Treasurer Meng had a nickname that everyone inHigh Heaven Pavilioncalled him—Bully Meng. Despite holding thetreasurerposition, he wasnotorious for extorting contribution pointsfrom disciples.

Take theblood clotting cream, for example. Normally,two bottles cost twenty contribution points, but Mengsold three bottles for the price of four—and worse, hesplit the contents of two bottles into three.

"His reasoning?

Simple:"Buy it or scram!"

Of course, Meng wasn'tstupid enough to rob everyone blind.Heonly targeted the rich disciples, the ones whohad no choice but to buy from him.

As forpoor, struggling discipleslike Yang Kai?Meng didn't even bother.

Still,contribution points were hard-earned, and many disciples hadreported him to the sect councilin frustration. But Meng was like agreasy loach, impossible to catch.The council needed him, and no one else could take over his role.

Thus,every disciple despised him—except one.

The One Exception: Yang Kai

Meng wasruthless to everyone, buthe never dared to cross Yang Kai.

Why?

Because once, Meng had beencaught red-handedpeeking atfemale disciples bathing.

What a scandal!

Yang Kai hadwitnessed it all, and ever since then,Meng lowered his head whenever he saw him.

The lecherous old man, thick-skinned as ever quickly adjusted his attitude and said: "Same as always?"

Yang Kai shook his head."No. How many contribution points do I have now?"

Mengrolled his eyes, already flipping through the records.

"Twelve. What, you want to exchange them for a bottle of blood clotting cream?"

Yang Kai tapped the counter thoughtfully."Twelve points… that's 120 silver if I cash out, right?"

Mengfroze for a moment, thennarrowed his eyes.

"You're thinking of cashing out? You idiot, what can you even buy with that?"

Yang Kai leaned in slightly."Oh? Afraid I might spend it on something better than your overpriced stock?"

Mengclicked his tongue, then suddenlylowered his voice.

"Little Yang Kai, don't tell me…weren't you're trying to save up for the Tempered Essence Pellet?"

Yang Kai's fingerstapped against the wooden counter rhythmically.

He hadone thing in mind.

Gambling.

The Idea of Gambling

For the first time since arriving in this world,Yang Kai considered it.

Withhis Earthly knowledge, he knew howodds worked.

If there wasa gambling denin Black Plum Village, he couldturn 120 silver into 1,200.

If he wassmart and cautious, he couldmultiply his money rapidly.

Of course,the risk was high.

Was it worth it?

Seeing Yang Kailost in thought, Meng'sbrows furrowed.

"What are you scheming now?"

Yang Kaisnapped out of his thoughts and shrugged."Nothing important."

Mengwasn't convinced.

His expressionturned slightly serious.

"Brat, I heard you got beaten up yesterday."

Yang Kaifroze for a split second, thenturned around to leave.

Mengcalled after him, a smirk tugging at his lips.

"Oi, don't run away! I'm just asking!"

Butinside, he was laughing.

Meng hadseen many reckless disciples before.Theygot crushed, fell behind, or left the sect in disgrace.

Yang Kai?No different.

"Little Yang Kai!"Meng finally shouted."You should hurry up and leave. High Heaven isn't a place for the weak. Sooner or later, you'll get yourself killed!"

Yang Kaipaused for a moment, but didn't turn back.

Mengwatched him go, gripping his teacup.

Yang Kaireturned to his hut, then briskly walked out.

He washeading to Black Plum Village, like every month, tobuy food with his silver.

Butthis time,something feltdifferent.

His bodyfelt lighter, stronger.

The Golden Skeleton's effects?

A smilecrept onto his face.

This world's rules werebecoming clearer to him.

.........

Black Plum Village – A Bustling Town

Black Plum Village wasalways lively.

It waslocated between High Heaven Pavilion and Storm Manor Sect, thetwo strongest sects in the area.

The relationship between the two sects wasn't hostile, but they were still rivals. The smaller sects in the region didn't even own land, making them insignificant in comparison.

Because of them,weapons, herbs, and rare materialsfilled the market,creating an environment like an ancient Han Dynasty capital.

Yang Kaiwalked through the streets, heading toward a familiar shop.

Arice shopowned bya man named He, afair merchantwho treated all customers equally.

Just as he was about to enter,he noticed something.

Agroup of people stood in an alleyway nearby.

Something about themfelt off.

Theirgazes locked onto him, filled with malice.

Yang Kaichuckled lightly.

'If they don't mess with me, I won't mess with them.'

Heignored them—

But he noticed something strange.

Among the three men,one wore robes similar to his.

A fellow disciple?

Yang Kai'seyes narrowed.

What was a High Heaven discipledoing with these people?

Was this a coincidence?

Or was itsomething more?

Well Not my concern.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com