Chapter Thirty: Merely a Merchant (Part Two)

Many thanks to Ye Zhiwu for the generous reward of 2,000, and congratulations on becoming the first disciple of this book.

—

The intense fight at the entrance of the alley just moments ago seemed to have had no effect on the surroundings; in the depths of the night, the alley was quiet and still.

Hathaway followed behind Qin Jing, searching for something to say. “After the resurgence of spiritual energy, the authorities quickly implemented countermeasures, imposing all sorts of regulations and registration requirements on transcendents, especially when it comes to combat between them. They require strict ‘control’ over such incidents. The commotion we made just now was tightly contained, so even though it happened nearby, ordinary people remain completely unaware of what transpired around them.”

Upon hearing this, Qin Jing’s heart stirred—these were exactly the kind of “common knowledge” he was lacking.

Yet he showed no trace of interest; in front of Hathaway, he needed to maintain his “mystique.”

Hathaway had been watching Qin Jing closely. Seeing his utter indifference, her expression grew even more grave: This man really does seem to hail from a mythic world. He has no idea how important the authorities’ stance is in modern society. After all, at the dawn of the spiritual revival, even third- and fourth-level transcendents couldn’t withstand the might of high-tech weaponry.

Still, since he’s from a mythic world, perhaps he has means of his own. With that thought, Hathaway let her worries go.

The two soon arrived at the shop’s entrance. Qin Jing looked up to see the door not only open, but light shining from within.

“Stealing with the lights on? This is outright robbery.”

Qin Jing chuckled and strode inside.

Wang Keng was standing in the middle of the room, arms raised, a radiant grin on his face, positively brimming with excitement.

“…Hahaha! I’m about to rise! I’m about to get rich! Mine, all mine… everything is mine!”

Hathaway was speechless. It was as if Wang Keng didn’t even notice her presence, muttering to himself, carefully cradling something in his hands—though in truth, his hands were empty.

And besides, why are you standing inside a chest?

Qin Jing’s gaze fixed on Wang Keng, who was now standing within a bronze treasure chest. The chest itself was emanating streaks of light, their surfaces shimmering like mirrors. Lines of text—visible only to Qin Jing—began to appear: “Transcendent abilities available for extraction and recovery: Witch’s Voodoo Doll, Essence of a Level One Transcendent, Physique of a Level One Transcendent, Mental Strength of a Level One Transcendent, Wang Keng’s Cultivation Insights, Wang Keng’s Combat Skills, Wang Keng’s Fragmented Memories…”

The Bronze Recovery Chest, according to its description, could refine anything placed within and combine the recovered essence to create something new.

But Qin Jing hadn’t expected that the bronze chest could actually extract the essence of a transcendent! Each line in that description was astonishing: Wang Keng’s vital energy, his transcendent powers, even his memories and life experiences.

Even Qin Jing himself could not contain his elation: GDP is truly powerful—just this one bronze chest can harvest everything from a level one transcendent. So, does that mean there are silver chests? Gold chests?

Moreover, judging by the names alone, the extracted items were alluring. Would he be able to use them? If so, possessing the “power of a level one transcendent”—would that mean his strength would instantly reach that level?

“What’s wrong with him?”

At that moment, Hathaway’s startled voice broke the silence.

“Uninvited guests must pay the price. Right now, Wang Keng’s eyes are not eyes, and his body is not his body. In his mind, he sees himself stepping into a treasury overflowing with transcendent artifacts and limitless elixirs. Tell me, in such a situation, what kind of changes do you think will occur?”

Qin Jing looked at Hathaway with a half-smile, though his tone was cold and detached—a second warning, and a show of strength.

The Enigma Lock was a magical artifact capable of trapping even ninth-level transcendents. Under its power, any trespasser would instantly fall into an illusion. The illusion Qin Jing had set transformed the shop into a treasure vault, with only the bronze chest remaining unchanged—placed in the most conspicuous spot.

If it had been half an hour ago, Hathaway wouldn’t have believed a word of this. But after witnessing the Tio Gem and now seeing Wang Keng’s condition, she felt a chill run through her. An overwhelming fear welled up inside her: just what other terrifying methods could this man be hiding?

“Could you spare him? He is, after all, a member of the Phoenix Society.”

Hathaway’s voice was dry and strained. Yet, as the head of the Phoenix Society, she felt responsible for her subordinates. It was one thing if she’d captured Wang Keng and handed him over to Qin Jing—that way, she could demonstrate her value. But if he was caught directly by Qin Jing, it would simply mean she was incapable of protecting those under her command.

“Spare him?”

Qin Jing smiled and raised his hand, as if about to seize something.

“Ah!”

An event unfolded that horrified Hathaway. Wang Keng, standing inside the bronze chest, suddenly began to glow with an orange light, like a candle’s flame. His entire body started to melt away. In less than half a minute, a living transcendent had been utterly reduced to ashes—no, not even a trace of ash remained.

The bronze chest closed, then dissolved into nothingness, vanishing before their eyes.

“You have no right to bargain with me. I spared you only because you can still bring business my way.”

Qin Jing spoke coolly, while Hathaway stared at him in terror.

Yes, she had provoked this formidable figure, and the fact that he’d let her go was already a tremendous mercy. What had possessed her just now—had she really become so muddleheaded, thinking that just because he’d let her off lightly, she could forget reality? Hathaway, you must remember everything that happened tonight!

Taking a deep breath, Hathaway bowed her head and said respectfully, “I apologize, Mr. Qin. I spoke out of turn. I am willing to offer ten million as compensation for any losses you suffered tonight.”

That’s more like it. Clearly, he thought, I’ve been far too lenient; nothing is as persuasive as killing. Before Wang Keng’s death, she might have shown some respect, but she never would have thought to curry favor.

Qin Jing was quite satisfied with the effect Wang Keng’s death had produced. Perhaps it was the bloodshed he’d just witnessed from Alchemy No. 1, but he felt nothing at all about Wang Keng’s demise. That man had, over a trivial spat, repeatedly targeted him and eventually involved the Phoenix Society. Such people could never be forgiven.

Still…

“Ten million? That buys ten magic stones.”

Hathaway was taken aback, then quickly replied, “Mr. Qin, you misunderstand. This money is meant as a tribute to you.”

Qin Jing said calmly, “You forget—I am a businessman. I do not accept money without cause. Ten million for ten magic stones—do you wish to make a transaction?”

Simply accepting the money would have been without dignity. If not for that, receiving this gift of ten million for free would have been extremely satisfying, he thought to himself.