Chapter 101: Preparing for Seclusion

“Heh heh, so it’s Lord Naba. My apologies for not recognizing you sooner,” Lan Tian replied calmly and politely, as composed as ever.

“I wonder, Mr. Lan Tian, what brings you to our Qingshan City?” Lord Naba asked softly, his obsequious expression leaving those nearby utterly stunned.

Heavens! Is this really the once-imposing Lord Naba?!

“There’s nothing major. I just happened to feel inspired during my journey and wanted to use your city as a place to break through. Afterward, I’ll pass through here to teleport to Jue Tian Star,” Lan Tian answered honestly.

“Jue Tian Star? So, Mr. Lan Tian, you’re heading to take the Jue Tian Tower trial?” Upon hearing the name, Lord Naba relaxed, everything becoming clear.

It made sense; a young man with such cultivation, willing to spend a fortune on teleportation fees to the Yuanlan Empire, was likely here solely for the Jue Tian Tower trial.

Yet, the backing behind this young man must be enormous. The universe is perilous, and he dares to go alone. What kind of support does he have?

The thought that Lan Tian might be carrying a precious treasure made Lord Naba’s heart burn with desire—but of course, these were just fleeting thoughts quickly suppressed.

Lan Tian had already been identified as a second-class citizen, and his status synchronized with the Virtual Universe Network. At this moment, it was crucial not to scheme against him but rather to protect his safety at all costs. Any mishap here, regardless of involvement, would inevitably bring the wrath of the forces behind him upon Qingshan City, and Lord Naba would bear the blame.

Spending such a huge sum to send a mere youth alone across the universe meant his backers were terrifyingly powerful. Forget Qingshan City, even Lanque Star wouldn’t suffice to bear their fury. As a small city lord, how could he dare to covet Lan Tian?

The wisest course was to foster goodwill, not enmity. Lord Naba made this decision instantly.

This was the advantage of holding Virtual Universe Network citizenship—wherever one went, once detected, their identity was immediately recorded. Anyone who tried to scheme against them would suffer the consequences imposed by their formidable backers. This was the primary reason Bai insisted on applying for citizenship for Lan Tian.

Disguised as someone with a profound background and having travel records synchronized with the Virtual Universe Network, Lan Tian naturally became much safer.

“I have no choice. My family elders have strictly ordered me to take the trial. Whether I want to or not, I must come,” Lan Tian said with a feigned helpless shrug.

***

“Haha, Mr. Lan Tian’s elders surely have your best interests at heart. Though I have no chance at the Jue Tian Tower, everyone knows the mysteries of the foundational battle techniques. If you can ascend to the higher levels, the benefits will be immense!” Lord Naba’s face lit up with admiration. He had started as a small-time figure and only climbed to his position over time. By the time he had amassed enough wealth for star-region teleportation, his cultivation had already surpassed the limits imposed by the Jue Tian Tower.

“Haha, I appreciate your kind words, Lord Naba,” Lan Tian smiled and nodded, acknowledging the goodwill.

Seeing Lan Tian finally smile, Lord Naba was delighted. He hurriedly slapped his forehead and apologized, “Forgive my forgetfulness. Mr. Lan Tian, since you’re here to break through, why not come to my humble abode’s meditation chamber? It would be the perfect place.”

Lan Tian hesitated briefly—not because he didn’t want to go, but because he feared revealing too much if he spoke freely.

“Fool, what’s there to fear? Just act inscrutable and go directly to the meditation chamber. The more fearless you appear, the deeper the Lord will think your background is!” Bai’s voice whispered in his ear, filled with frustrated encouragement.

“Very well, I shall trouble you for a while, Lord Naba,” Lan Tian agreed after hearing Bai’s advice. It made sense—mystery commanded respect. The more enigmatic and imposing one appeared, the more others would esteem them. If you were overly polite or servile, they might not even spare you a glance.

“Haha, rest assured, Mr. Lan Tian, I cannot guarantee elsewhere, but no one in the Lord’s residence dares disturb your breakthrough!” Lord Naba said joyfully once Lan Tian consented.

Amid the awestruck gazes of the gathered crowd, Lan Tian followed Lord Naba swiftly to the grand and imposing Lord’s mansion.

“Haha, someone prepare a feast! Today, I shall drink and celebrate with Mr. Lan Tian!” Lord Naba bellowed upon arrival.

“No need, no need. I appreciate your kindness, but I’m eager to break through. Let’s celebrate after I succeed,” Lan Tian declined with a shake of his head.

After some polite refusals, seeing Lan Tian’s resolve, Lord Naba relented and personally led him to the meditation chamber.

He was satisfied with the gesture; he did not insist on drinking, as he had another motive. The Star Glory level was the first major milestone on the path of cultivation, its outcome determining future potential. He intended to observe before deciding how much favor to extend to Lan Tian.

In the universe, fools were weeded out. No one was truly foolish, and a city lord like Naba certainly wasn’t.

Of course, Lan Tian was oblivious to all this, instead keenly examining the meditation chamber reserved for the city lord.

***

“Mr. Lan Tian, please make do for now. If you need anything, just ask me,” Lord Naba said with a smile.

“Thank you very much, Lord Naba,” Lan Tian nodded with satisfaction and bowed in gratitude. “But please, don’t call me ‘Mr. Lan Tian’ all the time. Just call me by my name.”

“To call you by your name would feel too familiar. Lan Tian, if you don’t mind my humble status, shall we address each other as brothers?” Lord Naba’s face brightened as he probed.

“Haha, then thank you, Brother Naba. I’ll prepare myself now and begin my breakthrough,” Lan Tian responded, playing the part of someone profound without being rude, following Lord Naba’s lead.

“Haha, Brother Lan Tian, proceed with your breakthrough. I won’t disturb you. If you need anything, just have someone summon me,” Lord Naba said with a smiling nod and then left.

“Tsk tsk, Lan Tian, I didn’t expect you to have such a hypocritical side,” Bai teased as soon as Lord Naba was out of earshot.

“...What do you know? That’s not hypocrisy. I think Lord Naba isn’t bad. I’m just trying to make friends,” Lan Tian replied, a hint of exasperation on his face.

“Stop. Whether someone is good or not can’t be judged now. Only when real tests come will you know their true nature,” Bai warned.

“Of course! I’m not stupid!” Lan Tian rolled his eyes and ignored him, heading toward the central cultivation area of the chamber.

PS: Quite frustrating—I don’t know what happened. Just a moment ago, this book had a rating of 9.8 with mostly five-star reviews. Suddenly, it dropped to 5.8 without any one-star ratings or negative comments appearing. Does anyone know why? Please enlighten me...