Just as Zhao Rui was kicking himself for not copying the Advancement Points of the director from the Thirteen Martial Arts Halls in time, two young men ran over in a panic.

Upon seeing Zhao Rui, they hurriedly asked, "Is your director here?"

"You’re looking at him."

Zhao Rui glanced at them and replied casually.

"You are?"

The two exchanged a glance, quickly took out a brocade box, and handed it to Zhao Rui. "Our master is Nie Sheng," one said. "He told us that the item in this box is extremely important. If you can ensure his safety, he’s willing to give it to you."

"What is it?"

Zhao Rui asked curiously.

"We don’t know either. Our master told us to tell you that the person from last time is back."

One of the young men glanced around nervously before quickly adding on.

Zhao Rui was slightly taken aback.

The young man continued, "This item is extremely beneficial for Martial Artists. It’s more than enough compensation for your help."

"We can’t stay long. Our master said there are thirteen of these in total, and that’s what the pursuer is after."

After saying their piece, the two young men bowed and turned to leave.

"Wait a second!"

Zhao Rui weighed the box in his hand. Without even opening it, he called out to them and stuffed it back into their hands.

’What treasure?’

’Like I care what kind of treasure it is.’

’However precious it is, could it possibly be more valuable than the system in my head?’

’That old fox is trying to set me up.’

’And to think I saved them twice, only for them to try and dump their troubles on me.’

Zhao Rui said coldly, "Please inform your director that his gift is too valuable for me to accept. I’m afraid I’ll have to decline. Take it back!"

"Director..."

The two tried to say more.

But then they saw Zhao Rui flick his right hand upward. A surge of Force erupted, sending them flying several yards away before they landed steadily on their feet.

The two were both shocked and terrified, realizing this man was even more powerful than their master.

They didn’t dare say another word, scrambling to their feet and hurrying away.

Zhao Rui watched them go, unable to stop himself from shaking his head.

He had only helped them twice before because he happened to be there at the time, and he didn’t want to be framed for murder.

Afterward, they never told him the full story. Not that he was interested, of course.

But telling him and not telling him were two different things. By staying silent, they had at least shown they didn’t want him involved.

’And now they wanted to use a small piece of some so-called treasure to drag me into their mess.’

’They really think they can have it all, don’t they?’

Zhao Rui let out a cold laugh. He casually picked up the teapot from the table, poured a cup of water, and began to drink it slowly.

The winter chill was like ice, seeping deep into bone and marrow.

Dressed in only a single layer of clothing, Zhao Rui leisurely watched the last rays of the setting sun fade from the sky as a new moon slowly rose above the corner of the roof.

Under the faint glow of the Martial Arts Hall’s sign, Miao Miaomiao was ladling a bowl of chicken soup from a large thermos. She then used chopsticks to add a generous pile of chicken from another insulated container.

"Go easy on the salt," Miao Miaomiao said. "My mom said she already added plenty."

"It’s fine. Your mom’s soup is delicious even without any salt."

"My mom’s not around, you don’t have to be so fake."

"But I’m telling the truth, of course."

Zhao Rui sat up a little straighter and took the bowl of chicken soup. He scooped up a spoonful and drank it with a SLURP.

"Delicious!"

Hearing Zhao Rui’s praise, Miao Miaomiao couldn’t help but break into a happy smile.

"Someone’s coming. You should step inside."

Zhao Rui’s brow suddenly furrowed as he called out to Miao Miaomiao.

Miao Miaomiao took the hint immediately, disappearing inside the Martial Arts Dojo in a flash.

Miao Miaomiao’s talent for the Martial Arts was exceptional. She had always been considered at the Celestial Pride Level, and now that she was practicing the complete version of the Six Yi Charm Immortal Technique, her strength had long since advanced by leaps and bounds.

She was now just a single step away from the Tenth Level of the True Transformation Realm.

But even so, she knew that any person or matter that prompted such a serious warning from Zhao Rui was something she absolutely could not get involved in.

’The mark of a good woman is not causing her man any trouble.’

Outside, just a moment later, a disheveled figure came scrambling toward them.

"Brother Zhao, help me!"

The man’s face lit up with joy the moment he saw Zhao Rui from a distance, and he stumbled the rest of the way.

He immediately dropped to his knees, about to kowtow.

Zhao Rui raised his hands to stop the man’s motion, simultaneously sidestepping him. "Director Nie, that’s going too far," he said. "I can’t save you. Please find someone more capable."

"No, no, you can save me! I’ll give you the items, all of them!"

Nie Sheng frantically pulled twelve small brocade boxes from his pockets, each about the size of a ring box.

"I’m not interested in these."

Zhao Rui turned his head away. ’You were planning to set me up. If my Martial Arts were any weaker, I’d be dead because of your scheme.’

"I was a fool, a fool! I shouldn’t have been so deceitful. But Brother Zhao—no, Brother Zhao, the things in here..."

Just as Nie Sheng was about to speak, a black light shot toward his throat with a WHIZZ.

Nie Sheng frantically rolled aside to dodge it, then madly scrambled to gather the boxes on the ground into his arms.

At the same time, a figure in black with a covered face appeared like a phantom at the corner of the stairwell.

"Hand over the items, and I’ll spare your lives!"

The newcomer’s voice was hoarse and sinister, clearly disguised.

"You people must not get your asses kicked very often, the way you always talk so arrogantly," Zhao Rui said with a frown.

"You’re courting death!"

The newcomer stared coldly at Zhao Rui, faint black True Qi swirling around his hand.

"I don’t have the items, and I don’t want to get involved. Go fight somewhere else. Don’t dirty up my Martial Arts Hall."

Zhao Rui shot them both a look, his gaze as cold as the deepest winter frost.

Hearing this, Nie Sheng shuddered and said in a trembling voice, "You can’t just watch me die! Only I know the secret of these items. That single one you were offered is useless on its own!"

"I already had your disciples take it back. I don’t give a damn about your so-called items!"