Fang Mo's warm smile did nothing to calm Ren Xiuying. On the contrary, it looked more like a demon's grin than a person's smile.
"I-I understand, Young Lord. In that case, let Xiuying'er accompany you," she said, pushing aside the fear she had briefly felt. She stood up. "I'll call the coachman."
Fang Mo shook his head. "No need. It's not far, and I could use a walk. We can enjoy the scenery as we head to our destination." He didn't wait for Ren Xiuying's response and immediately left. Whether she followed him or not, it wouldn't change the outcome.
The more people involved, the more troublesome this may turn out to be, he thought.
Ren Xiuying hesitated for a moment but eventually followed. She considered the ring hers and had to make sure Fang Ye didn't sell it. She could only pray he would die faster.
***
After a twenty-minute walk, Ren Xiuying was getting annoyed. "Young Lord, didn't you say it wasn't far? Where is this place you want to go?"
Fang Mo didn't answer and simply continued walking. Eventually, the bustling, wide streets began to thin, and the beautifully adorned shops were replaced by small vendors and shady figures lurking about.
A few pickpockets, drawn by his fine clothing, 'accidentally' bumped into Fang Mo, only to leave disappointed after finding not a single penny on him.He made sure to hold his mother's ring tightly, so no one could take it from his hand without him noticing.
"Y-Young Lord, let's go back. This place is really dangerous," Ren Xiuying said, realizing they had left the wealthier part of Baoxiang City and entered the outskirts. For a pampered and beautiful servant like her, this area truly was dangerous.
Who knew when a human trafficker might appear to snatch her away? Women with jade-like skin were always in high demand.
A smug smile formed on Fang Mo's lips as he glanced over his shoulder. "If you want to go back, then go. No one's forcing you to stay."
Ren Xiuying clenched her jaw and followed in silence. She could only curse inwardly as she trailed behind Fang Mo. After a few more minutes of walking, they arrived at what looked like a bar. The two stood at its entrance for a moment before she finally spoke.
"Young Lord, what are we doing here?"
"I need to talk to someone. Wait outside. Pretty girls like you shouldn't be around drunkards. Who knows what they might do to you?" he said with a dangerously charming smile.
She trembled and quickly nodded in response. Fang Mo's fake smile faded as he stepped through the bar's entrance.
According to the memories stored in his predecessor's mind, the bar was just a front. The real business here was gambling and human trafficking.
If Ren Xiuying hadn't followed him, he wouldn't have come here. But since she had, Fang Mo didn't plan on being polite; he wouldn't waste such a golden opportunity to make easy money.
"Did you hear about the escalating conflict between Wei Zhou State and Cheng Hou State? I heard that nearly a thousand people are dying every day. I'm afraid we'll soon be conscripted to fight in this war," a drunkard sitting at a table of four said, drawing Fang Mo's attention.
"Hmph," a companion next to the drunkard snorted. "No way I'm fighting. I'd rather run and be labeled a deserter. Those pompous nobles don't care about us. Why should I fight for them over some piece of land?"
"You're right!" the drunkard replied, slamming his hand hard on the wooden table. "I wish I had talent for cultivation. I'd be flying across the sky, doing whatever I wanted. No noble would dare order me around!"
"I heard Qinghe City has a place to test spiritual roots. Why don't we go there and give it a shot?"
The drunkard quickly shook his head. "You think it's that easy? Most people only have mortal roots and can't cultivate. Just having your spiritual roots tested costs a hundred gold coins. I don't have that kind of money to waste on a useless dream."
Fang Mo's interest was immediately piqued; his eyes gleamed. Cultivation!
He hadn't realized immortality cultivation was something in this world. Though he had Fang Ye's memories, and the man had heard of it to some extent, he hadn't been interested, so the information had been buried in the back of his mind.
But now, Fang Mo couldn't help but dig deeper into Fang Ye's memories. In this world, those with spiritual roots could absorb spiritual energy and grow stronger, even extending their lifespans as their power increased.
A determined expression formed on Fang Mo's face. Not only could he potentially live forever, but he could become powerful enough to never bow his head to anyone. If he became a cultivator, would he have any trouble earning money or dealing with his uncle, who wanted him dead? Certainly not.
Only with strength could one take control of their own fate. For now, Fang Mo pushed the thought to the back of his mind. First, he needed to cure the poison in his body. After that, he could think about heading to the state capital, Qinghe City, to have his spiritual roots tested.
Fang Mo walked across the bar until he stopped in front of the counter. Because of his attire, his presence drew the attention of many people. The bartender instantly smiled when he saw Fang Mo.
"Ah, if it isn't Young Lord Fang Ye. Have you come for the usual?"
A trace of disgust flashed across Fang Mo's face, but he quickly hid it. Idiot Fang had come here often, wasting his father's money on gambling. If he hadn't been that kind of person, would he be in this situation now?
Fang Mo smiled darkly before replying, "I came to sell something. I wonder if Brother Huan is interested in buying a very beautiful servant of mine?"
Brother Huan was taken aback by Fang Mo's words. He hadn't expected him to be so desperate for money that he'd resort to selling his servants. But this news quickly elated him; he could barely contain the smile forming on his face.
The servants from the lord's mansion were indeed of high quality and would certainly fetch a good price.
"Young Lord, may I see the servant first?"
Fang Mo smiled. "Just look behind me. She's right outside."
Brother Huan turned toward the entrance of the bar, which remained open during the day. His pupils shrank when he saw Ren Xiuying. He couldn't believe Idiot Fang was willing to sell such a beautiful servant.
Though he wanted to scream with joy, years of experience as a businessman allowed him to keep a calm expression.
With a deadpan tone, Brother Huan said, "Young Lord, I can offer you twenty gold coins for her."
Fang Mo sneered. He was sure a woman like Ren Xiuying could easily be sold to nobles or wealthy merchants for a high price. Twenty gold coins wouldn't even be a tenth of what Brother Huan could make from her.
A gold coin was equivalent to a hundred silver coins, and a silver coin equaled a hundred copper coins. One gold coin could sustain a family of four for two months without trouble.
Instead of answering, Fang Mo turned around and walked toward the exit. Brother Huan panicked. It would be a pity to lose such a good deal.
"Wait, Young Lord! Two hundred. That's the best I can offer."
Fang Mo walked back and raised three fingers. "Three hundred. If you don't want it, there are plenty of other places I can sell her. I'm sure I'll find a buyer."
Brother Huan sighed. He hadn't expected Idiot Fang to know how to bargain. He was clearly getting rusty. Maybe it was time to retire.
"Alright, Young Lord. Three hundred gold coins it is."
Fang Mo nodded. "Give me the money first. I'll bring her to the alley beside the bar, and you can take her there."
Brother Huan nodded and handed him a small leather pouch containing one hundred and fifty gold coins. He didn't believe Fang Mo would cheat him, but there was no reason to pay the full amount upfront.
"I'll give you the other half after I receive the merchandise."
Fang Mo opened the pouch just enough to peek inside before securing it in his robe. Then, he turned and left the bar.
"Young Lord, are you done?" Ren Xiuying asked anxiously. She had a bad feeling about staying there and wanted to leave as soon as possible.
"Yes," Fang Mo said, giving her a reassuring smile. "I just need to give something to a friend, then I can head back."
Doubt flickered across Ren Xiuying's face. "What do you mean, Young Lord?"
"Just follow me. It'll be quick," Fang Mo said, walking toward the alley next to the bar.
Maybe because of fear or anxiety, Ren Xiuying followed without thinking, unaware that she was walking straight into a trap.