Chapter 13 - 13 13

13: 13.

Malicious 13: 13.

Malicious After five years in Moxico, the most common sights were firearms and drugs.

Lu Li, who attended Tijuana High School, was admitted thanks to his exceptional grades, as it was the best school in the entire region.

Nevertheless, it was not rare to find opium being sold and used in the school, and there were even classmates who maliciously tempted Lu Li to use it!

So he recognized at a glance—the stuff in the brocade box was Ice Crystal Opium!

This damned thing would irreversibly damage the brain and central nervous system.

And the most wicked aspect of it was—the addictiveness was extremely hard to detect!

It was a “mental addiction,” a dependency in spirit.

By the time one realized something was wrong, the person was already ruined!

But why...

did it appear over half a century early!?

At this moment, Wang Siqi said proudly,

“The Ice Soul Powder was personally developed by Emperor Chuyun!”

Xiao Cha was utterly amazed, “Even Emperor Chuyun was skilled in Alchemy?”

“Exactly!

Whatever he produces is bound to be exceptional, and this medicine has even earned heaps of praise from many prominent figures in the Cultivation world!”

Wang Siqi said with arrogance,

“You, a mere Concentrating Realm and Loose Cultivator, to be able to purchase such Divine Medicine is an incredibly lucky chance.

It’s 200 silver coins, not expensive, right?”

Of course, the price wasn’t high, anyone else would have eagerly paid it.

But Lu Li whispered, “It’s my first time here, I didn’t know the price, so I only brought 100 silver coins...”

Upon hearing this, the girls’ faces changed slightly, but they kept their mouths shut and didn’t say another word.

Wang Siqi frowned.

It was normal for a Loose Cultivator to lack money, but if he made it too convenient for him again, it would be too deliberate and suspicious.

So Wang Siqi said sharply, “Young man, the path of Cultivation is a race against time, do not miss this opportunity!”

Lu Li quickly said, “I’ll go back for the money and return immediately!”

After saying that, he clutched the Serenity Meditation Method, hurried off with the two girls, seeming very eager.

Wang Siqi’s face revealed a mocking smile.

With Mr.

Fan’s Magic Sword for message transmission, and the legendary figure of Emperor Chuyun endorsing, Loose Cultivators simply couldn’t resist the temptation.

They would cry and scream, falling into the trap themselves, and once they started using the medicine, they would be helpless!

~~~~~~~~~~

Little did he know, Lu Li had absolutely no intention of coming back.

Once away from the Divine Heart Association, he let out a long sigh of relief, though his complexion remained incredibly severe.

Emperor Chuyun was truly vicious, to resort to such a ruthless scheme.

Divine Heart Association, and those so-called “significant figures,” were simply unbelievably foolish to even think of promoting...

“No, that’s wrong!

They aren’t foolish, but...

wicked!!”

Lu Li suddenly realized—this substance could be described as the pinnacle of profiteering, and it could also control others.

Never underestimate people’s bottom line when it comes to their interests!

“The world is becoming more and more wrong; I need strength!”

...

Seeing the increasingly stern look on Lu Li’s face, Xiao Cha couldn’t help but ask, “Hey~ what happened?

Why did you run?”

Wanqing was blind but knew in her heart, “Is there something wrong with that Ice Soul Powder?”

Lu Li nodded and said, “Yes, the substance is akin to a highly purified opium, even more malicious.

One must absolutely stay away from it!”

“Impossible!”

Xiao Cha shouted in disbelief, wide-eyed,

“Divine Heart Association is the government office that manages all Cultivators in the world and also has the duty of selecting the virtuous and talented from among the populace.

Selling such stuff, wouldn’t they fear the punishment of extermination of their entire family lineage...”

Her voice gradually quieted and her face became paler as she came to a realization of what was going on.

Wanqing’s voice trembled, “The actions of Divine Heart Association would only harm those Loose Cultivators who have no backing, it’s utterly heartless!”

Disciples of reputable sects and clans would not need to go outside to buy Cultivation resources, so these Loose Cultivators from the populace would become the victims.

The three fell silent, the atmosphere turned a bit oppressive.

Xiao Cha forced a smile to break the deadlock,

“Hey, let’s not worry over nothing.

With your high cultivation levels and sharp observation, you definitely won’t let the Divine Heart Association have its way.”

That was barely a self-comforting excuse, and the atmosphere eased slightly.

Lu Li took out a book from his chest and said, “Got this Cultivation Method for nothing, but where can I buy some Calming Incense?”

Xiao Cha leaned over to take a look and said,

“The ‘Serenity Meditation Method’, not bad, the National Martial Arts Association also sells this one.

Might as well buy the Calming Incense there too.”

Lu Li asked curiously, “National Skill is martial arts, right?

They also sell Refining God Items?”

Xiao Cha explained,

“Martial Arts and Refining God complement each other.

Martial practitioners must have Refining God Cultivation by their side to be considered true martial artists.

Otherwise, they’re just ‘Power Warriors’ with brute strength.”

Lu Li nodded repeatedly, understanding that if martial artists also had Bullet Time abilities, indeed, their combat power would be greatly multiplied.

“Let’s go check out the National Martial Arts Association then.”

~~~~~~~~~~~

Next, the three young men and women made haste to a grand brown Western-style building.

It was the National Martial Arts Association’s headquarters located on East Road, where Lu Li and Wanqing had also met.

As a martial artist, Xiao Cha was naturally familiar with the place and took the lead inside.

Upon entering, they saw a pair of plaques hanging at the entrance with eight bold characters—Promote Martial Arts, Strengthen People and Defend the Nation.

The first floor of the National Martial Arts Association was also a hall, far less luxurious than the Divine Heart Association but much busier, with strong men and women constantly coming and going.

“Spirit Refining Cultivation relies too much on talent, which makes cultivators rare; martial arts, on the contrary, are more thriving.”

Xiao Cha said casually, then headed to a counter in the northwest corner.

Behind the counter stood a slightly chubby middle-aged man with a round face and a friendly smile.

Beside him were stacked, well-assorted packets of Chinese medicine, as well as swords, arm guards, boots, etc.

It looked just like a general store.

Xiao Cha stepped forward and shouted,

“Jin Chaofeng, there are three wristwatches to pawn, asking for 300 silver coins~”

“It’s Xiao Cha, let me take a look at the watches.”

Lu Li handed over the three watches, Jin Chaofeng put on a monocle and examined them carefully before promptly saying,

“The condition is average, but the craftsmanship is exquisite; it’s worth the price.

Does the gentleman want cash or...”

Lu Li said, “I want to purchase Calming Incense.”

Hearing this, Jin Chaofeng showed a troubled expression,

“Just so you know, Calming Incense is now 150 silver coins a box.”

“150 silver coins!” Xiao Cha exclaimed, “Why did it increase so much!”

Jin Chaofeng removed his glasses and said with a wry smile,

“The Alchemists from the Divine Heart Association suddenly cut off their supply, forcing us to source from Loose Cultivators.

Calming Incense is essential for those in the Concentrating and Meditation stages, and it’s heavily used.

From what I see...

the price is still going to rise!”

A thought crossed Lu Li’s mind; the National Martial Arts Association sold Refining God Items, but they didn’t have the capability for mass production.

And the Divine Heart Association’s actions were certainly aimed at promoting their ‘Ice Soul Powder’, considering this, the price of Calming Incense would indeed rise again!

As Xiao Cha couldn’t decide, she used eye gestures to signal Lu Li to make the call.

Lu Li decisively said, “Jin Chaofeng, go with this price and buy two boxes!”

Jin Chaofeng then took a closer look at him and bowed, “The gentleman is generous, please wait a moment.”

The man turned and went into the back room, opened a safe, and carried back two one-foot wooden boxes.

“Here’s your Calming Incense, please check it.”

Xiao Cha stepped forward to check the goods, opening the boxes and sniffing, satisfied she said,

“Elegant and mellow, certainly from a master’s hand, no worse than the Divine Heart Association’s!”

Jin Chaofeng smiled and said, “Of course, we can’t just eat hairy pigs because we’ve got no Butcher Zhang; the Association has a few old connections too.”

“Alright then, you’re busy, we’ll be off~”

Xiao Cha tucked the boxes tightly in her arms, protecting them as she and Lu Li hurried home.