Returning to Boom House: A New Persona

  Returning to Boom House, Huang Di now had more time and focus to carry out his original plan, which had been interrupted by various events. Determined, he realized he needed a new disguise to gain fame and recognition within the city. His newly acquired knowledge of alchemy would be crucial in creating a persona that would help him achieve his goals.

  Huang Di needed a large amount of energy to break through cultivation levels, and cultivation stones were essential both to assist in overcoming these barriers and as the standard currency among cultivators. With his reserves running low, he decided to sell the treasures obtained from the Iron Vulture’s bunker. Items and equipment that had no use for him would be the first to be auctioned. The best option was to turn to a shop specialized in auctions.

  With his appearance camouflaged by runes that altered people’s perception, Huang Di walked through the streets. Each individual who looked at him perceived a different figure, shaped by their own expectations. To avoid trouble, he adjusted the illusion so that everyone would see him as nothing more than an ordinary man, preventing him from attracting the attention of young masters seeking easy victories.

  As he walked, he noticed that the city felt more tense than when he had first arrived. Fewer people were circulating, which made him wonder whether something had happened. Still, he felt somewhat relieved. Fewer people meant less commotion, although it also meant fewer potential customers.

  When he reached the commercial district, he realized that activity there was greater than on the outskirts, but still lower than before. He estimated a drop of at least thirty percent in foot traffic. He reflected that when he had first arrived, it must have been a peak period. Now, perhaps, he was witnessing the city’s normal rhythm. The people present looked tense and alert, even within a supposedly safe commercial zone, which put him on guard. If even ordinary citizens were like this, then something serious must be unfolding.

  Feeling hungry, Huang Di spotted a pagoda-style restaurant, known for attracting influential figures and being an excellent place to make connections. He knew that the higher one climbed within the pagoda, the greater the status and reputation of those dining there. Such places were common in his original world, and he felt a trace of nostalgia. He had never truly had the chance to enjoy their delicacies. Moreover, he needed an appropriate place to speak with a princess, and a good meal was the perfect seasoning. After all, people said that food was the easiest path to a lady’s heart.

  Reviewing his funds, Huang Di had two thousand large stones. Although that sounded like a lot, it was not. One perfect stone, the currency used by Rank Sky specialists, was equivalent to ten thousand large stones. Meals on the middle floors of the pagoda would likely cost hundreds of large stones, a small fortune. On the upper floors, the cost could rise to several perfect stones.

  Determined to gauge the prices and understand how to enter that world, Huang Di slipped into a hidden alley and, for the first time, invoked a garment through the Spiritual Summoning Art. With part of his energy sealed, this consumed ten percent of his total energy, which represented twenty percent of what was currently available, since fifty percent of his energy was being restrained by the ring. The ring remained in standby mode, and he would have to wait. According to the voice, the cooldown was one day, but since the relic had changed locations, it might take longer before he could use it again.

  A piece of linen fabric appeared in Huang Di’s hands, a Rank 6 item. He quickly inscribed runes into it and, within a few minutes, created a robe, trousers, and boots in white and green. After putting on the outfit, he activated his enhanced ability, the Improved Appearance Alteration Technique, turning his hair white and adopting an older appearance.

  Thus, a new identity was born. Elder Claudio, a Rank 6 alchemist who would later reveal himself to be Rank 7. In a small city like Boom House, a Rank 6 alchemist was a rarity, and this new persona would grant him the attention and respect he desired.

  Elder Claudio Takes the Stage

  Disguised as Elder Claudio, Huang Di not only changed his appearance but also had to conceal his true cultivation level. He discovered that the blood of the Divine Dragon had granted him more than physical transformation. He had inherited natural abilities of the dragon clan.

  Among them was Metamorphosis, which allowed him to blend in, hide, and camouflage himself, adapting to any situation. One application of this ability was the power to conceal his cultivation, making it undetectable even to cultivators at the King Rank, and all of this at minimal cost.

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  Huang Di reflected on how rare such an ability was, typical of non-human beings, while humans usually had to train for years to acquire skills over the course of their lives. Other clans inherited abilities through various means, including bloodline inheritance. This discovery was a major breakthrough. He had even considered searching the Grand Library for a technique to hide his cultivation. With Metamorphosis, that was no longer necessary.

  In addition, he had learned to use the Aura of Power, a trait common among King Rank cultivators but possessed naturally by dragons. This aura was a symbol of authority and might. Something that had once existed only in his ambitions now formed part of his arsenal thanks to his transformation.

  As he walked down the street, Huang Di released that aura. It felt like the presence of an ancient giant, causing everyone around him to tremble. His presence was now impossible to ignore, and he headed toward the pagoda restaurant, confident that no one would dare challenge him.

  Internally, he marveled at the changes within his Spiritual Palace, the connection between body, spirit, and soul. He realized that his soul, once small and fragile, had grown immensely in both size and power. The transformation was so profound that his soul had now reached the Perfect Soul stage, the highest level attainable within the mortal realm.

  His soul, which had once been the size of an ordinary human’s, was now colossal. Seated in a lotus position, it stood eight kilometers tall, and when standing upright, it could potentially exceed fifteen kilometers. Its width was three kilometers, a staggering change that left him in awe.

  This evolution meant that Huang Di now had the potential to cultivate the Dao Art of the Soul, taught by the Mountain Sage. Soul and spirit were intrinsically linked, and by cultivating the soul, he would also strengthen the spirit. Before, his soul had been that of an ordinary human. Now, empowered by the might of a dragon, it had transcended those limits.

  With this newfound strength, he was ready to face any challenge that might arise, confident that his imposing presence and newly acquired abilities would be enough to ensure his success.

  The Meeting at the Restaurant: The Alchemist and the Manager

  As he approached the restaurant, he noticed a sign that read Di Morning, Di Afternoon, Di Night. Huang Di could not help but find the name amusing, especially since Di was part of his own name. He entered and was greeted by young women in ceremonial attire who welcomed him warmly.

  Unaware that Di meant “Emperor” in some ancient cultures, Huang Di did not perceive the irony as he laughed at the restaurant’s name.

  Inside, he noticed the hostesses trembling slightly, affected by the powerful aura he was consciously releasing. Realizing the discomfort he was causing, Huang Di restrained his aura, confining it to his own body so as not to intimidate them unnecessarily.

  He turned to one of the young women and asked, imitating a rustic countryside accent.

  "Oh, young lady, how are the prices at your magnificent establishment?"

  The attempt at humor worked. The young women laughed and seemed to forget their initial fear, returning to their roles as gracious hosts. One of them, standing in the center, stepped forward politely.

  "My name is Sári. I am at your service, Elder. How would you like to be addressed?"

  Impressed by her courtesy and composure, Huang Di realized that his display of power had achieved its purpose.

  "You may call me Elder, young lady Sári."*

  As they spoke, a small commotion arose when the manager, Mustafa, arrived in a hurry, having been alerted to the presence of someone important. Mustafa, a cultivator at the fifth level of the Earth Rank, tried to assess Huang Di’s cultivation but failed. This intrigued him. Either Huang Di was using a treasure to conceal his power, or the gap between them was simply too vast.

  Choosing caution, Mustafa introduced himself with a cordial smile.

  "Greetings, everyone. It seems this place is livelier today. Allow me, Mustafa, to join this little celebration. May I ask whom we have the honor of welcoming with such enthusiasm? Ah, of course. Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Mustafa, at your service, sir."

  Although he found Mustafa’s behavior slightly flattering, Huang Di answered politely.

  "You may call me Elder Claudio. I am a foreigner in this city, an alchemist by trade. This establishment caught my attention, and I would like to rest in an intermediate private room with a good view. If you could connect me with the best auction house in the city, I would be grateful and will offer several Rank 6 medicinal pills as thanks."

  At the mention of Rank 6 pills, Mustafa was stunned and filled with hope. He suffered from a rare and secret condition, known only to himself and the pagoda’s master, and he urgently needed a Rank 6 pill to cure it. The possibility that he had found someone capable of helping him reignited a flame of hope he had long believed extinguished.

  With trembling emotion and tears in his eyes, Mustafa stepped forward.

  "Dear Elder Claudio, an alchemist of such stature. I will do everything in my power to connect you with the Boom Hall, the city’s main auction house. Sári, please escort him to the fifth floor and arrange a private room with an outward view. Meanwhile, I will personally prepare everything this distinguished alchemist has requested."

  Mustafa knew that pleasing people of high status was the best way to secure opportunities. Even if it cost him some pride, he would not hesitate. Helping Elder Claudio might be his chance to recover his health, and perhaps much more.