Chapter 433 - 294: Knowledge Alchemy! Kunlun’s Overt Scheme

"So, have you ever gotten one of those spots?"

That single question was like a needle, instantly popping the young man’s inflated balloon of confidence.

His expression froze.

The awkwardness was like a bald salesman peddling hair growth tonic getting his toupee exposed on the spot.

The scene grew a little awkward for a moment.

"Ahem..."

The young man quickly recomposed himself. The embarrassment lasted only an instant before being plastered over by his thick skin.

"Bro, you really know how to kill a conversation."

He sighed, putting on the world-weary air of a misunderstood genius:

"I may not have gotten one myself, but I’ve seen others get one with my own two eyes!"

"You know how it is. For this kind of top-tier opportunity, it’s not just about money—you also need to have fate on your side."

The young man pointed to his own head and said with a wry smile:

"Me? I’ve got the brains. It’s just my Martial Arts aptitude that’s... a little bit lacking."

"If it weren’t for my aptitude holding me back, I would’ve snatched up one of those spots long ago. Why would I let those outsiders get a turn?"

To add to his persuasiveness, he raised three fingers and swore an oath:

"For real, bro, I’m not lying to you at all."

"Every word I’m saying is the truth!

If even a single word is false, may I never get rich in this lifetime!"

For a resident of Kunlun, who valued wealth above all else, this was indeed a vicious oath.

Seeing his earnest expression, Han Feng had a pretty good idea of the situation.

Ninety percent of what this guy was saying was probably true.

He likely wasn’t lying about the effects of "Yan Dao" or the value of the spots.

After all, this was public information that anyone could find out with a little time and effort.

There was no point in lying about it.

But that didn’t mean Han Feng was about to fork over 580 Spirit Coins.

A salesman’s words are full of lies.

This kid was trying to get something for nothing, to earn that "consulting fee."

But as for Han Feng, now that he knew of Yan Dao’s existence, he preferred to verify the rest for himself.

While six hundred Spirit Coins wasn’t a huge sum to him, it didn’t grow on trees, either.

That was money earned through his own blood, sweat, and tears, one hammer strike at a time.

Every single Spirit Coin was imbued with his Spiritual Power and Sword Aura.

He couldn’t afford to waste it.

"Alright, I get it."

Han Feng nodded, his tone so nonchalant it made the young man’s heart sink.

"Huh? Bro? Boss?"

The young man grew anxious. "You’re not going to ask any more questions? I haven’t even told you the specific plan yet!"

"No need."

Han Feng adjusted his collar and turned to walk toward the main entrance of the hall. "I’m a practical man. I’d rather go in and see for myself than just listen to someone else’s talk."

"Hey, hey, hey! Don’t go!"

The young man was dumbfounded.

’He’s just leaving?’

’This isn’t how it’s supposed to go!’

’Shouldn’t a typical fat sheep from out of town immediately cough up the cash and beg me to show them the way after hearing about such a heaven-defying opportunity?’

’At the very least, he should’ve tried to haggle!’

’How could he just get the most crucial information and then up and leave?’

"Boss! The price is negotiable! Five hundred! Four hundred is fine too!"

The young man shouted after him, but Han Feng didn’t even pause his stride.

Watching Han Feng walk straight toward the two heavily guarded entrances, the young man curled his lip and muttered under his breath,

"Tch, who does he think he is? Without a guide, you won’t even get past the..."

Before he could finish, the words caught in his throat.

He watched as Han Feng walked up to the two expressionless guards holding Long Halberds.

He wasn’t shooed away, nor was he questioned.

Han Feng simply pulled a black card from his pocket and flashed it casually.

The two guards, who usually walked around with their noses in the air, immediately bowed their once-ramrod straight backs the moment they saw the card.

He could even see the respectful looks on their faces.

A green light flashed, and the gate opened.

Han Feng put the card away and strode inside, his departing figure so effortlessly cool it was infuriating.

"Holy shit?"

The young man rubbed his eyes, his face a mask of disbelief.

"Black... with gold trim..."

"Is that a B Level VIP Card?!"

He sucked in a sharp breath of cold air.

Having knocked around on the Celestial Ship for so many years, he knew exactly how much weight that card carried.

It wasn’t something you could get just by having money.

It was a symbol of status.

Normally, only the core figures of major factions or masters with some kind of special expertise would be issued such a card directly by the Kunlun authorities.

’This ordinary-looking, plainly-dressed outsider is actually a major figure in disguise?’

"I misjudged him. I really misjudged him this time."

The young man slapped his thigh, his face filled with regret.

’If I’d had a better attitude just now, if I hadn’t been so greedy, I might have been able to latch onto a truly powerful backer!’

’What are five hundred Spirit Coins in comparison?’

’Whatever someone with that kind of card lets slip through their fingers would be enough to feed me for a year!’

"No, I can’t just let this go."

The young man’s eyes darted around as that clever spark of his returned.

’This is the Myriad Laws Trading Hall. This is my home turf.’

’Even a big shot from out of town with a VIP card is bound to be unfamiliar with some things here.’

’And that means opportunity!’

At this thought, the young man straightened out his slightly wrinkled uniform and polished the "Second Level Resident" badge on his chest until it gleamed.

Then, he sauntered toward the entrance.

"Guo Xiaobao. I don’t need a ticket for my own turf, do I?"

He jutted his chin at the guard.

The guard obviously recognized this old hand who hung around the plaza. He waved a dismissive hand. "Get in there and don’t cause any trouble. There are a lot of big shots here today."

"You got it!"

Guo Xiaobao chuckled, and like a slippery eel, he zipped through the entrance and into the hall.

...

The moment he stepped through the main doors, the clamor of the outside world was instantly cut off.