"Young Master?"
The boy’s voice called out softly from behind.
Jin Yu flinched for what felt like the umpteenth time today. Heart pounding, he slowly turned around, his voice barely a whisper.
"What?"
The boy hesitated, choosing his words with care. "We should head back before the old master finds out you snuck out again."
"Ah? Oh..."
"Young… Master?"
"Of course. Of course. Let’s go home."
The boy bowed slightly and stepped aside to let him pass.
Jin Yu swallowed hard and walked out of the building, each step heavier than the last.
I’m in trouble. I’m really in trouble. How… how did I even get here?
His mind spun with questions, panic creeping into his chest like a slow poison.
"Young Master?" the boy’s voice broke through his thoughts.
"Huh? What?" Jin Yu nearly jumped, but tried to compose himself.
"That’s not the way…"
"Oh."
He stopped, realizing he had no idea where he was going. He looked left, then right—completely lost.
"Young—"
"You lead the way," Jin Yu interrupted, stepping aside. The boy shot him a curious glance.
"Oh. Yes, Young Master."
Quickly, he turned down the left path and walked ahead.
How? Jin Yu questioned himself again. Is this… an illusion?
He pinched his arm. Sharp pain. Real.
He tried to gulp, but his throat was dry. Probably from all the gulps he’d forced down since he arrived.
He didn’t pay attention to where they were going. He just followed in silence, thoughts tangled like thread.
Before long, they arrived at a massive gate that opened into a sprawling manor estate. The air buzzed with quiet activity as people in sleek black robes moved in and out.
What is this? A Mafia clan? They look like assassins!
As Jin Yu approached, the black-robed figures gave him a wide berth, as if he carried the plague. Unlike the townsfolk, they didn’t seem afraid—but they were clearly cautious.
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They… they all recognize me?
He glanced down at himself—and realization struck.
My robe!
Compared to everyone else's dark, practical clothing, his was a royal blue lined with golden embroidery—sunbursts and dragons glimmered in the light.
Damn, I look good. Cool as hell.
They walked in silence for several minutes. Jin Yu finally lifted his gaze to take in his surroundings.
"Wow..." The word slipped out before he could stop it.
Is this really my home? Damn. I’ve never had amazing luck, but this… this is next level. My family’s filthy rich!
Then a cold thought crept in. Wait. I’m a young master... Am I one of those trash-tier, third-young-master types? Please no. I don’t wanna be cannon fodder.
And clans... urgh. I hate clans. I don’t mind fighting, but these people have powers!
He caught the servant boy staring again.
"What are you looking at?" he snapped.
Can’t I admire my own home in peace, brat?
Who knows? Maybe this is all a dream. If I’m gonna wake up, I might as well enjoy it now. This is more vivid than any novel I've ever read.
White stone bridges arched over koi-filled ponds. Distant cries of martial practice echoed through the air. Towering pagodas with golden-tipped roofs pierced the sky.
"Just... wow." He said again, awestruck.
Some of these buildings must’ve been what I saw from that upper floor earlier. Luxurious doesn’t even cover it.
The boy ahead peeked back again, not so subtly.
"Brat, look at me one more time and I’ll beat you. Do I look sick to you, huh?"
The servant flinched and quickly bowed. "I’m sorry, Young Master. It’s just…"
"Just what?"
It’s not like he knows I transmigrated. What’s he so worried about?
"Just... you once said the old master was too lavish… that he wasted money on useless decorations. So... now you’re admiring them…"
"Oh." Jin Yu’s lips twitched.
The former Jin Yu must’ve been a real character. No wonder everyone’s nervous around me.
"Whatever. Keep walking. Don’t stop again."
"Yes, yes, Young Master!"
They finally arrived at a secluded courtyard, hidden from the noise and bustle. Tall trees encircled the house, their thick branches intertwined like an intricate formation—offering both shelter and secrecy.
They rounded a corner—then Jin Yu froze.
A small figure stood in his path and he nearly collided with her.
His first instinct was to yell Are you blind?!—but he swallowed it down.
She was tiny. Maybe five years old. Dressed in black like a pocket-sized widow.
Who is this? My sister? Why’s she dressed for a funeral?
Before he could speak, her voice rang out.
“Brother! I know you’re blind, but I didn’t think you were this blind! Didn’t you see me standing here?!”
Jin Yu was startled.
Did this five-year-old just roast me?
Then—
DING!
Dominion Protocol initializing…
DING!
Host psychological stress has reached threshold. Conditions met.
DING!
Dominion Protocol activated. Syncing host consciousness…
Loading Primary Directive: Power Through emotional influence.
Jin Yu clutched his head. A dull ringing echoed through his skull.
“What the hell…?”
DING!
Host identified: Jin Yu
Error: Host too weak to engage influence system. Granting emergency trait…
DING!
Innate Trait Acquired: Invading Qi immunity
(All hostile or foreign Qi attempts will be automatically neutralized)
His mind reeled.
"Dominion Protocol…? Is this my golden finger?"
He reached out instinctively—like his mind had just gained a cursor—and pulled up the interface.
---
[Dominion Protocol Interface]
Name: Jin Yu
Core Attribute: influence
Physique: 8
Internal Strength: 0
Spiritual Technique: Uninitialized
Qi Affinity: Holy Qi
Cultivation Technique: Uninitialized
Trait: Invading Qi immunity
Influence Points: 10
---
"Influence Points?" he muttered. "Is this like… power gained through authority?"
A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. This world may be dangerous, but he wasn’t helpless now.
The tiny girl stomped her foot. “Are you mute now?! You don't dare answer me?!”
+20 Influence Points earned
(Emotion provoked: Irritation )
He raised a brow.
So irritating people... Gain me influence points?
Interesting.
He studied her and said, voice smooth, “Is that how a cute little widow greets her elder brother?”
+30 Influence Points earned
(Emotion provoked: Humiliation)
“Who’s a widow?! It’s your father who’s a widow!” she snapped.
Jin Yu grinned. “Well, it’s your father—not mine.”
+50 Influence Points earned
(Emotion provoked: Rage)
The girl looked like she was about to blow up when—
A deep voice rumbled through the courtyard.
“Oh? So I’m not your father?”
Jin Yu froze.
Raising his head, he found himself staring at a tall imposing man, radiating authority.
Jin Yu’s soul nearly fled his body.
Who is this scary man !
Before he could process his thoughts,a question that left everyone stunned left his mouth
“F-Father…?”
Silence fell like a heavy curtain.
Even the girl stared at him, stunned.
Then she sprinted over and cried out, “Father! Brother called you a widow and said you’re not his father!”
Jin Yu’s face darkened.
‘Vixen!, weren't you the one who said it first?!
He swallowed hard as the man stared him down with eyes sharp enough to skin a beast.
