Seeing Xiao Wu's appearance, Qi Ling naturally knew that Xiao Wu intended to sacrifice herself. If she really sacrificed everything she had, with her 100,000 years of life essence, it would be enough to raise Qi Ling's Soul Power to level 70, thus enabling Qi Ling to break through to the Soul Saint realm.
However, Qi Ling wasn't thinking about whether he could become Soul Saint at all. He only thought about one thing: hating himself for not being strong enough to solve everything.
Because everything had gone too smoothly for him, Qi Ling had become complacent. Even knowing that the Spirit Hall was plotting something, Qi Ling did not choose to avoid it, but instead confronted them head-on, because he always felt that he was capable of solving any problem.
But harsh reality told him that he wasn't strong enough, not strong enough to solve everything. If he could handle the situation in a different way, everything would have turned out differently.
"No! I can't let Xiao Wu sacrifice herself. I absolutely cannot let her suffer even the slightest harm because of my foolishness!" Qi Ling gritted her teeth and thought, "No matter the cost, I will protect Xiao Wu!"
[Ding! The system has detected that the host meets the activation criteria for the new system feature. The new system feature " Demon Pawnshop " is now officially activated!]
Just as Qi Ling was feeling utterly powerless, the system's notification sound drew his attention. When he activated the so-called " Demon Pawnshop " function, everything around him suddenly stopped, as if time itself had temporarily halted.
"Hehehe, welcome to the Demon Pawnshop, my esteemed guest!" Suddenly, a small demon with sharp teeth appeared before Qi Ling, looking at Qi Ling with a cunning expression. "While the Demon Pawnshop is open, everything around you will be paused, so please feel free to choose!"
"Of course, our shop is a small business and cannot afford such heavy costs, so every time you open our shop, you must complete at least one transaction. Please be aware of this!"
After realizing that everything around her had indeed stopped, Qi Ling felt relieved and asked the demon, "What can your Demon Pawnshop offer me?"
"Hehehe, there's so much I can offer you! We can make you a Titled Douluo instantly, give you a million-year Soul Ring, and even make you a god!" the little devil said enticingly. "How about it? Aren't you tempted?"
"Yes, it is indeed very tempting," Qi Ling said calmly, "But with such generous terms, the price I would have to pay must be quite high, right?"
"Hehe, that's for sure. Every item sold in our shop comes at a price!" the little devil chuckled.
"To obtain a million-year-old Soul Ring, you will need to use your own hands, and it can never be healed."
"To directly become Titled Douluo, you need to randomly pay for two of your five senses."
"The price of becoming a god is even higher," the little devil laughed, "It requires you and your loved ones to be forever separated, never to meet again for all eternity!"
Qi Ling was horrified when she heard the little devil's many conditions. As expected of the Demon Pawnshop, the amazing gains came at a price that no one could accept.
But sometimes, even knowing that a pit of fire lies before you, you have to jump in, because Qi Ling wants to save Xiao Wu. As long as she can stop Xiao Wu from sacrificing herself and help them escape danger, Qi Ling is willing to pay any price.
"Hey, you devil, since you're in business, you should know what I need most right now!" Qi Ling said. "Tell me, what product would be most suitable for me right now?"
The little devil circled Qi Ling twice and chuckled, "Hehe, the item you need doesn't actually have to be so precious. This item should perfectly meet your needs!"
As the little devil spoke, a line of text appeared in front of Qi Ling. After reading it, Qi Ling asked doubtfully, "Are you sure this can solve my current problem?"
"Of course, our store promises that any product will absolutely achieve the desired effect, otherwise a full refund will be given!" the little devil said. "Of course, to this day, such a thing has never happened even once."
"Alright, if that's the case, then what price do I need to pay?" Qi Ling asked.
"Hehehe, this item isn't that precious, and the price you need to pay is very easy!" The little devil laughed, holding up one finger. "You only need to pay with a hundred years of your lifespan!"
"How much? You're not mistaken, are you?" Qi Ling exclaimed in surprise, "A hundred years? Can I live that long?"
"Hehe, of course, we've calculated your lifespan precisely!" the little devil said. "However, that standard is based on what happens after you become Titled Douluo, so please be aware of that."
"What does this mean?" Qi Ling asked, puzzled.
"This means that within five years, you must find a way to become Titled Douluo and extend your lifespan! Otherwise, you will be insolvent, and we will take your life directly!"
Upon hearing this, Qi Ling immediately understood. Simply put, this Demon Pawnshop was offering her lifespan in exchange. If she accepted its conditions, she would have to reach the Titled Douluo within five years, or she would die.
Even if he becomes Titled Douluo, it is a fact that he has lost a hundred years of his lifespan. If he cannot become a god, he will eventually die.
"Five years? Five years to become Titled Douluo?" Qi Ling smiled. "Is that half the time limit for Xiao San? And it's a do-or-die situation, where you die if you fail to reach the Titled Douluo realm?"
"Interesting. I agree to this condition!" Qi Ling said. "If I cannot become Titled Douluo within five years, you may take my life!"
"Alright, the contract is complete, and we have indeed received your one hundred years of lifespan!" the little devil said. "This item that belongs to you will also be delivered to you. Please check your mail!"
"After this store closes, time will restart, and your selected items will immediately become available. Please feel free to use them."
Finally, we warmly look forward to your next visit!
Next time? It would be best if there was no next time! Qi Ling thought helplessly to herself. Coming here would undoubtedly mean that she had been forced into a desperate situation again, and it would be better to have fewer of those experiences.
After Qi Ling closed the Demon Pawnshop, everything around her started moving again. Xiao Wu's eyes were bloodshot, and a special power surged within her body, preparing to initiate her sacrificial process.
Once the sacrifice begins, it cannot be stopped, and everything Qi Ling has done will be meaningless. So he immediately got up from the ground, put his hand on her shoulder, and said, "Silly girl, stop it right now! I told you, as long as I'm alive, I will never let you get hurt!"