Emperor Yunlan Haorang had originally planned to ask the elder a few things – his background, cultivation insights, maybe even his read on the store.
But watching Old Tiger Zhao’s attitude now, he quickly reconsidered.
The old man was obviously more cooperative when fed.
And more importantly, questions tossed at someone who’d just had a snack hit differently than ones tossed at someone being dragged into a talk.
Better to let him eat first.
That would smooth things.
“Of course, Elder.” the emperor said with a faint smile.
“Go ahead. We’ll wait for you here.”
“You can take anything you want.”
Old Tiger Zhao paused, brows slowly rising.
“Anything?”
“Yes” Emperor Yunlan Haorang replied.
Everything went quiet.
Then –
“HAHA!”
Old Tiger Zhao laughed so loud, half the street would’ve heard him if the store wasn’t built to block sound from leaking outside.
Mid-laugh, a tiny bead of saliva launched from his mouth and smacked into Dou Xinshi’s hair.
“Old man, you’re generous!” Old Tiger Zhao grinned wide, eyes shining.
“I like you!”
“We can talk after I get the snacks!”
Dou Xinshi twitched.
He knew.
He knew something had just landed in his hair.
His smile stiffened. His face turned red – tomato red. No, even worse. Boiled tomato stuck on a grill red.
His fists clenched at his sides.
But he didn’t say a word.
Out of respect?
Out of fear?
Out of pure spiritual restraint?
Inside, though? Dou Xinshi was howling!
“What about me?! Do I get to say nothing about this!?”
“That old man gets to enjoy life while I get to do something? At least let me grab a cup of instant noodles first!!”
Dou Xinshi bowed his head slightly.
They were all his elders, sure.
But was this what it meant to be a junior?
Was he not a member too?!
Old Tiger Zhao kept laughing as he marched off.
He rubbed his hands together with the excitement.
“Let’s see… spicy noodles, two of those… ooh, chips! Kid, you got Lime Fizz today?”
He whistled a little tune and even cracked his neck.
Emperor Yunlan Haorang, ever perceptive, glanced at Dou Xinshi’s twitching brow and barely-there pout.
With a faint, knowing smile, he spoke calmly.
“Do not worry, junior. We merely have a few questions. When we are done, you may choose anything from the store, at our expense.”
Dou Xinshi blinked.
Then he stood straighter.
The storm vanished from his face like it had never been there. He brightened up right away.
“R-really?! Thank you so much, seniors!”
He bowed sharply, and his words came fast but firm.
“Please, feel free to ask anything! I’ll answer to the best of my ability – if I’ve heard it, I’ll explain it!”
Dou Xinshi looked completely dependable.
Full of energy. Helpful. Excited.
A perfect little encyclopedia in human form.
…One who had just been bribed with snacks.
In fact, Dou Xinshi had already forgotten all about being tossed in front of the group.
That was all in the past now.
There were still products he hadn’t tried yet!
A perfect little encyclopedia in human form.
Sect Master Jiang Xianwei smiled lightly and spoke first. “Let’s sit down.”
“Ah, yes, yes, of course, Elder!” Dou Xinshi nodded. And nodded again. For some reason.
Sect Master Jiang Xianwei picked a seat closest to the counter, the one with the best view of Old Tiger Zhao looting the shelves.
Emperor Yunlan Haorang chose one with his back to the door.
Sect Master Bing Xuan sat opposite him, robes neat, posture perfect, not a single wrinkle out of place.
And then –
Nothing.
They didn’t say a word.
Dou Xinshi blinked once. Twice.
He glanced sideways.
Why weren’t the other elders sitting?
Was there some rule about seating hierarchy? Was he supposed to say something? Offer them? Bow?
He gulped. Maybe if he stood still long enough, they’d forget he existed.
A full minute passed.
A soft voice slipped into his ear.
“Sit, junior.” Sect Master Bing Xuan said.
It was only two words. But something about the tone curled around his spine and pushed his knees downward.
Dou Xinshi sat.
His body obeyed before his brain could finish debating the etiquette.
Wait – weren’t the other elders still standing? Wasn’t it rude?
…Well, too late now.
He was already in the chair.
Never mind, Dou Xinshi thought.
He could always claim he lost consciousness halfway through and only regained it tomorrow.
Perfect excuse. Foolproof.
Absolutely undignified – but foolproof.
Behind each seat, the rest of the group quietly took their positions.
They were the type whose presence made others instinctively stand straighter. Their eyes didn’t wander.
Hands at the ready, they seemed ready to strike or protect at any moment.
Three powers. Three great factions.
And yet.
Somehow, in this great meeting of titans…
There sat an impostor.
Right in the middle of it all.
Emperor Yunlan Haorang gave Dou Xinshi a calm look.
“Let’s begin by getting to know you first, junior.” “Your name, and whether you belong to any sect or organization.”
Dou Xinshi blinked.
“…”
What?
That was it?
What a weird opening question.
He had mentally prepared for interrogation. Questions like: “What’s your favorite instant noodles flavor?” “Which drink pairs best with Beef-Flavored Insant Noodles?”
But this?
This was just… personal trivia?
Still, he pulled himself upright with all the seriousness he could muster and answered proudly.
“Dou Xinshi, elder. You may refer to me as Dou, or Xinshi. Whichever is more convenient to you!”
He gave a polite cupped-fist salute.
“As for your second question. Before, I was not affiliated with any sect or group. But!”
He raised a hand, fingers clenched into a firm point.
“My heart has already been captured by this place! This is the first land I will follow!”
“I’ll work hard under all of you, Elders!”
There was a pause.
Work under all of us? What is this kid blabbering about?
“…You mean the convenience store?” Sect Master Bing Xuan asked.
“Yes, elder!”
Dou Xinshi’s eyes gleamed with pure, enthusiastic conviction.
Sect Master Jiang Xianwei leaned in a little, curious.
“Oh? Then it is a pleasure to meet you, Junior Dou.”
“You may call me Jiang.”
Dou Xinshi nearly burst into sparkles.
“Nice meeting you too, Elder Jiang!”
“So, where do you come from, Junior Dou?”
Again?
Another personal question?
His own life?
Who cared about that?
“I came from Scorching Soul City, Elder Jiang. It’s in the Molten Ashlands.” Dou Xinshi answered.
At that, the three leaders from the Sovereign City shared a glance. Mental transmissions flowed like lightning between them.