The Laws of Mingxi

The carriage Sui Ming and the others rode in slowly passed through the gleaming white gates, crossed the moat wide as an ocean, and arrived at the city checkpoint.

“Greetings, sir. This is Mingxi City. Please present your identification and state your purpose,” said a young guard politely.

“We’re here to participate in the [Rhine Academy] entrance trials. This is my qualification certificate,” came Sui Ming’s voice from behind the curtain.

To avoid revealing his identity too easily, he’d even deepened his tone to sound more mature and composed.

After silencing the cackling crow with a sharp punch, Sui Ming handed over the gold card Heikale had given him.

The moment the soldier saw the card, his expression changed instantly.

“A warm welcome to Mingxi City, honored Gold Card holder.”

With that, the gate opened wide, allowing the carriage to proceed.

The golden card spun twice in Sui Ming’s fingers before vanishing from sight.

“That old guy’s got some backbone,” he muttered. “No idea what this card’s really for, but… it’s definitely not a bad thing, right?”

“Mhm,” the crow nodded.

“Alright, kid. Drop us off here. You’re free to go.”

“You got it!” Black One replied with feigned devotion, though inwardly he was already plotting how to stay far, far away from these two lunatics in the future.

His once-proud career had truly gone up in smoke at their hands.

Not only had he been beaten into submission by a so-called ‘ordinary man’ without even a [Soul Invocation], he’d ended up forced into servitude as their coachman.

“Sigh…”

Life was tough. Black One could only sigh in defeat.

“So what now? We heading straight to the palace for registration?” Sui Ming asked idly, still toying with the gold card.

“Of course not,” the crow rolled its eyes. “The Rhine Academy trials aren’t for another two days. What’s your rush?”

“I’d bolt outta here right now if I could…”

“Well, since you’re already here, why not enjoy some local culture? Bet you’ve never seen anything like this place before.”

“Besides, isn’t this exactly the kind of peaceful life you’ve always longed for?”

Sui Ming had to admit—Crow had a point.

He’d been in this world for half a month now.

If he really had to spend the rest of his life here, why not make the best of it?

He’d lived a lifetime of chaos—wasn’t it time to find a little peace?

“For once, you actually said something smart.”

“Well, duh. I am your kind and caring big sister~”

“Since we’ve agreed on our plans…” the crow extended one wing toward him.

“Card.”

“In your damn dreams!”

But in the end, Sui Ming still gritted his teeth and swiped the card.

As the Black Card slid through the magic POS device, somewhere in the world, joy bloomed on a merchant’s face—

and Sui Ming’s soul dimmed just a little more.

The crow, now delighted, stood smugly on Sui Ming’s shoulder, cradling a massive basket of what could only be described as ‘pure garbage’ before dumping it all into his pale violet storage ring.

Sui Ming stared at the endless purchase receipt like a ghost.

If this world had cigarettes, he’d have chain-smoked an entire pack by now.

“Feather conditioner… facial serum… moisturizing cream…”

He raised the list, voice trembling.

“You’re a crow! What the hell do you need moisturizer for?! What even is this stuff?!”

“Face masks, duh. Girls have to take care of their skin, you know?

If we’re spending money, we should really spend it,” the crow chirped proudly.

“This is not okay! Not at all!” Sui Ming protested.

“Who the hell sells a face mask for a thousand Fal?! It’s just a wet piece of cloth! I could make you one right here and now!”

“The expensive ones are different. Come on, it’s just pocket change—don’t be so stingy~”

The crow whistled and patted his back like an old friend trying to calm a stressed dad at a mall.

Looking at Sui Ming’s hollow, soulless eyes, the crow finally sighed.

“Alright, alright, don’t look so dead inside. Tell you what, I’ll teach you how to make quick money later, okay?”

“…Seriously?”

“Totally. Would I ever lie to you?”

“Yes.”

Eventually, the two ended up at one of the many restaurants scattered across Mingxi City.

After a long day of travel, the sun had already begun to set, casting a fiery glow across the horizon.

Sui Ming rested his cheek on one hand, then grabbed a roast chicken leg with the other, tearing it off like he had a personal grudge against poultry.

The crow calmly ignored his caveman eating habits.

Its crimson eyes scanned the world outside.

As the sun dipped lower, the light faded from the streets.

Lanterns lit one by one, casting warm stars into the growing dusk.

But in the cover of this darkness, a shifty figure began creeping through the crowd.

Eyes darting, he scanned his surroundings—until a well-dressed noblewoman passed by.

The glittering gems on her handbag sparkled like bait.

Purple-gold embroidery snaked across the leather.

Anyone with half a brain could tell it was expensive.

“Hey, should we stop that guy?” Sui Ming frowned. “Daylight robbery and all…”

“No need. Just watch. This is the true face of Mingxi City,” the crow replied, sipping its juice.

Whoosh—

Like a shadow stretched by moonlight, the man bolted.

He moved with the speed of a predator lunging at prey.

The noblewoman didn’t even react in time—her bag vanished from her hand in a blink.

But before she could scream—

Clink—!

A cyan chain shot down from the sky, binding the thief in place like a puppet yanked by invisible strings.

“Tch… I told them to tighten entry screening.”

The noblewoman snorted coldly and smacked the frozen thief across the face.

The slap echoed crisply.

“Stealing in Mingxi City?

You must have a death wish.”

In that moment, a figure in a white cloak appeared beside her.

“Apologies, ma’am. This was [White Dove]’s oversight,” the man said with a slight bow.

“Hmph. Just keep your procedures in check next time.

Don’t let strays like this scurry in and sully the streets.”

“Yes, ma’am. Your advice is our law.”

“As for the criminal, let him be judged by our laws.

If you’ve suffered any losses, the [Inspectorate] will be happy to assist.”

“I know, I know—it’s not my first time here.”

She waved her hand impatiently.

And just like that, the white-cloaked man vanished—

taking the thief with him.