Chapter 20: Seeds of Trust

Returning to the flea market as instructed, the protagonist reflects on the whirlwind month that transformed him from a struggling office worker to a fledgling cultivator. Armed with a mysterious brooch and a newfound ability, he cautiously searches for the enigmatic old man who set this journey into motion. As the two reunite, the old man assesses his progress, commending his patience and solid foundations. Their exchange grows tense as the protagonist’s sharp tongue inadvertently tests the elder's humor. Despite this, the old man offers to teach him essential techniques for staying low-key, warning of the dangers of attracting unwanted attention. Their walk toward a secluded spot hints at lessons that may prove crucial in navigating the treacherous world of cultivation.