CH 11

Old Xu’s pupils widened, thinking in his heart, was this guy insane? Asking for a hundred silver coins was already demanding too much, to actually also say he will pay it back in double?

Jiang Chao Ge pointed at the four pieces of scattered material he had brought, “These four pieces of scattered material, even if only one of them can be made into a weapon, you can earn more than a gold coin. What does Old Xu have to be worried about?”

Old Xu thought deeply for a moment, “At the moment, I really can’t take out that much money. How about fifty silver coins?”

Jiang Chao Ge smiled: “The amount of money, determines how much you gain. Fifty silver coins, I can only undertake half of Old Xu’s interest.”

Old Xu’s eyes moved swiftly, evidently uncertain. Ultimately, his courage still wasn’t fertile enough, “I truly can’t take out more money.”

“Ok, then fifty. Thank you Old Xu.”

When they took the money and walked out, Meng Sheng lamented: “Are you rolling a snowball? How did you get this much money unconsciously?”

Jiang Chao Ge smiled lightly: “This much money is still not enough.” It still fell short of his target of one gold coin by nine hundred and fifty silver coins. Whether or not he can earn that much money within the short period of time will depend on his next action.

“Little Jiang, what else are you thinking of doing?”

“Earning money by only reselling scattered materials is too slow.”

“You want to buy a whole piece of beast material? Then fifty silver coins is not enough at all. You can’t even buy one.”

“There’s a way.” Jiang Chao Ge patted Zhi Xuan, “Little Zuzong, do you think making money is fun?”

Zhi Xuan turned his pupils, “Its a bit interesting.”

“In a while, assist me in a performance. After getting money, I will book a wine cellar and allow you to drink.”

Zhi Xuan pinched his cheeks, “What you are saying is true?”

“Of course it’s true. How could I dare lie to you?”

Meng Sheng looked at Jiang Chao Ge with a complicated expression.

After returning home, Jiang Chao Ge placed Zhi Xuan in the room to rest and called Meng Sheng out of the room alone.

“Old Meng, I have things I want to talk to you about.” He told Meng Sheng of the conversation the two had last night in its entirety while he was giving Zhi Xuan a bath. There were many things Zhi Xuan said that he could not understand. Those words not only made him have misgivings, it also made him feel uneasy. For example that sentence “If at that time, you cause me to be defeated because you are too weak….” Could it be that Zhi Xuan also had some sort of enemy?

After listening to him speak, Meng Sheng’s expression was infinitely surprised. A thin sheen of sweat suddenly appeared on his forehead, “He said that he can’t be killed and can only be sealed?”

Jiang Chao Ge nodded, “Last night he drank a lot of alcohol. Is there a possibility he is raving?”

Meng Sheng’s lips trembled and then shook his head, “I can’t say precisely. It really could also be possible he was confused by the alcohol. What is ‘I cannot be killed’? Also what is to ‘cause me to be defeated’?”

A hole of suspicion appeared in Jiang Chao Ge’s heart. Just now that expression Meng Sheng made in that instant made him think that Meng Sheng definitely knew something. Now, how come he is also as confused as him? He said: “I don’t understand. I thought you would understand.”

Meng Sheng frowned deeply, “To be honest, I also don’t understand. Are we underestimating him too much? He has always appeared in the form of a child. In reality, he has lived for thousands of years. Perhaps it is not as simple as his appearance seems.”

Jiang Chao Ge nodded, “His outer appearance really does cause people to be confused. He has always refused to tell us what type of rare beast he actually is. This point cannot be understood the most.”

“Yeah. Normally, is this even worth keeping a secret….”

“You really don’t have any thoughts?”

Meng Sheng shook his head, “Next time, I’ll go ask Old Xu. He knows a lot more than me.”

“Ok. I’m going to take him out to do some things. I will not come back for dinner.”

“You be careful. Try to be low key as much as possible.”

“Relax.”

As soon as Jiang Chao Ge turned around, Meng Sheng’s expression immediately changed. For an instant, his eyes sunk into hopelessness, fear written all over it. Even his withered old hands were shaking slightly….

~~~~~~

Jiang Chao Ge picked up Zhi Xuan and went out. He wanted to find Su An.

On the way, Jiang Chao Ge warned repeatedly, “We have agreed, no matter what performance I put on at that time, you can’t temporarily tear down my stage. Then our alcohol will certainly fly.”

Zhi Xuan glared at him and said, “Don’t be so fussy. I know already.”

As soon as Su An saw them, he said like he was taking credit for someone’s achievement: “Big Brother, these few days I haven’t slacked off at all in doing the work you urged me to do again and again. I’ve already checked just about all the stalls that sell Ming Ling grass in Hu An City. I discovered that they practically all come from the same village. Finding one means you can find a pile.”

Jiang Chao Ge patted his shoulder, “Very good. You did very well. Now come with me to settle some matters.”

“Ok, please explain.”

“Take me to the best tailors shop in the city.”

“Ah?”

Jiang Chao Ge smiled: “Change an outfit.”

Although Su An did not understand why, he still took Jiang Chao Ge there. At first, when the shopkeeper of the tailor shop saw their poor appearance, he didn’t take them seriously at all. That is, until Jiang Chao Ge threw out five silver coins and asked for the best clothes in the shop. Only then did the shopkeeper beam with joy and began style an outfit for them.

In less than half an hour, the three exchanged bird shotguns for cannons. They were clothed head to toe in embroidery and fancy clothes. Their noble air was oppressive.

Su An lamented: “Big Brother, I have never worn such good clothes in my entire life.”

Jiang Chao Ge pinched his chin and looked at it, “In a while, act more realistically for me. Don’t behave like you have never seen the world. Also, you’re not allowed to laugh so foolishly. Act like you look down upon everyone. Just follow my manner.”

Su An nodded repeatedly, “Big Brother, what are you taking me to do?”

“I’ll tell you on the way.” Jiang Chao Ge casually picked up a small tiger head hat, “Boss, give me this as a present.”

The shopkeeper nodded his head and bowed, “No problem, no problem. Feel free to take it.”

Jiang Chao Ge placed the hat on Zhi Xuan’s head and smiled: “Come, let me have a look. It’s rather pretty.”

Zhi Xuan felt the hat, “Really?”

Jiang Chao Ge stroked his long long hair, “Really. It’s really different when you wear it.”

Zhi Xuan snorted from his nose, his tone sounded quite delighted.

After the three finished changing their style, they walked majestically towards the biggest pawn shop in Hu An City.

Right now, it was precisely after lunchtime. The sun just happened to be very intense. There weren’t many people on the streets. You could also net sparrows at the door of the pawnshop.

As soon as the three entered, a considerably stout middle aged man greeted them, and said with extreme deference: “Sirs, please come inside. Some high quality fragrant tea from Li Wu Mountain have just arrived in my store. I was just looking for honourable people like you to taste it.”

Su An had a tongue tied expression. He probable didn’t expect people to treat them so differently by changing a set of clothes.

Jiang Chao Ge coughed softly and signalled to him with his eyes.

Su An immediately shut his gaping mouth, “The boss of my house has recently taken a liking to drinking black tea from overseas. Does the boss have it?”

The man smiled hurriedly: “This store really doesn’t have it. I’m also not the boss. The boss isn’t here today. I’m his manager.”

Jiang Chao Ge said lazily: “Don’t worry about the tea or whatever.” He lowered his voice, “I’ve got a high quality fine good and want to let the manager take a look.”

The manager’s eyes brightened, “Sir, please come in.”

The three were taken into a private room.

The manager said impatiently: “Sir, could I ask what type of treasure you brought?”

Jiang Chao Ge smiled, “This place is really the biggest pawn shop in Hu An City?”

“Naturally.”

“I heard that you’ve pawned considerably valuable treasures.”

The manager chuckled: “I can’t say for other places, but in Hu An City, if there is something that even our shop doesn’t dare touch, then it’s even less likely the other shops will touch it.”

“Very good. So that’s why I only found you after several days. However, I’ll say this in advance. This item is unique. If you aren’t bold enough to want it, fine. But regardless of whether you want it or not, if you disclose any matter that happens today, I won’t be so easy on you.”

The manager smiled: “Sir, please rest assured. To do this line of business, the most important thing is to abide by the rules.”

“In addition, this item is something I will definitely come back to redeem. If it were not for an urgent matter, I also wouldn’t hand it over here. If you accept it, then you have to take care of it stringently.”

“Of course, this doesn’t even need mentioning.” Although Jiang Chao Ge tried his best to tantalise him, the manager didn’t see to be very excited at all. He had managed pawn shops for many years, what type of boasting had he not seen? He was unlikely to go so far as to be scared by a few words from Jiang Chao Ge. However, he was also truly somewhat curious.

Jiang Chao Ge sent Su An a meaningful glance.

Su An immediately fished out a delicate gift box from his waist and placed it on the table with the greatest care. The manager rubbed his hands and under the indication of Jiang Chao Ge, softly opened the gift box.

Nestled within it, was that black diamond ring of Jiang Chao Ge’s. That ring was about 80 mm wide, platinum metal made up its base. A circle of small inlaid black diamonds wound all the way around the ring. The gross weight exceeded a carat. He had checked with Meng Sheng beforehand. The Other World had not yet produced things like black diamonds. It was pretty suitable to trick people with.

Sure enough, as soon as the manager saw that ring, even his eyes became stiff. Despite being experienced and knowledgeable, he truly hadn’t seen such a thing before. That black diamond shone with a magnificent, fiery, pitch black colour. You could tell it wasn’t a normal thing at a glance. He was also unable to determine what type of thing it was and was actually momentarily dumbfounded.

Jiang Chao Ge whispered: “You don’t know what this is?”

The manager wiped his sweat, “I am slow witted and truly don’t know what this is. Is it something from overseas?”

Jiang Chao Ge nodded, “I can’t blame you for not knowing. You can’t find a second one like this in the entire Tian Ling continent. It’s called a ‘black diamond’.”

“‘Black diamond’?” The manager mulled over those two words, “Does this precious stone have any wonderful part?”

“Being one of a kind is not wonderful enough?”

The manager laughed hollowly: “It is, it is. Wonderful.”

“There is also the most wonderful part of it. And that is it’s ability to overcome all fortifications. It’s harder than anything in this world.”

The manager somewhat skeptical.

“You don’t believe me, we can try. What do you think is the hardest thing in this room?”

The manager thought for a bit, and pointed to a brick in the wall, “This brick should be extremely hard.”

Jiang Chao Ge picked up the ring and forcefully drew it across the wall without a thought.

The manager’s heart beat wildly, afraid that the precious stone was broken. He did not have enough time to prevent it and already saw a long long mark carved on the wall. Jiang Chao Ge turned the ring to face him, and with a soft blow, blew off the dust on the surface. The ring was as good as before without even the tiniest of marks.

The manager’s eyes widened and jaw dropped.

Jiang Chao Ge smiled: “How about it? How much gold coins do you think such a treasure is worth?” He directly said gold coins, giving the manager the strongest mental hint. That way, the price wouldn’t be less than a gold coin no matter what.

The manager took a deep breath and seemed to have calmed down a bit, “Sir, this treasure is truly a good item. But only the boss can decide such a big business transaction.”

Jiang Chao Ge began to laugh heartily, “You’re the manager of the pawn shop yet you can’t even make a decision about a single ring. I don’t quite believe that.”

The manager sneered: “I also think that this is a good item, but I have never seen it before after all…. Regarding things from overseas, I truly am unclear about them. At the moment, I really cannot dare to recklessly make a decision.”

“What, you don’t believe that this is something from overseas?”

“No no. Only, I truly have never seen it before.”

Jiang Chao Ge took back the ring. He stretched out his hand and removed the tiger head hat on Zhi Xuan’s head. Those bright golden eyes of Zhi Xuan’s were suddenly exposed.

The manager was startled, “This…… this is…..”

Jiang Chao Ge gave Zhi Xuan a glance and smiled: “Has the manager also never seen different tribes from overseas?”

“Could that child actually be…..”

Zhi Xuan looked at the manager. His eyes became round, those pupils seemed about to throw out sparks, as if it was burning. It truly didn’t seem like someone from Tian Ling continent.

If Zhi Xuan was in the form of an adult, the manager would naturally think that he was a rare beast. After all, although Heaven grade spirit weapons were as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns, he had still heard about them before. But this child’s appearance was so far removed from the extraordinarily powerful Heaven grade spirit weapons of legend, they successfully bluffed the manager.

Jiang Chao Ge placed the hat back on Zhi Xuan’s head and lowered his voice: “This is the secret I want you to keep. I don’t keep the truth from you. As long as I have this child of a different tribe, I can still get a lot of oversea treasures. I’ve even staked more than half of myself and my family on it. Now, I only need more gold coins, then I can get more treasures. You are the only person who knows this secret. Even your boss doesn’t know. Do you understand my meaning?”

The manager’s heart beat wildly. Of course he understood what Jiang Chao Ge meant. If he really helped Jiang Chao fe get more oversea treasures, he can become the boss himself.

Jiang Chao Ge smiled: “I already know that you aren’t the boss after all. No matter how much you want, you can’t make a decision. How about this, I only want two gold coins, just two. I’ll pay double the interest you usually charge. Of course…. That doesn’t count what I give to the manager.”

The manager’s eyes turned slightly red. His fat body trembled softly due to excitement. He once again wiped at the sweat on his forehead, “Sir…. I do believe you. But I really can’t make a decision on those two golden coins. If by any chance it’s discovered by the boss, it’ll be over for me.”

Jiang Chao Ge smiled, “Then you go invite the boss to come?”

The manager began to stall.

Jiang Chao Ge said softly: “Our acquaintance is predestined. I’m also unwilling to let too many know of such an important matter. You really want to give such a good opportunity to your boss?”

The manager’s eyes oscillated without a pause.

Jiang Chao Ge suddenly fished out a money bag from his waist and threw it towards the manager, “I only brought some loose change when going out today. I guess there’s about forty or fifty silver coins. I’ll give it all to the manager. Just think of it as us making friends. I only wish for the manager to forget about what happened today. I won’t make things difficult for you. I’ll just come find the boss another day.” After speaking, he picked up Zhi Xuan and was just about to turn around and leave.

The manager stood up abruptly, “Sir please wait. Let us discuss it further.” He had never seen such a generous person, casually rewarding people forty or fifty silver coins. This wasn’t a normal person liberal with money!

Jiang Chao Ge shook his head, “Since you can’t make a decision, what else do I have to discuss with you?”

“I…..” the manager gritted his teeth, “If sir trusts me, I’ll give sir a gold coin in advance. If sir still has treasures, bring for me to look again. I promise I’ll give sir a good price.”

Jiang Chao Ge smiled secretly in his heart, yet on the outside he frowned, “One gold coin…..”

The manager whispered: “I won’t hide the truth from you. I can only make decisions up to a gold coin. Any more is impossible.”

Jiang Chao Ge sighed, “I don’t want too many people to know about this matter, or else….. forget it. Then one is fine. You absolutely must not reveal anything that happened today.”

“Please rest assured.”

The manager eagerly went to get the contract.

As soon as he left, Su An wiped away a neck full of sweat, so frightened that even his tongue was limp, “Big big big brother, a gold coin. A gold coin! If you cannot afford to return it, we shall both be arrested.”

Jiang Chao Ge was perfectly composed: “What are you worried about, I will definitely return it.” Well, if he couldn’t return it, he would just run. He just didn’t believe that the officers and men of Hu An City could be scarier than the Third Prince with a Heaven grade spirit weapon when it came to chasing him down to be killed. He has alot of debt but doesn’t worry about it.

Su An shook his head forcefully. He had seen Jiang Chao Ge’s boldness before and actually somewhat regretted becoming partners with him. But now he had long since been riding a tiger that was hard to get off of.

Jiang Chao Ge straightened Zhi Xuan’s tiger head hat, and said with a smile: “I think you look pretty good when wearing hats. There are also rabbit and cat hats. Do you want me to buy it for you?”

“Do as you please.” Zhi Xuan felt the hat, “This hat doesn’t seem have to have any use when worn. The weather isn’t even cold….. Why aren’t you guys wearing it?”

Jiang Chao Ge could not dare to say that it was for children to wear. The Little Zuzong would probably flip out, “That shop didn’t have any I liked. It’s fine if you just wear it.”

A short while later, the manager returned, bringing many contrasts for Jiang Chao Ge to sign.

After signing it, the manager carried the ring into the secret treasury in the basement with the greatest care. Only then did he reverently see Jiang Chao Ge out the door.

Their contract states to come back to redeem it in forty days. The interest wasn’t low but to Jiang Chao Ge’s plan, this was only a small amount of money.

In this world, a hundred copper coins equals a silver coin. Only a thousand silver coins are equal a gold coin. In his world, conversion was fairly unreasonable. Maybe the gold in this world was especially rare. In short, when Jiang Chao Ge held that big gold bar that could be as heavy as half a kilo, that heavy feeling made Jiang Chao Ge endlessly happy. With this, he finally has the assets to carry out his own plan!

He said to Su An: “Su An, you go find some trustworthy people. Beginning from tomorrow, go to the village and promote, with the price of ten copper coins a bundle , have them sell all the ready made and currently sun drying Ming Ling grass to us. Remember, you must not publicise it loudly. The more low key, the better.”

“Yes, Big Brother.”

“If there are any problems come find me immediately.”

“Big Brother, what if… there are people who don’t want to sell it?”

“If there are people that don’t want to sell it, why do you think that is?”

“Hm, they think the price is too low?”

“Yes, if you feel they think the price is too low, raise it to twenty copper coins a bundle maximum.”

“If they still don’t want to sell it?”

Jiang Chao Ge smiled: “Then give them the cold shoulder. Wait until you have ordered the overwhelming majority of the Ming Ling Grass in the village. Then you tell other people that the people that won’t sell it, it’s not because they won’t sell it, it’s because we won’t accept it. They skimp the job and stint on materials, not drying it for forty days, taking it out to sell after nine days. That type of poor quality things we definitely don’t want.”

Su An was surprised, “Big, Big Brother, this….”

Jiang Chao Ge smiled: “What?”

Su An whispered: “This can’t be a good thing to do.”

Jiang Chao Ge put an arm around his neck, “Su An, do you want to keep a stall that sells pearl ornaments for the rest of your life? Exposed and beaten by the wind and sun. A lack of people interested as summer goes and winter comes. Earning a dozen or so copper coins a month. Unable to marry the woman you love, unable to give family members a stable life. Do you want that?”

Su An was seized with terror, and shook his head.

“Then it’s fine.” Jiang Chao Ge patted Su An’s back, “Relax. No one will want to admit they cut corners and use inferior material. Those stubborn ones will ultimately come find you.”

Su An gritted his teeth, “Yes.”

After dismissing Su An, Zhi Xuan propped his cheek on his hands and stared at Jiang Chao Ge with a fixed gaze. Jiang Chao Ge glanced at him, “What? Do you want to drink alcohol? I now have a big gold bar.”

“You said that you will book an entire wine cellar for me.”

“Mn, we agreed on that.”

“I know why your spiritual power is so weak now. You use all your thoughts on swindling.”

Jiang Chao Ge laughed in spite of himself, “How can you say it like that? This is doing business. Besides, I’m also doing this for the sake of buying spirit medicine. That way, I’ll be able enhance my cultivation base.”

Zhi Xuan curled his lip, “As expected, humans are greedy.”

Jiang Chao Ge sighed softly, “If I am too selfless, then I really can’t afford to serve you.”

“What do you mean?”

“What I mean is, I don’t even have the spiritual power to summon the true form of Sir Zhi Xuan, if I am still unable to let you eat and drink to your heart’s content then that is really reprehensible. Therefore, I can only use alcohol to make up to you and let you be happy.

The corners of Zhi Xuan’s mouth pulled a little, seemingly as if he wanted to smile but was also unwilling to laugh out loud. He only snorted softly, “You are just a little bit smarter than other humans.”

Jiang Chao Ge gave a smile and thought, his skill at coaxing a child was simply self taught. Looking at that devilish brat that was gradually calmed down by him, he felt that he had made a small step towards his goal of returning home.