Feng Yun, unfazed, continued his path through the winding streets of the city. Yet, as he moved, he became increasingly aware of the stares—some curious, others suspicious.
"What the fuck is wrong with these people?" he mused, his gaze flickering over their expressions. "They're looking at me like I crawled out of the gutter."
Two elegantly dressed women stood on the sidewalk, their gazes filled with thinly veiled disdain. One of them curled her lip as she pointed a delicate finger at him.
"Hey, beggar. What makes you think you belong in our city?"
The other woman giggled maliciously.
Feng Yun glanced down at his clothes, momentarily acknowledging their tattered state. But instead of responding, he turned on his heel and walked away, his indifference slicing deeper than any insult could.
"How dare he!" the first woman gasped, her voice shrill with indignation. "He just ignored me! Not even an apology!"
Her companion placed a restraining hand on her arm. "Forget him. We'll be late for our tea party if we waste time on trash like him."
The woman huffed but relented. "Fine, but that bastard just got lucky today."
Feng Yun smirked as he overheard their retreating voices. "So predictable," he thought. "Self-important nobility, always assuming their words hold weight."
With the distraction gone, he scanned the bustling streets, mentally noting the layout of the city. "I need more information. I can't navigate this place properly without understanding its systems—nobility, politics, power structure… all of it."
But before that…
He glanced at his reflection in a shop window. His clothes were ragged, his appearance unkempt.
"Tch… first, I need to take care of my appearance."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a pouch, shaking it slightly. The clinking of coins was music to his ears. Opening it, he smirked at the sight of 52 silver coins gleaming under the sunlight.
"Hah… that fool never saw it coming."
Andy had thought himself clever, but Feng Yun had seen through him from the start. In this world, even the smallest kindness came with a hidden price.
With renewed confidence, he approached a nearby clothing store. But just as he was about to step inside, a young servant girl rushed forward, blocking his path.
Her hands trembled as she glanced nervously at the shop behind her. "W-wait, sir," she stammered. "You should leave before the shopkeeper sees you. He... he doesn't like poor people near his store."
She hesitated before adding, "And honestly, sir, you shouldn't even bother. The prices here are ridiculous. You... you won't be able to afford anything."
Feng Yun's cold gaze settled on her, making her shrink back. His voice was quiet but sharp. "Are you finished?"
The girl froze, eyes wide with fear.
"If so, step aside."
He walked past her without another glance. Just as he reached the door, he paused. His voice, dripping with disdain, cut through the silence.
"And for your information—you talk too much. It's annoying."
The girl dropped to her knees, her voice barely above a whisper. "I-I'm sorry, sir..."
Feng Yun smirked, pushing open the door.
Inside, the shopkeeper, a stout man sitting on a velvet chair, turned to glare at the servant girl. "You fool! How dare you let a beggar in—"
Clink.
A pouch landed on the counter, its contents spilling slightly, revealing stacks of silver coins.
Feng Yun's voice was calm yet commanding. "I have money."
The shopkeeper's demeanor changed instantly. "Ah! My apologies, sir! Please, forgive my rudeness!" He forced a wide, oily smile, his eyes glued to the pouch. "I spoke out of frustration. Business has been slow, you see."
Feng Yun, unimpressed, cut straight to the point. "Show me some clothes."
The shopkeeper's attitude did a complete turnaround. "Of course, sir! Are you looking for fine silk pants? A tailored coat? A luxurious suit for formal events?"
Feng Yun's lips curled slightly. "I need robes."
The shopkeeper blinked. "Robes? Sir, forgive me, but I've never heard of such garments."
Feng Yun's expression darkened slightly. "You don't know what robes are?"
The merchant hesitated before shaking his head. "I've never seen them in my lifetime, sir."
Feng Yun sighed, mildly irritated. "They're traditional attire from my homeland."
Curious, the shopkeeper asked, "May I ask where your homeland is, sir?"
Feng Yun's gaze turned cold. "Forget it."
He turned to leave, but the shopkeeper quickly stepped forward. "Wait, sir! Why are you leaving?"
Feng Yun raised an eyebrow. "You don't know what robes are, so what's the point of staying?"
The shopkeeper, desperate not to lose a paying customer, hurriedly gestured toward the back of the store. "I may not know them, but I can create them for you."
Feng Yun's interest piqued. "Oh?"
The merchant quickly retrieved a large, transparent orb from a nearby shelf.
"Sir, this device allows us to craft garments based on the customer's vision. Simply touch the globe and imagine the clothing you desire. The creation process will take only minutes."
Feng Yun smirked. "Now that's more like it."
He stepped forward and placed his hand on the globe. A faint glow spread across its surface, pulsating with energy.
The shopkeeper watched in fascination as the orb absorbed Feng Yun's thoughts.
The design was forming.
And soon—his robes would be ready.