Chapter 420 19: Charlatan

Although Zheng Feiyang was one of the three security department heads, his background and strength weren't very good.

He only managed to become a security head because he married a woman from the Hex Family.

The couple's relationship was likely mediocre as well; otherwise, Zheng Feiyang wouldn't have had an illegitimate child on the side.

Therefore, his death didn't cause much of a stir in the Celestial Wealth Commerce Association.

Instead, the now-vacant position attracted the covetous gazes of many, and Wangg Xiuzhu was one of them.

"Younger Brother Wuh!"

After a few rounds of drinks, the alcohol went to his head. Wangg Xiuzhu had lost his initial seriousness and slung an arm over Zhu Ju's shoulder, saying:

"Now that you've got money, don't waste it on drinking, gambling, and womanizing. Buy a few more doses of Genetic Enhancement Potion, hire a Martial Arts Master to give you some pointers, and solidify your Realm as a High-Level Martial Artist. At your age..."

"HIC!"

He let out a drunken hiccup and slurred:

"Maybe you could even become a master-class Martial Artist in the future. When that time comes, we brothers can team up and conquer the Celestial Wealth Commerce Association. The good days will be rolling in."

"Yes." Zhu Ju was, of course, ecstatic and nodded repeatedly.

"When the time comes, I'll still have to rely on your guidance, Brother Wangg."

The body of 'Wuh Tian' was just over forty, which wasn't considered old in this day and age of advanced Genetic Modification Technology.

However, years of addiction to hard liquor and hallucinogenic drugs had left the body severely damaged.

Wanting to solidify his foundation and become a master-class Martial Artist wasn't entirely a fantasy, but the hope was slim.

"Come on!"

Wangg Xiuzhu laughed heartily.

"Bottoms up!"

"Cheers!"

By the time Zhu Ju staggered out of the nightclub, it was already the dead of night.

When the cold wind blew over him, the hot sweat on his body cooled, and his muddled consciousness instantly cleared.

"Mr. Wuh."

At some point, a beautiful, tall woman in a tight-fitting outfit had appeared by his side.

The form-fitting clothes accentuated her graceful figure, making Zhu Ju swallow subconsciously.

"Mr. Wuh?"

The woman took a step forward, her beautiful eyes narrowing.

"This way, please!"

She gestured with one hand, and an aura belonging to a master-class Martial Artist erupted, causing Zhu Ju's expression to change.

"One of Boss Jiao's people?"

"Yes."

"I don't know any Boss Jiao."

"Don't worry, you'll get to know him soon enough."

"...Alright!" Faced with the woman's relentless advance and with nowhere to retreat, Zhu Ju could only sigh helplessly.

"Can I ask what Boss Jiao wants with me?"

"You'll find out when you get there." The woman gestured again, her tone now somewhat forceful.

"Please!"

...

「Licheng District.」

The most populous and also the most chaotic district in Funeng City.

Although the environment in the Lower City District wasn't great, it was home to the employee dormitories of major corporations and enterprises.

Most residents of the Lower City District didn't have to worry about food or clothing and even had spare money for other forms of entertainment.

Licheng District,

on the other hand, was like a massive slum!

Narrow, filthy alleys, flickering streetlights from the last century, a pervasive stench...

Everything screamed of the squalid environment here.

"This way!"

The woman, whose name was Qiann Lan, pushed open a wooden door and led Zhu Ju through a noisy kitchen passageway. When she opened another wooden door, the scene that greeted them was like another world.

The polished floor was like a mirror, the walls on both sides were adorned with priceless paintings by famous artists, and the starry sky on the ceiling seemed tangible, to the point where one could even feel the faint Power of the Stars showering down.

Armed personnel in Protective Suits, holding high-energy firearms, were either patrolling back and forth or guarding the doorways.

This level of security... they were even more affluent than the Celestial Wealth Commerce Association!

"..." Zhu Ju pressed his lips together.

"Miss Qiann Lan, are you sure the one we're here to see is Boss Jiao?"

"Of course."

Qiann Lan's expression remained unchanged as she stopped before a massive alloy door, allowing a laser to scan her irises and facial features.

"BEEP..."

"Welcome back!"

Following the mechanical electronic voice, the massive door slowly slid open to both sides, revealing a passageway brimming with a high-tech atmosphere.

They continued forward.

Here, the attire of the people changed again.

The white robes had the texture of last century's plant-based textiles, exuding an aura of pure cleanliness.

Such retro-style clothing was rarely seen on the market.

Shape-shifting suits, Protective Suits that increased Defensive Power, and colorful fashion were the mainstream.

This type of clothing, made from refined plant fibers, was not only expensive but also not very comfortable to wear. So many people were wearing the same clothes, each with a solemn and dignified expression.

'It's a bit like...'

'A religion?'

Zhu Ju's heart stirred, but his expression remained unchanged.

"We're here."

The two arrived at a banquet hall, and Qiann Lan spoke.

"You wait here."

"Alright."

Everything he had seen along the way left Zhu Ju too intimidated to resist, so he obediently pulled up a chair and sat down.

And so, he waited for several hours.

In the room, the scrawny Boss Jiao, who had a three-inch beard, slowly rose from a nutrient tank.

Immediately, four young women came forward to dry his body and help him into a clean white robe.

"Divine Envoy!"

Qiann Lan stepped forward and spoke with her head bowed.

"Wuh Tian has arrived."

"Mm," Boss Jiao nodded.

"How long has he been waiting?"

"From the middle of the night until dawn. He hasn't said a single word."

"THUMP!"

Boss Jiao shook his sleeves and said with a laugh:

"This man is known for his explosive temper and lack of intelligence. He really didn't make a fuss?"

"..." Qiann Lan pursed her lips and said:

"He fell asleep."

"Heh..." Boss Jiao shook his head, speechless.

"Forget it!"

"I had originally intended to wear down his temper to see if he could be of great use, but it seems he's just rotten wood after all."

"Let him in!"

"Yes." Qiann Lan acknowledged, bowed, and retreated. A short while later, she led the groggy Zhu Ju inside.

"Wuh Tian?"

"Yes."

"You are about to face a great disaster." Boss Jiao picked up a cup of slimy green liquid and looked at him with a faint smile.

"Only I can help you."

Zhu Ju looked at him, confirming his suspicion. The man was indeed a charlatan.

'However...'

'He seems to believe in an Evil God!'

*

*

*

Aside from the City Lord election held once every four years, the annual college entrance exam was the most important event in the Safe City.

"They say hundreds of thousands of people are competing for a few thousand spots, but in reality, half of the spots at the High-Level Academies have already been taken by the second generation of the major Noble Families and powerful clans."

Someone in the crowd muttered under their breath:

"Add to that the special admissions and scientific researchers, and at most only a thousand spots are actually left for ordinary people."

"That's about one hundred people fighting for a single spot. Even being first in your class doesn't guarantee you a chance!"

"SHH!" One person covered his companion's mouth and said,

"Don't say that. I heard the High-Level Academies are going to expand enrollment next year. I wonder if it's true?"

"Expand enrollment?" Someone snorted coldly.

"They bring it up every year, and they push it back every year. It's never actually happened."

「In the examinee section.」

Wuh Ping waved to his younger sister, Wuh Qing, down below, took a deep breath, and looked towards the martial arts arena.

Everything that happened last night was still swirling in his mind, making it difficult for him to calm down.

"Wuh Ping."

A familiar, fragrant scent drifted near as a pretty girl appeared beside him and said in a low voice:

"Don't be scared. It's not like you have no chance of getting in. Even if you really don't make it... I can help you find a job."

"Thanks." Wuh Ping snapped out of it and turned his head to look at her.

"Classmate Lin, you already became a Martial Artist last year, so you'll definitely get in. I... I'll do my best."