Immortal Martial Academy - Chapter 14

Wu Xianyao halted, noticing a projection above the counter. However, this projection was quite blurry, making it difficult to discern the person depicted.

“Can I help you?” Wu Xianyao, aware of certain black market practices, knew that some shady shops often engaged in coercive buying and selling tactics. Weaker individuals entering such places were invariably exploited.

Expecting similar treatment, Wu Xianyao’s tone remained guarded.

“It seems I don’t have the weapon you’re looking for here. If you trust me, please describe what you need.” A synthesized electronic voice responded.

To Wu Xianyao’s surprise, the proprietor seemed genuinely straightforward. Observing the strength of the two puppets, he realized that this shop must possess considerable power. At least, both puppets appeared to be at the 3rd Rank level.

Wu Xianyao remained silent, as his requirements for weaponry were specific indeed.

Forging Qi and Blood Weapons required unique materials, and currently, the academy needed skilled blacksmiths. Bringing someone like this onboard could benefit them; the thought sparked an idea in Wu Xianyao’s mind, accompanied by new information surfacing within his thoughts.

The academy would issue employment contracts, ensuring that any staff member signing these agreements would not disclose its existence under any circumstances.

Wu Xianyao had already been considering hiring assistants, and this employment contract appeared at just the right time.

“You may not have what I need here, but it’s likely because you cannot forge it,” Wu Xianyao stated directly.

It wasn’t meant as a provocation, merely stating the truth. Qi and Blood Weapons require specific blood and qi inscriptions, which can only be found in the Blood and Qi Tool Forging Manual—something this individual definitely wouldn’t possess.

“Impossible! Just tell me what you need, and I guarantee I can forge it. If I fail, you can take over my shop.” The speaker clearly sounded anxious.

However, this was exactly the reaction Wu Xianyao desired. Had this person remained calm, he might not have seen an opportunity. But now, there was a chance for success.

Wu Xianyao approached the counter, produced the Blood and Qi Tool Forging Manual, and then took out an employee contract.

“I know you’re unconvinced, so here’s a forging manual along with a contract. If you cannot create the weapon, you’ll work for me for ten years. After that decade, you’re free to go anywhere without any restrictions from me.”

“Deal. And if you lose, you’ll work as an unpaid handyman in my shop for ten years.”

Wu Xianyao raised an eyebrow; it seemed he was dealing with a rather childish individual, prone to such petulant behavior typically associated with youth.

As Wu Xianyao stepped out of the small shop, the door promptly closed behind him.

Inside the shop, a young boy dressed in a miniature suit stormed out, visibly upset. Glancing at the contract, he then looked at the Blood and Qi Tool Forging Manual and scoffed, “Isn’t it just a weapon? As an Alchemist, I refuse to believe I can’t craft it.”

Indeed, before leaving, Wu Xianyao had specified his weapon requirement-a 2nd Rank Qi Blood Spear.

Crafting such a spear required embedding nine blood and qi inscriptions to allow vital energy storage within it.

Outside the shop, Wu Xianyao headed deeper into the black market. Along the streets, numerous stalls displayed various xenobeast materials and crystal cores, with prices starting from tens of thousands.

However, these items held no interest for Wu Xianyao. At the end of the street, he spotted a peculiar stall.

Curiously, the stall owner was a hefty man who wasn’t selling xenobeast materials but rather food-items like pancake wraps, octopus balls, and Kanto-style simmered dishes.

What intrigued Wu Xianyao wasn’t the variety of food, but that all the ingredients were derived from xenobeasts.

Xenobeast meat is edible but incredibly expensive; improperly handled, it becomes toxic. Those skilled enough to process xenobeast meat are highly valued.

Yet, surprisingly, there wasn’t a single customer at this particular stall, while others nearby had some patrons.

Curious, Wu Xianyao approached and ordered a skewer of grilled meat. “How much?”

The bald, rotund man grinned widely like the Buddha Maitreya, cheerfully replying, “That’ll be one thousand credits!”

“Damn! That’s ridiculously expensive!” Despite his exclamation, Wu Xianyao still paid up. In the black market, bargaining was not an option; it was all about supply and demand.

After taking just one bite of the skewer, Wu Xianyao spat it out immediately. It was truly horrendously tasteless, akin to chewing rubber.

Wu Xianyao was speechless; although the meat was from Xenobeasts and seemed well-prepared, the flavor left much to be desired.

He discarded the skewer and walked back to the fat vendor’s stall.

Seeing Wu Xianyao return, the vendor’s face darkened. “Listen, this is the black market, not a place for you to cause trouble.”

“Fatty, I’ll give you a chance. You know your own cooking skills – selling such awful food suggests you’ve never experienced a proper beating. Join me, and I’ll make you a renowned divine chef someday.”

Deep down, the fatty feared getting beaten up. Originally, he had set up shop at District One’s black market, but due to the terrible taste of his food, complaints piled up, and eventually, he was chased away. He tried other districts, only managing to secure a spot in District Eight after paying extra. Now, faced with this intimidating newcomer, he worried whether refusal might lead to violence!

“Hey, Fatty, I’m talking to you. What’s with that expression?” Wu Xianyao observed the fat man’s face, noting his shifting emotions – from frowning, to confusion, and then fear. What’s going on here? thought Wu Xianyao, perplexed. He considered himself quite charming, not some terrifying monster.

“All right! All right!! I agree, I’ll pack up immediately. Please don’t hit me, and could you lower your voice? It scares me.” The fat man trembled nervously, genuinely fearful of Wu Xianyao, both in appearance and reality.

Wu Xianyao was taken aback, wondering what just happened. Was this his overwhelming charisma at work? Could he rally a million-strong army with a single call?

“Come, come! Sign this contract first; from now on, you’ll be our academy’s exclusive chef, responsible for managing the cafeteria.” Wu Xianyao produced a contract, which the fat man signed without hesitation, clearly fearing another beating.

Years later, the renowned culinary god reminisced, “I only joined the Headmaster back then because I feared getting beaten up, never realizing it would lead to my greatest opportunity.”

As soon as the fat man signed the contract, Wu Xianyao received a system notification:

【Congratulations on hiring your first employee! Reward: World Culinary Compendium.】

【The World Culinary Compendium has been added to the Miscellaneous Studies Pavilion.】

Wu Xianyao watched as the chubby man packed up his small tricycle stall, “Come along! From now on, you’ll work at my place, and it won’t be tiring at all.”

He casually draped an arm around the fat man’s shoulders, causing him to shudder, “Boss! Where exactly is this workplace? I’ve got weak kidneys, you know.”

“Why would I want your kidneys?! Let’s go! I’m taking you back to the academy.”

Wu Xianyao felt bewildered; perhaps this man had some sort of persecution complex.

Having finished his tour amidst countless accusations of being insane, Wu Xianyao considered the chubby man a valuable find. He was delighted, knowing that the academy’s cafeteria could finally open its doors.

Using a towing rope, Wu Xianyao drove Chen Beixuan’s car while pulling the fat man’s tricycle behind, with the chubby fellow seated in the passenger seat. Together, they headed back towards the academy.