The Demon Capital at Night

The night in Demon Capital is more than ten times more bustling than in Jinling.

The sea of neon lights illuminated this massive steel jungle as if it were daytime, and even late at night, the major commercial districts and Martial Dao streets remained bustling with activity.

Inside a senior-level single dormitory at Demon Capital Martial University.

Chen Hao sat on the large leather sofa, looking at the bottles of pills on the coffee table that emitted extremely pure energy fluctuations, a hint of barely concealed excitement flashing in his eyes.

"These are ' Purple Gold Barrier-Breaking Pill '?!" Chen Hao suddenly looked up at the female student from Demon Capital sitting opposite him, who was wearing a sexy short skirt.

Xiao Ya had put on a special, elaborate makeup look today. She casually leaned back on the sofa, her long legs crossed, a smug smile on her pretty face.

"How about it, Brother Hao? I begged my dad for ages to get this from the family treasury. With these pills, you should be able to break through the bottleneck of the Blood Transformation Realm Fourth Layer in one fell swoop, right?"

"Xiao Ya, this is too precious!" Chen Hao took a deep breath, and although he tried his best to hide it, his voice still trembled slightly.

At Demon Capital Martial University, he was known as a commoner genius in his third year, and could be ranked alongside Chu Kuangren of the Chu Family as two unparalleled talents. But only he knew the helplessness hidden behind this glamorous facade.

Chu Kuangren has the massive resources of the entire Chu Family poured into him; his cultivation techniques, blood skills, and elixirs are all top-notch. Chen Hao, on the other hand, has no background whatsoever. His success today is due not only to his relentless hard work but also, and perhaps more importantly, to his student loans!

Especially a few days ago, he heard that Chu Kuangren had gone on a big mission to Jinling City with the Qi Gathering Realm mentor, made a fortune, and announced his seclusion upon returning. Without a doubt, when Chu Kuangren comes out of seclusion, his cultivation will definitely soar to the Blood Transformation Realm Fifth Level, completely widening the gap between him and Chu Kuangren.

How could the proud and arrogant Chen Hao tolerate this?

"What's so valuable about it? Everyone knows your talent, Hao-ge!" Xiao Ya stood up, walked to Chen Hao's side, and affectionately took his arm. "As long as you can surpass that Chu Kuangren and become the number one student in your third year, what's this little investment?"

"Alright." Chen Hao grasped Xiao Ya's hand in return, a resolute glint in his eyes. "I, Chen Hao, will remember this kindness. When I break through..."

Xiao Ya looked at him with a smile and licked her lips.

Just as undercurrents were swirling within Demon Capital Martial University.

In Demon Capital, there is a neighborhood called "Black Crow Alley".

Among the crowds coming and going, Blood Refining Realm were as numerous as dogs, Blood Transformation Realm were everywhere.

Dongfang Yueming had changed into an inconspicuous gray casual outfit, wearing a baseball cap pulled low on his head and a silver mask on his face.

This attire was quite common in Black Crow Alley and didn't attract much attention.

He followed the crowded flow of people into a large underground shopping mall with an extremely luxurious facade, named "Myriad Treasures Pavilion".

"Guest, how may I help you?"

A well-dressed waiter, whose cultivation was at the Peak Blood Refining Realm, came forward with a respectful yet humble attitude.

"I want to buy the Qi Gathering Technique," Dongfang Yueming said in a low voice.

The waiter paused for a moment, then gave a professional smile, "Sir, you've come to the right place. We at the Myriad Treasures Pavilion have plenty of Qi Gathering Techniques. However..."

The waiter glanced at Dongfang Yueming. "I see you have an Bufan air about you, sir. Here, Profound Grade Qi Gathering Method one million Federal Coins, and a Earth Grade Qi Gathering Technique... three million! Satisfaction guaranteed."

One million? Three million?!

Beneath the mask, Dongfang Yueming's lips twitched slightly.

He touched the cash cards in his pocket. The money he had obtained from the Xiahou Family's treasury and the old man in the black market totaled twelve million.

What I thought was a huge sum of money seems too much to withstand the high prices in Demon Capital.

"No need, I only need Yellow Grade. Give me four Yellow Grade Qi Gathering Method of different attributes." Dongfang Yueming decisively refused. He had a system at his disposal; why would he spend three million to buy a ready-made Earth Grade? Only a fool would do that. Buying four Yellow Grade techniques and synthesizing them himself would not only get him Earth Grade technique but also allow him to reach Perfection at the same time. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

"Four Yellow Grade?" The waiter was somewhat disappointed, but still quoted the price, "Yellow Grade Qi Gathering Method costs 300,000 per book, four techniques cost 1,200,000."

Three hundred thousand for Yellow Grade book... Dongfang Yueming cursed inwardly that Demon Capital was a money-devouring den, but still nodded in agreement.

"Also, do you have any methods for the Meridian Opening Realm here?" Dongfang Yueming asked casually.

Upon hearing the words "Meridian Opening Realm," the waiter's expression instantly turned serious.

"You flatter me, sir." The waiter shook his head. "The Meridian Opening Realm technique is fundamental to establishing oneself in the upper echelons of the Demon Capital. Major families and top martial arts universities guard it fiercely; it's not for sale. It simply cannot circulate on the market. Even if a fallen master or an artifact is unearthed and put up for sale, it will only appear at underground auctions, and always at astronomical prices."

"An auction?" Dongfang Yueming secretly noted this clue in his mind.

"Since there's no Meridian Opening Technique, then get me some Yellow Grade Qi Technique." Dongfang Yueming continued purchasing his "synthetic materials."

He mentally calculated the Qi Technique he currently possessed and began to list his options. "I want eight movement-based Qi Technique; four fist and palm techniques; and six sword and saber techniques."

The waiter was dumbfounded. Was this person here to buy goods? What martial artist had so much energy to practice so many miscellaneous Qi Technique?

But he still did a calculation with great professionalism.

"Movement techniques and internal Qi Technique are relatively rare, priced at 300,000 per book, and eight types at 2.4 million. Fist, palm, and sword techniques are 200,000 per book, totaling 2 million. This batch of Qi Technique is worth a total of 4.4 million."

Dongfang Yueming nodded. "I also need eight more Yellow Grade Qi Technique. And... do you have any eye techniques here? Seven would be best."

Upon hearing "pupil technique" and "eight gates concealment," a meaningful, even mocking smile suddenly flashed in the waiter's eyes.

"Guest..." the waiter deliberately lowered his voice, his tone tinged with a hint of teasing, "Buying so many concealment Qi Technique, are you perhaps planning to make some 'big money'? However, we really don't have such unorthodox things as eye techniques here. Or rather, eye techniques aren't sold in the entire Demon Capital City."

"Not for sale?" Dongfang Yueming frowned slightly; he had experienced the benefits of "Illusion-Breaking Void Pupils" firsthand.

"Yes. Eye techniques available on the market have long since disappeared."

"Alright then." Dongfang Yueming didn't insist. If he didn't have any eye techniques, so be it. "Then get me the Eight Gates Concealment Qi Technique."

He thought for a moment, then realized he possessed a divine skill that could be used to infiltrate people. "Exhale Qi into Arrows."

"Since you don't have any eye techniques, then give me seven Yellow Grade Qi Technique similar to 'breath causing injury' or spitting out hidden weapons from the mouth."

The waiter immediately went to get more stock.

"Each of these seven unorthodox Qi Technique costs 300,000 per book, totaling 2.1 million."

A moment later, all the jade slips were placed in an exquisite combination lock box and pushed in front of Dongfang Yueming.

"Guest, 1.2 million for Qi Gathering Techniques, 4.4 million for Body Techniques (swords, fists, palms), 1.6 million for Concealment Techniques, and 2.1 million for Hidden Weapons."

"Except for the Meridian Opening Method and the Eye Technique, everything you requested is here." The waiter wore an impeccable smile. "The total is eight million one hundred thousand Federal Credits. No bargaining."

"Swipe card."

Dongfang Yueming expressionlessly took out an anonymous cash card and paid the money.

Although he spent most of his fortune at once, causing his savings to plummet to 3.9 million, this investment was absolutely worthwhile. With these materials, his strength would undoubtedly experience an extremely terrifying explosive growth!

Carrying the heavy briefcase, Dongfang Yueming turned and walked out of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion.

However.

Just as his figure disappeared from the shop entrance.

The waiter, who had been wearing a professional smile, instantly lost his smile, replaced by an extremely cold and murderous intent.

He turned and walked to a secluded corner behind the counter, where he pressed a button on his headset.

"The fat sheep has escaped the pen. Alone."

"He was extremely extravagant, spending over eight million to buy a bunch of Yellow Grade Qi Technique. Even more ridiculous, he also bought eight Concealment Qi Technique..."

A cruel, cold smile curled at the corner of the waiter's lips.

"Looks like a newbie who's just struck it rich and dares to flaunt it in Demon Capital."

"Everything will proceed as usual!"