Chapter 423: Chapter 70: Qin Shizhong
A glint flashed in Zhang Deming’s eyes as he suddenly remembered something.
With a flip of his hand, the Spiritual Light from a storage bag at his waist flickered slightly. A strange mass of black smoke appeared in his palm.
The smoke was enveloped in a dream-like glow, preventing it from dissipating.
This was a memory fragment Zhang Deming had forcibly torn from that old ghost. He had utilized the time-amplifying effect of Karma to power his Heart Dream Control’s memory-stripping ability. Thanks to the powerful enhancement from Karma, it had even come attached with a Soul Fragment.
Looking at the object, Zhang Deming’s eyes flickered. He hesitated for a long time, but still didn’t dare to act rashly.
’Although I’m curious about what’s in the box, using my Tier Three Heart Dream Control to handle this old ghost’s soul and memory fragment is still too risky.’
’The Law Level is the standard high-end power for Three Talents Cultivators. So, to be safe, I should just set this aside. I’ll deal with it after I advance to the Duality realm and my Heart Dream Control reaches the Law Level.’
’I’ve already let it sit for two years; a little more time won’t hurt. You can’t go wrong with being cautious, especially when it comes to matters of the soul—something only Three Talents Great Cultivators should even begin to touch.’
After a long hesitation, Spiritual Light surged from Zhang Deming’s hand, adding another layer of encapsulation to the memory fragment.
When everything settled, it had become a dream-like Crystal Ball filled with black smoke.
Zhang Deming placed the Crystal Ball and the mysterious little box together, setting them back on a shelf.
He glanced at the shelf, then paid it no more mind.
Instead, he walked over to another shelf, upon which sat two vials of blood-red liquid.
These were two Bloodlines that Zhang Deming had previously obtained and meticulously processed.
One was the Bloodline of a Qiu Ape, which possessed a Gravity Aura; the other was the Bloodline of a Two-Tailed Spirit Fox, obtained from looting a corpse.
Combined, they formed a complete set of top-tier primary materials for advancing to the Tai Chi realm via Bloodline transformation.
Qin Shizhong’s information had played a crucial role in Zhang Deming’s recent gains.
’I’ve never been a black-hearted person. While I’m no idealist, I still have my own bottom line and principles.’
Holding the two Bloodlines, Zhang Deming hesitated. ’As a reward, this might be a little too generous.’
’But it’s a perfect opportunity to set an example. It will clearly show the rewards for being the first to take the plunge, which will also help the Alliance develop.’
’Besides, if someone like Qin Shizhong can achieve Foundation Establishment Tai Chi, it would perfectly meet the requirements for ’Destiny Alteration’ that I’ve been testing out. I might even receive a wave of Merit and Qi Fortune for it.’
’All things considered, Qin Shizhong might be profiting immensely, but I definitely won’t be at a loss. With so many benefits, it’s a huge gain for me too, isn’t it?’
’And... I don’t have to give it to him for free!’
After a moment of thought, Zhang Deming took out the two vials of Bloodline.
He went down to the first-floor courtyard, placed the two materials on a small table, and then took out his Identity Card to notify Qin Shizhong.
...
A short while later, after receiving the message, Qin Shizhong hurried over.
Seeing Zhang Deming sitting in the courtyard leisurely drinking tea, he said, "Disciple greets Martial Uncle."
Zhang Deming nodded. "Mm, that’s enough. How many times have I told you? There’s no need to be so formal."
Qin Shizhong smiled and said, "This Disciple will remember."
Zhang Deming watched as the other man still respectfully and meticulously completed the full set of courtesies. It was clear that Qin Shizhong was truly grateful to him.
Even if it was just an act, he was the best at it among all the people Zhang Deming had ever met.
Moreover, he was meticulous and earnest in his work, always putting Zhang Deming first.
Over the past year or so, and especially during the last six months at the Flying Spring Waterfall Tower, Zhang Deming had taken note of his attitude.
Otherwise, Zhang Deming wouldn’t be giving him such a good deal. After all, he wasn’t heartless. The sincerity with which the man treated him made him worth the investment.
Even if there were utilitarian motives behind it, Zhang Deming was willing to accept it. Not to mention, he hadn’t detected any such motives so far; Qin Shizhong made everything seem completely voluntary.
Seeing him finish his salutations and stand obediently to the side with his head lowered, waiting for instructions, Zhang Deming smiled and said, "Have a seat."
Hearing this, Qin Shizhong sat down obediently without a word.
Zhang Deming waved his hand, and a stream of water flowed from the teapot. A cup of Spirit Tea floated to a stop in front of Qin Shizhong.
Because Feng Mingyou was at the Tai Chi realm, Zhang Deming had summoned his Mirror Image quite a few times. Now, while Zhang Deming wouldn’t say he was an expert in the Tea Dao, he was at least no longer a complete novice.
"Try it," Zhang Deming said, looking at him.
Upon hearing his words, Qin Shizhong picked up the teacup and took a gentle sip.
He then closed his eyes and savored it for a long moment before saying, "Excellent tea. And Martial Uncle’s Tea Art is particularly fine. With a little more effort, you could likely enter the Tea Dao."
Zhang Deming chuckled and shook his head. "We’ve known each other for two years now. You haven’t improved much in other areas, but your bootlicking skills have certainly grown."
Qin Shizhong laughed. "Martial Uncle, while this Disciple may be suspected of flattery, I am speaking the truth. Your Tea Art is indeed on the verge of entering the Tea Dao."
Zhang Deming looked at Qin Shizhong’s smiling face as he spoke, shook his head with a smile of his own, and said, "Your flattery is getting truly impressive, it’s almost becoming seamless.
"Alright, enough idle chatter. I don’t have the spare time to comprehend the Tea Dao of the Hundred Paths Elegance Sect. I called you here today to ask you something important."
