Chapter 46: Mr. Ji's Touring Performance

However, relying solely on manpower, wanting to dig out a qualified tunnel……

Cough cough.

How difficult it is to enter the passage of the ruins!

Even after several consecutive hours of intense struggle, Ji Ming, at most, had only dug a mere four-meter-long passage.

And to completely break through, he would probably need to spend the same amount of time again.

But watching the sun outside the cave gradually set toward West Mountain, Ji Ming's heart grew increasingly uneasy.

Inside the cave there were not only traces of humans; this place sheltered from wind and rain, easy to defend but hard to attack, and there might even be demonic beasts spending the night here.

Although I had already escaped the realm of being a utter weakling, having a blood and qi level of six was still nothing to boast about.

Every extra moment spent here undoubtedly adds to the danger,

Ji Ming thought it over and decided to plan the remaining half of the work for tomorrow.

"Just like that; I estimate that coming again tomorrow will be enough to break through!"

Pile the prepared large stones and earth on top, camouflaging the entrance of the passage.

Ji Ming then took out another Breath Holding Talisman, stuck it on his forehead, and hurried toward Sunlight City.

The sky was gradually darkening; this was precisely the time when the most people entered the city.

Having the morning's experience, Ji Ming did not rush over, but first stood at a distance and looked around.

During the inspection, I would definitely be recognized again.

Wealth moves hearts; it's inevitable that some trouble will arise.

In his worry, he retreated to a nearby small grove.

Climbing onto an oak tree, he quietly pondered how to respond.

Who would have thought that after a moment's careful consideration, he actually came up with a perfect solution.

Ji Ming first took out a bag, and in the woods gathered some herbs such as dandelion, mugwort, and mint.

Then, while throwing dirt and dust onto himself, he also tore his black robe in places.

He glanced at himself, but still felt it wasn't satisfactory enough.

He gritted his teeth and made up his mind.

He simply found a slope that wasn't too steep nor too gentle, with just the right gradient, and without a word rolled straight down.

This turned out to be a one-step solution, also earning him several genuine scrapes and cuts.

With difficulty he crawled up from the ground, and Ji Ming came to a nearby stream.

While cultivating a sad mood, he rubbed his cheeks in the reflection of the clear water.

Soon he managed to put on an expression that looked as if he had suffered a great injustice, feeling lost yet with a hint of indignation, a pitiful look.

In a daze, he seemed, full of resentment, to have reverted to his former self as a put-upon pushover.

But this aura collapsed in the next moment, because a smug smile appeared on his face.

"Ji Ming, you're practically a movie emperor!"

Having completed the appearance disguise, he then put on a look of being seriously injured.

Amidst continuous coughing, he limped slowly toward the city gate.

There were fewer people at the gate than before, but it was still quite crowded.

Upon seeing this poor fellow who seemed to have failure written all over his face, curious or mocking gazes immediately came from all directions.

Ji Ming ignored them, keeping his head down until he stood before the guard.

"You, lift your head!"

This was the guard at the city gate with the worst attitude, who loved to shout and yell.

Upon seeing this timid-looking young man, he became even more arrogant and conceited.

"Yo, isn't this Doctor Ji Ming?"

Only after he clearly saw the visitor's face did his arrogant gaze begin to shift.

"What happened to you? How did you end up in such a sorry state?"

It seemed a bit kinder, but in fact it was mostly mockery.

Moreover, his voice was loud, completely drawing everyone's attention around.

"Ji Ming? He just made a fortune, didn't he? How could he be in such a sorry state?"

"You need to be able to hold onto your wealth; look, this just invited disaster."

"Tch, I actually thought his luck had turned."

Amidst the crowd's entirely gawking gaze, the doctor pressed his lips together, his dirt‑streaked face seeming to still hold a few tears.

"I… I was ambushed by bandits shortly after leaving the city; they knocked me out and stole all my money."

"How can there be bandits when the public safety of our Sunlight City is so good?"

In his deliberate exaggeration, the guard's contempt lurking in his eyes could no longer be hidden.

After saying that, he still felt it wasn't enough, and even added another sentence.

"Doctor, did you get a clear look at who they were?"

The young man merely shook his head in dejection.

"No, they all had their faces covered…"

"Oh well, there's nothing to be done; just be careful next time!"

The guard exaggeratedly drew out his tone, then extended his hand.

The doctor murmured for a while, then spoke softly.

"For safety, I kept all my money on me; I'm afraid I no longer have any to pay the entry tax…"

"Um, I'll give you the herbs I collected, okay?"

Seeing the doctor clutching a bundle of rotten leaves like treasure, the guard frowned in disgust.

He glanced at the crowd on both sides, eager for the spectacle and unafraid of trouble, then finally waved his hand impatiently.

"Forget it, go in; this time I'll treat you."

"Thank you! Thank you!"

The doctor widened his eyes in surprise and repeatedly thanked him.

"Once I earn more money, I'll definitely pay you back!"

After uttering a promise no one believed, he bolted into the city as if fleeing, even wiping away the tears he couldn't hold back.

Before he had gone far, the city gate erupted in loud laughter.

The guard told everyone he met about Ji Ming's misfortune, treating it like a joke.

Those who heard the joke, upon entering the city, passed it on to others they met.

Only when someone entered the tavern and began speaking loudly did Ji Ming's robbery become known to all.

And this was exactly the publicity Ji Ming wanted.

After moving out of sight of the crowd at the city gate, Ji Ming lowered his hand from his face.

No way, the reaction to the performance was too strong; he almost burst out laughing.

If he didn't cover up, he'd really give himself away.

Now, with so many fools swearing allegiance to him, the fact that he was completely robbed should be considered solid proof.

At most, I'll have a few more skeptics come test me tonight.

But there definitely won't be as many or as strong as last night.

I just need to handle it a bit, and it'll be settled!

And on the way from the city gate to the clinic, Ji Ming naturally ran into some people he knew, or who knew him.

After seeing his sorry state, they all came to ask what had happened.

He wore a look of indignation and repeated his explanation from the city gate.

"Oh dear, how pitiful."

"How could this happen? He's terribly unlucky."

"Doctor, I can't help much, but take these few copper coins; at least you can buy a loaf of bread to fill your stomach."

It's a shame that, although a few people occasionally showed sympathy or concern, most remained indifferent and mocking.

But even so, after Ji Ming finished his circuit of performances and returned near the clinic, when he went to a secluded spot to check himself…

He opened his money bag; a rough count showed that, though it was all small copper coins, it probably added up to about a silver.

No way, earning this money was too easy.

Just a little bit of talking, and he could earn this much again; Ji Ming couldn't help but feel deeply moved.

He rubbed his stiffening face, gathered his spirits, and prepared to finish today's final performance at the clinic's door.

But from afar he saw that, aside from a few listless adventurers sitting at the door waiting to see a doctor, there stood a familiar figure with a pale gold hue.

AdaiEr?