Auction City of the Central Plane was the heart of Murim.
Here, it wasn't only money that was traded—
sects, power, and politics changed hands just as easily.
Li Tian had concealed his identity in this place.
Now, he was—
Ma Choasung.
Simple clothes.
Calm eyes.
And a mind far too overqualified for this city.
---
An Unexpected Encounter
In the outer district of Auction City stood an inn owned by the Wudong Sect—
mid-sized, clean, yet strangely… operating at a loss.
Li Tian chose to stay there.
Behind the counter, a young woman flipped through account books,
her eyes filled with frustration rather than numbers.
She was—
The second daughter of the Wudong Sect Leader.
Name: Wu Xinyue
Age: 20
A sharp tongue—and even sharper pride.
"These numbers are wrong…"
she muttered to herself.
"But I can't figure out where."
---
Ma Choasung Interferes
Li Tian cast a casual glance at the books.
Uneven ink.
Rounded totals.
No clear separation between monthly and annual accounts.
"The problem isn't the numbers,"
he said calmly.
"It's the structure."
Wu Xinyue looked up instantly.
"Who are YOU?"
Part anger. Part caution.
"Just a traveler,"
Ma Choasung replied.
"One who understands numbers."
---
Accounting — Murim-Style Breakdown
Li Tian picked up the pen—
without asking permission.
1. He divided daily income into weekly and monthly figures
2. Added seasonal fluctuations
3. Separated fixed costs from variable costs
4. Broke down staff meals, weapon maintenance, and disciple lodging into individual line items
For the first time,
the inn's accounts became clear.
Wu Xinyue's eyes slowly widened.
"This…"
she stared at the book,
"this inn isn't running at a loss."
Li Tian nodded.
"It's profitable.
The leakage is just severe."
---
The Shocking Truth
The annual calculation was completed.
Reported loss: 300 silver
Actual profit: 120 gold coins
Wu Xinyue nearly fell out of her chair.
"Impossible!"
"Corruption,"
Ma Choasung said plainly.
"The kitchen supplier and the storage manager—
both of them."
---
Respect Earned
Wu Xinyue took a deep breath.
"Do you realize what you've done?"
she asked.
Li Tian shrugged.
"Basic arithmetic."
For him, it was basic.
For Murim—it was revolutionary.
---
Foreshadowing
Wu Xinyue closed the account book.
"My father will need to meet you,"
she said.
"The Wudong Sect will remember you."
Ma Choasung gave a faint smile.
"Just adjust the inn's bill."
---
End Panel
Outside the inn, the Wudong Sect banner flutters in the wind.
Inside, a young woman stares at newly revealed numbers—
while a man quietly drinks his tea.
Caption:
"Where the sword fails,
numbers claim lives."