Strapped for Cash

Rota headed toward the human presence he had sensed. After walking for a while, he spotted an inn. It looked somewhat like the inn Tang San and the others had stayed at when they were obtaining their third Soul Ring.

Rota was only guessing, though. Whether it was the same place did not make much difference. An inn was only for people to rest. If he had to name anything interesting the protagonists had done here, it was probably fighting an old turtle.

Still, Rota had finally found a human settlement. He could learn about the current state of the Douluo World. At this point in time, all he knew was that Xiao Wu's mother had not yet been killed by Bibi Dong, but how long remained until the plot began was still unknown.

The moment Rota entered the inn, he drew the attention of many travelers. His absurdly tall build and unusual attire made him impossible to ignore. Especially the admiral's cloak behind him, emblazoned with the word "Justice," which instantly enhanced his bearing.

Seeing Rota dressed like that, the innkeeper hurried over with a smile. Clasping his hands together in a fawning manner, he asked, "What service would this guest require?"

In the innkeeper's eyes, Rota was a major customer. He surely had plenty of money. If... he could make a fortune off him, that would be ideal. If not, it was no great loss.

Having received all kinds of people over the years, the innkeeper had enough discernment. Some people could be provoked, while others absolutely could not. In his mind, Rota had already been labeled untouchable.

"Hmm, bring me a pot of tea first," Rota said after some thought, ordering the simplest drink and Kizaru's favorite.

"Certainly. Please wait a moment, I'll arrange it right away!"

As he walked away, the innkeeper's mouth visibly drooped. He was clearly displeased that Rota had ordered so little.

But he was only an innkeeper. Even if he was unwilling to accept it, he did not dare show it to Rota's face.

"Oh, and could you bring me a recent newspaper as well?" Rota asked the innkeeper with a smile.

"No problem. It will be delivered with your tea."

As he passed the counter, the innkeeper leaned close to a waiter and whispered a few words before leaving.

Before long, a steaming pot of tea and a brand-new newspaper were delivered to Rota.

"Oh, thank you for your trouble."

"Not at all. It's my duty," the waiter politely replied.

The quickest way to obtain information was through the newspaper. It recorded countless events, all of which seemed to have happened recently.

Rota sipped his tea as he read, looking utterly relaxed. His eyes remained without the slightest ripple.

Although the newspaper recorded many events, Rota recognized very few of them. After all, there was an enormous difference between reading a novel and actually arriving in the Douluo World.

Many unknown events could occur in the Douluo World, and not everything was something Rota had learned about. So from the very beginning, he had never considered his familiarity with the plot an advantage.

A butterfly only needed to flap its wings once to create an enormous impact. The plot could easily be changed.

Rota did not intend to disrupt too much of the plot. He only needed to meddle with certain developments. But whether everything would go as he wished depended on what happened in the future.

"Oh?"

One piece of news caught Rota's attention. The headline of the second newspaper featured a familiar face.

"Peerless Genius, Brilliant Rising Star—Tang Hao!"

"Tang Hao actually made the newspapers. He really is terrifyingly monstrous."

At this moment, Rota had a rough grasp of the timeline. First of all, he could confirm that Tang Hao had definitely not yet reached the level of a Titled Douluo. That meant there was still some time before the plot began.

As for his future plans, Rota had no intention of sucking up to any side. He would simply help whoever he got along with. Besides, Kizaru himself was an actor with exceptional acting skills. To raise his imitation rate as soon as possible, Rota still needed to maintain Kizaru's personality.

Of course, he could not go without a fixed workplace. Otherwise, there would be no way to Clock In to Work. In Rota's memory, there was only one place where he could put on a performance and hold a position similar to that of an admiral—Spirit Hall.

"It looks like my next step will be making contact with Spirit Hall."

While Rota was thinking, the innkeeper had been watching his every move from beside the counter.

"That guy isn't really only going to order tea, is he? How am I supposed to charge him for a cup of tea?"

The sign on the wall reading "Free Tea" was painfully conspicuous. There was no helping it. If he charged money for tea, a huge crowd would probably summon their Martial Souls and beat him up.

"I'm not willing to accept this! Why did he only order tea?" The innkeeper did not want to let go of any opportunity to make a fortune, but unfortunately, heaven seemed to be playing a joke on him this time.

It would be a lie to say Rota was not hungry. Even if he had not been hungry before, seeing the people beside him eating heartily, anyone who could endure that would be a saint.

Rota had chosen tea because he had noticed the notice on the wall. If his pockets had not been empty, why would he suppress himself like this?

As for stealing or robbing, Rota was not sure whether it would lower his imitation rate, but he did not want to test it.

Sure enough, money was important no matter where one went. It really was true that while money could not do everything, having no money meant being unable to do anything.

Rota would not rely on his strength to engage in illegal activities. There were plenty of ways to make money; there was no need to resort to such methods.

Sure enough, he soon saw some good news in the newspaper.

Perhaps it was a coincidence, but Spirit Hall was actually selecting elders. If he took this opportunity to get in, he would have a fixed salary. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

He looked at the selection location. It was actually in Heaven Dou Imperial City. That was not far from Rota; he only needed to know the general direction.

But there was a problem: Rota did not have a map. He could not possibly ask the innkeeper for one as well, could he?

Rota stole a glance at the innkeeper observing him from afar. He could tell what the other man was thinking at once. That was also why Rota hesitated. He was already freeloading, and if he freeloaded even more...

Rota sighed, drained the tea in his cup in one gulp, and pushed open the door to leave. The only one left staring blankly at the counter was the stunned innkeeper.

Trying to live off a salary right now was obviously unrealistic. He should find a commission or something, earn some travel money first. It was fine not to eat now, but was he supposed to keep going hungry after reaching Heaven Dou Imperial City?

Distant water could not quench immediate thirst. He needed to be practical. In any case, finding a commission was no difficult task for Rota. He could settle it in minutes.

After briefly sensing his surroundings, he discovered a small village nearby. It had probably been established to supply those who entered the Star Dou Great Forest with provisions.

Rota instantly transformed into a streak of golden light and flew toward the village. Before long, he arrived at its entrance.

Just as Rota had expected, most of the people in the village were Soul Masters preparing to venture into the Star Dou Great Forest. Vendors along the streets were still shouting their wares.

"It's much livelier than I imagined~"