Chapter 309 - 309 166

Words : 1374 Updated : Oct 3rd, 2025

309: 166. Matching wits and courage with Lu Li 309: 166. Matching wits and courage with Lu Li “So I only want 1,500 Shillings,” Lu Li said calmly. Hades tried to sound as pitiable and helpless as possible, “You have dealt with merchants before, you know that a Spirit-Calling Gun sells for 500 Shillings. If I return you 1,500 Shillings I wouldn’t earn a single one.” Lu Li remained unmoved as he outlined the actual situation, “I don’t know about others, but your Spirit-Calling Gun must have been stockpiled during special offers. A Spirit-Calling Gun worth 350 Shillings with three bullets was sold to me for 2,000 Shillings, and it came with only one bullet.” Hades showed a rare hint of embarrassment, “I feel like putting a price on our relationship—” Lu Li’s dark eyes slightly downcast, his tone betrayed no emotion, “If you keep going on I might recall how many Silver-plated Bullets I bought here.” The merchant’s Silver-plated Bullets cost only 20 Shillings each, and they came with a discount for basic equipment. Hades’s expression turned awkward and finally settled into a sigh of compromise. “Alright... who asked me to take a liking to you. Wait here, I’ll go upstairs to get the money.” Hades sighed, stepped out from behind the counter, and with Lu Li’s gaze following him, ascended the old staircase, covered in a dusting of ash, into the dimly lit second floor. The creak of the door signaled his entry, followed by silence after it closed. Lu Li withdrew his gaze, his arm resting on the counter, waiting in the stillness of the tavern hall for Hades to reappear. Or perhaps he would not. ... Rustle—— Rustle—— From a cluttered room filled with unidentifiable bric-a-brac and wooden boxes, the sound of rummaging could be heard. Hades was kneeling at a treasure chest, his head buried inside, rustling about for a good while. When the noise finally ceased, he emerged holding a box that was a spitting image of the treasure chest, but countless times smaller. Hades tucked the small chest into his bosom, then closed and locked the larger chest with 13 locks before retreating to the hallway to close the door. A wooden sign with the words “Storage Room” was affixed to the door. Hades proceeded to lock each one of the 23 locks on the door, patted the small chest in his pocket, and retreated back to his bedroom. Without making a sound, he closed the bedroom door. Hades turned around and threw himself in front of the bedside cabinet, opening it. A cabinet full of gold bricks came into view. Hades grabbed a gold brick and tossed it onto the bed where it sank into the bedding. After a moment’s thought, he picked it up and placed it on the bedside cabinet, tilting it slightly so as not to seem too deliberate. The “gold bricks” were specially crafted on Hades’s order. Coated with gold paint on the outside, underneath was a thin layer of hard clay that could retain bite marks, and at the very core were iron blocks. They cost 12 Shillings apiece, with a bulk purchase price of only 9 Shillings, realistic enough to deceive anyone. These fakes were for Hades to guard against thieves and robbers who, upon discovering gold bricks, would instinctively search the cabinet and then frantically take all they could carry away—the iron blocks. The truly valuable items were left undisturbed. Nevertheless, due to the special status of the Exorcist and the good security of the neighborhood, the decoys had never been used before. This was the first time. Even then, Hades couldn’t help but wince at the thought. “Forget it, these few dozen Shillings can be considered compensation for that fellow,” he muttered, clutching at his chest which had grown a size larger. He moved to the other side of the bed by the window, pushed it open, and maneuvered his long-unexercised body with effort, swinging one leg out onto the roof tiles outside. “I have to leave here for a while, lay low. The inspector can’t possibly keep watching me if he’s running around all day. When the time comes, I’ll return...” “So where should I hide?” a crisp voice came from nearby. “Good question. I have helped many wealthy magnates, and among them, there are a few down-and-out nobles who I think wouldn’t mind me visiting for a few—” The voice cut off abruptly as Hades slowly turned towards the source of the voice outside the window. An ethereal girl in a white dress floated in the air. Hades grimaced, “Does that guy take you everywhere with him...” “Mm-hmm.” Anna crossed her arms proudly. ... Thump thump thump— Hurried, somewhat stumbling footsteps descended the staircase; Hades tumbled down the stairs, followed by Anna who held her arms across her chest. Anna lifted her chin, a proud look on her face, “Just like you guessed, this guy is trying to run.” “I was just taking the money and, incidentally, checking for any leaks in the house, you know, the real rainy season is about to start.” The rainy season had already begun some time ago, but it had only been light and sporadic. The real rainy season would bring days or even weeks of torrential storms. Anna gave Hades a scornful look, disdainful of his poor excuse, “Do you usually check the roof with a treasure chest in your hands?” Suddenly, Hades clutched his chest and stared at Anna with wary eyes. “When exactly is the rainy season?” A figure suddenly emerged from behind Anna; she turned incredulously to look at those black eyes. Lu Li couldn’t possibly believe Hades’ excuse, could he!? A glimmer of opportunity flashed in Hades’ eyes, and he quickly said, “I remember you came from somewhere else. The rainy season on the Ailen Peninsula is different from what you understand as rainy season. It’s a super torrential rain that can last for days or even more than a week. The current gloomy weather and rain are not even a pre-dinner dessert, just a cup of coffee you drink in your free time.” Lu Li did not know this, and it seemed Anna didn’t either. One could foresee that if the rainy season officially began soon, Lu Li, who had not stockpiled enough provisions, would be very frustrated. “More than the rainy season, we are concerned about that money,” Anna couldn’t let this guy distract Lu Li and forcefully steered the conversation back on track, “And you look quite wealthy. If we take all your money, then... we’ll have a lot of money!” Temporarily extricating from the issue of the rainy season, Lu Li pondered thoughtfully. He indeed needed a large sum of money, and fortunately, Hades in front of him had it. “How could you do such a thing!?” Hades’ eyes bulged, his face turning beet red as he yelled, “That’s illegal! I’m going to call the police!” “The police probably can’t deal with an investigator,” Lu Li said. Clinging tightly to the small treasure chest, Hades roared, “Whomever covets my money, I will kill them!” Whir— An icy breath suddenly emanated from Anna’s body, and a shadow of pure black stretched out from behind her, almost tangible, giving off a disconcerting and horrifying aura. Anna’s voice was cold, “Try and see who’s faster, you or me.” “Sorry I was too impulsive, one thousand five hundred shillings, I’ll give it to you now,” Hades trembled under this aura, decisively speaking, his lowered gaze revealing a hint of terror. Lu Li actually let the power of this ghost near that of a resentful spirit... wasn’t he afraid of being killed by her in his sleep? Under the watchful eyes of both, Hades, like an old man in his twilight years, slowly took out the small treasure chest, unlocked it, and then suddenly sped up his movements. He flipped open the lid, grabbed a handful of money, closed the lid all in one go, and then went back to moving sluggishly. As if everything before was just an illusion.

Chapter 309 - 309 166

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