It was early morning, yet Sovereign City was already full of life.
Despite being in a city, Hao didn’t feel overwhelmed. It wasn’t like Earth, where skyscrapers blocked the sky and everything smelled faintly of smoke and metal.
Here, the buildings were wide-spaced, the air was fresh, and the spiritual qi in the atmosphere made every breath feel lighter.
’It’s… kinda pretty.’ Hao smiled.
Of course, everything looked good.
That is – so long as he didn’t turn around and glance at the narrow, dark alley they’d just stepped out from.
As he walked forward, a few passersby glanced his way. One or two even paused mid-step, spiritual sense brushing against him like invisible fingers testing his presence.
“…”
Hao blinked.
Was he standing out that badly?
Was it because he was just… staring around like some country bumpkin who’d never seen a city before?
His eyes drifted down to his clothes.
Ah.
He was still wearing the full uniform of the Dimensional Convenience Store.
’… Shit.’ Hao muttered internally, dragging a hand across his face.
I messed up. Didn’t I?
I should’ve asked Little Xixi or even Tian Lu to help me pick out something to wear before stepping out.
Something less… obvious.
Something that didn’t scream, “I’m not from this continent and possibly not even from this timeline.”
Well. Too late now.
No point in stressing over it. ’I’m already out here.’
“We should get going, Kurome.”
“We’ll get clothes first.”
With that, Hao shuffled slightly to the side, lowering his presence as much as he could.
Kurome followed behind quietly.
Little Sneak, who quickly understood the situation, peeked over Kurome’s shoulder.
’You really should’ve changed…’
His mouth lifted in smug satisfaction.
What a mistake. Absolutely deserved. Dumb dumb human.
But, yeah, Little Sneak didn’t dare say any of it aloud.
He still wanted to experience family dinners, warm sun naps, and maybe find a mate before his life was tragically cut short by Big Sister Kurome’s claws.
They walked for a few minutes. Hao’s steps were hurried, but his eyes carefully scanned the shops on either side.
Then, finally, he spotted one.
A glass door. See-through windows. Long, elegant robes displayed on wooden mannequins posed like cultivators in mid-fight.
His gaze rode to the sign above the building.
’Jadeweave Pavilion,’ written in flowing black ink on a polished slab of green jade, framed with gold trim.
Without wasting time, Hao crouched down, scooped Kurome and Little Sneak into his arms, and pushed open the door.
The second they stepped inside, the scent of fragrant wood and fresh fabric filled his nose.
The interior was wide and open, separated into distinct section. Robes for men, women, and children, each area color-coded and divided by rows of tall bamboo partitions.
Embroidered silk shoes lined the walls, accessories sat on display tables, and shelves glowed faintly with formation-enhanced gloves, belts, and sashes.
Just as Hao was turning his attention to the men’s section, a shadow blocked his view.
A burly man, nearly as tall as Tian Lu, stepped forward with arms crossed. He had a serious face, thick brows, and wore a jade green robe.
“Welcome to Jadeweave Pavilion.”
’This must be the store’s guard.’ Hao thought, instinctively straightening his back a little.
The man gave a respectful nod.
“I am Huo Ming, the floor attendant today.”
“Would Young Master like some assistance? I can guide you around if needed.”
Hao paused. ’Young Master?’
Wait a minute. Was he getting the Young Master treatment right now?
The one where the next step was usually slapping someone with a fan and screaming, “Do you know who I am?!”
Back on Earth, he never liked being bothered by salespeople while shopping. But… that was Earth. And if this saved him time, maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea.
“Greetings.”
It came out a little too smoothly.
Hao just copied what his own customers always said when they walked into the store.
“I’m looking for plain robes.”
“Normal-looking ones. Can you show me where those are?”
Huo Ming nodded politely and gestured with one arm.
“This way, Young Master.”
Within moments, they stopped near a neatly arranged display of robes.
Hao’s gaze landed on one simple black robe with dark gray cloud-like patterns trailing along the edges.
It didn’t stand out much, but something about it felt pleasing to the eye.
He reached out, letting his fingers brush the fabric.
“How much for one of these?”
Huo Ming responded immediately.
“That design is twenty silver coins each, Young Master.”
“Though it appears simple, it is crafted from midnight silk – a material known for being light, breathable, and strong.”
“It will not tear easily even under light strain, and is especially comfortable during travel or light combat.”
“It does not offer protection against attacks, but it is popular among traveling cultivators who value practicality.”
Hao gave a small hum of approval and touched the fabric again. It felt smooth, sturdy, and surprisingly cool against his fingertips.
A good balance of comfort and durability.
“I’ll take a few,” he said casually. “Three black, three white… and one red.”
Huo Ming blinked. “The same pattern?”
“Yeah.” Hao gave a nod. “Just different colors. I like to keep it simple.”
“Understood. Please allow me to help you find the right size.”
It didn’t take long. After trying on two robes, Hao found one that fit just right. He stepped out of the fitting area, tugging slightly at the sleeve.
“This one.”
“Very well. I will have the others prepared in the same size.” Huo Ming gave a short bow and turned briskly to handle the task.
A few minutes passed. Hao sat on a nearby bench with Kurome curled beside him and Little Sneak peeking from his sleeve.
Once the robes were neatly folded and stacked in a paper-wrapped bundle, Huo Ming returned.
“That will be 140 silver coins in total, Young Master.”
Hao reached into his pocket. Rather than coins, he casually handed over a single crystal.
Huo Ming’s brows lifted ever so slightly. For a second, he stared.
“…Crystal?” he repeated, almost cautiously.
“Are you certain you wish to pay with this, Young Master?”
Hao gave a brief nod, as if using crystal as payment was completely normal.