Soon, he disappeared, just like his other partners. He became immortal, but his existence vanished from the universe. Even if someone tried to remember him, they wouldn't be able to do so. To this world, he never existed. Now as an immortal, in a strange twist, the entity in the shape of a black cat also vanished. It appeared in a place that the group had marked as their destination. This cat was now nestled against the chest of a certain snake, curious about where his cat had gone that afternoon, unaware of the chaos this cat had caused in outer space.
**Pov: Vik**
Wait a minute. Pushpa is in my arms, snuggled against my chest. But I remember she was with me when I went out in the morning. I tried to recall more. I remembered that Pushpa was with me until we broke into the Lu family house and kidnapped Lu Zhang. After that, there's no sign of Pushpa in my memory. It's as if someone erased her from existence. I asked the system again, but it said, "Host, Pushpa has been with you this entire time." But I don't remember that. I asked my disciples, and they gave the same answer. Hearing that sent a chill down my spine. Somehow, they all have a false memory of Pushpa being with them, while I can only recall her absence.
But where has Pushpa been all this time?
System: "Host, I think you're panicking without reason. Let's wait and observe her for a bit. Maybe you're mistaken."
After thinking for a moment, I realized that made sense. What could this other-worldly entity, a cute black cat, do in just one afternoon? With that thought, I set the matter aside and focused on our current problem. As we walked, the three of us moved a little away from the community. We soon reached the road and the bus stop. I sat down while waiting for the bus. I thought about where to go. I really didn't want to return to that forest. It's not that I didn't want to go; my anonymous hall would be much better than any place this city could offer.
But for my next plan, I needed a residence that would give us a presence in this city. While I was thinking, Lu Xiaoran asked, "Master, where are we going next?"
Hearing his question, I looked at him. I hadn't decided anything yet, but I replied, "My disciples, this whole world is our home. The sky is our roof, the land is our floor, the rivers are our water source, and the mountains are our bedrooms. This entire world is our house."
Lu Xiaoran's expression became stoic. He said, "So basically, we are homeless. Master, do we need to sleep in parks?"
Vik: (*-*)
Vik: "Cough! Disciple, I don't mean we'll be sleeping in parks. I'll arrange something. My earlier statement was meant to teach you that this entire world is our home. I want you to see everyone as family, living together in the same house."
Both of my disciples looked like they understood. Then Lu Xiaoran showed a guilty expression for misunderstanding me. He said, "Master, I apologize for my earlier comment. Please forgive me."
Hearing his sincere apology, I forgave him. I then asked Roman what assets he currently held, as I had something in mind.
Roman: "Master, all the money I have is in cash. Our previous assets have been taken by the Lu family, and there's no way to recover them since, legally, both Lu Xiaoran and I are dead. I currently hold about 100,000 federal currency (FDC), which is enough for us to buy a small house or rent a large apartment in this city. We could also convert spirit stones into currency, but that's risky since it's closely monitored by the authorities, and the black market doesn't have a reliable exchange system."
Vik: "Okay, Roman, that's enough for now. I think I should start a business. That will give us a presence in this city and connections for the future. It will make it easier for my plans to continue."
Roman: "Master, may I ask what kind of business we are going to start?"
Vik: "I haven't decided yet. I need more time to think."
As we were talking, the bus we'd been waiting for arrived. We all boarded, and as I sat on a bus seat, I watched the setting sun. It was evening; the sun was going down behind the Azure mountains, and the moon was taking its place in the sky. While deep in thought, I noticed the bus was crowded with passengers. I thought that this business could generate good revenue in a city like this.
Then an idea struck me. I could start a private bus service. To get more clarity on this idea, I consulted the system.
Vik: "System, I'm thinking about a new business idea. I need your thoughts on this."
System: "Okay, host. Just tell me the idea, and I will assist you with my best knowledge."
Vik: "System, I plan to start a bus service in this city. First, I'll buy a second-hand bus and repair it. Then, I'll obtain a permit to operate the bus and start the service to earn money."
System: "Host, that idea is complicated. It will take a lot of your time. I think you should consider something else."
Vik: "No, system, you didn't hear the whole plan. After I earn some money, I'll buy more buses for Lu Xiaoran and Roman to drive. They will earn alongside me. Eventually, I'll add more buses and hire drivers. At that point, I won't need to drive anymore. My disciples and I can earn money while doing nothing. And this isn't the end. After that, I'll buy more buses, trucks, and other vehicles to start a transport agency. Eventually, I will also start a factory."
System: "I don't know why, but I feel like I've heard that idea before. Yes, I remember from a famous movie where a man, abandoned by his family after marrying a girl they didn't like, became a tycoon. Host, this is real life, not a movie. If you have any sense, drop this idea, or you might get a copyright claim on this novel."
Hearing the system, I felt a bit embarrassed and started thinking about other business ideas since I decided to drop this one based on its advice.