Would You Accept?

Seeing Emily's strange expression, Li Ziran knew what she was thinking. He wasn't a member of the Inquisition; on the contrary, he had joined the Shadow Society, which was probably a mid-to-high-level organization of the Dark Council.

Even if Hippo Ancient City is indeed controlled by the Dark Council, it is not afraid of investigation, but the three Frog in the same bath are completely different.

Li Ziran had personally witnessed these three girls turn the members of the Dark Council to Ashes; if a thorough investigation were to be conducted, it would definitely cause trouble.

"No! I'm here to do business, and I'm a bit short on cash lately," Li Ziran casually replied.

But his mind was not simple. He hadn't considered that the Dark Council was the mastermind behind the entire Hippo Ancient City, and Sandrew hadn't explained it in detail either.

The Dark Council is by no means a harmonious organization.

Li Ziran had secretly investigated and found that the lowest level of the Dark Council consisted of peripheral personnel, such as Emily, who served as the face of the entire council.

But the true core of the Dark Council lies in its members.

The 360 members of the Upper House and the 720 Lower House constitute the core of this power.

These parliaments do not belong to a fixed race; they can be human or even Demon, thus forming a complex and ever-changing competitive network.

There were even instances of infighting.

If the Wasteland is a brutal arena of competition, then the Dark Council is an even more brutal, invisible arena of competition.

To compete with Shanghai International Studies University here, all you can rely on is your substantial financial resources.

Like Sandrew and Li Ziran, Shadow Society organizations are the most important source of capital for Shadow Elder. Of course, as a member of the Senate, he certainly has more than just this one method.

The Dark Council is a chaotic mess, constantly growing larger by devouring everything in its path.

It is precisely this terrifying devouring power that has forged the Dark Council's vigorous vitality, preventing it from being completely eradicated despite repeated attempts by the Justice Alliance to eliminate it.

Like spring grass burned by wildfire, it always manages to rise from the ashes.

Li Ziran couldn't help but worry. Having come to such a chaotic city-state, the risk of being devoured was far from insignificant.

Fortunately, he wasn't raised in a greenhouse.

"Business? What kind of business?" Emily asked curiously.

This question stumped Li Ziran. Of course, it referred to the Shadow Society's Demon business, but he couldn't tell a girl like Emily. Although she claimed to be a member of the Dark Council, in Li Ziran's eyes, she was just cannon fodder on the outermost edge.

Like the Dwarf on the Wasteland, their life and death were of no importance to the Dark Council, a large organization.

I didn't want to say much, but looking at Emily, an idea suddenly popped into my head.

The Shadow Elder once asked him how to cause cholera in humans.

His answer was simple: throw the Demon Overlord he had bred at the entrance of the human Mage Tower.

Of course, that was a joke, but that doesn't negate the feasibility of the idea.

The impact of an Elder Demon on humanity is unimaginable, and similarly, its impact on a complex Slave City is even more unimaginable.

This is definitely the kind of news many slave traders want most. If Emily were to leak even a tiny bit of it, who knows if it would cause some minor disturbances.

It's best not to put all your eggs in one basket.

Similarly, one's fate should not be entrusted to a single individual.

Although Sandrew had given him some guidance and meticulously planned his path to contact with the Demon, survival was his own responsibility, and he had to have his own ideas in the face of the Survival Law.

Nothing is more substantial than a complete set of Magister Organ.

"It's the business you just started. How's it going? Can it survive?"

Emily stared blankly at her smooth arms, lost in thought for a moment. Then, she suddenly stood up from the pool, staring intently at Li Ziran, and exclaimed in surprise, "You're so resilient, Li! How come I didn't think of that? There's definitely a market for this! Have you found a place to live? Which street do you plan to start your business on? I can introduce you to clients; it'll definitely make you a fortune!"

Emily's excitement surprised Li Ziran somewhat, especially since they were standing right in the middle of the pool; the view was undeniably beautiful.

"Don't get agitated, sit down and let's talk this out." Li Ziran gestured for the other party to calm down. "I haven't decided yet, but the cost of living in Hippo Ancient City is probably quite high. I need to find some funds, which is a bit of a hassle."

He made up a random excuse, saying that the most important thing now was to meet with the Demon and demonstrate some of his abilities.

According to Sandrew, if the negotiations go smoothly, the Demon will cover all the expenses of the experiment, and Li Ziran will also receive a substantial commission.

"No, I'm so excited I can't stop! I've figured it out! I can follow you, serve you, and you can make me do whatever I want!" Emily was almost frantic, her eyes practically gazing at Mao Guang.

Looking at Emily, Li Ziran could understand. He didn't want to get too entangled with this kind of woman, but considering that they were about to enter the Hippo Ancient City, as a newcomer, he did need a local expert.

As a member of the lower class, especially in a profession that involves extensive networking, Emily was able to handle various situations, from slave traders to market structures and relationships among the lower classes.

Emily looked at Li Ziran with anticipation, but gradually became disappointed when she saw his expressionless face.

Although he didn't understand Prophecy, he could clearly sense the future achievements of the person in front of him, because of this arm and this eye, he couldn't find the slightest flaw in her.

Moreover, he also said that he could change the skin and increase the height. Perhaps this ability is average on the Red Soil Continent, but it would be absolutely invaluable in the Hippo Ancient City.

In this city-state where slaves were the main inhabitants, there were countless slaves with various defects. If one could use a little trick to eliminate these defects and then resell them, the profits would be enormous.

Moreover, this place is close to the North Sea Port, with a sea route directly connecting to the Human Kingdom and the Dwarf Alchemy Kingdom. The nobles of these two regions are a considerable consumer group in Hippo Ancient City.

Especially the wealthy ladies, they spent their gold coins with absolute extravagance.

She could think of many business opportunities, but unfortunately, they were just wishful thinking. All she could offer Li Ziran was this broken body; there was nothing else.

She needed Li Ziran, but Li Ziran didn't need a burden like her at all.

Women are the least of her kind in Hippo Ancient City; at least the Fishman in the pool next to her are younger, more energetic, and have more delicate skin.

Want to get rich?

The low question instantly made Emily look up. Without thinking, she nodded vigorously three times, never before had she felt such longing.

"I need a guide to introduce me to the local customs and culture of Hippo Ancient City."

"I can do that!" Before Li Ziran could finish speaking, Emily interrupted, "I know a lot of slave traders, and I've even dealt with noblewomen of Dwarf before. I also have some connections with the Dark Council. Renting a shop won't be difficult." She spoke quickly, as if she wanted to reveal all her abilities.

Li Ziran smiled and didn't take it seriously. Such connections among people from the lower classes were probably negligible in the entire Hippo Ancient City.

His desire to hire Emily stemmed not only from a desire to understand the underworld of Hippo Ancient City, but also from another underlying purpose: to create his own unique industry chain.

"Do you accept?" It was a direct question, part of the plan for the Mighty Demon's Embryo. The Ogre business allowed him to learn about the creation of Demon Embryo; this was an opportunity.

More importantly, he was quite familiar with the Butterfly Girl's body, so there wouldn't be any major deviations when performing the same organ transplant.

"What?" Emily didn't understand.

"This is a business I do. You can refuse, but I want to say that the income is quite substantial. It's an opportunity, and if you're short on money, you might want to consider it." Li Ziran explained simply, without mentioning Demon. Although this place is open, it's best to be careful about such taboo topics.

"One? That's so many? Is the risk too great?" Emily asked with concern.

Li Ziran nodded. "There are risks. I don't know much about this kind of business, and I might lose my life. But don't worry, you'll be under my constant surveillance. Even if I were to lose my life, I can guarantee you'll survive."

"I agree!"

Just when Li Ziran thought there would be further rebuttals, the other party nodded decisively.

"Nothing else you want to ask?"

"No!" Emily laughed. She didn't care about the risks. Being pregnant with a baby was far more blissful than being a slave with no freedom at all. As for the gold coin, she didn't even consider it. All she wanted was to be by Li Ziran's side.

She now clearly understands that the man before her is her salvation, the strong tree under which she can find refuge.

She's going to stake everything on this gamble.

Li Ziran smiled. He had nothing more to ask. All he could do now was wait and take Emily into the Hippo Ancient City after dawn.

However, Li Ziran wouldn't waste time. The problem of the three Fishman- girls being severely dehydrated needed to be solved, at least before entering the Hippo Ancient City. He needed to take care of these trivial matters.

At least stabilize vital signs.

Judging from the appearance, there was basically no result, Li Ziran had no choice but to push aside the enthusiastic Emily, take out his scalpel, and slowly slide down the Fishman girl's belly.

He wanted to understand the girls' skin, flesh, and internal organs.

Dissection was a skill Li Ziran was extremely familiar with, but it was the first time Emily had ever seen it, especially the way the knife slowly sliced open the other person's abdomen—it was quite unique.

She could imagine that this was how she had just had her glasses installed.

The scalpel gently slid open the girl's belly, as if cutting open a piece of white paper.

The moment the skin split open, Li Ziran frowned. The delicate texture of the other person's subcutaneous flesh far exceeded his expectations; it was like pieces of tender tofu squeezed together, and placing his finger on it felt like soaking in smooth milk.

"So delicate!"

The skin was dry and shriveled, yet the subcutaneous tissue was smooth and delicate—two unusual characteristics that were completely unexpected.

Li Ziran had never seen such delicate skin before. He had dissected humans, but human flesh contained fibers. However, the skin in front of him had completely removed the fibers. With just a light touch of the scalpel, the flesh would naturally disintegrate.

"Are all aristocratic girls like this?"

When the internal organs appeared, he was stunned for a moment. These were not human internal organs, nor were they the same as the internal organs of the Fishman he knew. The heart, liver, spleen, gallbladder, and lungs were much smaller than the main organs. Each of them was covered with a layer of light blue mucus, but due to dehydration, these mucus were tightly stuck to the organ walls.

He was certain that this was not Magic Organ, but it did have some of the effects of Magic Organ.

He disassembled the stomach with a scalpel to examine its water absorption.

The situation was very strange. After the water entered the stomach, it was not broken down. Instead, after a short stay, it went directly into the intestines and was excreted from the body.

This is quite special. Living beings cannot live without water, and the most important component of flesh and blood is the Water Element. Therefore, the stomach of all living beings has the ability to absorb the Water Element. Not only the stomach, but also the nostrils and pores indirectly absorb the Water Element from the Elemental Tide.

But now the Fishman's stomach isn't absorbing anything; to put it more vividly, his stomach is rejecting it.

Li Ziran, refusing to believe it, slid open the Fishman's skin. The skin was delicate, but the capillaries were constricted and the pores were completely closed, as if it was rejecting the pure water from entering its body.

Just like when cold air comes, your pores naturally contract; it's strange, like an instinctive defense.

The arm was dissected from under the chin, the skin along the chest was cut open, and even the skin on the lower abdomen and the tail was completely ripped open.

The result was disappointing; all the skin became dry and shriveled, and the stomach and pores completely lost their ability to absorb Water Element.

Looking at the mangled, unrecognizable Fishman covered in blood and gore, Li Ziran smiled.

This creature is beyond comprehension; he has no knowledge of how to deal with it.

Emily looked at Li Ziran, who was constantly forcing a smile, and asked with concern, "Li, what's wrong?"

Li Ziran smiled helplessly, "Sigh, I just wanted to know why the Fishman's skin was so dry and withered, but even after dissecting it thoroughly, I still couldn't figure it out. It seems my skills are still lacking!"

After saying that, Li Ziran's smile grew even more bitter. What could he and Emily possibly know about the tricks of the trade, given their lowly status?

It seems we'll have to go to some trouble to replace the Fishman's stomachs and skin to ensure they can drink fresh water; perhaps then they can return to normal.

But it's very troublesome.

Replacing flesh and blood is especially time-consuming, as it requires removing it bit by bit and then slowly transplanting it back in.

"Wait? You mean, to bring the Fishman's skin to life?" Emily asked.

Li Ziran gave the other person a strange look. "You have a way?"

"This... this is very simple. This Fishman clearly has Sea Folk Dehydration. Just put them in seawater, and they'll naturally recover. Li, Sea Folk are all like this. Away from the ocean, they quickly become severely dehydrated and can't absorb our clean water. It seems that there are special elements in the seawater, and the stronger Sea Folk's bloodline, the more dependent they are on seawater, especially the royal family, who can only adapt to the Deep Sea water."

Li Ziran was sweating profusely, this...

Could it be a problem with the seawater?

I've never heard of that.

He's now completely slashed through the girl's skin, what's going on?