The man lay there, completely still.
If one wasn't paying close attention, they might not even notice his presence.
This was the boss of Origin Mall?
This was the terrifyingly powerful figure Zhou Hu and the others spoke of?
Zhang Yu had his doubts.
In fact—
He was starting to wonder if Zhou Hu and his group were playing some elaborate prank on him.
"Good morning, Boss."
Zhou Hu and the others greeted respectfully as they approached the shop's entrance.
Silence.
No response.
…Not that they expected one.
Without hesitation, they pulled Zhang Yu inside.
"It looks like the Boss is still asleep," Zhou Hu whispered. "Keep your voice down, don't disturb him."
His tone was completely natural, as if this was a perfectly normal occurrence.
Zhang Yu frowned.
Why does this all feel so… unreliable?
Inside the store, they were met with a familiar sight.
"Good morning, Sister Ziyan!" the group greeted in unison.
For the regulars at Origin Mall, Yao Ziyan was universally referred to as Sister Ziyan—a title that had become customary over time.
"Good morning," Yao Ziyan replied with a gentle nod.
Her gaze shifted to Zhang Yu.
A newcomer.
She didn't need to ask—his presence alongside Zhou Hu and the others made it obvious.
Meanwhile, Zhang Yu was taking in the shop's interior.
Then he saw it.
The countless items on display. The gleaming machines. The other customers immersed in their own activities.
His eyes widened.
His expression changed.
And with his honest, straightforward demeanor, he voiced his thoughts immediately.
"…Brother Zhou, you really weren't lying."
His voice was heavy with shock.
"Hahaha! I told you!" Zhou Hu burst into laughter, clearly satisfied with Zhang Yu's reaction.
After all, he himself had been just as stunned when he first stepped into Origin Mall.
---
Zhang Yu's gaze wandered until it landed on a particular group in the shop.
They seemed completely immersed.
"…There are already so many people here?" Zhang Yu muttered.
"What are they doing?"
"Playing games," someone answered casually.
"…Games?" Zhang Yu blinked, confused. Then, realization struck him.
"Wait—this is the game? The one you said could enhance cultivation and even grant skills?"
Zhou Hu nodded.
Zhang Yu's eyes lit up with excitement.
"I want to try!"
Zhou Hu coughed lightly, regaining Zhang Yu's attention.
"Ahem. Before that, let me give you some advice," he said in a serious tone.
"In Origin Mall, you need a plan before diving in."
"…A plan?"
Zhou Hu nodded.
"First—instant noodles."
Zhang Yu's brows furrowed in confusion. "Instant… noodles?"
"I already told you about them on the way here, remember?" Zhou Hu reminded him.
Zhang Yu quickly nodded.
"Good. If you have enough spirit crystals, I also recommend getting Coke and spicy bars while you're at it."
As soon as he mentioned them—
The five grown men surrounding him swallowed involuntarily.
Their expressions turned strangely wistful, almost longing.
It was as if—
Just hearing the names Coke and instant noodles had awakened a deep craving within them.
---
The truth was—
They missed those flavors.
They missed them a lot.
For them, Origin Mall's delicacies weren't just delicious—
They were life-changing.
The flavors were beyond compare. The effects? Unbelievable.
But there was one problem.
A major problem.
They were too expensive.
Even the cheapest item cost ten spirit crystals.
The most expensive? A hundred thousand.
For mercenaries like them, who earned their spirit crystals by hunting beasts and completing missions,
These prices were a nightmare.
Days had passed since they first discovered Origin Mall, and Zhou Hu could already feel his wallet shrinking at a terrifying speed.
Unlike the wealthy disciples of prestigious academies, they didn't have an endless supply of spirit crystals.
They had to work for every single one.
But lately—
Work had become scarce.
With the ancient ruins set to open soon, the Nine Stars Mountain Range had grown far more dangerous than before.
Ferocious beasts stirred restlessly.
Powerful factions moved in the shadows.
The usual hunting grounds had become death traps overnight.
Which meant—
No hunting. No missions. No income.
And yet—
They kept coming back to Origin Mall.
Because no matter how much they spent,
No matter how poor they became—
They just couldn't stay away.