The world has turned into Hell's Game, why should I stay human? Chapter 1375 836: Zhuge Ling: The Wisdom of Mortals

"A prudent decision. Now, the pressing matter is, do you possess knowledge of where to procure illicit goods?"

Zhuge Ling posed the question.

"I do not have such information,"

Liu Zheng responded with candor.

Should the Round God Sect still have been operational, he could have enlisted Garcia's assistance; however, he had personally orchestrated its demise.

"Establish contact with this individual, mentioning my recommendation, and they shall extend a price reduction to you,"

Zhuge Ling produced a business card and placed it upon the table.

"What is your desired compensation?"

Liu Zheng, refraining from taking the card, inquired cautiously.

"I seek nothing at this juncture. If you remain unconvinced, consider it an investment in your potential,"

Zhuge Ling stated.

"Investment?"

"Precisely. A sagacious individual cannot thrive in isolation; they require both formidable warriors for protection and a leader for direction. At present, you appear to possess the qualifications of a warrior."

Zhuge Ling elaborated.

"As long as I remain within the confines of this residence, my safety should be assured, correct?"

Liu Zheng sought confirmation.

"What age do you perceive me to be?"

Zhuge Ling deflected with a question.

"Um, twenty?"

He ventured a guess, aiming for a conservative estimate.

"Sixteen. Based on my family's customary longevity, I am projected to live for at least another thirty-eight years. While this abode holds my affection, enduring another thirty-eight years within its walls is not a necessity,"

Zhuge Ling articulated impassively.

"Is that so? Have your family members never ventured outdoors?"

Liu Zheng inquired.

"With the exception of the progenitor, I am the most intellectually gifted in the Zhuge lineage's history, yet also the least potent. This dwelling was meticulously constructed for my exclusive use by an ancestor who foresaw my advent,"

Zhuge Ling divulged.

"That is an extraordinary level of indulgence."

A sentiment of both envy and resentment stirred within him.

"Indeed, yet regrettably, even that ancestor could not divine a method for my liberation from this restricted existence. During my father's lifetime, occasional excursions beyond these walls were feasible. However, subsequent to his passing, I became entirely hermitic,"

Zhuge Ling's voice, though calm, held a trace of melancholy.

"Given your intellect, acquiring skill in sorcery or a similar discipline should not pose a significant challenge,"

Liu Zheng proposed.

"The wisdom of mortals."

Zhuge Ling emitted a sigh.

"Why does that pronouncement carry such a familiar ring?"

He murmured softly.

"Magic presents even less predictability than knowledge. Should I embark on a dedicated study of sorcery, an uncontrollable compulsion to dissect its fundamental principles would arise, potentially leading to the invention of novel magical arts or the exploration of more clandestine and perilous incantations. Fortune might grant me a swift demise, or worse, subject the Zhuge family to a high-risk bloodline classification by the City Hall, resulting in immediate eradication,"

Zhuge Ling explained.

"Then pursue martial disciplines; they demand less cognitive exertion,"

Liu Zheng suggested anew.

"Merely standing for extended periods leaves me breathless, and you propose I engage in martial training? The employees of Bloody Restaurant are truly devoid of empathy,"

Zhuge Ling quipped.

"Furthermore, even if I were to employ external means to fortify my Qi and Blood, the majority would be consumed by my brain, rendering my physical form even more frail,"

She continued.

"It appears your brain functions akin to a parasite."

Liu Zheng offered his observation.

"One could interpret it thusly. Anything within your being that operates beyond your control may be deemed a parasite,"

Zhuge Ling concurred.

"I sense an implicit meaning behind that statement."

He narrowed his eyes.

"The wisdom of mortals..."

"Cease, enough, I comprehend that I am overanalyzing; no need to accentuate the point,"

Liu Zheng interjected.

"Hmm, a receptive young man."

Zhuge Ling offered a slight nod.

Liu Zheng rolled his eyes, retrieved his mobile device, and initiated a call to Jiang Weisheng.

"Mr. Liu, is there a matter requiring my attention?"

Jiang Weisheng promptly answered the call.

"Do you have any surplus items from your prior smuggling activities? They need not be substances intended for addiction; any other contraband will suffice,"

He inquired directly.

"May I inquire as to the reason for your requirement?"

"I am slated to receive a consignment of smuggled goods and require alternative illicit items for an exchange,"

Liu Zheng explained truthfully.

"Are you also engaged in the smuggling trade?"

Jiang Weisheng exclaimed in surprise.

"Refrain from such assumptions. I am merely an intermediary. Were I serious about venturing into smuggling, my sights would not be set on the Deep Sea Empire; the Ten Thousand Great Mountains would prove far more accommodating,"

He anticipated Jiang Weisheng's line of thought.

"Mr. Liu, your network of contacts is indeed commendable. I still possess certain items, though their delivery presents a logistical challenge,"

Jiang Weisheng conveyed.

"No inconvenience, I shall proceed to collect them anon,"

Liu Zheng agreed.

"Very well, I shall anticipate your esteemed arrival, Mr. Liu."

"The matter is concluded."

He terminated the call, a smug expression gracing his features as he raised his eyebrows at Zhuge Ling.

"Impressive, truly impressive."

Zhuge Ling offered a half-hearted round of applause.

"Just name a time, and I'll escort you out. Unless someone like Peacock shows up, I can guarantee your safety."

Observing Liu Zheng curled up within the blankets, a wave of sympathy washed over Zhuge Ling.

If the entire Delivery Gang were mobilized, and Doctor Nile and his associates summoned, a stroll down Rose Street would certainly be secure.

"Should I be placing my trust in you?"

Zhuge Ling tilted her head, her gaze fixed on him.

"My reputation precedes me, you know? Whether you believe it or not, I've made a promise, and this consultation fee is on the house."

Liu Zheng stated, his audacity evident.

"We'll have to wait and see. I'm not quite ready mentally to venture outside just yet."

Zhuge Ling gestured dismissively.

"Understood. Here's my contact information; reach out when you feel prepared."

He retrieved a pen and paper from the table, scribbling down his number.

"I'll be taking my leave now."

Liu Zheng turned to depart.

"Hold on, why aren't you asking for my number?"