Traveling Between Two Worlds: From Bread for Maids to Fantasy Overlord

Qin Cang strode forward, his gaze falling on Huang Yiming. He looked Huang up and down, his eyes full of admiration and enthusiasm. He showed no airs of a fortress lord and took the initiative to bow, saying, "This must be the legendary Master Huang, right? I, Qin, have failed to greet you properly. I hope you will forgive me."

He was well-informed and had already learned from the guards that Huang Yiming had subdued the monster with his bare hands and casually produced top-quality salt. He knew that this person was no ordinary hermit and that he had to do his best to befriend him.

Huang Yiming nodded slightly, raised his hand to indicate that he should not stand on ceremony, his posture was distant and indifferent, perfectly replicating the demeanor of a reclusive master, his voice was low and steady: "You are too kind, Lord of the Fortress. I apologize for disturbing you." But he was inwardly panicking, his brain was working at lightning speed, thinking about how to explain his background, afraid that he would expose himself if he said the wrong thing.

[Ding! This system is sharp-tongued but soft-hearted, and its legs go weak in the presence of officials. Host, don't panic, don't bow and scrape, stay aloof, and speak less—the more you say, the more mistakes you make! Qin Cang just wants to build a relationship; just go along with what he's saying.]

Huang Yiming strictly followed the system's instructions, speaking sparingly, but Qin Cang didn't mind at all. On the contrary, he felt that the more silent Huang Yiming was, the more unfathomable he became. Qin Cang enthusiastically led Huang Yiming towards the main hall, introducing the situation of Qin Family Fortress along the way with the utmost respect.

Yang Xiu followed closely beside Huang Yiming, her little hand always clutching his sleeve, her eyes curiously taking in the scenery inside the fortress. The Qin Family Fortress was filled with courtyards, its buildings ancient and simple, its guards patrolling in an orderly manner, exuding a sense of solemnity, a world apart from the refugee shacks of Black Wind Ridge. The little girl was full of amazement, yet she was sensible enough not to ask too many questions.

Huang Yiming caught a glimpse of her out of the corner of his eye, and his heart softened. He quietly squeezed her small hand and whispered soothingly in a voice only the two of them could hear: "Don't be afraid, I'm here." Yang Xiu looked up at him, her eyes instantly warming. She nodded vigorously, her heart filled with dependence.

Qin Cang noticed this subtle movement, and a knowing glint flashed in his eyes. He smiled and said, "This young friend beside the expert is quite well-behaved, sensible, and loyal." Huang Yiming replied calmly, "She is my person, so naturally I must protect her." A simple sentence, yet it revealed a strong sense of protectiveness.

The group quickly arrived at the main hall, where Qin Cang had already prepared a sumptuous feast. The table was laden with delicacies from another world, as well as his treasured wines. Qin Cang personally led Huang Yiming to his seat, and had Qin Yuling and Qin Hu accompany him. Throughout the meal, he repeatedly toasted Huang Yiming, his tone becoming increasingly enthusiastic.

"It is truly an honor for the Qin family that an expert has graced Hanbao with his presence. May I ask what your plans are for this visit? If there is anything we can do to help you, please feel free to ask, and I will certainly do my utmost to assist you." Qin Cang went straight to the point, his eyes full of probing.

Huang Yiming put down his wine glass, his expression calm, and slowly said, "I have been traveling around and passed through this place. Black Wind Ridge is rife with bandits, so it is not convenient for me to stay for long. I would like to stay in the fort for a while in exchange for protection. In return, I can provide refined salt, medicine for healing, and other supplies to help Qin Family Fort consolidate its power."

Upon hearing this, Qin Cang's eyes lit up instantly. Salt and medicine were both highly sought-after commodities in Qin Family Fortress, especially healing medicine, which was practically a life-saving elixir in this chaotic world. He quickly rose and bowed, extremely excited: "If you, esteemed master, are willing to stay, Qin Family Fortress will welcome you at any time. Not only would you welcome me temporarily, but I would gladly accept a permanent stay!"

Qin Yuling sat to the side, silently observing Huang Yiming. She always felt that this man was too mysterious, and what he said was only half true. However, the refined salt he produced and the strength he displayed were definitely not fake. She picked up her wine glass, took a small sip, and the suspicion in her eyes did not diminish in the slightest.

Yang Xiu sat obediently beside Huang Yiming, serving him food and pouring wine with practiced ease and attentiveness, remaining silent and submissive throughout. Qin Cang observed this, nodding inwardly, pleased that Huang Yiming was not only powerful but also had well-mannered companions, further strengthening his desire to befriend him. His probing intent also intensified.

[Ding! Main quest [Gaining Initial Trust from Qin Family Fortress] progress 50%. Continue to maintain your persona and don't reveal any weaknesses! Qin Cang, that old fox, is testing you; be careful of his later traps.]

Huang Yiming understood the situation, but remained outwardly calm, engaging Qin Cang in perfunctory conversation about trivial matters—neither revealing his background nor rejecting the other's kindness, maintaining a perfectly appropriate distance.

Halfway through the banquet, Qin Cang's gaze towards Huang Yiming suddenly turned serious: "Master, your strength is formidable. I wonder if you could guide the guards within the fortress in their cultivation? That way, they will be able to defend against bandits and demonic beasts." The intention to probe was all too clear; he obviously wanted to use this opportunity to ascertain Huang Yiming's true strength.

Huang Yiming's heart tightened, and his fingers gripping the wine glass tightened slightly, but he remained calm on the surface and said lightly, "A few petty tricks, not worth mentioning. We can talk about it another time if there is an opportunity." He easily brushed it off with a sentence, neither refusing nor agreeing, which made the mystery even more pronounced.

Seeing this, Qin Cang stopped pressing the matter and changed the subject with a smile, and the atmosphere at the banquet became lively again. Huang Yiming appeared calm on the surface, but inwardly he was on pins and needles—this banquet, seemingly a joyous occasion for both host and guests, was actually fraught with anxiety. He sipped the fruit wine, the tartness on his tongue far less pleasant than modern beer, yet he could only feign appreciation, afraid of revealing his true feelings.

Throughout the gathering, Qin Cang kept probing Huang Yiming with secrets from the cultivation world. Huang Yiming relied entirely on the common knowledge Yang Xiu had previously imparted to him, occasionally glossing over the details, which made him seem disdainful of discussing mundane matters. Qin Yuling observed coldly the entire time, her fingers unconsciously stroking the hilt of her sword. She repeatedly scrutinized Huang Yiming's words and actions, feeling that something was off about him, yet she couldn't quite pinpoint what it was.

Yang Xiu silently noted everyone's expressions, then quietly tugged at Huang Yiming's sleeve under the table, subtly reminding him to speak less. This thoughtful gesture warmed Huang Yiming's heart, but the system suddenly popped up a message: [My celestial servant is a great help, trust level has slightly increased—don't just get touched, keep up your aloofness.] Huang Yiming suppressed his warmth and maintained his distant demeanor.