The world has turned into Hell's Game, why should I stay human? Chapter 1421 859: Timor Layman’s Battle with the Cashier

"Name: Ghost Painting·Vendor (Growable)"

"Type: Equipment"

"Quality: Excellent"

"Effect 1: If the Wrongfully Dead Child volunteers, it can absorb their skeleton or soul (skeleton and soul of the same Wrongfully Dead Child are considered as one). Current capacity: 0/10."

"Effect 2: The Wrongfully Dead Child in the Ghost Painting can provide players with multiple boosts, players can choose one. The more Wrongfully Dead Children there are, and the higher their innate talent, the better the boost effect."

"Effect 3: Completing the Wrongfully Dead Child's last wish can enhance the item's quality."

"Note: Children cry without asking, chickens and dogs leave people heartbroken. Parents have gone to the road of the Yellow Springs, children come to find the vendor. Vendor, sound of bones, call the children don't panic. I give knives to you, ribs make spears, spine makes guns. First kill the wolves and tigers, then kill corrupt officials and strong men. Kill until the Mortal World is clean, then go to the Yellow Springs to find your parents."

"Can it be brought out of instance: Yes"

As Liu Zheng read the note, he shifted uncomfortably, feeling an itch deep within.

"The donor possesses murderous intent."

Timor Layman voiced Liu Zheng's inner state.

"With a sharp weapon in hand, murderous thoughts naturally arise. Layman's painting is truly exceptional; it's difficult not to be tempted."

Liu Zheng admitted frankly.

"Once a painting is created, its meaning is determined by the viewer. The donor perceives a call to war upon seeing this artwork, while another might feel inclined to offer alms."

Timor Layman stated, shaking his head.

"Then, war seems the more fitting response."

Liu Zheng pouted.

In a place like Metropolis, suggesting alms could result in even the Buddha being dismembered to feed the carrion birds.

"The Great Dao offers three thousand paths, yet all converge to the same destination. Whatever the donor pleases, one million."

Timor Layman said with a smile.

"As this is my first visit, might I request a discount?"

Liu Zheng inquired.

"This is a small business; discounts are not offered."

Timor Layman's smile wavered slightly.

"Tsk."

Liu Zheng complied and paid the sum.

Spending a million for a growable piece of excellent equipment felt a tad steep, but it remained within a tolerable limit.

"From what lineage does this Dharma Protector hail, esteemed donor?"

Timor Layman inquired after accepting the payment.

Now that the painting had been purchased, a foundation for further conversation was laid.

"I acquired it through a trade. Layman, would you be interested in hearing about it?"

Liu Zheng countered with a question.

"Somewhat interested,"

Timor Layman nodded.

"Then, perhaps you'd be interested in the food delivery?"

"That is still insufficient,"

Timor Layman shook his head.

"Very well, I shall begin my account."

Liu Zheng recounted the entire process of obtaining the Extreme Fury Asura, omitting no detail, even the matter of the Eight Hot Hell Yellow Soup.

"A single bowl of wine can certify the Arhat Fruit; indeed, Buddhist doctrines persist even beyond the confines of the Buddhist Sect."

Timor Layman remarked with a sense of reverence.

Liu Zheng remained quiet, possessing limited knowledge of Buddhist Law or the practices of the Buddhist Sect.

"Would the donor consider reselling this Artificial Body to me?"

Timor Layman posed the question after a moment's thought, not pressing for an immediate response.

"Layman, for powerful individuals such as yourself, it might be difficult to comprehend, but people perish without their bodies."

Liu Zheng narrowed his eyes.

He doubted Timor Layman had failed to notice his current state, being reduced to merely a head.

"Then we shall await the donor's body to regenerate before finalizing the transaction,"

Timor Layman suggested.

"What is your proposed offer?"

Liu Zheng inquired.

"One billion..."

Timor Layman drew out the word.

"I am certainly incapable of matching that amount."

"I had anticipated as much,"

Liu Zheng replied, unfazed.

Considering the economic landscape of Metropolis, a billion there was equivalent to at least five billion in the real world. Even for the top five hundred corporations, procuring such a sum in liquid cash instantly might prove challenging.

The greater a person's wealth, the smaller the proportion held in readily available cash. Capital inherently seeks growth, and the principle of money generating money necessitates investment.

"Therefore, provided it does not contravene Metropolis's laws and regulations, I can offer assistance up to three times."

Timor Layman mused, then stated.

"That still falls short."

It was Liu Zheng's turn to utter this sentiment.

"Hmm..."

Timor Layman found himself in a quandary.

Upon his departure from the Buddhist Sect, he had taken minimal possessions to demonstrate his resolve. Although he had accumulated considerable wealth through his gallery over the years, parting with assets valued at a billion would still be a significant sacrifice.

While he was genuinely intrigued by the Extreme Fury Asura, he was unwilling to compromise his current standard of living purely out of curiosity.

"Forget it. How about this: if you decide to sell this Dharma Protector, I want the first refusal right to purchase. You can only sell it to others after I explicitly decline." Timor Layman proposed after a moment's thought.

"No problem with that," Liu Zheng readily agreed. He hadn't really planned on selling the Extreme Fury Asura anyway. Even if he were to regain his original body, the Artificial Body could serve as a backup or be given to someone else.

"In that case, may I take a look at the secret manuals?" Timor Layman extended his hand.

"Here you go." Liu Zheng handed all four secret manuals over to him.

Timor Layman quickly flipped through the four manuals, his expression remaining unchanged.

"These martial arts can only be described as decent; reaching the pinnacle of their elegance will be difficult," he finally stated, closing the manuals and shaking his head.

"For you to offer such an evaluation is already quite high praise," Liu Zheng remarked, unfazed. Considering the martial arts world in reality, the Primordial Tai Chi Sect was practically a minor branch compared to the Fuwei Escort Agency while Timor Layman was akin to the top expert of the Shaolin Temple. It was natural for these manuals not to impress him.

"However, the individual who copied these manuals seems interesting. Judging by the handwriting, it appears to be a woman?" Timor Layman speculated.

"That's correct. She's a martial arts prodigy," Liu Zheng confirmed, sharing Ma Baoli's accomplishments with him.

"Turning falsehood into reality; truly fascinating. If that's the case..." Timor Layman mused, then approached an empty picture frame. He brushed his hand over it, and a blank sheet of paper materialized within the frame.