Dual Cultivator with a cultivation system

Chapter 126  Ch-126: Customer(1)

"Hey Wang Ming, we've been waiting for quite a while. Are you certain someone is going to show up?" Bai Lingxi's inquiry came with a slight frown marring her otherwise beautiful face. The crowd that had gathered earlier had dissipated long ago, and now not a single customer graced their massage parlor.

"Perhaps we should consider lowering the prices a bit to attract a few more customers?" Shi Yu suggested. Standing alongside Wang Ming and Bai Lingxi, he looked thoughtful.

"Shi Yu, my dear, I've always held to the principle of never altering our prices. I firmly believe in the value of our services; they're worth the price. To be honest, I even think we're offering a bargain. And don't worry, look, a customer is actually approaching," Wang Ming explained as his gaze settled on a graceful young woman making her way toward them. Both Bai Lingxi and Shi Yu turned their attention to her, curious expressions on their faces. The woman seemed to approach with a hint of skepticism on her features.

A few moments ago

Clad in the robes of an outer court disciple, a young woman of striking beauty traversed the path with a somber countenance. She had just departed from a heated argument with her partner, the traces of their dispute lingering in her demeanor.

"Curse it all! Were it not for this injury, such a predicament would never have arisen," she vented her frustration, her hand unconsciously finding its way to her abdomen where the pain resided.

"Wow, Celestial Massage Parlor? What sort of name is that? Is it a new place?" Shang Rui wondered aloud, her eyes filled with curiosity as she gazed at the new building she had never seen before. Her attention shifted to a male disciple who happened to be walking past her.

"Hey, do you have any idea what kind of place that massage parlor is?" Shang Rui asked, pointing towards the building. The man, a recently joined Outer Court disciple still in the hunt for a partner, looked at her with a smitten look expression on his face

"Wow, the way you're looking at me, it's like you're a fresh disciple here and partner-less. But you shouldn't gaze at girls so intently, or you might not find a partner," Shang Rui playfully remarked, her chuckles making the young man blush and lower his head bashfully.

"Anyway, can you fill me in about that place?" Shang Rui inquired again, extending her finger toward the building. The man followed her gesture and directed his gaze at the structure. As his eyes settled on the building, a frown formed on his face.

"Senior Sister, it's not advisable to go there. The owner seems shady, and the services they offer might be a scam," the young man spoke, his eyes filled with evident distaste.

"Hmm, why do you think that?" Shang Rui inquired, raising an eyebrow. She was genuinely curious about his perspective.

"The owner claims to provide special massages that can miraculously heal injuries, he also said there are special massages that can help achieve rapid stage advancements, and even enable immediate breakthroughs to new realms. It just doesn't seem plausible. Even Dual Cultivation, let alone anything else, can't yield such results in such a short span of time," the man continued, his skepticism clear in his words.

"Plus, the rates for their services are ridiculously high, especially for us disciples. There were a few guys who were curious enough to consider trying it out, but the owner turned them away, claiming the services were exclusively for female disciples. It's clear that he wants to touch female bodies," the man scoffed, a hint of disdain coloring his words. Shang Rui fell into an abrupt silence, her expression thoughtful.

"Hmm, perhaps he could assist me with my issue. Should I consider paying a visit? Even if he's a fraud, I wouldn't really be losing much. But if his claims hold truth, this persistent pain I've been grappling with might finally find a remedy," Shang Rui pondered in her mind, momentarily tuning out the disciple who had begun to prattle on about unrelated matters.

"Thanks for your input. I'm going to head there now," Shang Rui expressed her gratitude to the disciple before she started walking away.

"Wait, is she really going to the massage parlor?" The disciple stared at her in disbelief, his expression turning somber as he noticed she was disregarding his warning.

"Hmph, I tried to warn her. Whatever. I better focus on finding a partner," the young man muttered with a snort before departing as well.

Back to the present

"Welcome to the Celestial Massage Parlor. Are you interested in trying our services?" Wang Ming inquired, his manner courteous as he greeted Shang Rui, who was momentarily taken aback.

'He's quite striking, even more handsome than most men I've seen within the sect,' Shang Rui contemplated in her mind, making comparisons with the individuals considered the most handsome among the entire kingdom.

'Looking at the women beside him, I assume they are his partners. He doesn't need such feeble excuses to be close to women, especially when he's accompanied by someone so beautiful. With a face like that, he could probably attract interest from even some of the inner court female disciples, despite his outer court status,' Shang Rui speculated, her thoughts giving way to a glimmer of hope. Perhaps Wang Ming wasn't a fraud, and maybe he could truly assist her with her condition

'Ugh, that disciple was right. These prices are just crazy,' Shang Rui winced as she glanced at the steep prices listed for the various massages on offer.

"Senior, I can tell you're having second thoughts about trying our services, but I assure you the prices are justified. Plus, for our first three customers, we're offering free healing massages. So, if you decide to try, it'll be free," Wang Ming explained.

"Huh, it's free?" Shang Rui asked, taken aback.

"Yes, and furthermore, I believe it could be beneficial for you. I've noticed you have an injury in your Dantian," Wang Ming pointed out.

"What did you say?" Shang Rui asked, her eyes widening in surprise.