The big black snake had gone off to kill people now, so it probably didn’t have time to chat. Qi Xu suggested the little goblin contact it again in the evening.
Having fully achieved their goal for this trip, Qi Xu and the little goblin schemed together for a while longer, with Qi Xu teaching her all sorts of new human sales tactics!
Then they left the goblin’s little wooden hut—though not before Qi Xu crouched down to give the goblin a heartfelt hug.
“I’m covered in all kinds of materials, so I’m pretty dirty.”
“I’m not clean either, same here. Alright, I’m off. If there’s anything you want to eat or play with, let me know. Or if you’re missing any materials for making weapons, just tell me—I’ll help you gather them.”
“Got it! Just keep an eye out for weapon materials for me.”
Once outside, Qi Xu ignored Jinwen Xingmangyue, launched herself into the air with a springy leap, cleared the patch of purpleheart grass, and headed straight for the vehicle.
“Hey, you’re just leaving like that?”
Jinwen Xingmangyue had probably guessed that Wudi Heixuanfeng was playing hard to get, but she had no choice. She had to speak up and stop her.
“Sorry, I was lost in thought and didn’t see you. Bye, see you around.”
“Stop pretending. Name your terms.”
Qi Xu chuckled. “Terms? Well, I’ve secured a slot for a custom-made weapon from the little goblin.”
Jinwen Xingmangyue’s eyes instantly lit up. This was her ninth visit, and today was the first time she’d even seen the goblin—before this, the door had never opened for her.
She’d wasted half her day here every time, annoyed to no end. It was such a hassle, and she’d gotten nothing out of it.
“I’ll give you War Wolf 004, and you won’t even have to pay for the transfer card.”
“Not enough.”
“I’ll throw in 200 survival coins. How’s that?”
“Still not enough.”
Jinwen Xingmangyue took a deep breath. Karma really was a bitch. Not long ago, their positions had been reversed—this Wudi Heixuanfeng sure knew how to hold a grudge.
“Then tell me what you want.”
Qi Xu smiled sheepishly. “We’re friends, so I really shouldn’t ask for more. But I can’t stand being at a disadvantage—it makes me itch all over. So, if you’ve got anything weird or interesting lying around, just toss it my way.”
Jinwen Xingmangyue thought for a moment, then pulled out a pink bow headband from her bag.
“How about this? The effects are great.”
[Super Cute Bow Headband: When worn, increases all three stats by 10 points.]
“This is good stuff. You’re really giving it to me?”
Jinwen Xingmangyue shot her a disdainful glance. “It’s too tacky for me. Not my style. But it’d suit you—you’re all about that cute vibe.”
Qi Xu didn’t care about the jab. Whether she was a sweetheart or a badass, strength was all that mattered. Clearly, Jinwen Xingmangyue had never been humbled—giving away something this good? Then again, maybe she had something even better.
Qi Xu couldn’t help but glance at the wine-red hair clip in Jinwen Xingmangyue’s hair.
“Deal.”
Jinwen Xingmangyue exhaled in relief and drafted an agreement, detailing every condition they’d just discussed.
After reviewing it and confirming everything was in order, Qi Xu signed without hesitation.
Qi Xu gently knocked on the door. “Doudou, we’ve got a guest.”
The little goblin seemed to have been waiting right behind the door. Despite Qi Xu’s soft voice, the door swung open the moment she knocked.
Jinwen Xingmangyue was too exasperated to speak. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Wudi Heixuanfeng and this disgusting goblin had teamed up to scam her!
But what could she do? If she didn’t agree to Wudi Heixuanfeng’s terms, she wouldn’t get her custom weapon—and that thought alone was unbearable. Now she was stuck on this pirate ship with no way off!
Qi Xu winked at the goblin, who gave her a thumbs-up. “You can go. I’ll handle things here.”
Jinwen Xingmangyue finally snapped. “You’re not even trying to hide it anymore?”
“Did you get what you wanted or not?”
The goblin chimed in, “Hand over your referral letter and tell me what kind of weapon you want. Just a heads-up—I don’t deal with broke losers.”
Jinwen Xingmangyue felt like the world’s biggest sucker.
She took a deep breath and said irritably to Wudi Heixuanfeng, “Alright, you can leave now. I signed the agreement, so I’ll honor it. I’ll go find War Wolf 004 later. Take this cross-region contact card—if you hear anything about HappyEnding, let me know. I’m catching that bastard.”
“No problem. Hope you nail your target soon! Oh, and pass a message to War Wolf 004 for me: ‘679 is in my hands.’”
“Got it.”
Jinwen Xingmangyue couldn’t resist adding, “Hey, beauty, why not join me? I think we’re cut from the same cloth.”
Qi Xu just smiled and walked away without a word.
What an interesting personality—ruthless, vicious, and decisive. It’d be fun to see who’d come out on top between her and HappyEnding.
On her way back, Qi Xu sent Dongfang Yuan a private message.
“Busy? Go see the goblin now. Drop my name, and it’ll make you a weapon. Don’t haggle—bring enough money, and remember: no talking, just pay.”
Watch Me Cut You Down replied, “Is it expensive? Maybe let Magic Sis, Bian, or Zhu Fu go first? I’m saving up to hire a hitman from the Assassin’s Guild.”
“No, go now. Agree to whatever price it names. If you’re short, ask me.”
“Got it.”
Qi Xu then messaged Retired Magic Boy and Tonsils Never Speak, telling them to coordinate and visit the goblin at different times tomorrow.
That left just one slot. After some hesitation, Qi Xu decided to give it to Muzi Li.
She had real potential—just a late bloomer. If she got a weapon tailored to her, she’d improve much faster with early training.
As for the others, they’d have to wait till next month. The goblin had monthly quotas to meet, after all.
With several things checked off her list, Qi Xu was in a great mood. Feeling inspired, she decided to cook herself a meal!
Half an hour later, she cursed and dumped the dish into the black mist—it was so salty she wanted to scream. She pulled out some food made by Master Chef. She’d never thought her own cooking was bad before, but after getting used to Master Chef’s meals, eating her own was… well.
Just as she was about to leave, the black mist shifted, forming two words: “Thank you.”
Qi Xu was mortified. Poor thing had clearly never tasted good food.
Meanwhile, Jinwen Xingmangyue was barely holding back her rage, nearly choking on it to keep from screaming.
“4,000 survival coins?! For one weapon?! Do I look like an idiot to you?!”
..........
