could there be no treasure hidden in the house?】
The treasure hunting hint appeared before him again.
Su Wending made up his mind; this house was his.
Night fell.
Song Shiqing went home by himself.
Su Wending uncovered the clay pot; the claypot rice cooked in the morning was almost spoiled.
He ate the cured meat.
The rice was given to the donkey.
After making his bed, Su Wending locked the door and walked along the lake.
The small shops along the street hadn't closed yet.
He found a noodle shop and ate a bowl of mutton noodles.
Late at night.
Su Wending, who was sleeping.
Felt a figure appear in his room.
Although this was already his home, Su Wending, who slept quite lightly, was particularly sensitive to outside perceptions.
He cautiously opened his eyes.
He was immediately startled by the scene before him.
A masked person, wearing a fox mask, stood by his bed.
Holding a long sword, its cold gleam fully revealed, pressing against his throat.
Su Wending's heart nearly jumped out.
"Speak, where is Tieren Tu?"
A low female voice, like biting cold ice, pierced into his blood.
As if to freeze his entire body.
Su Wending cautiously said: "This... Masked Heroine, are you mistaken? I don't know anyone named Tieren Tu."
"Impossible, the person who sent me the message wouldn't make a mistake."
The female voice carried anger.
Su Wending could only truthfully state: "Masked Heroine, I only arrived in Yinchuan Ancient City today and bought this house from the Silver River Song Clan Teeth Firm. I truly don't know anyone named Tieren Tu."
"However, if you're looking for the previous owner, you might be too late. My friend at the Yaren told me that something happened to the previous owner of this house, a Hundred Household of the Suspended Mirror Division, and his Family sold the house to the Yaren and returned to Jiangnan."
Just an inch away, his life would have been lost.
At this point, Su Wending naturally had to tell the truth.
"You'd better be telling the truth, otherwise, I'll take your dog's life."
The Masked Heroine withdrew the sword in her hand.
"Masked Heroine, I am but a Boy Scholar, powerless to even truss a chicken. How dare I lie to you when you can kill me as easily as slaughtering cattle and sheep?" Su Wending sighed in relief, "This is my second time in Yinchuan Ancient City. The last time was three months ago for the Boy Scholar examination. If it weren't for a monster causing trouble in my village, with my Family elders all buried under the monster's claws, how would I have come to Yinchuan Ancient City alone?"
Su Wending was playing for sympathy.
The Masked Heroine paused, then asked: "How old are you?"
"Just turned sixteen."
The Masked Heroine chuckled softly: "I'll give you a suggestion: don't continue studying. Having just turned sixteen and being in Yinchuan Ancient City, if you spend this money on martial arts training, you might have a future by joining the army."
Su Wending remained silent.
"Tieren Tu has many enemies, didn't your friend tell you?"
The Masked Heroine asked coldly.
Su Wending, however, said: "The death of a Hundred Household of the Suspended Mirror Division would certainly be widely spread in Yinchuan Ancient City."
The meaning was obvious.
Only someone like you, who doesn't do their homework before acting, would rashly break into his house.
"Hmph, young man, you are quite sharp-tongued, truly a scholar."
The Masked Woman's eyes held deep meaning as she gazed deeply at Su Wending, wanting to engrave his appearance in her mind.
This gaze sent shivers down Su Wending's spine.
He didn't know if it was a misconception, but he felt like prey.
The next second, the Masked Woman's figure faded, turning into a shadow and directly disappearing.
Su Wending's eyes widened. He rubbed his eyes, confirmed the woman's absence again, then jumped out of bed, lit the lamp, and found no one else in the room.
If it weren't for the lingering unique fragrance, Su Wending would have thought he encountered a ghost.
"She disappeared? Vanished into thin air? Didn't she need to open the door?"
He knew there were supernatural powers in this world.
But hearing about it and seeing it with his own eyes were two completely different matters.
Martial Forest master? Cultivator? Superpower?
Su Wending's calm heart began to pound.
It seemed this world was even more exciting than he had imagined.
If he could master the Divine Ability of this... fox-masked Masked Heroine with the orchid scent, appearing with a whoosh and disappearing with a whoosh.
Combined with his Golden Finger treasure hunting hint, would martial arts plus treasure hunting hints be a viable path?
Song Family.
Song Shiqing returned home.
Song was waiting for him.
"I heard you took it upon yourself to sell the house of a Hundred Household of the Suspended Mirror Division to a young man?"
Song asked calmly.
Song Shiqing's body stiffened, then relaxed.
"Su Wending is my friend, and he happened to come to Yinchuan Ancient City. Our Yaren just acquired this house, and keeping it was useless, so your son took the liberty of selling it to him."
"Ninety taels?"
"One hundred and eighty taels. Your son lent him ninety taels of silver, and he mortgaged the house to your son at an annual interest of seven percent, to be repaid in one year."
Song Shiqing truthfully recounted.
Song: "Was this your idea?"
"Not your son's, but my friend Su Wending's."
Song Shiqing answered truthfully.
"Doesn't he fear that he won't be able to repay the money in a year and lose everything?"
"Your son believes in Su Dage."
Song Shiqing's face turned red.
It was evident that Song Shiqing feared his father.
"Alas, your father is not blaming you. But do you know that your father intended to keep this house forever?"
Song shook his head.
It had already been sold, there was nothing that could be done.
"Father, is there a problem with this house?"
"You only know this is the house of a Hundred Household of the Suspended Mirror Division, but do you know this Hundred Household was named Tieren Tu?"
Song Shiqing trembled: "Tieren Tu? No, why did I hear that..."
"The news of Tieren Tu's death was only spread in a small circle within Yinchuan Ancient City. Your father didn't want you to know the information about this homeowner, so he kept it from you."
Song said helplessly.
"This, then Su Dage, he..."
"It's too late."
Song's eyes held indifference, seemingly pondering the impact of this matter.