In the dimly lit room, a small bean-sized light flickered in the night wind, casting uncertain shadows of Zhu Hong'an and Gao Xian, with an indescribable sense of eerie.
With a bit of drunkenness, Zhu Hong'an paid no attention to this, not feeling threatened by Gao Xian.
What threat could a second-level Qi cultivator alchemist pose to him?
His cultivation at the eighth level of Qi was genuine, capable of overwhelming early-stage cultivators in both magical power and physical strength.
Moreover, with Gao Xian's cowardly nature, he wouldn't dare to resist even if handed a sword!
Confident in his control over Gao Xian, Zhu Hong'an declared that if the latter didn't sign the contract today, he would make him realize his power!
"Shopkeeper Zhu, don't be agitated, can I sign it now?" Gao Xian's face was full of helplessness, clearly admitting defeat.
This made Zhu Hong'an very pleased. "You know your place!"
He added, "The spirit stones earned from selling pills in these months must be handed over. The share earned by Zhou Ye and Huang Ying will be deducted from your monthly salary."
While Zhu Hong'an was happily speaking, he noticed a strange look in Gao Xian's eyes, a mix of relief, pity, and sympathy.
"What does this kid mean?"
Feeling that something was amiss, Zhu Hong'an hadn't figured it out yet when he suddenly saw a glint of gold in Gao Xian's bright eyes.
The golden light was dazzling and sharp, carrying an indescribable edge, with a fierce and unstoppable momentum.
Like a world-shattering divine spear.
Zhu Hong'an was shocked.
Although slightly intoxicated, he immediately realized, "This is a spell!"
"Gao Xian didn't form any seals or chant any incantations, yet he cast an instant spell. How is this possible?"
Before Zhu Hong'an could comprehend, a sharp pain struck his forehead, as if a red-hot iron spear pierced through his head.
The intense pain instantly engulfed Zhu Hong'an's consciousness, causing him to lose control of his body and instinctively let out a painful scream.
Unsurprised, Gao Xian, who had previously practiced the True Yang Spear with Zhu Qiniang to test its power, knew that even someone as strong as Zhu Qiniang had been blinded by the Grandmaster-level True Yang Spear.
According to Zhu Qiniang's estimation, Zhu Hong'an would definitely not withstand this spear.
Seizing the opportunity of Zhu Hong'an losing consciousness, Gao Xian grabbed the fat man by the back of his neck.
With the Grandmaster-level Electric Dragon Subduing Hand, he completely controlled Zhu Hong'an's spine, ensuring that his body was limp and unable to resist.
Even a late-stage Qi cultivator, when completely under control, couldn't do much.
To prevent any accidents, Gao Xian had already taken out the Dream Inducing Powder and applied it to Zhu Hong'an's nose.
In his mind, he sighed, "Da Lang, take your medicine!"
He didn't want to be the big shot, but Zhu Hong'an insisted on being the big boss!
Gao Xian's series of actions were exceptionally fast and smooth, making it difficult for Zhu Hong'an to evade even in a sober state, let alone now being manipulated by Gao Xian.
The effect of the Dream Inducing Powder was immediate, and the screaming Zhu Hong'an immediately fell into a coma.
Releasing his grip, Gao Xian watched as Zhu Hong'an's fat body slowly collapsed to the ground.
The sudden turn of events left Yang An at a loss.
When he finally reacted, Zhu Hong'an had become a pig waiting to be slaughtered.
Yang An was at the fourth level of Qi cultivation, a genuine mid-stage cultivator.
He had previously looked down on Gao Xian, who was only at the second level of Qi cultivation.
Seeing how easily Gao Xian dealt with Zhu Hong'an, Yang An finally realized the terrifying nature of Gao Xian.
Although Yang An was clever, his mind was a bit slow at critical moments.
Stammering, he shouted at Gao Xian, "You, you're crazy..."
Gao Xian glanced at Yang An, not recognizing him and unsure how to deal with him, so he looked towards Zhu Qiniang.
"A lackey following Old Zhu."
Zhu Qiniang had a low opinion of Yang An and swiftly approached him.
Yang An, full of fear, hurriedly took out a talisman from his sleeve.
Before he could activate it, Zhu Qiniang grabbed his throat and lifted him up.
With his Qi and blood unable to circulate, Yang An's face quickly turned purple.
His legs flailed, but soon lost strength, and his eyes rolled back as he fainted.
Under the control of Zhu Qiniang, a ninth-level Qi cultivator, Yang An had no resistance.
Watching Yang An on the verge of death, Gao Xian pondered and said, "Qiniang, don't kill him yet. If the evil spirit doesn't show up, we'll have to let Yang An handle it."
Zhu Qiniang was puzzled. "Is it necessary?"
"It is," Gao Xian said solemnly. "There must be a reasonable explanation for Shopkeeper Zhu's death. Whether others believe it or not, at least we can justify it within the sect."
"Alright," Zhu Qiniang said, releasing Yang An.
Gao Xian gave Yang An a bit of Dream Inducing Powder to help him sleep.
"Next, we wait for our old friend to arrive," Gao Xian said.
Approaching Zhu Hong'an, Zhu Qiniang casually asked, "How long will the effects of your medicine last?"
"With such a large dose, it should last for two hours," Gao Xian replied uncertainly, handing a small bottle of Dream Inducing Powder to Zhu Hong'an.
Having been struck by his True Yang Spear and paralyzed by the Electric Dragon Subduing Hand, Zhu Hong'an wouldn't be able to resist even with his high cultivation level, especially with both of them watching over him.
Zhu Qiniang nodded. "That's good."
She removed Zhu Hong'an's blue robe, revealing a greenish-blue vest underneath.
Taking off the vest, Zhu Qiniang handed it to Gao Xian. "Green Wood Armor, Old Zhu's most valuable treasure."
Gao Xian received the Green Wood Armor, feeling its light and flexible texture, resembling leather.
The Green Wood Armor had a wave-like texture similar to tree bark, looking quite beautiful.
"What is this made of?" Gao Xian curiously asked.
"Crafted from the bark of a thousand-year-old green wood tree, exceptionally tough. A top-grade first-class item, valued at eight hundred spirit stones. It can activate the Wood Shield thrice a day and has the Green Wood Nectar spell, which can heal various injuries," Zhu Qiniang explained. "Luckily, your True Yang Spear was formidable, not giving him any chance."
Although Zhu Hong'an wasn't skilled in combat, with the Green Wood Armor and numerous talismans on him, Zhu Qiniang would have a hard time dealing with him if he were to fight back.
"Wear it. It's a life-saving treasure. The Green Wood energy can nourish your Qi and blood, benefiting you greatly," Zhu Qiniang advised.
Gao Xian was quite fond of the Green Wood Armor, not just for its price but also for its potential resale value in case of emergencies.
However, considering his primary focus on alchemy and not combat, wearing the Green Wood Armor wouldn't be of much use to him.
It wouldn't be fair for him to keep it solely for himself while working in partnership with Zhu Qiniang.
After some thought, Gao Xian said, "I mainly focus on alchemy and don't engage in combat. The Green Wood Armor suits you better."
Zhu Qiniang shook her head. "I don't need the Green Wood Armor."
She said meaningfully, "We killed Old Zhu together, so we'll share the blessings and face the difficulties together. No need to be polite with me."
Gao Xian smiled. "Alright, then I won't be polite."
He immediately took off his Black Scale Armor and put on the Green Wood Armor.
The Black Scale Armor obtained from Old Wang was of good quality, but it couldn't compare to the Green Wood Armor.
The difference was significant!
Communicating with the Green Wood Armor through his spiritual sense, Gao Xian could feel a slight stiffness.
It was like using someone else's phone, feeling unfamiliar and uncomfortable in various ways.
Zhu Qiniang reminded him, "There's a bit of Old Zhu's spiritual imprint on the Green Wood Armor. Just use your True Yang Spear to erase it."
Following Zhu Qiniang's guidance, Gao Xian activated his True Yang Spear and struck deep into the Green Wood Armor, sensing a condensed mental force dissipating.
With his spiritual sense controlling the Green Wood Armor, everything became smooth without any hindrance.
For Qi cultivators, the Green Wood Armor was the top-tier magical tool they could wield.
The Green Wood Armor came with two spells, the Wood Shield and Green Wood Nectar, both of which Gao Xian had never encountered before.
He needed time to adapt and familiarize himself with them.
While Gao Xian studied the Green Wood Armor, Zhu Qiniang removed Zhu Hong'an's robe and took off his storage pouch, magical tools, and talismans.
As the wealthiest merchant in Feima City, Zhu Hong'an's wealth was truly abundant.
Zhu Qiniang set aside the magical tools, talismans, and storage pouch, standing below the eaves and watching her nominal husband.
She didn't know if the evil spirit would show up, and she didn't have much confidence in Gao Xian's plan.
Regardless, tonight Zhu Hong'an had to die!
The long-slumbering Zhu Hong'an gradually breathed evenly, his eyelids twitching, indicating he was about to wake up.
Zhu Qiniang looked at Gao Xian, who was also surprised.
Could it be that after just an hour, Shopkeeper Zhu was waking up? Late-stage cultivators truly couldn't be underestimated.
Just as Gao Xian was about to give Zhu Hong'an more Dream Inducing Powder, he suddenly sensed a familiar Yin energy.
Gao Xian's heart leaped with joy. "Good friend, you've arrived!"
(End of Chapter)