Tianjin, starting with unorthodox methods to achieve immortality

Chapter 275 Misunderstanding

The car drove out of the neighborhood where the Li family lived and headed north along the road by the Haihe River.

The sky was overcast, and the clouds hung low.

Soon after, the raindrops started pattering down again, making a crisp sound as they hit the windshield.

In the blink of an eye, they stretched into a dense patch, so thick that even the windshield wipers couldn't keep up.

Chen Mo slowed down the car and peered at the street ahead through the rain.

The streets were sparsely populated, with only a few porters without umbrellas carrying tattered jackets on their shoulder poles, jogging as they disappeared under the arcades.

Half an hour later, the gate of the Zhenyi Division came into view.

Chen Mo found a spot across the street to park his car and took out a black umbrella from the back seat.

This wasn't his first time at headquarters. After showing his token to the security guard, Chen Mo skillfully bypassed the office building behind the gate and headed towards the Hall of Merit in the central area.

Perhaps because of the rain, there were only two or three people in the Hall of Merit.

There must have been incense burning behind the bar, as a faint sandalwood scent filled the air.

Chen Mo walked straight to the bookshelves on both sides and pulled out the book labeled "Minerals, Gold and Iron".

The booklet wasn't thick; when you opened it, you saw handwritten entries, with each line listing the name of the material and the merit points required to exchange for it.

The occasional traces of alteration indicate that the inventory quantity is constantly being updated in real time.

His finger slid down the entries line by line, flipping through most of the book before finally finding a line near the end.

Realgar and cinnabar from Chenzhou, exchanged for one tael of merit points.

The price was a little lower than expected. After redeeming, I still had 500 points left, which was more than enough for later use.

He continued flipping through the pages, then pulled out the book next to him, "Spiritual Materials of the Underworld," and read it from beginning to end.

Just as predicted, I searched through the entire table of contents but couldn't find the name "Wraith Silk".

"Can't we have an unexpected surprise?"

Disappointed, Chen Mo closed the catalog and stood in front of the bookshelf for a moment.

Since the vengeful spirit threads cannot be found on official channels, we can only wait for news from Ghost Banner Taoist and Li Jinrong.

Who knows, I might really need to make a trip to Kowloon in the future.

At this time, Hong Kong Island was still under the jurisdiction of the United States, and the newspapers in Tianjin rarely reported on news from there.

Chen Mo shoved the booklet "Spiritual Materials of the Underworld" back onto the bookshelf, his finger lingering on the spine for a moment before he turned to leave without immediately turning away.

Since we're already here, the 500 merit points are just sitting in my account anyway, so I might as well exchange them for something I can use right now.

I've been trying to break through to the Condensing Qi Realm for several days now, but relying solely on Yin energy and moonlight for cultivation is progressing at a snail's pace.

For cultivators in the Condensation Realm who wish to make further progress, elixirs are an unavoidable hurdle.

He walked a few steps along the bookshelf, stopped at the "Pills" section, and pulled out a catalog with a dark green cover.

The first page contains the general table of contents, which categorizes the elixirs into five major categories based on their five elements attributes, with each category further subdivided according to its effects.

Several pages were filled with densely packed lists of methods for enhancing cultivation, consolidating one's foundation, restoring magical power, and assisting in breaking through realms.

Chen Mo flipped directly to the "Yin-attribute Spirit Pill" section.

There are only a few entries on Yin-type Elixir, totaling only two pages.

The prices of the top few are outrageously high. The Nine Netherworld Condensing Qi Pill costs 700 points per bottle. After taking it, it can increase the purity of the Qi Condensing Realm's mana by 10%.

The Profound Yin Barrier-Breaking Pill costs 1200 points and is specifically used to break through cultivation bottlenecks.

Both of these are good things, but they are not something he can afford right now.

However, this also indicates that there must be cultivators at the Condensation Realm within the Zhenyi Division.

His gaze moved downwards and landed on the middle one.

The Nether Spring Pill, a Yin-attribute spiritual pill, comes in a pack of three and costs 220 merit points to exchange.

Effects: Assists in cultivation, refines the application of magical power, and advances to the Condensation of Qi stage.

Two hundred and twenty points, plus one hundred points from Chenzhou realgar and cinnabar, for a total of three hundred and twenty points.

After redeeming all the points, you'll still have 280 points left.

Without hesitation, Chen Mo closed the catalog and walked back to the bar.

The white-haired old man with reading glasses was still looking down at the register. As usual, he raised his eyelids and glanced at him when he heard footsteps.

"Have you made your choice?"

"Um."

Chen Mo placed the inspection bureau's token on the table and pushed it over, "One ounce of realgar and cinnabar from Chenzhou, plus a bottle of Youquan Pill."

The old man picked up the token and pressed it onto a black stone plate.

"One ounce of realgar and cinnabar from Chenzhou, worth one hundred points."

"One bottle of Youquan Pill, 220 points."

"A total of 320 points, after redemption 280 points remain."

After the old man finished reporting the expenses, he took out a redemption form, filled in three items on it, and pushed it in front of Chen Mo, saying, "Sign here."

"You didn't use it before?"

He took the pen and wrote his name in the signature column.

"It's changed now."

After verifying the other party's identity, the old man turned around and went into the tightly closed warehouse door behind him.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, he pushed open the door and came out.

In his left hand he held a palm-sized oil paper package, and in his right hand he held a small celadon bottle with a cinnabar label on it that read "Youquan" (幽泉).

"Chenzhou realgar and cinnabar, one tael. Youquan pills, three pills."

The old man placed the two items one after the other on the bar counter and pushed them in front of Chen Mo, saying, "Inspect the goods in person; no returns or exchanges after you leave this shop."

Chen Mo first opened the oil paper package and looked inside; it was the same as the one Ghost Banner Taoist had brought.

He rewrapped the oil paper package and then picked up the small celadon bottle and uncorked it.

A cool and refreshing scent wafted out, like spring water gushing from a mountain stream in the dead of night; just smelling it made one feel clearer-headed.

There are three pills in the bottle, each only the size of a soybean, dark green in color, and in good condition.

The drug's effect should not have been lost.

"no problem."

Chen Mo carefully put both items away, picked up the token from the bar, and turned to walk towards the door.

Although it's still working hours, once he's dealt with Ma Teng, whether he's physically present or not is no longer important in logistics.

Don't ask, the answer is that they went out on fieldwork.

Meanwhile, in Wang Zhonghe's office at the East District Inspection Bureau.

Ma Teng stood in front of the desk, bowing slightly with a respectful smile on his face.

"Director Wang, I've dealt with those troublemakers one by one."

"They've been much more well-behaved these past few days. I guarantee no one will dare to say a bad word about you again."

After saying this, he slightly raised his eyelids and quickly glanced at Wang Zhonghe.

Wang Zhonghe leaned back in his office chair, holding a teacup in both hands.

The Longjing tea in the cup is fresh, with a refreshing aroma.

"Those troublemakers, do they think they're something special just because they've worked in the inspection bureau for a few years?"

"Those who dare to speak ill of me behind my back should be taught a lesson."

He blew on the tea foam, his eyes sweeping from the rim of the cup to Ma Teng. "You did a good job. Let's see who else is dissatisfied and send them to guard the warehouse."

"There's also a waste disposal post, which is in charge of burning confiscated contraband. It's dirty and tiring, and they're short-staffed."

"If they dare to offend Director Wang again, I'll put them in there, and I guarantee these people won't be able to cause any trouble," Ma Teng replied knowingly.

"good."

Wang Zhonghe grinned slightly, revealing several deep smile lines: "Ma Teng, you've handled these matters quite well. You're becoming more and more competent as the deputy director."

""

"It's all thanks to Director Wang's guidance. I was just doing what you asked, and I dare not take credit for it."

"Wherever you point, I'll hit; I guarantee there won't be any questions."

Seeing his submissive demeanor, Wang Zhonghe nodded in satisfaction.

"Oh, by the way," he suddenly changed the subject, as if remembering something, "did that kid Chen Mo come today?"

Ma Teng's smile froze for a moment, but he quickly recovered.

"They're here."

He took a half step forward. "I was sent out early this morning. There was a case at the South Wharf; several boatmen died."

"The body had been in the water for several days. When it was pulled out, the body was swollen, and the smell was indescribable."

"I told him to carry it all by himself, and I didn't even provide anyone to help him."

Upon hearing this, the wrinkles on Wang Zhonghe's face smoothed out.

"Okay, okay, okay."

"Good job, Ma Teng. You're getting better and better at your job."

He pointed two fingers at Ma Teng, "That's how you teach him a lesson, to let him know who's in charge in this East District Inspection Bureau."

"It's all thanks to Director Wang's guidance."

Ma Teng quickly bowed slightly, his smile widening even further.

"Do a good job, I know what I'm doing. Old Sun's vacancy will be open by the end of the year, and you'll be the first one they recommend."

.

Upon hearing this, Ma Teng's face immediately showed a look of flattery and surprise. "Thank you so much for the promotion, Director Wang! I will remember this kindness for the rest of my life, and I will definitely serve the bureau like a slave from now on, without hesitation!"

He spoke from the bottom of his heart, his voice trembling slightly.

Seeing his expression, Wang Zhonghe waved his hand with satisfaction: "Alright, alright, stop with the pleasantries. Getting down to work is better than anything else. Go on."

"Yes, you're busy."

Ma Teng bowed deeply, then took two steps back and opened the office door.

The moment he turned around, his face immediately darkened.

"Damn it, when gods fight, little devils suffer..."

"7

At midnight, the rain was still falling, pattering on the eaves and forming a thin stream that flowed down the tin trough.

The South Wharf takes on a different look at night.

During the day, the place is a chaotic mess of people shouting and horses neighing.

After nightfall, the warehouses closed, the boatmen dispersed, and only a few lonely gas lamps hung on the telephone poles, their dim yellow light frayed by the rain.

The air was filled with the fishy smell of the river and the stench of rotten fish and shrimp. There were puddles everywhere underfoot, and stepping in one would splash mud halfway down your pants.

Chen Mo stood at the second-floor window, staring at the warehouse yard below through the rain streaks on the glass.

Li Jinrong, standing beside him, had most of his weight pressed against the window frame, his cheeks taut.

"Goods worth over 30,000 silver dollars."

The fat man's lips trembled as he said, "Damn it, my family has over 30,000 silver dollars worth of goods stored here, and these people actually want to burn it all down?"

In the courtyard below, a dozen people, bound hand and foot, were squatting against the wall.

They all hung their heads, their jackets soaked through by the rain, dripping water onto their bodies.

Some of the more timid ones trembled like leaves, while others, with fierce eyes, were still restless even with their hands tied behind their backs, glancing sideways with their eyes darting around.

Several large wooden crates were placed next to these people.

The tarpaulin covering the box had been torn in one corner, revealing the box underneath, which was coated with tung oil.

There were three kerosene barrels next to the box, one of which was overturned and kerosene was spilled all over the ground.

Judging from this, their original plan was simple and brutal: arson.

With a gust of wind at night, the fire could engulf half the warehouse in the blink of an eye. By the time the police arrived, it would have been reduced to a pile of charred remains.

"Who is that guy in the Green Gang?" Chen Mo tilted his chin down and pointed to a tall, thin man who was tied to a pillar alone.

The man was in his thirties, with high cheekbones and an old scar on his face that stretched from his eyebrow to the corner of his mouth; he didn't look like a nice guy.

"His name is Bai Mincang."

Li Jinrong wiped the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand, his small eyes blazing with barely suppressed anger.

"That son of a bitch has at least twenty thugs working for him, doing all sorts of dirty work, from collecting protection money to kidnapping and selling stolen goods."

"If you suddenly attacked us this time and there's no one standing behind you, I'll give you my head to sit on."

No sooner had the words left his mouth than several beams of light appeared at the alleyway at the other end of the dock, and hurried footsteps splashed through the water as they approached from afar.

Chen Mo looked up and saw six people walking through the rain toward the warehouse.

The leader was holding a black silk umbrella, followed by five men dressed in shorts, each with bulging waists and a steady gait.

A martial arts expert.

Li Jinrong leaned halfway out and glanced outside.

"So it's Liu the Cripple. I heard he's the Green Gang's strategist, surnamed Liu Qikui."

"Back when he was fighting for territory in Zhabei, he was stabbed through the heart from behind and had to stay in bed for more than half a year."

"Although he survived, his left leg was ruined, and he walked with a limp. That's how he got the nickname 'Liu the Tumor'."

The fat man shrank back, patted the wall dust off his jacket, and turned to Chen Mo, saying, "Let's go down and meet this Military Advisor Liu."

The two went downstairs, opened their umbrellas, and left the courtyard.

The rain stung my face, feeling cool and refreshing, and the fishy smell in the air grew stronger.

Outside the courtyard gate, Liu Qikui had already reached the main entrance.

His five men lined up behind him, each with their hands tucked into the side openings of their jackets, ready to grab weapons at any moment.

Li Zhong and his men blocked the entrance to the courtyard, with the two groups facing each other across the threshold.

"Oh, what a rare guest!"

"Mr. Liu, it's the middle of the night, and the rain just won't stop. What wind blew you all the way from the Green Gang headquarters to this wretched dock?"

Liu Qikui stood under the umbrella, wearing a pair of silver-rimmed glasses and a gray cloth long gown that was neither new nor old.

He doesn't look like someone involved in a gang; he looks more like a schoolteacher.

"Young Master Li, it's been a long time."

Liu Qikui glanced around the courtyard, then slowly turned his gaze back to Li Jinrong's face.

"Liu came here tonight to ask Boss Li for a favor."

He switched the umbrella handle to his left hand, reached into his sleeve with his right hand, and pulled out a neatly folded silver note.

"Here is a silver note for one thousand silver dollars. The misunderstanding at the dock can be handled by the staff."

"Our two families will still have dealings in the future, so let's not let this small matter ruin our relationship."

,

Li Jinrong's expression froze instantly.

He glanced down at the silver note, then looked up at the five thugs behind Liu Qikui, poised to pounce. His lips slowly drooped.

"Misunderstand?"