The courtyard was perfect—
if you ignored the coffins.
Ji Ming was very satisfied. He finally had a place to live in Liyue Harbor. Sure, it was rented, but it was still a proper siheyuan, and the monthly rent was cheap.
Of course, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor didn't provide furniture. Ji Ming would have to buy everything himself to fill the empty rooms. Now that he had a fixed residence, he couldn't keep living as casually as he had in the wilderness.
"Knock, knock, knock…"
Ji Ming turned around to see the undertaker lady standing by the door, smiling brightly.
"Mr. Ji Ming, Manager Meng would like to invite you to dine at Wangsheng. It's his treat."
That doesn't sound like just a meal.
If he went, it'd be like a lamb walking into a tiger's den. Absolutely not.
Ji Ming waved his hand.
"I'll have to decline. I'm heading to Wanmin Restaurant to eat—and to explain a few things to Xiangling. Oh, and if Hu Tao comes back, tell her to go have fun on her own."
"Alright then. Take care."
The undertaker looked regretful but didn't stop him, stepping aside to let him pass.
Miss Not Worth Mentioning has finally learned restraint, huh.
Leaving southern Feiyun Slope behind, Ji Ming headed toward the right side of the city. Along the way, he passed Liuli Pavilion and Xinyue Kiosk, both located on Feiyun Slope and favored by the elite.
But their dishes had grown increasingly extravagant—and absurdly expensive—while the taste lagged far behind Wanmin Restaurant.
To big shots, appearances and status mattered more than flavor.
But to ordinary Liyue folk?
If Xiangling was cooking at Wanmin, then Wanmin was eternal truth.
Xiangling was eternal truth. Miss a single day of her cooking and your whole body felt off.
If Liyue ever had to elect a new Geo Archon, Ji Ming would vote for Xiangling without hesitation. After all—food is heaven to the people of Liyue.
"Zhongyuan Chop Suey—cheap and delicious!"
The moment he heard that familiar shout, Ji Ming knew he'd entered the most iconic street in Liyue—
Chihu Rock.
As the oldest and most densely populated street in the harbor, Chihu Rock was always bustling. With noon approaching, the crowd only grew thicker.
At a roadside stall, the owner—Second Aunt Su—was busy serving customers. She turned toward the open-air terrace behind the stall to fetch extra ingredients, completely unaware that a group of ill-intentioned youths had followed her in.
Ji Ming sensed something was wrong. He altered his route and followed quietly, observing.
"Boss lady," one of the thugs sneered, "where's last month's protection fee? You're making good money every day, yet you keep dragging it out. You looking down on us?"
The moment they reached the terrace, the gang dropped all pretense, cornering Second Aunt Su. The ringleader even lifted her chin with his finger.
Second Aunt Su was terrified. The terrace was partially concealed, and Liyue people loved watching drama but hated getting involved. Even if she screamed, it'd be useless—Xiangling might have a Vision, but she'd definitely be in the kitchen right now.
These thugs had been running rampant lately. Even reporting them afterward invited retaliation—at best, business sabotage; at worst, threats or serious injury.
They didn't dare challenge the authorities, but bullying civilians? Plenty of courage for that.
Second Aunt Su dodged his hand, tears shimmering in her eyes.
"Please… give me more time. I've got an elderly family member seriously ill. I really don't have any spare money…"
"Heh," the ringleader scoffed. "My brothers gotta eat too. You think you're the only one short on cash?"
He looked her over, grinning.
"No money's fine. Spend one night having fun with us, and last month's fee's forgiven."
Second Aunt Su was furious—but powerless. She slapped his hand away, forcing herself to stand firm. She'd rather bite these bastards to death than give in.
Some people nearby had already noticed something was wrong, but they recognized the ringleader. Rumor had it his sister married a Millelith squad leader. Ordinary folks didn't dare provoke him.
The more perceptive ones had already run to fetch Xiangling. Vision bearers carried weight everywhere—living their own lives, yet still serving as a nation's final line of defense in times of crisis.
Ji Ming shoved past a few onlookers, grabbed the thug leader by the collar, yanked him back, and punched him square in the face.
"Bastard—what do you think you're doing?"
Collect protection fees is one thing. Lusting after someone's body? That's just disgracing the trade.
Seeing their boss attacked, the underlings immediately pulled clubs from their waistbands. Ji Ming was so angry he punched the ringleader again.
"Come on. Tell your daddy—what kind of trash are these? If you pulled out real weapons, I might respect you a bit. These are toys. Aren't you embarrassed?"
The ringleader finally reacted, swinging back—but Ji Ming dodged easily.
"You dare hit me?! My brother-in-law is—"
"I don't care who your brother-in-law is," Ji Ming cut him off coldly.
"Whether your sister married the heavens or the underworld, in Liyue you call me Ninth Lord—and kowtow three times first."
Grinning, Ji Ming slammed him to the ground.
He didn't like fighting—but he loved stopping fights. Crushing bullies underfoot felt indescribably good.
Others were warriors of pure love.
Ji Ming was a pure warrior.
The ringleader scrambled up, humiliated but unwilling to lose face.
"Hey! This is my turf! Who do you think you are, stirring trouble here?!"
"Same answer," Ji Ming said, stepping closer.
"You can call me Ninth Lord. If you want forgiveness, kneel—three kowtows to me, three to the boss lady. Touch her again, and you're declaring war on Ninth Lord."
"Trying to scare me?" the thug shouted. "I'm Nine-Patterned Dragon of Chihu Rock! This street's mine! You think you can mess with me?!"
Ji Ming sneered.
"Talking turf? Fine. I'll sweep two streets, plant my flag, then talk. By then, three kowtows won't be enough."
You think my flag is from the Old Nine Gates.
It's actually the banner of the Liyue authorities.
You think my backing is Ninth Lord of the streets.
It's the Liyue government—and the adepti.
The thug faltered. Still stubborn, but clearly shaken.
"She's not even yours—why are you protecting her?!"
"So what if she's not?" Ji Ming snapped.
"I like her, so I protect her. I'll step all over your turf if I want. Chihu Rock's Nine-Patterned Dragon."
This guy definitely had backing. Otherwise, he wouldn't dare talk like this.
Retreat first. Ask brother-in-law later.
The thug's courage evaporated. He tried to leave with his cronies—who hadn't dared move an inch.
Leaving?
Did you ask Ninth Lord first?
Ji Ming blocked their path, jerking his chin.
"Kowtow. Three to me, three to the boss lady. Miss one—and I take a finger."
Grinding his teeth, the ringleader kowtowed three times to Ji Ming. When he turned to Second Aunt Su, he shot her a vicious glare, nearly making her cry.
Ji Ming stepped forward and kicked him hard in the stomach.
"Your damn nerve. Calling you Nine-Patterned Dragon is being polite—you're just a street dog. Dare look at her like that again, and I'll take your head. From today on, I run Chihu Rock."
Gasping from the blow, the thug had no choice but to slam his head down three more times. Then he fled with his gang like beaten dogs.
Ji Ming spat disdainfully at their retreating backs, completely ignoring the nearby sign reading No Spitting.
Second Aunt Su, eyes brimming with tears, rushed up and clutched Ji Ming's arm.
"Thank you… If it weren't for you, I might really have been…"
"It's fine, it's fine," Ji Ming said gently, patting her hand.
"With me watching over you, no one will dare bother you. Don't cry—it won't look good."
Father… I think I've fallen in love…
Nearly thirty and never once in a relationship, Second Aunt Su had thought she'd be lonely forever. To suddenly experience a heroic rescue—her face flushed red.
"Sir… I don't know how to repay you…"
"Easy," Ji Ming replied casually.
"I'll watch over you. Just pay me five hundred mora a month as protection fee. That's barely the price of one Mora Meat."
Her expression stiffened.
Ji Ming kept talking, oblivious.
"If you can't pay, that's fine. I know you've got family illness. No interest, no deadline."
It was symbolic—just enough to signal she was protected. Anyone in the underworld would back off.
Then—
Second Aunt Su burst into tears, retreating into the corner, covering her face. She peeked at Ji Ming fearfully through watery eyes.
I thought I met a hero… but it's just another villain?!
Father—what do I do…
"Bang!"
A ladle rose silently—then came crashing down on Ji Ming's head with a crisp sound.
Clear. Clean.
A good hit.
Now Ji Ming was the one tearing up.
He turned around to see an indignant chef.
"Xiangling," he whined, "why'd you hit me?"
"You scared Sister Su, idiot!"
Xiangling stepped in front of Second Aunt Su protectively, patting her head in comfort, then turned back to scold him.
"I know you meant well, but she was already terrified—and you still teased her!"
Ji Ming was utterly wronged.
"I wasn't teasing her! I was serious. If she pays protection, no one will dare mess with her."
"Still talking back? Asking for another hit!"
Seeing Xiangling raise the ladle again, Ji Ming shrank his neck and spun toward the crowd.
"Scram! What are you all staring at? Bunch of cold-blooded spectators—keep looking and I'll start swinging!"
The crowd scattered instantly.
Ji Ming dropped his aggressive air, pasted on a flattering smile, and shuffled back to Xiangling, grinning dumbly.
Xiangling ignored him and turned to Second Aunt Su instead.
"Don't blame Ji Ming. He really was trying to help."
Second Aunt Su sniffed and wiped her tears.
"Mm… I know. It's my fault for being too timid. I don't blame Mr. Ji Ming."
Only now did she fully understand—he'd been trying to protect her.
She hugged Ji Ming's arm again, head lowered shyly.
"Thank you, Mr. Ji Ming."
Xiangling shot Ji Ming a look and jutted her chin.
"Alright, alright," Ji Ming sighed.
"Go back to business. If anyone gives you trouble, use my name. If things get bad, tell Xiangling—she'll come find me."
After a bit more reassurance, Second Aunt Su finally returned to her stall. But she clearly wasn't in the mood to work today—better to go home, calm down, and tell her father what had happened.
Mr. Ji Ming… so amazing!