27 Tailor Shop [1]

As they approached the gate, every female cast lingering glances at Lucas, curious about the handsome young man clad in ordinary robes.

Felicity sensed the unwarranted attention directed at them. Surveying the surroundings, she noticed that while females admired Lucas, males bore envious looks.

Upon realizing the focus on Lucas, Felicity broached the subject as they made their way into the city.

"Lucas, are you not considering a change in your appearance?" Felicity inquired.

Lucas arched his eyebrows, bemused. "Why would I? I doubt there are female cultivators willing to resort to violence just to win the favor of a handsome man," he jested.

Felicity nodded, finding his response reasonable. The matter slipped from her mind, and soon they reached the gate, where vigilant guards questioned them.

"Young man, are you a rogue cultivator?" the guard asked, sensing a formidable cultivation base but unable to discern its specifics.

"Yes," Lucas calmly replied.

Though they could detect a strong cultivation presence, the guards remained oblivious to any substantial disparities. For instance, while a Warrior stage cultivator might sense a Master stage cultivator, profound gaps in strength remained undetectable, leaving them akin to mortal encounters.

The ability to discern a cultivator's prowess often rested on the individual cultivator. If one chose to flaunt their cultivation base without concealing any effort, even in the presence of a significant gap, their elevated cultivation would be apparent.

Conversely, cultivators who opted to cloak their abilities commonly took offense at being underestimated.

The guard, in an unconventional manner that leaned more towards a demand than mere information, suggested, "If you don't mind, can you visit the Raging Temple Sect? They are actively seeking talented cultivators. Perhaps you'd be interested."

Lucas, intrigued, raised his eyebrows. From the moment he arrived in this world, he had heard about sects, something he harbored a desire to explore in the future. With the changes in his cultivation and the significant increase in power, he considered the possibility of indulging in some leisure, especially since it would be a decade before he ascended with Felicity. Moreover, Felicity held the belief that she could propel Lucas to the Emperor Spirit Realm within the next ten years.

"Hm... Let me consider it. After all, I am a rogue cultivator for a reason," Lucas replied, causing the guard to twitch his eyebrows, sensing a potential rejection.

"You..." The guard regarded him with disdain. However, when he felt the intense gaze from the lady behind Lucas, he sighed and extended his palm.

"Never mind. Just pay the toll; it's one gold coin."

Lucas retrieved a gold coin from his pouch and handed it to the guard, who, after receiving it, waved them through. As Lucas and Felicity vanished from his sight, the guard breathed a sigh of relief.

Puzzled, he muttered to himself, "What was that? Why did I feel like the young lady behind him was devouring me with her gaze? Are rogue cultivators usually this audacious?" He shook his head, returning to his duties.

Upon entering the city, Lucas and Felicity were met with a plethora of business establishments. Numerous towering structures and small business stalls dotted the cityscape, confirming Felicity's assertion that Morning Sun City was renowned for trade.

"Morning Sun City, huh..." Lucas murmured, noting its similarity to trading cities in his previous world. Such cities, he reflected, were integral to the world's economy, providing opportunities and a bustling hub for commerce.

Nevertheless, Lucas hadn't embarked on this journey solely to explore the city. Their primary goal was to sell what others deemed as 'trash' and acquire valuable methods or techniques to enhance his cultivation.

First on the agenda was procuring new clothes for safety reasons. Lucas observed the prevailing discrimination against those donning average attire. The lack of affluence meant a lack of privileges, and entering establishments with his current wardrobe would undoubtedly invite disrespect.

For Lucas, blending into society was a prudent choice to avoid unnecessary trouble.

"Let's go find a tailor shop. We should change our clothes first," Lucas suggested to Felicity.

She nodded and followed Lucas in their search for a tailor shop.

Upon locating one, Lucas promptly entered the above-average establishment. The interior, while not adorned for extravagance, featured an array of clothes and robes neatly arranged on hangers.

Lucas, puzzled by the apparent absence of the shopkeeper, mumbled, "Where's the shopkeeper?" Eventually, he spotted a man dozing off during his nap.

"Excuse me. I'm here to buy some garments," Lucas announced, rapping on the desk to awaken the shopkeeper.

The shopkeeper groaned softly before slowly opening his eyes. He lifted his head and glanced at the person who had disturbed his nap. Upon seeing the handsome young man, the shopkeeper raised his eyebrows, eyes flickering with interest. He then examined Lucas's current attire and grinned.

"Young boy! How do you feel about being my model?" the shopkeeper asked, adopting a playful tone.

Observing the shopkeeper's swaying movements, Lucas immediately deduced, 'He isn't straightforward.'

"I'm sorry, but I don't have time for modeling," Lucas promptly declined.

"Oh... don't be like that~ How about I offer a special payment?" the shopkeeper suggested, maintaining his playful tone.

"Special payment?" Lucas raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, just a regular modeling gig. No ulterior motive, I assure you. I simply admire your beauty," the shopkeeper explained.

Hearing the shopkeeper's words, Felicity visibly raised her eyebrow. The shopkeeper's choice of words and tone seemed to unsettle her, and a quick glance at Lucas revealed his disinterest in the offered proposition.

Contrary to Felicity's expectations, Lucas showed an unexpected interest in the offer.

"I will have you take three of my special products," the shopkeeper declared.

"Hm?" Lucas paused momentarily, casting his eyes around to assess the surroundings.

"Not to be offensive, but what can your average shop offer in terms of special products? I don't see any," he remarked.

The shopkeeper scoffed before abandoning the desk, parting the curtains behind him.

"You see, I'm not just a shopkeeper; I'm the owner. And this shop? Believe it or not, it's not an average shop. Below the surface, wealth is raging," he declared in a mysterious tone, smiling before inviting Lucas to follow him.

"Come inside. I will let you witness the special products I mentioned."