novelraw Chapter 1 – In the Cultivation World, I, Emperor Qin Yu, have arrived
Chapter 1 – In the Cultivation World, I, Emperor Qin Yu, have arrived
Morning!
The bright sunlight pierced through the morning mist, illuminating the quiet little courtyard.
Qin Yu got out of bed and stretched lazily.
"What a beautiful day! Once I pass the test and join the sect, the cultivation world will have a new rising star, oh ho ho ho ho..."
Today was the Xuantian Sect's annual recruitment day for new disciples, something Qin Yu had been waiting for over a year.
After getting dressed and packing his belongings, Qin Yu grabbed a bag of freshly fried stinky tofu and stepped out the door.
A year ago!
Qin Yu was still on Blue Star playing games. After suffering thirty consecutive losses, he suddenly felt a surge of blood, and everything went black.
When he woke up again, he had transmigrated into this young man's body.
Most of the original owner's memories were lost, with only vague recollections of "cultivation," "sect selection," "bandits," and "severe injuries"...
At first, Qin Yu thought the original owner had gone crazy from reading too many novels, but after some inquiries, he could only mutter, "Damn!"
He had really transmigrated to a world where cultivation was possible.
It took Qin Yu just a second to make cultivation his primary goal.
What man could resist the allure of flying and escaping, of sword flight?
Most importantly, Qin Yu wanted to become an immortal and return to Blue Star to have a good chat with the game designers.
At that time, the Xuantian Sect was recruiting new disciples, and Qin Yu rushed there, only to find out the recruitment had ended.
So, Qin Yu rented a small house in the town.
He made a living by using his ancestral skills to make stinky tofu for daily expenses.
***
Qin Yu walked down the busiest street in town with his backpack.
Due to the Xuantian Sect's selection, the town was filled with many unfamiliar faces.
The breakfast shops were bustling with business, creating a lively atmosphere.
Qin Yu skillfully made his way to a stall.
Seeing the busy shop owner, a line of text appeared before his eyes.
[No Deal Without Guile (Grade D)]: A natural small-time merchant, able to easily earn excess profits with a bit of cleverness, becoming a notorious shop owner in the area. (Can be copied)
Qin Yu was already used to this.
After transmigrating, he had bound with a system, granting him the ability to see others' talents.
Moreover, he had one opportunity to copy a "Grade D" talent.
Not everyone had talents; only about one in a thousand people did!
And Qin Yu believed the system's detection function wasn't always accurate.
For example, the shop owner before him offered fair prices and never shortchanged anyone.
She was always kind to Qin Yu, even giving him food when he first arrived in town without money.
How could such a kind person be a notorious shop owner?
The system was just spouting nonsense.
"Auntie Pang, one meat bun, and a bowl of tofu pudding!" Qin Yu said with a smile.
"Alright, that'll be 200 copper coins, sir. Please have a seat inside!"
'Damn, that's steep!'
Qin Yu's smile froze. He wondered if he had misheard; these usually only cost two copper coins.
Auntie Pang looked up and, seeing it was Qin Yu, pulled him aside and whispered: "Why haven't you set up your stall yet?
Today, a lot of wealthy folks have come to town. Seize the chance to make a killing.
Even though not many dare to eat your stinky tofu, there are always some curious outsiders willing to try.
Even if they don't eat it, you can suggest they buy some to take home for their dogs. Just say the Xuantian Sect's spirit dogs love it and that it can increase their cultivation. Say whatever sounds good; trick as many as you can."
Qin Yu was speechless. 'For dogs? This is my family's ancestral recipe.'
Auntie Pang added, "Today, raise the town's prices for outsiders by 100 times... even 1000 times if you can. These rich folks have plenty of money. How comfortable next year will be depends on these few days."
"Don't just stand there, go set up your stall!" Auntie Pang urged.
Qin Yu's smile froze, feeling like he'd been slapped in the face.
'The system sure knows people well!'
'No Deal Without Guile, truly terrifying!'
At that moment, Qin Yu finally understood!
Why there were so few customers in town usually, but every shop owner was well-fed and wealthy.
They were all counting on these few days!
Qin Yu scratched his head. "Auntie Pang, I'm going to try my luck at the Xuantian Sect today, so I won't be setting up my stall."
Auntie Pang slapped her forehead, "Oh, silly me, I forgot you came to town for the selection! Today's meal is on me, wishing you success!"
"Thank you, Auntie Pang!"
Auntie Pang skillfully served a bowl of tofu pudding and handed Qin Yu two meat buns, muttering to herself. "What a pity, the town will have one less cunning merchant today!"
Qin Yu: "......."
Qin Yu sat at a small table with his meal.
He took a sip of the salty and spicy tofu pudding, followed by a bite of the fragrant meat bun.
Suddenly, Qin Yu had a bright idea!
"Auntie Pang, I just thought of something!" Qin Yu leaned over to Auntie Pang and said slyly, "Tomorrow, besides making salty tofu pudding, make a pot of sweet tofu pudding too."
"Sweet tofu pudding? What kind of heresy is that? Who would eat sweet tofu pudding?" Auntie Pang said dismissively.
"Precisely because no one eats it, you can make extra money!
Listen, when customers come, unless they specifically ask, serve them sweet tofu pudding!
When they taste it, they won't be able to handle it. But who eats meat buns without tofu pudding? They won't mind spending more, so they'll order a salty one too, and you'll earn double!"
Auntie Pang's eyes lit up.
"You young folks sure have clever minds. Wait here, I'll go get some sugar."
Qin Yu returned to his table, feeling immensely satisfied.
'Consider it a thank you for Auntie Pang's care over the past year!'
After eating his fill, Qin Yu shouldered his backpack and looked into the distance.
"Cultivation world, here comes Qin Yu the Great!"
Proofreader & Editor: Peter Pan