Chapter 133 - 86: Earth Evil Qi, Maid Qingdai

Chapter 133: Chapter 86: Earth Evil Qi, Maid Qingdai

However, it was obvious to everyone that wisps of gas were slowly seeping from the mouths of the jade bottles, seemingly dissipating.

This was the nature of the Earth Evil Qi.

After all, it was the essence of heaven and earth, and could not be preserved for long periods. Over time, it would naturally leak away, fading back into heaven and earth, returning to the sun and moon.

"Shopkeeper Shang, you are too polite."

Seeing this, Zheng Jun quickly exchanged some pleasantries, then unapologetically pocketed the three bottles of Earth Evil Qi known as the Blood Soul Qi Fiend.

Zheng Jun had heard of the Blood Soul Qi Fiend. It was one of the more common types of Earth Evil Qi. It had no special effects; it was simply that after absorbing this Earth Evil Qi, once a Martial Artist broke through to Outer Gang, their Gang Qi would be slightly more vigorous than that of ordinary Outer Gang Martial Artists. Aside from that, there was no difference.

It belonged to the cheapest categories of Earth Evil Qi. But even so, a single bottle still cost seven to eight thousand taels of silver. With a single gesture, this Shopkeeper Shang had handed over nearly twenty thousand taels of silver.

This truly made Zheng Jun suck in a breath of cold air, marveling at the man’s sheer wealth and generosity. He even wondered, "Should I go up the mountain more often and wander around? Maybe I’ll stumble upon other unexpected harvests."

Seeing Zheng Jun accept the three bottles of Earth Evil Qi without the slightest hesitation, Shopkeeper Shang’s expression remained perfectly normal. He then pulled out a peculiarly shaped Token and said sincerely, "Captain Zheng, if you ever have need in the future, any Pill purchased at my Jishi Hall will be discounted by ten percent. At the same time, you have been upgraded to an Earth-tier customer of the Bozhou Jishi Hall, allowing you to purchase certain Pills that ordinary customers cannot."

Earth-tier?

Standing to the side, Silver Badge Patrol Deng Huan narrowed his eyes. He naturally knew the background of Jishi Hall.

Jishi Hall was famous throughout the Northern Border, doing business in several States and prefectures. They divided their customers into four tiers: Heaven, Earth, Profound, and Yellow. The privileges that came with each tier naturally differed.

For example, Pills for the Outer Gang Realm and Acupoint Opening Realm, such as Condensing Gang Powder, were completely inaccessible to Profound-tier and Yellow-tier customers. Only Earth-tier customers could purchase them, and even then, in limited quantities. In Bozhou, Earth-tier customers were generally the heads of various factions. As for Heaven-tier customers, without exception, they were all Acupoint Opening Martial Artists!

Deng Huan mused, "I didn’t expect Jishi Hall to value this Zheng Jun, Zheng San, so highly."

He found the situation quite intriguing. He hailed from the Bozhou Deng Family. The Deng Family’s influence was far less formidable than that of the Cai Family, but their ancestors had once been prosperous, though the family had since fallen into decline.

Although the family had declined, their connections remained. For instance, the mother of Cai Xun’s second brother came from the Deng Clan. Deng Huan and Cai Xun’s second brother were cousins.

Because of this, Deng Huan was exceptionally interested in the Zheng Jun standing before him. After all, anyone who could be highly regarded by both the Bozhou Cai Family and Jishi Hall simultaneously was truly a talent.

As for Zheng Jun, he naturally did not know the significance of the Earth-tier. After accepting the Token, he nodded his thanks and acted as if nothing momentous had happened. Nor did he feel dissatisfied that he hadn’t received a Heaven-tier Token.

After all, saving those people had just been a matter of convenience. Reaping three bottles of Earth Evil Qi was already more than worth the effort. Now that he had also received a VIP card, there was naturally nothing to be unhappy about. As a person, one should know that contentment brings happiness.

After handing it over, Shang Ruicheng didn’t bother explaining how precious the Token was. He simply gave a faint smile and sat back down in his chair.

Some things felt cheapened if you had to brag about them yourself. Only when it was actually put to use would the person wielding it realize its true value, Shang Ruicheng thought to himself.

Upon learning that his nephew and niece had been captured, Shang Ruicheng had furiously rushed to Pingzhang Commandery. However, before he could storm Black Mountain, he received the news that they had already been rescued.

Later, his sharp-witted niece told him all about Zheng Jun’s capabilities. Over the following three or four days, Shang Ruicheng also secretly made his own inquiries. Once he confirmed that Zheng Jun was indeed an unpolished gem, he formally placed his bet on behalf of the Bozhou Jishi Hall.

A storm was brewing. Which major faction wasn’t aware that the towering edifice of the current regime was on the verge of collapse? Perhaps, after tottering on the brink, the edifice would stand firm once more. But faced with the opportunity to replace it and build an edifice of their own, who wouldn’t go mad with ambition?

Even if they couldn’t replace it, they would still hope to secure a better position in the new structure, reshuffling the deck of power and profit to their advantage.

Shang Ruicheng sat quietly to the side, saying no more. This was only a preliminary investment; further observation was required.

After exchanging pleasantries with Shang Ruicheng, Zheng Jun turned to Deng Huan and said, "This humble official greets Inspector Deng."

Doing this in this order was actually slightly impolite.

"Sanlang, you’re being too distant. I am of the same generation as Brother Xun. Since you have a close relationship with him, you can just call me Brother Deng. There’s no need for titles like Inspector Deng."

Because the Deng and Cai families were essentially in the same boat, Deng Huan naturally wouldn’t hold the slight against him. He immediately continued in a gentle tone, "My superiors sent me to investigate the cause of death of Qi Peng’s Copper Seal. I’ve looked into it, and it seems to be related to the Black Mountain Thieves. You can set your mind at ease, Sanlang... Just be more careful in the future. Once or twice is fine, but there won’t be a third time."

In just a few words, it was settled that Patrolman Qi had died in vain.

Hearing this, Zheng Jun felt a wave of relief in his heart. He immediately cupped his hands and said, "Many thanks, Brother Deng."

Seeing this, Deng Huan smiled slightly, then added, "Aside from investigating Patrolman Qi’s death, my visit this time comes with another task, and it concerns you as well, Sanlang."

"Please speak, Brother Deng," Zheng Jun asked, cupping his hands.