"You’d never guess what happened," Shang Xinlei said while eating a shrimp dumpling, a smile plastered on her face. Yan Qing was worried she might spit it out: "You know about Xiaoyu, right? My friend of Jiang Shi’s, my father actually took her in as an adopted daughter, cleared her of her innocence, and even borrowed the Legendary Token from her on behalf of the Shang Family—treating her just like his own children."

"And also, he sent over the rewards from Mansu Forest Land. Xiaoyu got the Third-Turn Token and a Storage Ring, while I received a Fist and Palm Secret Technique Manual, which suits my third brother perfectly. But the value of the Secret Technique Book is greater than Xiaoyu’s combined rewards. Could it be that he skimmed off his gains and swapped Xiaoyu’s reward? It’s possible he exchanged my reward for a better Secret Technique Book... What do you think?"

"The Mouse Monk left early this morning. Was that your doing? At least let him stay at the Shang Family for a few more days before leaving. My family was all moved by his fearless act of protecting my father; almost everyone went to thank him personally. Maybe you should let him know to come back, I’m sure he can gain quite a few benefits."

Yan Qing sighed deeply to the heavens, I was wrong, I actually don’t want friends. Dear heavens, please return them.

Last night, Shang Xinlei said she would bring some snacks to share with him, and Yan Qing half-reluctantly agreed, as he indeed had a craving. Over at Jiang Shiyi Si’s side, it was all camp food, veteran barbecue, heavy on oil, salt, and carbs. Though delicious, after eating too much, Yan Qing craved something light and delicate, and Jiangnan’s snacks were perfect for that.

He just didn’t expect Shang Xinlei to have so much to say, having not stopped since they started, chattering away like a hundred magpies at his ear. Yan Qing finally understood why Shang Xuanwen longed for a quiet dinner with his family—peace and quiet truly are important!

"Do you think the Liang Royal Family has discovered we’re the Immortals behind the Trading Board?" Shang Xinlei sipped some Tieguanyin tea and suddenly changed the topic with a hint of worry, "Though I haven’t heard any palace news yet..."

"They definitely have," Yan Qing said. "All the items I traded were Open Gate Keys, plus we looted so much stuff in there, they’d figure it out the moment they walked in. But don’t worry, even if they know it’s me, it doesn’t matter. They won’t tell anyone, nor can they find me."

He had pondered for so long at the Secret Vault’s entrance not just to tease Shang Xinlei, but more to think about the impact of trading Open Gate Keys with the Treasure Hunting Order, and his conclusion was: exposure is inevitable, but the consequences are completely manageable.

Although the Liang Royal Family knows the mastermind is a thief, they won’t make it public, because saying it would expose the keys to their Secret Vault. The design of the Royal Secret Vault only works on those unaware; once an intruder is well-prepared, the Royal Secret Vault becomes a defenseless public restroom.

More importantly, although they know the mastermind behind the Trading Board is a thief, they still don’t know who the thief is!

Even if, a thousand steps back, the Liang Royal Family exposed this information, Yan Qing wouldn’t be afraid since he’s not active outside. The only risk is Black Wolf and White Fox deducing Yan Qing is the Trading Board Immortal through this news, but Yan Qing now isn’t afraid of them. Even if they make a move, Yan Qing can use the Return Order to make an escape.

In plain terms, Yan Qing never fantasized about hiding the identity of the Trading Board Immortal forever; if he really wanted to hide, he wouldn’t be selling goods on the Trading Board. He just habitually hides, preferring not to draw attention, but wouldn’t be afraid if he were truly exposed.

I stole your Secret Vault, what can you do? 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

I’m selling things on the Trading Board without paying taxes, what can you do?

If you’ve got the guts, come and beat me up at the Thief’s House!

Deep down, Yan Qing was even a bit hopeful that the Liang Royal Family would leak the information so that he could openly offload his spoils in the future. Imagine it: I ambushed your people, put your Tokens on the Trading Board for everyone to trade, and you could only either spend money to buy it back or watch helplessly as someone else did, unable even to stop the transaction or find a target for revenge... It’s like killing someone and still striking at their heart.

Sadly, the Liang Royal Family probably won’t be that reckless; they have vast resources, unlike Yan Qing, who is destitute with nothing to lose.

They say there are two types of players in online games: the secretive type who hides any opportunity to shine, afraid of being discovered; and the flashy type who loves being in the limelight, wishing even their farts could be announced server-wide. Yan Qing was somewhere in between these extremes—normally refusing to stand out, but when it’s time to shock the entire server, he would begrudgingly accept.

"However, don’t go wandering around Jiangnan City at night lately." Yan Qing advised, "The Liang Royal Family is certainly loose on the outside but tight on the inside now. If you’re caught, they will definitely suspect you as a member of Thief’s House. At that time, even your father might not be able to save you."

"I~ know~," Shang Xinlei pouted, "Just like my brother, always nagging..."

Yan Qing’s forehead vein was about to pop. Damn it, I didn’t complain when you were chattering endlessly, but one piece of advice from me and you’re annoyed? Kindness mistaken for a donkey’s liver and lungs!

He stopped talking and ate a glutinous rice chicken ferociously.

Shang Xinlei talked about things concerning the Shang Family for a while, noticing that Yan Qing kept his head down eating, not even sparing her a glance. She blinked and stopped talking, quietly eating snacks.

After a while without hearing Shang Xinlei speak, Yan Qing wondered if she wasn’t a chatterbox? Why did she suddenly go silent? But typically, no one would warm up to someone ignoring them, and it was only natural that she’d back off. At least she’s an acquaintance, can’t be too cold to her, and through her, he could still learn a lot...

Thinking this, Yan Qing decided to find a topic to ease the mood, but when he turned his head, he saw Shang Xinlei staring at him with wide eyes.

"You lose!" She seized the chance to declare her victory triumphantly: "You looked over, so I won!"

Yan Qing was momentarily stunned, feeling both annoyed and amused, and replied coolly, "Childish. I was just turning around to grab a shrimp dumpling."

"Ha, explanations are just excuses, losing means losing!" Shang Xinlei laughed and pushed the plate of seaweed rolls over: "Try this, it’s delicious."

Yan Qing tried a seaweed roll. It seemed to have pork, fish paste, and crab meat inside, and it was indeed fragrant and delicious.

"Not bad," he commented.

Shang Xinlei cut him off.

After this little episode, though it was still Shang Xinlei speaking and Yan Qing listening, both of them visibly relaxed a lot.

"Speaking of which, don’t you ever eat without disguise? Even in a safe place like the Thief’s House, you still cover your face. Are you really that ugly?" Shang Xinlei complained.

It’s obviously impossible to eat while wearing a mask; he’s not Hatake Kakashi after all, who can eat super fast. But Yan Qing was well prepared, wrapping his face in bandages like he did back in Chang’an, leaving only his eyes, nose, and mouth exposed, looking just like Shishio Makoto.

Faced with provocation, Yan Qing still didn’t react. Shang Xinlei poked his elbow with a finger, "Let me see, just once, just one look, okay?"

"No."

"How many meals do I have to eat with you before you’ll take it off? Five meals? Ten meals?"

Yan Qing felt it was strange, but he had to admit that coming from a prestigious family, Shang Xinlei had a way of speaking that sounded like forcing an honest person into being a prostitute.

"I won’t come out even if you knock on my door tomorrow."

"Really? I’ve reserved the Six-Flavors Supreme Spicy Tofu from Dongjiang Building for tomorrow. They only sell three portions a day. Aren’t you interested?"

Yan Qing paused, suddenly feeling that the Mouse Monk had left Jiangnan City too early. If the Mouse Monk were still around, he wouldn’t need to wait for Shang Xinlei to treat him to a meal.

"By the way, I gave you the Red Furnace Fire Essence last night. Isn’t it reasonable to ask to see your true face?"

"Didn’t you say it was to repay the life-saving grace you owed?"

"I changed my mind. The life-saving grace can be repaid later. I want to trade the Red Furnace Fire Essence for you to remove the bandages on your face."

"The life-saving grace can be repaid later, but not this."

"Why not?" She lay on the table, pouting, "Even if you look ugly, I won’t laugh. There are many tokens that can change one’s appearance in this world. Trust me, you can be a handsome man too!"

"Say whatever you want." Yan Qing responded indifferently, "I’m not afraid to reveal my true face; I just don’t think it’s necessary. One more secret means one more layer of safety."

As long as no one saw his face, he could disappear smoothly even if he ever left the Thief’s House, and no one could trace him down as a person who never showed his face.

"So, when you hang out with Jiang Shi and the others, do you also keep your face covered?"

This question was rather difficult to answer... Yan Qing thought for a moment and gave a truthful response: "They have never seen my face."

Shang Xinlei found it hard to believe, "Even Jiang Shi and the others haven’t seen it, isn’t there anyone in this world who has seen the real you?"

Yan Qing blinked, locking eyes with Shang Xinlei.

There was no better answer than silence.

Shang Xinlei restrained her expression. Originally, she was just joking, but Yan Qing’s serious response made her unable to laugh.

"Isn’t it exhausting to live like this?"

Yan Qing shook his head, "Compared to Jiang Shi and the Mouse Monk, it’s not tiring."

"I think Jiang Shi and the Mouse Monk live much more easily than you." Shang Xinlei said softly, "They have very specific goals; they act without hesitation as if walking on a straight path without any forks... so I once thought you were that kind of person, like a villain in a storybook trying to conquer the world, with a clear plan, strong execution, and unwavering determination."

Yan Qing blinked, feeling inexplicably happy. This kind of person, you might not get any reaction if you compliment him, but if you praise him for playing games well, he’ll definitely be overjoyed.

"But sometimes I feel like you’re actually confused," Shang Xinlei continued, "Even though you move forward cautiously and are always prepared for any difficulty... it doesn’t seem like you’re pursuing something, but rather being pursued by something."

"Why did you come to the Thief’s House? What are you trying to achieve here?"