Xing Xia’s pupils shrunk, seemingly surprised that Chen Jiuge, a First Level Cultivator, actually had such a terrifying identity.

"Seems like I’ve been worrying too much!"

"At that time, I will also invite Executor Wu Yan to come as a guest; he probably wants to settle this favor quickly too!"

"Boss, your arrangements are really sound!"

According to Xing Xia’s view, the identity of a Fifth Level Citizen is already sufficient, and with Executor Wu Yan backing it up, no one in Mountain City would dare to provoke Chen Jiuge.

Money is endless, but what’s more important than money is connections and power.

It just so happens that the Fifth Level Resonance Point identity and the presence of Wu Yan perfectly showcase these two aspects.

"Hmm, for the time being, I’ll trouble you with the manor; over at the Beast Fighting Arena, have Mad Bear and Leng She keep an eye on it."

"I need to cultivate enough Fierce Beasts to handle what’s coming!"

"Alright!"

Leaving the small courtyard, Xing Xia pondered curiously, "Strange, I’m supposed to be a guard, so why do I feel like I’ve become a steward?"

Shaking off the untimely thoughts from her mind, Xing Xia reflected, "This boss is indeed somewhat different. I really don’t know how he manages to acquire so much wealth, not to mention a Fifth Level Citizen identity, with such low cultivation."

Although Xing Xia is a Fourth Level Spiritual Master in cultivation, her citizen level is only Third Level, and the transition from Third to Fourth Level is a qualitative change, not determined by cultivation.

To be blunt, Fourth Level cultivation may be skillful in Mountain City, but in those big cities, Fourth Level is just the lowest rung.

The Yellow Springs Realm is vast beyond measure, having swallowed up and plundered numerous small worlds over countless years. No one knows how many Great Powers are hidden within.

..........

During the next month, Chen Jiuge exchanged most of his money for Fierce Beasts whose strength was relatively formidable within their same level. Due to environmental constraints, these beasts’ levels weren’t very high, with the strongest being a Fourth Level Fierce Beast.

The two-story building-sized body lay quietly in the dim chamber, its massive form exuding a metallic sheen.

Heavy breathing sounds, coupled with collisions against the hardened stone slab floor, produced crisp clashing noises.

"Fourth Level Fierce Beast Turtle Dragon, it seems this is the best I can do!"

The Turtle Dragon before him is Chen Jiuge’s most powerful creation, and currently the limit of the Chaos Pearl.

"What a pity, the Magic Artifact to control Fierce Beasts from the Other Shore Flower Chamber of Commerce is just too expensive!"

Looking at the Heavenly Eye mark on the back of his hand, Chen Jiuge’s heart twitched. For his own safety, he must quickly cultivate a strong Fierce Beast, because due to insufficient cultivation, he can only rely on external force.

Fortunately, Mountain City is an officially rated city, and the Other Shore Flower Chamber of Commerce here has some resources.

The Fourth Level Beast Control Ring can forcefully control Fourth Level Fierce Beasts, directly maneuvering their life and death, and the effect is quite formidable. However, it’s exorbitantly priced, a full million Life Money.

This single Beast Control Ring is equivalent to more than eight years of hiring a Fourth Level Guard, not to mention the value of the Turtle Dragon itself. But for safety’s sake, these are all necessary.

"Now that I’ve controlled the Turtle Dragon, I should also experience Mountain City’s real big shots!"

The Blood-colored Beast Fighting Arena is the largest underground space in Mountain City, with its main industry being the bloody and violent battles of Fierce Beasts against other beasts and humans. This unrestrained dark industry is beloved by the big shots of Mountain City.

According to unofficial statistics, the annual revenue of the Blood-colored Beast Fighting Arena reaches tens of billions in Life Money.

Such powerful money-making means naturally come with a formidable power, which is Black Star!

The Black Star organization is highly complex; it’s not a single entity. Whether it’s the Other Shore Flower, Three Lives Stone, Naihe Bridge, Ten Halls Yama, or other hidden forces no weaker than these four apparent forces, they’re all mixed together.

The intertwined powers also let Black Star’s strength expand incomparably, at least in the dark, no one can challenge Black Star. Due to the complexity of forces, Black Star is filled with various factional divisions.

Mountain City’s Black Star is subordinate to an organization named Ruishui River. While not matching the Four Great Forces, it’s only slightly lesser.

The next morning

Under Cai’s attentive service, Chen Jiuge donned this world’s unique noble attire.

The round-collared robe made him feel a bit breathless, instinctively tugging at his neck.

The wide sleeves embroidered with exquisite dragon and phoenix cloud patterns and the pure white jade belt around his waist featured strange runes, providing protection against attacks below Fourth Level.

The pair of Black Leather Boots on his feet was crafted from the pelt of a Fourth Level Fierce Beast called Black Dragon, significantly enhancing the wearer’s speed. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

This seemingly traditional Chinese noble robe not only appeared gorgeous but offered substantial practical benefits, increasing the wearer’s survival chances.

"Master, you look great!"

Cai couldn’t help showing a hint of respect and a blush on her face at the sight of the transformed Chen Jiuge.

In Cai’s heart, Chen Jiuge, who saved her and the entire Muse Village, was no different from a deity.

"I’m really not used to this!"

He tugged at the collar again, feeling satisfied but uncomfortable with his reflection in the mirror.

Whether in the Heavenly Realm, True Realm, or Heavenly Gift Realm, Chen Jiuge had never paid attention to his attire. Comfort was key. Unexpectedly, upon arriving in the higher-status, more powerful Yellow Springs Realm, he had to start focusing on these outward forms.

"Alright, time’s up, we can’t keep our guests waiting too long!"

"Yes, Master!"

The usually quiet Dusk Manor at the periphery of Mountain City became lively today.

The guards and attendants, typically timid, stood tall and tried to present their best appearance today.

"A Beast Master capable of cultivating such outstanding Fierce Beasts is actually in Dusk Manor? Is this really not a joke?"

Wu Cong displayed a hint of doubt. As the heir to the old noble Wu Family in Mountain City, Wu Cong was destined to take over the family. In terms of appearance, cultivation talent, and other aspects, he’s the top among the city’s younger generations.

Due to everything being effortlessly obtainable, Wu Cong’s life was rather monotonous. Seeking more excitement, he once visited the Blood-colored Beast Fighting Arena and became captivated.

He’s very interested in the recently popular Xuanhu and Blood Shadow Leopard.

With his guards flanking him, Wu Cong entered the guest hall of Dusk Manor.

"Executor Wu?" Wu Cong was somewhat surprised to see Wu Yan seated at the lower rank.

Wu Cong was no stranger to Wu Yan, the most likely candidate to be promoted to First Level Executor among the Ten Halls Yama. He even knew that there had been rumors of Wu Yan controlling Dusk Manor after an incident thirty years ago. Now, it seemed those rumors might not be false!

"Seems the rumors might not be false!" Wu Cong hinted.

Setting down his teacup, Wu Yan calmly remarked, "It’s a pity, but those rumors are outdated. Dusk Manor is not mine now!"

"Hmm?" Wu Cong paused, puzzled, "With Executor Wu’s status, could it be that Deng Han managed to break free from your control?"

"No, could it be that Beast Master?"

As the successor of Wu Family, Wu Cong certainly wasn’t foolish. He quickly grasped Wu Yan’s implication.

"Even the Young Master of Wu Family is here. It seems our judgment wasn’t off!"

Wu Cong glanced at the newcomers, surprised to find not one person but a group — all familiar faces, regular guests at the Blood-colored Beast Fighting Arena, each here for the Fierce Beasts!

"Cough, cough, I hope I’m not too late!"

Arriving fashionably late, Chen Jiuge coughed lightly.

"Are you that Beast Master?"

"Unless there’s another Beast Master at Dusk Manor, then yes, that would be me!"

"I’m aware of your intentions. Since it’s our first meeting, to avoid any unfriendly situations, I’ve specially invited Executor Wu!"

After speaking, Chen Jiuge paused, then continued, "I am straightforward, so let’s get straight to the point!"

"The Fierce Beasts I’ve cultivated are at the back mountain. Those interested can follow me to take a look!"

Having said this, Chen Jiuge turned decisively towards the back mountain.

"Really, no courtesy at all!"

Wu Cong, somewhat displeased, thought to himself that in Mountain City, nobody dared disrespect him. Just a mere Beast Master, even if he’s the Manor Master of Dusk Manor, what does it matter? He’s far inferior to the Wu Family.