Chapter 326.1: Dark Clouds Hanging
Huo Yuhao said to Bei Bei using his Spiritual Detection, “Eldest senior, I’m going to go out later.”
Bei Bei thought of something before he extended two fingers and tapped on Huo Yuhao’s shoulder.
Huo Yuhao nodded.
The two of them had great chemistry with each other. “Yuhao, be careful. Don’t push yourself too hard.”
“Don’t worry, eldest senior. I know my limits.”
Bei Bei sent Huo Yuhao back to his room before he returned to his own room to rest. After returning to their rooms, Wang Dong’er started to help Huo Yuhao put on make-up. He had an appointment today.
The make-up was used to conceal his actual looks. Wang Dong’er pushed Huo Yuhao silently out of the hotel. They proceeded towards a dark and quiet corner and quickly ventured far away from the hotel.
Huo Yuhao’s ability to disguise and conceal himself was an important reason why Bei Bei was so confident earlier. If their opponent didn’t know when they left, how could he deal with them?
Wang Dong’er pushed Huo Yuhao far away, and they even went around in a circle before they proceeded towards their destination. After walking for an hour, they finally stopped at a dark and quiet corner.
Huo Yuhao was drained today. Although he had rested for some time, and his soul and spiritual power had somewhat recovered, he was still feeling weak and exhausted from the tournament. It was best to remain cautious.
Wang Dong’er squatted down beside Huo Yuhao and whispered, “He’s here. Should I guide him over?”
“Yes. I just used my Spiritual Detection to check. There’s no one within a five hundred meter radius of us.” Huo Yuhao nodded his head.
Wang Dong’er only stepped out silently after this. She didn’t make a sound, and soon brought someone over from the other side of the road – Chen An.
“Sir.” Chen An rushed to greet Huo Yuhao when he saw him. After witnessing what had happened in the last round of the underground tournament, he became even more respectful towards Huo Yuhao. Huo Yuhao’s abilities during that round were an eye-opener for him. He had revealed the true abilities of an evil soul master! Naturally, Chen An’s efficiency also increased as a result.
“How’s the matter I asked you to see to?” Huo Yuhao asked.
Chen An hurriedly answered, “It’s almost done. This is the list.” As he spoke, he passed a piece of paper to Huo Yuhao.
Huo Yuhao furrowed his brow when he saw the list. “So little?”
Chen An laughed bitterly. “Sir, I’ve already done my best. Rare metals are in short supply now. The Duskwater Alliance has stocks, but the higher-ups treat them as treasures.”
“They claim that the value of these rare metals will soar in the future and they’re prohibiting the sale of them now. I only managed to get this much because my friend is one of the higher-ups in charge of managing the warehouse. This must not leaked. Otherwise, I’ll be dead.”
Huo Yuhao nodded and said, “Alright, let’s just get these first. Don’t worry, I won’t let you do all this for nothing. Hold this first.” As he spoke, he passed a card to Chen An.
“There are five hundred and fifty thousand gold soul credits here. Take it as the deposit. When you return, get the goods ready. When they arrive, I’ll give you the remaining sum that I owe. When that time comes, your share will not be forgotten. I’ll fulfill my promise to you.”
After receiving the card, Chen An didn’t seem to be doubtful at all. Huo Yuhao’s passing of the card to Chen An represented a lot of things. “Alright, sir. I have an idea. In a few days’ time, our Radiant City Elite Soul Engineering Tournament’s grand finals will be held on the second day after the Continental Elite Youth Soul Master Tournament’s semifinals are over. When the grand final begins, you’ll naturally be competing. All the higher-ups from the three underground organizations will also be gracing the event. This will also the point where the warehouse is emptiest. Let’s meet then. I’ll get someone to deliver the goods, and you’ll send someone to verify the goods. The exchange can occur then when we are both not present. It’ll also be the safest time and place for us. What do you think?”
Huo Yuhao revealed a grin and said, “Not bad. Your idea is pretty reliable. Let’s do it this way then. Alright, you can return now. Take care. When the matter is settled, you can follow me in the future if you want to.”
“Yes, sir. Thanks for nurturing me. Let me complete this task first before we go on to other stuff.” After greeting Huo Yuhao again, Chen An turned around and left. As he walked out of the dark corner, he glanced around him before quickly leaving.
Huo Yuhao revealed a cold smile on his face as he watched Chen An leave. This fellow’s heartbeat was getting faster and faster when he was speaking earlier. Evidently, he must be lying. I can’t tell what he’s lying about, but he’s pretty good to have obtained all these rare metals.
“Dong’er, protect me. Let me see if I can get more clues from him. If I do find out anything, second senior and I might not even need to compete in the grand final.”
“Right here? Won’t it be too dangerous? Can your body take it?” Wang Dong’er asked concernedly.
Huo Yuhao replied, “I’m fine. There are very few people who will pass by here. I’ll continue my Imitation to conceal our figures. You just need to be more alert. I have to start; he’s getting farther away. Let’s hope he doesn’t go too far.”
As he spoke, Huo Yuhao shut his eyes. A streak of golden light shone from his forehead. As the golden light flashed, it disappeared into the air. Huo Yuhao then remained motionless like a statue.
His spiritual power had entered the concrete-immaterial realm. In a fight, Huo Yuhao still couldn’t fully fuse it with his soul power. However, he was much stronger at using his spiritual power now.
A golden projection formed, consolidated from his spiritual power. It even carried a streak of his spirit. Although it couldn’t do anything, it was able to cover much greater distances than his Spiritual Detection. It was also more agile.
With Huo Yuhao’s current spiritual power, he could cover up to three kilometers if he made his detection unidirectional. However, his Spiritual Avatar in the concrete-immaterial realm was able to cover five kilometers. He had never tested his limits, but his spiritual power was exhausted at a rate proportional to how far his avatar was from his body.
Chen An walked very quickly. After turning two street corners, he finally slowed down and proceeded like a normal person on the streets. At this point, he was already on the main street, which was bustling with people. The surrounding restaurants and entertainment facilities were also booming with business.
The Continental Elite Youth Soul Master Tournament had greatly boosted the economy of Radiant City. Over the past few months, almost all the businesses had been raking in profits.
Chen An heaved a sigh of relief when as he mingled with the crowds. He had always been cautious, and thus was certain that he wasn’t going to face any problems anymore.
Every man for himself! Chen An revealed a cold smile on his face. As he walked, he thought to himself. By working with that mysterious evil soul master, I’m sure I can change my destiny. Since I’m going to do it, I must gain as many benefits as possible. As long as I’m stealthy, I can please both sides, and emerge as the biggest profiteer.
As he thought of all this, his footsteps became quicker. After passing through the main street, he turned into a narrow alley and walked quickly. However, he wasn’t aware that there was an invisible Spiritual Avatar observing all his actions less than three meters above his head.
In places where there were fewer people, Chen An walked very quickly. He continuously cut through various streets and alleys to change his position. It also seemed as if he were going in circles. After walking for about fifteen minutes, he reached a huge building.
At this point, Huo Yuhao revealed a shocked look on his face. That was because this place was too familiar. It was the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy!
Chen An didn’t enter the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy. He followed a path at the side of the academy before entering an alley. This alley was behind the academy.
There was another building here, which seemed like a residential property. However, Chen An was stopped by a soldier in full battle attire the moment he walked into this alley.
Chen An retrieved a token before he was allowed to enter.
Huo Yuhao had been in the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy for two years, but he hadn’t known there was something like this behind the academy. After all, he had been more focused on soul tools then. Furthermore, the exchange students from Shrek Academy were normally watched very closely.
Chen An heaved a sigh of relief as he walked into a wide courtyard. There was someone waiting for him there.
“How is it? Have you settled things over at the buyer’s side?” There was a middle-aged man waiting for Chen An. He had ordinary looks, but seemed very anxious now. It was obvious that he had been waiting for quite some time.
Chen An nodded and replied, “Don’t worry. Everything’s settled. I even brought his deposit. Brother Li, there must be nothing wrong with the goods! If we do this well, we won’t have to worry about money for the rest of our lives.”
“It’s fine as long as the buyer is okay with everything. We’ve already started preparing over here. Don’t worry, I’m one of the six in charge of the warehouse. In addition, I’m the main person in charge. I’m the vice-supervisor. I’ve already started preparing since many years ago.”
“It’s very strict in the warehouse, but I have my methods. No one is better than me at creating fake rare metals. Others can’t hide them in their storage-type soul tools, but I can. Where’s the deposit? Also, please take a look at the list again. See whether it’s right.”
As he spoke, he passed a list to Chen An. Chen An took out a card and said, “There are two hundred thousand gold soul coins here. It’s the deposit. The remainder will be paid when the goods are delivered.”