Chapter 39: Exploring New Methods to Gain Fame

Words : 948 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

Chapter 39 - 39: Exploring New Methods to Gain FameA falling leaf drifted down from the tree. Shen An caught it effortlessly, infusing it with soul power. The leaf, once soft and curled, stiffened like iron, glowing faintly. With a flick of his wrist, nine heads were severed simultaneously. After storing the severed heads in his storage space, Shen An led Tom, who still had his eyes covered, forward about a mile before finally removing the blindfold. Tom blinked his big, round eyes, exhaling smoke that formed words in the air: "All taken care of?" Shen An, his nerves still taut from the encounter, relaxed slightly at Tom's peculiar response. Without a word, he plucked the cigar from Tom's mouth and placed it in his own. Taking a deep draw, Shen An let the nicotine soothe his frayed nerves. "This is strong stuff!" he thought. The cigar, crafted by Tom, was exceptional—smooth and flavorful even for a first-timer like him. Though he vaguely recalled hearing that cigars shouldn't be inhaled, he dismissed the thought. "Who cares? My body is strong enough to handle it." Exhaling a long stream of smoke, he formed words in the air: "Don't worry. They were all scum who deserved it." Tom tilted his head, puzzled. "If they deserved it, why are your hands shaking?" Shen An didn't respond. He pulled out another cigar, and Tom quickly snipped the end and lit it for him. Another deep draw helped calm his nerves. seaʀᴄh thё novёlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Damn, first time killing people. Of course, I'm shaken up," he thought. Though Shen An had used his "Sword Control" soul skill to eliminate the group from a distance, the sight of blood and the aftermath of death still unsettled him. He muttered to himself, "It hasn't even been a month since I arrived in this world, and now I've lost my law-abiding status." Taking a moment to steady himself, he said, "Let's go, Tom. We need to cash in on this bounty before it gets dark." Returning to Soto City, Shen An headed straight to the bounty office. The official in charge, a middle-aged man, looked at him in surprise. "Come on, I'll guide you through the process. Young people these days sure are bold," he remarked meaningfully. Shen An followed calmly, though inwardly, he affirmed his suspicions: "So, Zhang Hu really did have connections with some higher-ups in the city. No wonder he was never caught." Following standard procedures, Shen An presented the severed heads. The total reward was around 2,000 gold soul coins, which included a bonus for the notorious Ma Yan. The official's reaction was telling. His eyes widened in shock. "This kid even dared to kill Ma Yan? That's the nephew of a Spirit Hall deacon!" While killing Zhang Hu might not have stirred too much trouble, Ma Yan was a different matter. As the cherished nephew of Deacon Ma Shan, Ma Yan's death would undoubtedly draw significant retaliation. The official glanced at Shen An with a mix of pity and admiration. "Ah, youth—bold but reckless." Leaving the bounty office, Shen An carried the gold coins in a royal-issued pouch, its emblem clearly marking the source. Walking through the bustling streets with Tom by his side, their presence turned heads. "Isn't that Shen An from Tom's Teahouse? He's carrying bounty money?" "Wow, I thought he was just a polite businessman. Turns out he's a soul master too!" "Polite? You clearly missed the opening day of his shop! He scared Ma Yan into wetting himself with just one move. And Ma Yan's a Soul Grandmaster!" Shen An maintained his composure, relishing the growing buzz. "Perfect. The more attention, the better. Word of my deeds will spread naturally." Back at the teahouse, Shen An felt at ease among the familiar decor. He watched as Tom leaped onto his small wicker chair, lounging comfortably and closing his eyes. Shen An chuckled. "Let him enjoy it. Today was exhausting enough—with Zhu Zhuqing's school enrollment, a fight with Dai Mubai, Tang Hao's ominous appearance, and that ambush on the way back. What a day!" He sighed. "Those scoundrels only lost their lives. But I've lost my status as a law-abiding citizen!" Just then, a group of people arrived outside the teahouse, led by a middle-aged man with a kind demeanor—Shen An's neighbor, the pastry shop owner. The man hesitated as he entered, rubbing his hands nervously. "Shen An, I know you're closed today, and I don't mean to intrude, but... everyone's curious. Were you the one who claimed that bounty earlier?" Shen An suppressed a smile. "Finally, someone's asking! What's the point of doing good deeds if no one praises you for it?" Feigning nonchalance, he replied, "Yeah, it was Zhang Hu and his gang. I happened to encounter them, and my training's been going well, so I took care of them." The pastry shop owner stared in awe. Zhang Hu and his gang had terrorized the outskirts of Soto City for ages. Despite numerous attempts by the city guard to capture them, they had always eluded justice. Now, Shen An had rid the city of a significant threat. The gathered crowd looked at him with admiration and gratitude. Sipping his tea with a calm exterior, Shen An thought to himself: "I, Shen An, don't care much for money. But fame? That's another story. Now, go ahead and spread the word!"

Chapter 39: Exploring New Methods to Gain Fame

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