Li Yuan glanced at the setting sun from the window. Deciding the time was right, he walked to the aged wooden door. With a rhythmic creak, the door swung open, and the copper bell above chimed softly.
After flipping the wooden sign to the "Open" side, warm light filled the small teahouse.
The sky was gradually darkening, and there were few pedestrians on the relatively wide road outside.
Recently, there had been numerous security issues in the area, with frequent muggings—especially targeting lone young men and women. Many shops closed early, yet his unremarkable teahouse chose to open at exactly this time.
Furthermore, since this location was quite remote, the number of customers who visited could be counted on one hand.
But Li Yuan didn't care. Business was just a side gig; his personal interest was the priority.
“It’s a bit muggy.”
Even in the brief moment the door was open, the wind blowing from the street carried a parched heat, which slightly dampened his mood for what he planned to do next.
Li Yuan looked at the sky, resting his chin on his hand as he muttered to himself.
“How about... a little rain? Come to think of it, reading to the sound of rain has a certain charm. Heavy rain pouring outside while it’s cool and comfortable inside—that kind of contrast really helps one focus on a book.”
“It’s settled then.”
Having made up his mind, he reached out and gave a gentle wave toward the sky. The previously peaceful night sky suddenly filled with dark clouds, and thunder soon rumbled. In about ten minutes, there would be a downpour.
“Hmm, good control... Let’s have this rain last until tomorrow morning.”
Li Yuan nodded in satisfaction, put on his butler uniform, and returned to his exclusive spot—behind the counter. He ran this teahouse alone, so he was both the boss and the staff.
He took down a book he hadn't finished from the shelf behind him, pulled out the bookmark, and brewed himself a pot of high-quality green tea, pouring a full cup.
Rainy days, hot tea, and a book.
Was there any combination more perfect than this?
He lifted the teacup and took a small sip. A faint fragrance spread through his mouth, and Li Yuan showed a satisfied smile.
As a traveler from another land, it was only at times like this that he felt the warmth of home.
Once a promising young man from the Blue Star, he had first transmigrated to the Kyushu Continent in a cultivation world. Without any cheats or mysterious grandfathers, he relied on his own hard work—and a little help from his Limitless Immortal Physique—to become the youngest Mahayana stage cultivator in history in just over a hundred and twenty years, successfully surviving the immortal tribulation.
However, while crossing the Immortal Gate, he had been a bit too excited and couldn't help but let out a small burst of the spiritual energy surging within him. This caused the Immortal Gate to shatter, and he was sucked into the void turbulence.
He then arrived here on the Ogu Continent. Although it was also a world dominated by humans with other races coexisting, there were no cultivators here; swords and magic were the mainstream.
After several failed attempts to transcend the tribulation and ascend to the immortal realm, he gave up. With the mindset of making the best of where he was, he began trying to integrate into this world.
Two years ago, he came to this royal capital called Kajinson and opened this little shop.
As for why it was a teahouse, it was likely out of personal interest—he loved tea and he loved books. He had never given up these two hobbies even back on the Kyushu Continent.
Consequently, among his many titles, "Daoist Green Tea" and "Master of Erotic Tomes" were the most famous.
Speaking of which, those were truly days he’d rather not look back on...
Outside, the sound of rain grew denser, and the thunder rumbled rhythmically like a special symphony. Li Yuan immersed himself in the lines of his book to the beat of the storm.
Ding-ling-ling.
The copper bell rang as the wooden door of the teahouse was pushed open.
An unexpected visitor broke the delicate silence.
Looking toward the sound, a young girl with long golden hair appeared at the door. However, her current state was far from good; she was out of breath, and her blue-and-white uniform was quite damp.
“Welcome... Oh, it’s you.”
Li Yuan looked up and realized the visitor was a regular—Miss Setis Anna, a second-year student at the Royal Martial Arts Academy.
“You don’t look so good. Would you like a cup of tea?”
“You wouldn't be in a good state either if a sudden downpour caught you while you were walking,” Setis said crossly.
A flash of annoyance appeared on her youthful, beautiful face. She walked to the bar in a few steps, took a seat, and glared at the young man in front of her. “Black tea and a book.”
“Certainly.”
Li Yuan turned to prepare the black tea, while also placing a book titled 《Chronicles of Kyushu》 onto a tray. This unofficial history book, which had once been a craze in the world of Kyushu, had recently successfully captured its first loyal reader in this world.
After placing the items on the bar, Li Yuan noticed her damp hair and asked out of kindness, “Do you need a towel?”
Setis’s hand paused as she reached for the teacup. She nodded. “Yes, thank you.”
A brand-new towel was quickly handed to her. Taking this opportunity, Li Yuan felt it necessary to remind his old customer.
“The security in this area hasn't been very good lately, Miss Setis.”
Setis paused while wiping her hair and glanced at Li Yuan. Seeing his slightly concerned gaze, she suppressed her minor irritation and said dismissively, “That applies to you ordinary people. Don't forget who I am. Just a few muggles... if I actually ran into them, who do you think would be in more danger?”
"Muggle" was a slang term for people without magic or other professional talents, carrying a hint of discrimination.
She didn't care about that; it was the confidence of a Rank 2 Magic Warrior. Dealing with a few ordinary people who knew no magic or combat techniques was simply too easy.
Seeing the faint curve at the corner of her mouth, Li Yuan nodded in agreement. “Then naturally, the other party would be in more danger... but I think there are still risks. It’s better to be as careful as possible. After all, enemies in the shadows are the most dangerous...”
Setis put down the towel, lifted her teacup, and interrupted Li Yuan impatiently.
“Enough, enough. I didn't come all the way here to listen to you lecture me.”
Lecture... it had been a long time since he’d heard someone use that word. Back in Kyushu, the number of people who wanted to invite him to their homes to give a lecture was countless. Times had changed; now, young people wouldn't even listen to a simple reminder.
Li Yuan couldn't help but mock himself inwardly. It seemed that young people who hadn't been beaten down by life were the same in every world—full of confidence. Perhaps that was a good thing, though it would be even better if they could listen to someone finish their sentence.
However, he didn't plan to force the topic. Watching her eagerly open the book, he asked thoughtfully, “Miss Setis, it looks like the heavy rain outside will last for a long time... perhaps even until tomorrow morning. I saw you weren't carrying any rain gear when you arrived. Is someone coming to pick you up?”
His tone was gentle and full of concern.
Setis looked up and happened to meet those sincere eyes. Her cheeks flushed as her breath hitched involuntarily.
Under the soft light, his perpetually smiling face seemed to hold a fatal attraction. Just looking at it made her heart race; it was practically cheating, a deceptive existence to everyone.
She was likely one of those deceived, wanting to sink into it every time.
Just making eye contact nearly made her lose herself.
Fortunately, she looked away in time, refocusing all her attention on the book to clear her head. After steadying her mind, Setis said softly, “No, and I left my communicator at home.”
“That’s quite a problem...”
Li Yuan was in a bit of a bind. An umbrella certainly wouldn't be enough for such heavy rain, and the raincoat he used wouldn't fit her. The ideal option was a carriage... but no carriage company in this remote district would still be operating now.
Perhaps... he could make the rain stop for a bit? Just as a favor for an old customer?
Rate on N.U.
