Strongest Scammer: Scamming The World, One Death At A Time
Chapter 246: Checking Out The City

Chapter 246: Checking Out The City

Han Yu noted the disciplined presence of the Mist Eye Sect members but kept his distance, weaving through the city’s other quarters to avoid drawing attention.

From casual conversations at markets and inns, Han Yu gleaned more about the sect’s standing among the local populace. Contrary to his initial assumptions, the Mist Eye Sect wasn’t some wholly malevolent force.

While they were certainly unorthodox—fiercely antagonistic toward Han Yu’s own Twin Leaf Peak Sect—the sect’s relationship with the common people and itinerant cultivators was far more nuanced.

"They keep to themselves mostly," a middle-aged merchant told Han Yu in a quiet corner of a crowded tavern. "Demand loyalty when they call, yes, but otherwise they’re not bothering anyone. Business has been good since they increased their activity in the region."

Another citizen, an older man who sold herbal remedies, nodded in agreement. "They pay well for goods—spirit herbs, minerals, rare items. Some say the sect brings stability. People who respect their rules have little trouble."

Han Yu found this insight both surprising and eye-opening. He had imagined the Mist Eye Sect as a shadowy cabal, bent only on power and conflict, an outright evil to be fought at every turn. Yet here was a faction that, despite their rigid demands for loyalty and discipline, allowed many to live relatively peaceful lives under their watch.

The sect’s control was strict but not tyrannical, and its members were respected as powerful cultivators who kept the region safe from beast attacks and other dangers. The commoners seemed wary, certainly, but not oppressed or miserable.

This complex reality struck Han Yu hard. He reflected on the stories he had heard growing up—the black-and-white tales of sect rivalries where one side was always painted pure and the other corrupt. Now, faced with this firsthand perspective, he realized the world was far more complicated. People and factions rarely fit neatly into the categories of good or evil.

As Han Yu moved from tavern to market, he heard more discussions about the Mist Eye Sect’s recent surge in activity. A group of itinerant cultivators at an inn debated the sect’s increasing influence and how it had brought a boom in trade.

"They’re paying decent prices for goods," one said. "Spirit stones, herbs, weapons—they’ve got gold and spirit stones to burn. That’s helped the city plenty."

"True," another replied. "Their disciples protect the roads better now. Fewer beasts. It’s safer for merchants like us."

Han Yu nodded silently to himself, absorbing the information. This wasn’t a sect bent only on conquest and destruction; they were players in the regional economy and protectors in their own way. They demanded loyalty, yes, and their power was undeniable, but they were not monsters as he had feared.

The revelation filled Han Yu with a mix of respect and caution. Understanding this faction’s complexity would be crucial as he planned his next moves. If he could navigate these shades of gray carefully, perhaps he could gather even more useful information and avoid unnecessary conflict.

For now, though, Han Yu decided to remain patient. He would keep a low profile, continue observing, and prepare for the journey ahead.

The day faded slowly into evening, the city’s lanterns casting a warm glow on the streets as Han Yu returned to his inn. Sitting by the window, he gazed out at the busy city below, his thoughts swirling with new understanding and fresh determination.

This mission was far from simple, but Han Yu felt ready to meet its challenges—aware now that the world was painted not just in black and white, but in countless shades of shadow and light.

The next day, the morning sun had just begun to climb over the rooftops of Wujin City when Han Yu stepped out of the inn, ready to prepare for the journey ahead. His first priority was to stock up on essentials — healing pills, spirit qi restoratives, and any other consumables that might ease his travels through dangerous territories.

With a small pouch of spirit stones jingling softly at his waist — a satisfying mix of the payment from Merchant Kuo and the reserves he had brought from the Twin Leaf Peak Sect — Han Yu headed to the bustling market district.

The first stop was a reputable medicinal herb shop known for carrying a variety of alchemical pills. Shelves were lined with neatly labeled bottles and pouches containing herbs, powders, and elixirs of all kinds.

Han Yu selected a few sets of low-grade healing pills—useful for closing minor wounds and relieving fatigue—and also purchased several spirit qi restoring pills to replenish his cultivation energy during long travels.

The prices were reasonable when considering the fact that it was outside a sect and would usually have higher prices. But given the quantity of spirit stones he bought, the cost was a small fraction of his wealth. Still, Han Yu was mindful not to overspend, saving most of his spirit stones for emergencies.

Next, he moved on to weapon shops and blacksmith stalls. Han Yu’s eyes scanned racks of swords, spears, and glaives. The majority were common or low-grade spirit weapons, made for local cultivators or hunters. A handful were mid-grade, but none bore the craftsmanship or unique markings that would justify their hefty price tags.

Some of the high-end weapons were priced exorbitantly, well beyond their actual combat value, evidently marketed to wealthy nobles or collectors rather than practical fighters.

Han Yu sighed softly. None of these would suit his style, and he wasn’t willing to waste money on flashy but useless blades. He contented himself with some casual window shopping, taking note of weapon styles and smiths’ reputations for future reference.

While wandering deeper into the commercial quarter, Han Yu stumbled upon a large pavilion marked by an intricate jade sign: "Jade Lotus Alchemy Pavilion."

The pavilion was vast, a grand structure with dozens of small shops and stalls inside, selling everything from rare herbs to crafted pills, incense, and alchemical tools. The air was heavy with fragrant scents of medicinal herbs and the faint hum of refined spiritual energy.