Chapter 34 She Snatched a Glance at the Pig Trotters on the Ground
Not a drop, but still 18.5 bottles left.
When Luxianbei went out during the day, he took half of the six remaining bottles of calamity water from home, totaling 3L.
Considering that selling them all to Fat Second Grandpa might not be appropriate, shortly after leaving the Siye Society, he bought thirty 100ML glass bottles to divide the calamity water.
However, while dividing it, he accidentally spilled some, leaving the last bottle not fully filled, which made him feel quite distressed.
Fat Second Grandpa stared at the eleven bottles of calamity water on the table, his peripheral vision gradually drifting toward Luxianbei’s backpack, swiftly passing by.
He was sure there were more, but not many left.
If he took out ten more bottles, I’d probably d*e of fright here.
In Fat Second Grandpa’s mind, over 100G of calamity water already counted as a large amount, yet Luxianbei had suddenly taken out several kilograms.
It made his little heart race; it wasn’t just because of the potential profit, but also true fear.
Fear of leakage, explosions, poisoning!
He didn’t know how much was considered a lot in Luxianbei’s mind, but he could be sure that Luxianbei’s perception was different from his!
However.
These eleven bottles of calamity water weighed over four times that of pure water with the same volume, so the calamity water Luxianbei had taken out should weigh around five kilograms.
If handled properly, there should be a net profit of about one kilogram of gold.
Although this amount wasn’t too high compared to truly expensive spiritual energy materials, it was enough to slightly suppress Fat Second Grandpa’s impulse to profit over his fear.
After calculating for a moment, Fat Second Grandpa slowly said, “Young Master Lu, could you tell me where you got so much calamity water?”
“This…” Luxianbei replied cautiously, “Water Brother gave it to me, and I’m not too clear on it.”
When in doubt, ask Bai Kai.
Fat Second Grandpa’s tightly knit brows slowly relaxed, and he nodded.
If it were Bai Kai’s stuff, that made sense.
Otherwise, it would be suspicious for a newbie spiritual ability user to suddenly take out so much calamity water; he wouldn’t dare accept it for fear of getting into trouble.
Luxianbei discreetly gauged Fat Second Grandpa’s expression and added, “I heard he was chasing a certain witch species a couple of days ago; this calamity water was probably left by that witch species?”
“Wait!” Fat Second Grandpa’s eyes brightened, as if he had caught some important information, “Are you saying this calamity water was left by a witch species?”
Isn’t it just a witch species? Why is this fat man suddenly so excited? Luxianbei couldn’t understand the situation, so he calmly replied, “W-Well, I think so, but I’m not certain.”
“…”
Fat Second Grandpa thought silently for a moment before turning to shout into the store, “Xiao Lin, come out for a moment!”
As soon as he finished speaking, a heavy, dragging sound of footsteps echoed from the back of the store. Soon, a man, lean and covered in sores, slowly walked out, respectfully bowing to Fat Second Grandpa.
Fat Second Grandpa glanced at the sores, carefully picked up a bottle of calamity water from the table, opened the cap, and then dug out a crystal needle from the drawer, dipped it in a bit of calamity water, and handed it to the sore-covered man.
“Smell this and see if it’s calamity water produced by a witch species.”
“Uh—!”
The sore-covered man replied in a deep, strange voice, leaned towards the crystal needle, and sniffed.
Then.
He exhibited symptoms of dazed eyes, foaming at the mouth, and swayed a couple of times before collapsing to the ground, but before completely fainting, he still managed to stretch out a hand towards Fat Second Grandpa, giving a thumbs up.
“f*ck! What’s happening with him…” Luxianbei was startled, wanting to say more but holding back.
“It’s nothing. He just likes this kind of stuff; he’ll be fine after lying down for a bit,” Fat Second Grandpa explained.
Luxianbei, “？？？”
There are people who like this kind of stuff?
He looked at the fallen sore-covered man, thinking of Jumeng’s inappropriate remarks that damaged his reputation, and felt a bit nauseated.
d*mn it, that stinky sister led my thoughts astray! Luxianbei swore in his heart.
Fat Second Grandpa reattached the cap of the calamity water bottle, toyed with it for a moment, and nodded, “Hmm~! It seems this truly is what Bai Ge extracted from the witch species.”
Luxianbei, “…” Can you not use the word “extracted”? That word, when linked to Water Brother, makes everything feel off.
“By the way, Young Master Lu, when Bai Ge gave you this calamity water, did he also provide a photo or picture of that witch species?” Fat Second Grandpa asked eagerly.
“What does it matter?” Luxianbei queried.
“It matters! It definitely matters!” Fat Second Grandpa said, becoming a bit excited as his fleshy face undulated, “If it’s calamity water produced by a witch species, and accompanied by a photo or picture, the price can jump by fifty percent!”
“Witch species are all stunning; if it’s calamity water they produced…Hehe, there will always be some guys with strange preferences in this regard.”
“It’s like those utterly ordinary things online; once they’re wrapped in a layer of two-dimensional skin, they become much more expensive. A young man your age should understand, right?”
Luxianbei, “…”
Shut up, don’t talk nonsense. I didn’t spend over five hundred bucks on a Bai Xiaohua body pillow!
Well, actually I know that thing is a scam, but what can I say—I’m a true fan!
After experiencing the process of denial to compromise, Luxianbei nodded, expressionless, and replied, “I understand what you mean, but I don’t have the photo here.”
Not to mention whether attaching a photo might result in safety hazards, just the act of selling one’s looks.
Only a fifty percent increase? My integrity won’t allow it!
“That’s a real pity,” Fat Second Grandpa shook his head regretfully, “In that case, I can only purchase it at a price five percent lower than the recent market transaction price.”
Luxianbei nodded, indicating he understood. After all, the guy is in business, he has to make a profit.
However, he believed that this fat man, after taking the calamity water, would certainly have a way to sell it for a slightly higher price than the market transaction price.
For example, he could just find some urban legend about a witch species and stick her picture on it?
Therefore, the price reduction phase couldn’t be skipped.
“Well, if I wanted to buy some things from you, surely there should be some discount, right?”
Upon hearing this, Fat Second Grandpa furrowed his brows, his fleshy cheeks scrunching together as his little green bean eyes turned round and round, “Hmm—! Three percent, that’s already a friendship price.”
Luxianbei’s gaze drifted to the shelves in the store, calmly saying, “Really can’t go lower? If I wanted to trade everything I make from selling calamity water for your goods today?”
“This…” Fat Second Grandpa froze for a moment before seriously saying, “Then I can purchase at a price two percent lower than the market transaction price!”
“It really can’t go lower than this; calamity water is easily consumable, if it goes lower, I wouldn’t make a profit.”
Luxianbei scrutinized Fat Second Grandpa for several seconds, then nodded.
“Deal!”
————
Half an hour later.
“Five volcanic crystals, twenty strands of white sticky rice hair, three qian of cow injury grass. Young Master Lu, all the materials you wanted are here.”
Fat Second Grandpa counted several kinds of alchemical materials on the table and smiled at Luxianbei, “May I ask? What do you want these materials for?”
In alchemy, there’s the saying of “lord, minister, assistant, and envoy.”
The main medicine is called the lord, followed by the minister medicine, and the assistant medicine next. The authorities shouldn’t allow the minister to overshadow the lord, harmony among the ranks is required for great success.
Seeing that Luxianbei only bought the lord medicine without purchasing any minister or assistant medicines, Fat Second Grandpa was genuinely curious. If possible, he even wanted to buy Luxianbei’s formula.
“These were all bought at Water Brother’s instruction; how would I know what for? After all, I’m just a messenger,” Luxianbei replied.
Don’t ask—just say Water Brother asked me to do this!
Luxianbei’s calm face concealed his inner thoughts well, leaving Fat Second Grandpa unable to see through the truth, falling into silence for a moment.
Perhaps Bai Kai intentionally didn’t want anyone to know what he wanted to do, which was why he didn’t let this Lu fellow purchase the minister medicines?
Hmm, that indeed seems very possible!
Since this matter involves the operatives of the Siye Society, it would be inappropriate to inquire further.
While the lord medicine is essential, minister medicine is also important, even influencing the attributes of the alchemical potion.
It’s like in ancient times; the different types of ministers next to an emperor would create varying dynamics within the state.
After a brief silence, Fat Second Grandpa straightened up, revealing an oily smile, “Young Master Lu, pleasant cooperation. If there’s business again next time, do consider me first! Today I’m operating at a loss to help you!”
“Pleasant cooperation, definitely next time,” Luxianbei calmly replied, collecting the packaged materials into the bag he borrowed from Fat Second Grandpa, slinging it on his back and stepping outside.
The remaining materials were common ones that replenished energy and bl**d, easily obtainable from the pharmacy during the day, but where should he sell the remaining calamity water?
After selling all the materials, how would he even refine them? Luxianbei pondered.
Luxianbei felt he had encountered a rather serious problem.
He had never actually operated any type of alchemical potion before, and the Great Serpent God’s knowledge only contained formulas, not “hands-on tutorial videos.”
And completing the defect of the potion formula was already considered a fairly advanced recipe; as a complete novice without practical experience, he might deplete all the materials without being able to produce a full potion.
————
On both sides of the shabby street, various stalls were lined up. It seemed as if everyone had agreed, all hanging a lantern made of white paper, with a hazy, yellow light filtering through.
At four or five in the morning, the flow of people in the Ghost Market reached its peak of the day, yet the street was unusually quiet compared to other markets—it was free of shouting vendors and bargaining voices.
A diverse array of figures moved through the space, glancing around, each calculating their own little thoughts.
Luxianbei wandered the streets of the Ghost Market, searching for the next place to sell calamity water, when a familiar bronze color inadvertently caught his peripheral vision.
He swept his gaze over, startled for a moment, then quickly returned it, weaving through the crowd, landing on the statue that looked eerily familiar, with muscle contours that felt strangely warm.
No way……
Luxianbei frowned and quickened his pace, moving through the crowd until he reached the inconspicuous stall by the road, where he saw Gu Qiqi sitting on a small stool, joyfully gnawing on a roasted pig trotter.
“EMMM… Feel free to pick and choose!”
Gu Qiqi noticed a customer approaching her stall, put down the pig trotter, her face displaying a professional fake smile. However, when she lifted her head, her smile froze, and the pig trotter in her hand “plopped” to the ground.
In an instant, her emotional state resembled that of a small vendor encountering a violent city management officer, a thief walking into their homeowner, or a bully offending a returning soldier… a chaotic mix of thoughts swirled in her mind.
In short, it was “game over.”
Luxianbei looked at Gu Qiqi, puzzled about how she had brought the Ming King statue out of the Bamboo Slips Illusion. Before he could speak, his eyes suddenly felt warm, and a predictive thought flashed through his mind.
【She sneaked a glance at the pig trotter on the ground.】
Why is she running?
Luxianbei briefly pondered, ready to press Gu Qiqi back onto her stool to properly discuss the Ming King statue matter. Another new predictive thought flashed in his mind.
【She’s reluctant to give up the pig trotter on the ground, abandoning her escape.】
Luxianbei glanced at the pig trotter soaked in the puddle on the ground, his mind filling with question marks.
That thing is muddy; can it still be eaten?
Luxianbei contemplated, stepping closer, placed a hand on the Ming King statue, and squatted beside Gu Qiqi, “Gu Qiqi, long time no see?”
“Y-yeah, long time no see. How’s your health recently?” Gu Qiqi replied awkwardly, constantly urging the system in her mind.
“System, system, hurry up, what should I do now?”
“What else can we do after being this unlucky? Just give it back!” the system responded in an incredibly small voice.
“No way, that person just offered two cores of the urban legend’s essence, and I haven’t sold it yet! I can’t just give it to him for free; a noble doesn’t have a lineage—when can oppressed Qiqi stand up?”
“My ancestor! What time is it now, and you’re still worrying about your little money? You’re going to d*e in that money-eye sooner or later! If you’re so bold, then you figure it out yourself!”
“Ding—! Your 【Super Magical Girl Demon-Slaying System】 has disconnected.”
After a brief covert discussion with the system, Gu Qiqi snapped back to reality, realizing that Luxianbei had already sat down beside her at some point, a hand resting on her shoulder as if preventing her from escaping.
“W-What do you want? There are rules in the Ghost Market prohibiting forceful conflicts!”
“Oh?” Luxianbei shot Gu Qiqi a chilling glance, saying mildly, “So, that means curses and poisons, those kinds of non-violent conflicts that aren’t easily detected, are allowed, right?”
“Gulp——!”
Gu Qiqi swallowed hard.
Dark, non-violent conflicts are indeed possible.
Seeing Gu Qiqi’s wide-eyed expression, warily observing him, Luxianbei felt a surge of delight, just as he was about to exert further mental pressure on her to accomplish the feat of acquiring the Ming King statue with empty hands, another predictive thought suddenly flashed through his mind.
【She sneaked a glance at the pig trotter on the ground.】
Affected by the predictive thought, Luxianbei paused for a moment before continuing, “You seem to be sweating; is it hot?”
“N-no, not too hot,” Gu Qiqi mumbled, her whole demeanor resembling a little chick afflicted with chicken plague, listless and shivering.
“Then…”
【She sneaked a glance at the pig trotter on the ground.】
Luxianbei took a deep breath, adjusted his tone, and calmly stated, “Then you’re afraid of me, right? Aren’t we friends?”
“Uh-huh, sort of…” Gu Qiqi nodded like a small chicken pecking at grains.
“However, although we’re friends, I really dislike it when others lie to me. Can you…”
【She sneaked a glance at the pig trotter on the ground.】
Once again, Luxianbei’s thoughts were interrupted by the predictive idea, and he finally couldn’t help but erupt, “d*mn! Can you stop looking at the pig trotter on the ground? It can’t be eaten anymore, you know?”
“I can.”
“What the hell?”
Gu Qiqi looked at Luxianbei, her tone firm as she reiterated, “I said I can; wash it off, and it can still be eaten.”
“When I first became homeless, I often picked up such food, washed it, and ate it.”
【She wanted to sneak a look at the pig trotter, but didn’t dare.】
“…”
Luxianbei facepalmed; this girl was just too pitiful, making one feel sympathetic.
Suddenly, he felt embarrassed to continue bullying and tormenting Gu Qiqi, sensing that carrying on like that would likely bring divine retribution.
Forget it, since she brought something to sell, I might as well follow the proper procedure and buy the Ming King statue back.
Luxianbei thought, reaching out to pat the top of the Ming King statue placed prominently on Gu Qiqi’s stall, and said solemnly, “Gu Qiqi, this thing…”
“Can’t just give it to you! I found this! I… I… If you try to snatch it, I’ll fight you!”
Before Luxianbei could finish his sentence, Gu Qiqi suddenly shouted, her eyes glimmering with a hint of red.
“When did I say I would snatch it? Aren’t you the one selling it? Isn’t it okay if I buy it?”
“Eh?!” The tears in Gu Qiqi’s eyes immediately retreated, tilting her head as she looked at Luxianbei, “You really intend to buy it? At least I’ll need three cores of the urban legend’s essence!”
“Cores of the urban legend’s essence?” Luxianbei frowned, saying seriously, “I don’t have them, but how about this?”
While speaking, Luxianbei pulled out two bottles of calamity water from his backpack and placed them in front of Gu Qiqi.
Gu Qiqi scrutinized the dark liquid before her, gradually revealing a look of distaste in her eyes, “What is this? Ink? Don’t try to dupe me!”
“How could I deceive you? This stuff is a type of spiritual energy material; its value is not lower than that of the core of the urban legend,” Luxianbei patiently explained.
Gu Qiqi opened her pink mouth, about to say something, when suddenly, a mechanical-sounding prompt echoed in her mind.
“Ding—! Your 【Super Magical Girl Demon-Slaying System】 has reconnected!”
Immediately afterward, Gu Qiqi heard the system’s voice, “Gu Qiqi, trade with him!”
“Eh?!” Gu Qiqi was taken aback, turning to look at Luxianbei, saying seriously, “System…”
“What system?” Luxianbei tilted his head.
“d*mn it! This is too much! Two bottles aren’t enough, it’s at least three!”
Seeing Gu Qiqi’s reaction, the system was horrified, “Gu Qiqi, are you crazy! You dare negotiate with Calamity? Are you…”
“Three bottles, so be it!”
Luxianbei pondered for a moment and immediately agreed, taking out another bottle of calamity water and placing it into Gu Qiqi’s hand.
System, “？？？”
