Even while the Panda shouted expletives at him, Li Yang remained unconcerned and simply watched the expression on the shopkeeper’s face. He was aware of the risks that it brought to reveal such an item… based on the System’s explanation, it was from an organization beyond the planet, probably something akin to an intergalactic federation, or at least a laboratory more advanced than what was present in current times, he had risked it.

However, it was also the chance to create a perspective in the presence of all the people with him now. They probably had questions about how he had come into access of cultivation, but now their interest would be piqued even more.

It was a gamble and an endeavor that could possibly endanger him, but if he wished to progress through his own methods instead of what the Heavens had carved out from him, it was time to do things differently. Based on the Charm Points that he had received from the Observers, they didn’t find it offensive at all… only amusing.

He would still opt in to the System’s benefits, grow stronger through it—but he wouldn’t simply bow his head and follow after the missions. He still had some leeway until another mission was imposed on him, and until then, he would do things his own way. Li Yang cleared his throat and looked at the shopkeeper, ignoring the looks from Shen An Na and Hua Zhao. “How does it taste?”

Proud he might be of what his people had founded, his country said to have been the start of cultivation—but modernization was also something he respected. Without adapting to the ongoing trends, one might get stuck in the past and not see a new thing that could match or even overcome the troubles of the former ways..

The Shopkeeper was caught in a daze for a couple of seconds until he snapped out of it, and blinked. He proceeded to clear his throat, “Well… I have to say that it was…”

“By the way, I’m not one to nitpick, but it seems that you have finished the entire can.” Li Yang pointed out with an amused smile. If there was anything he could confer from the shopkeeper’s reaction, there was indeed a mind blowing effect to it, but it also happened to be safe to consume.

He wasn’t so sure if a human body could actually handle the consumption of the drink or explode when the System mentioned about the energy of a thousand suns—but at least he could see that it was fine. The shopkeeper was still alive.

It was almost morbid enough to think that the shopkeeper could explode when he drank it, but if that had been the case… well, at least he would have obtained the Root Blossoming Tea. Li Yang sighed inwardly at the sudden thoughts, but refocused on the shopkeeper.

“—are you greedy enough to ask for payment?!” the shopkeeper asked. There was an incredulous look on his face. “Argh, where did you even get something like this? Heck, where did these two even find you? This thing is… it’s not normal.”

Li Yang raised a brow, “I thought things were normal as well, but then I learned that cultivators actually exist. I can share that sentiment you are having, but it seems like the world is much vaster than one can imagine.”

Shen An Na only coughed, “I take it that the drink was… refreshing, Yuan Gen.”

“Do you still have one of those drinks?” Hua Zhao asked. The man was a bit uninterested in the ongoing trade, only curious about the drink. “It’s not fair that you had been hiding something like this from… me?” He had received a silent stomp on the foot from Shen An Na.

These two people from the so-called Shen Society would reassess their position with him. He had only appeared to them initially to be someone who needed help and assistance, but this could be the start of them seeing him as a more valuable individual, barring his own wealth.

“But he’s right you know, Yuan Gen.” Shen An Na remarked. “You have to pay for drinking the entire can, I remembered that he only offered a sip.” The usual calm young woman was slightly pouting. Even when she didn’t exactly say it, there was also a hint of desire in her eyes to taste the same thing as the shopkeeper.

Li Yang sighed and glanced at his wristwatch, “Unfortunately, it seems that I have to get going now, I still have to head back to my office.” He glanced at the shopkeeper. “It seems that we could not come to an agreement, thank you for your time. I would also like to thank the both of you, Miss Shen and Hua Zhao for your assistance today.” He nodded briefly at the two. “I suppose I’ll try to take care of this matter all by myself.”

The CEO left the shop before any of them could even utter a word.

“—Wait!” somebody shouted before he took out his car keys.

He’d give them five minutes to make their pitch, maybe just three minutes? This wasn’t all an act for the CEO. He actually wished to get back to his office on time and with no delay. This was one thing, and his work was another separate thing. Li Yang would be handling both.

—-—-

Author Note: Which chapter did you like more? This chapter that has the Point of View of our protagonist (Third Person Limited), or the previous one that was in Third Person Omniscient Narrator View? Most novels nowadays focus on the former perspective, it allows the reader to get into the protagonist’s shoes. However, the latter allows one to peer into the mind’s of other characters. I did hear that head-hopping (shifting perspective) is troublesome, even painful to read, but sticking with Li Yang’s perspective might also seem to dull. I did enjoy writing last chapter, I even threw away a small nod to uh… ‘Races: Online’ which so happens to be my first book prior to this. They’re set in the same universe, but with time gaps.